Spring is in full bloom, which means your flowering trees and lush grass lawn are just begging you to spend more time outdoors. But if your backyard lacks privacy, you may feel like you’re better off hanging out indoors, especially if you have little ones or curious pets. Fences can secure your outdoor space while keeping out prying eyes and ensuring your family is safe from the road, woods, or other perils. That said, unless you’re building on an empty lot, fences are rarely a new design decision homeowners get to make. Instead, you’re stuck with whatever material and overall aesthetic the previous owners installed. But if you’re looking for an outdoor refresh, a new fence can completely transform your yard without the need for a green thumb (or a full exterior reno). A piece of advice: Before you begin your backyard upgrade, just be sure to double-check any HOA or historic preservation guidelines your home may be subject to. Related StoriesLike indoor paint colors and furniture styles, fences are also subject to the trend cycle. “We are seeing clients take more interest in fencing design,” says Cory Morris, a landscape architect and associate principal at the landscape architecture firm Hoerr Schaudt. “In the past, it's been positioned as more functional—to keep pets or kids in. While fencing is still used to separate spaces, our goal now isn't to hide a utilitarian design, but let it be seen as part of the aesthetic of the landscape.” From cedar privacy fences to rows of dense emerald green arborvitae, the fence trends for 2025 go far beyond the idyllic white picket. To spark your imagination and get you prepared for upgrading your own outdoor space, we’ve tapped experts to reveal the top trending fence materials and styles homeowners are asking for this year. Bolder HuesCourtesy of Feeney Inc.In the past, wood tones, white, and black were the craziest a homeowner would go with their fence color, but that has since changed. "We're seeing a real appetite for bold neutrals and moodier hues, like deep blues and rich greens, in high-gloss finishes," says Kym Nosbisch, Senior Marketing Director at Feeney Inc. "Texture is playing a bigger role, too, adding depth and dimension without going over the top. As outdoor spaces become true extensions of the home, there's a growing desire to make them as personalized and design-forward as interiors."Integrated LightingCosta Christ"One trend we’re seeing is an increased demand for fences and railings that incorporate lighting,” says Nosbisch. “Homeowners are looking for more integrated solutions that not only offer privacy or style but also create ambiance. The ability to add lighting directly into the fence or railing system is a key selling point, as it combines function with design in a way that enhances the overall outdoor experience.”More AutomationSolidago//Getty ImagesHaving a fence that you always have to exit the car to open or close can be frustrating, but Morris notes that motorization technology is making fence security easier for homeowners. "Typically, clients want to have automated gates, keypads, and cameras, which most often are tied into smart home systems," he says. The tech also allows owners to integrate their fence systems with their other digital home devices so that they can be accessed from their phones, no matter how far from home they are. Versatile Privacy ScreensJ.L. Jordan PhotographyLattice is the hero of Bethany AdamsPrivacy screens allow renters and those unable to alter their fences more possibilities for privacy, anywhere they place them. "Privacy screens were designed to be a flexible, versatile addition to the outdoor living space," says Michelle Hendricks, director of marketing at Deckorators. "With endless opportunities for customization and DIY-friendly installation, we’re able to empower homeowners to build their own unique creations."AluminumBrie WilliamsThe upper patio of House Beautiful’s 2024 Whole Home with railings by Feeney Inc. This space was designed by the team at Curated Nest. Tour the entire space here.Durable and weather-resistant, aluminum is on the rise as an affordable fence material. Aluminum can be powder-coated, meaning the color and texture can be customized to suit the home’s overall aesthetic and architecture. "Aluminum allows homeowners to curate spaces that are durable and completely unique," says Nosbisch. "A fence—or a railing—is an opportunity to express individuality through design."Minimal RailingsJONATHAN MITCHELLA floating house in Sausalito designed by Colleen Dowd Saglimbeni. Tour the entire home here.More and more, homeowners are prioritizing their views. Whether you’re oceanfront or live atop a rolling hill, you don’t want a fence to block your beautiful surroundings. "Today’s outdoor spaces are designed to flow effortlessly from the home into the surrounding landscape," says Hendricks. "Homeowners are prioritizing openness, and railing systems are evolving to match that vision. Glass and cable railings have become the top choice for maintaining unobstructed views, creating a sense of continuity, and enhancing the connection between indoor comfort and the surrounding landscape. They provide a sleek, secure way to frame the space without blocking the view, whether you’re overlooking a wooded lot, a waterfront, or a city skyline."Grass or Greenery FencesHaris KenjarBackyard designed by Katie Hodges. Tour the entire home here.Similar to green walls, but without the upkeep, artificial grass fences are adding greenery to both residential and commercial spaces. One company, Grasstik, crafts walls of turf to create a dense and durable privacy screen that maintains the same level of privacy as traditional fences. For those who prefer a live greenery fence, look to dense shrubs or trees, like arborvitae, to add privacy and shade without the use of artificial materials. Live greenery fences are a great option for when security is not a concern, or as a means of disguising your fence.Cedar StainCourtesy of BehrA warm, rich brown with red undertones and a cedar-hued wood stain is the exterior equivalent of an oxblood or chocolate brown. Needless to say, it’s the it-shade for wood fencing this year. In fact, Behr even named it their exterior stain color of 2025. “Cedar brings a sophisticated aesthetic to home exteriors, creating a sun-kissed glow that stands out even in shaded spots,” says Diana Olvera of Behr Paint Company.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.