Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.9 Best Balcony Covers for Apartments | Measured, Tied, Done

Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.

Neighbors on the fourth floor can see straight onto your balcony chair, and street level has a clear view of your laundry line. A balcony cover fixes that in one afternoon, but only if you buy the right width and height. For most apartment renters, the safest all-rounder is a 5′ x 8′ black mesh screen with 90% blockage (it blocks 90% of the view). If you have a long railing, the smart pick is a 2.5′ x 10′ gray screen with a 3-year limited warranty (the maker covers defects for three years). And if you want a natural look instead of flat fabric, reach for a reed fence.

I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.

Apartment balconies are rarely one standard size, so height and length matter more than any brand name on the label. Below is what actually fits and holds up. This is the honest walkthrough for balcony covers for apartments.

Our Picks at a Glance

ShadeMart 5' x 8' Black Fence Privacy Screen, 90% Blockage Fabric Windscreen Cover
Best OverallShadeMart 5′ x 8′ Black Fence Privacy Screen, 90% Blockage Fabric Windscreen Cover4.7★526 ratingsThe one that stays taut in a daily breeze and still breathes If you want to stop being seen from the street and you only have one afternoon to fix it, start here.Check Price on Amazon
Bynbbur 2.5' x 10' Grey Balcony Privacy Screen Apartment Deck Railing, Mesh Fencing Cover Lattice Panels for Outside, UV Block Shade Cloth with Grommets
Longest WarrantyBynbbur 2.5′ x 10′ Grey Balcony Privacy Screen Apartment Deck Railing, Mesh Fencing Cover Lattice Panels for Outside, UV Block Shade Cloth with Grommets4.5★120 ratingsTen feet of coverage with a three-year warranty behind it For a long balcony rail, this screen buys you the most confidence.Check Price on Amazon
Fence Privacy Screen Balcony Sun Shade Cloth 6'6'x6'6' 80% Shade Fabric Outdoor Patio Screens Apartments Railing Cover UV Protection
Best for SunFence Privacy Screen Balcony Sun Shade Cloth 6’6″x6’6″ 80% Shade Fabric Outdoor Patio Screens Apartments Railing Cover UV Protection4.4★296 ratingsSized like a square sail, aimed at afternoon glare If your balcony turns into a greenhouse by mid-afternoon, this square panel is the one to pick.Check Price on Amazon

How To Choose The Best Balcony Covers for Apartments

Three numbers decide whether a screen works or wastes your afternoon: the height of your railing, the length you need to cover, and the fabric weight. Measure your railing before you open any listing. A screen that is too short leaves a clear strip you can be seen through, and one that is too long bunches up against the floor.

Measure Height First, Length Second

Stand at your railing with a tape measure and get the height from the top rail to the floor or to the base rail, whichever you want covered. Most apartment railings sit around 3 feet tall. A 2.5-foot screen covers a low railing but can stop short on a taller one. Length is the easier number — just measure the full run you want screened, and remember you lose a little to folding or doubling.

Read The Blockage Percentage Properly

Blockage percentage tells you how much of the view is cut off. A 90% screen leaves very little visible through the fabric, so people on the street cannot make out what you are doing. An 80% screen still hides you but lets more light and air through, so the balcony feels more open. Decide which you want before you buy — more blockage usually means a slightly darker, more closed-in space.

Check The Fabric Weight

Fabric weight is listed in GSM, which means grams per square meter — the higher the number, the thicker and heavier the mesh. Entry-level screens sit around 170 GSM, mid-range ones at 200 GSM, and some polyester covers are rated at 160 GSM PES with a PU coating. A heavier weave holds its shape through wind and resists tearing better than a light one, so on an exposed upper-floor balcony, go heavier.

Quick Comparison

Model Best For Blockage / Shade Rate Fabric Weight Size Amazon
ShadeMart 5′ x 8′ Black Fence Privacy Screen★ Best Overall All-round apartment privacy 90% blockage High Density Polyethylene 96″L x 60″W Amazon
Bynbbur 2.5′ x 10′ Grey Balcony Privacy ScreenLongest Warranty Long apartment railings UV block shade cloth 200 GSM HDPE 120″L x 30″W Amazon
Abrotain Fence Privacy Screen 6’6″x6’6″Best for Sun Sun blocking on a sunny balcony 80% blockage Polypropylene (PP) 78″L x 78″W Amazon
DUNPONI 2’6″ x 15′ Beige Balcony Privacy Screen Wide balcony runs 95% UV block (92% blockage) High Density Polyethylene 2’6″ x 15′ Amazon
LOVE STORY 3.3′ x 19.7′ Waterproof Balcony Privacy Screen Rain and snow exposure 90%–95% shading rate 160 GSM PES Polyester 3.3′ x 19.7′ Amazon
UPGRADE Privacy Fence Screen 5’x5′ Extra air movement behind the screen 90% visual blockage 170 GSM HDPE 60″L x 60″W Amazon
TANG 3′ x 14′ Light Gray Balcony Privacy Screen Standard 3′ apartment balconies 95% visibility blocking 200GSM HDPE 3′ x 14′ Amazon
PAKNANO Natural Reed Fencing A natural look instead of flat fabric 80% blackout Bamboo reed 48″L x 196.8″W (4FT x 16.4FT) Amazon
Shade&Beyond 3’x25′ Black Privacy Screen Very long balcony and patio runs 90% visibility blockage 170 GSM HDPE 300″L x 36″W Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

★ Best Overall

1. ShadeMart 5′ x 8′ Black Fence Privacy Screen, 90% Blockage Fabric Windscreen Cover

Our pick — over 4.5★ from 500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.

High Density PolyethyleneZip Ties Included

The one that stays taut in a daily breeze and still breathes

If you want to stop being seen from the street and you only have one afternoon to fix it, start here. The panel measures 96 inches long by 60 inches wide — 5 feet tall, which lands right at the top of most apartment railings. It covers 40 square feet of rail from one piece. The fabric is high density polyethylene, the same woven plastic family that most outdoor screens use, so rain runs off it rather than soaking in.

What wins people over is how well it hides them. The mesh blocks 90% of the view while still letting air move through, so your balcony does not turn into a sealed, stuffy box. A common thread in the feedback is how much quieter the whole space feels — dogs stop barking at every passing movement, and the porch starts feeling like a room instead of a viewing platform. One buyer sums it up neatly: the screen “gives us more privacy in an apartment building. It did not exactly fit top to bottom but we made it work.” That is the honest shape of it. The height lands close on most railings, but on an unusually tall rail you may need to adjust how you hang it.

Wind performance is genuinely reassuring. The breathable weave lets gusts pass straight through instead of ballooning the panel, and the review pages note it standing up to 22 to 40 mph winds without issue. When wind gets that high, though, it will hinge entirely on how well you tension the screen and how you use the grommets — hang it loose and the flapping starts. The metal rings run around the edges, and zip ties come in the box, so most balconies go from box to finished in minutes. Worth measuring your rail before you order, because the panel is easiest to mount when the height match is close.

What earns its keep

  • 90% blockage hides you from the street while the weave still lets the balcony breathe
  • 96-inch by 60-inch panel covers 40 square feet from a single piece
  • Holds its tension through a daily breeze and rides out 22 to 40 mph gusts on a properly tied-down rail
  • Metal grommets plus included zip ties mean no tools and no drilling on a rented railing

Where it asks for care

  • On an unusually tall rail the 5-foot height can run a touch short and need adjusting
  • Loosely rigged, it will flap in real wind — the tidier your tension, the better it behaves

Your best first pick: a renter who wants the widest view-block on a normal-height railing with the least hassle to install.

Look elsewhere when: your railing runs much taller than 5 feet and you want the fabric to reach top to bottom without a workaround.

Longest Warranty

2. Bynbbur 2.5′ x 10′ Grey Balcony Privacy Screen Apartment Deck Railing, Mesh Fencing Cover Lattice Panels for Outside, UV Block Shade Cloth with Grommets

200 GSM HDPE3-Year Limited Warranty

Ten feet of coverage with a three-year warranty behind it

For a long balcony rail, this screen buys you the most confidence. It is made from 200 GSM high-density polyethylene (200 grams of fabric per square meter, a heavier weave than the entry-level 170 GSM screens). That heavier mesh holds its shape better and resists tearing and fading, so it stays neat through seasons of sun and wind. The maker backs it with a 3-year limited warranty under normal weather and use. That warranty is the standout here, and it is why this pick lands above the plain fabric budget options.

The reinforcement is the practical detail. A 1.5-inch webbing strip runs along the edges with copper grommets spaced evenly on all sides and extra reinforcement at the corners. That corner work matters — corners are where screens usually pull free first in wind. It blocks UV and stays breathable, and the narrower sightline helps quiet dogs that bark at movement. Buyers report it makes an apartment balcony feel private without walling it in.

Height is where you need to be careful: this screen is 2.5 feet tall, or 35 inches, which is shorter than a standard 3-foot rail. On a low deck railing it is fine; on a taller apartment railing, expect a gap top to bottom and plan to adjust. That is the standard trade-off for a long, low screen. Install is the same one-person job as the others — cable ties in the box, no tools, and it can also be nailed or stapled to wood if you have that option.

On length, it leads: at 120 inches wide it covers a bigger horizontal run than the 96-inch ShadeMart above, so a wide apartment balcony takes fewer panels.

On height, it comes up short: the 30-inch height leaves more rail exposed than a 5-foot screen, so reach for this when length matters more than full vertical coverage.

Reach for this if: your balcony is wide rather than tall and you want warranty protection on a lighter-duty rail.

Look elsewhere if: you need one screen to cover the full height top to bottom without a visible strip.

Best for Sun

3. Fence Privacy Screen Balcony Sun Shade Cloth 6’6″x6’6″ 80% Shade Fabric Outdoor Patio Screens Apartments Railing Cover UV Protection

80% BlockageAluminum Grommets

Sized like a square sail, aimed at afternoon glare

If your balcony turns into a greenhouse by mid-afternoon, this square panel is the one to pick. At 78 inches by 78 inches it is the only nearly square screen here — everything else is a long rectangle — so it covers a wide span of rail and still drapes a good deal of height. The knit polypropylene resists tearing and fraying while letting breezes pass through, so it drops the temperature without cutting off air movement entirely.

The 80% blockage rating is the key number. It is lower than the 90% and 95% screens in this list, which means slightly more view gets through and more light reaches you. That is a deliberate trade: less blackout, more daylight and airflow. On a sunny balcony, owners mention a clear drop in heat behind the fabric. The fabric keeps a big chunk of the direct sun off, and light still comes through, so you are not sitting in the dark.

What you should know before buying is durability. Feedback is split here — some customers note it holding up well through wind storms and intense weather, while others have had it fall apart within a couple of months. Treat that as a size-and-exposure question rather than a blanket verdict: on a sheltered, mostly sunny balcony it does its job well, but on a very exposed railing that takes constant hard gusts, you may prefer the heavier 200 GSM weave screens elsewhere in this list. The edges are sewn with six-thread stitching and aluminum grommets (metal rings for tying it down) land every 20 inches, with extra reinforced corners to resist pulling under load.

Why the sun-heavy balcony likes it

  • 78-inch square covers a wide span — the only near-square panel in the list
  • 80% blockage trims glare but keeps more daylight coming through than the 90% and 95% options
  • Six-thread edge stitching plus aluminum grommets every 20 inches and reinforced plastic corner tapes
  • Nylon rope and cable ties included, so no extra hardware run to the store

Fit and honesty check

  • 80% blockage means more of the view still gets through than the higher-coverage screens
  • On a very exposed railing that eats constant hard gusts, the knit may not last as long as a heavier weave

Worth it for: the sunny, sheltered balcony where keeping the glare down while still letting light in is the whole point.

Think twice if: your rail takes nonstop hard wind — a heavier 200 GSM mesh will outlast this knit there.

Widest Coverage

4. 2’6″ x 15′ Beige Balcony Privacy Screen Fence Windscreen Cover for Apartment, Deck, Patio, Backyard, 95% UV Blockage, Zip Ties Included

95% UV BlockageAnti-Rust Grommets

Fifteen feet of beige fabric that disappears against a pale wall

This is the pick for a long, low balcony run where one panel has to do the whole job. At 2 foot 6 inches tall and 15 feet long, it stretches further horizontally than anything else in this guide, so you cover more rail with fewer panels. The beige color blends into light building exteriors instead of standing out as a dark stripe. The high-density polyethylene weave is rated at 92% blockage (it blocks 92% of the view) and resists both UV (sunlight) and water, with no maintenance needed once it is up.

What buyers like most is the visual result. The coverage makes neighbors’ windows stop being an audience, and the fabric lets air and light pass through so the balcony keeps a usable feel rather than a cave feel. A common note is that once it is up, you stop noticing the street. That said, the material reads a little plastic to some eyes, and it arrives very wrinkled from the pack — a quick press on a nylon setting softens it. Folding and doubling the fabric is another trick buyers use to deepen the coverage where the 92% rating is not quite enough.

Installation is genuinely easy and reinforced, with well-stitched webbing and anti-rust grommets plus zip ties included. The one thing to plan around: the supplied zip ties run short, and several buyers found they had to double them up or use their own. Treat the included ties as a starter set and grab a longer set of your own before you start, and the whole job is quick. Measure your run first — 15 feet is generous and you want it to matter on the right railing.

The length edge: at 15 feet this covers a longer horizontal run than the ShadeMart at 96 inches, so on a wide apartment rail you may need only one panel.

The height cost of that length: at 2 foot 6 inches tall, it leaves more open rail top and bottom than the 5-foot screens — great for coverage, less so for full concealment.

Definitely for you: a renter with a long, low balcony who wants the widest single-panel coverage and a neutral color that stays quiet against the building.

Settle in for: a quick pressing to smooth the shipping wrinkles and a longer set of zip ties than the ones in the box.

Weatherproof Pick

5. LOVE STORY 3.3′ x 19.7′ Waterproof Balcony Privacy Screen Cover, Dark Grey

160 GSM PES Polyester98% UV Protection

The one built for wet weather, snow, and hail on an open balcony

Most screens in this list are woven mesh that air passes through. This one is different — it is 160 GSM high-density polyester with a PU coating, and it is water-resistant rather than see-through mesh, which is exactly what you want if your balcony has no roof above it. The maker rates it at 98% UV protection and 400 kPa water pressure resistance, so rain runs off instead of soaking through. The aluminum buckles are rust-proof, which matters when it gets wet repeatedly.

What the wearers keep saying is that it is fully opaque. Unlike the 80% and 90% screens, this one blocks the view completely while still letting natural light in, so a dark balcony stays bright but private. It holds up through snow, hail, sun, and hard rain, and buyers have used it as much as a safety barrier on a staircase railing as a privacy screen. Length is the number to watch: 19.7 feet is very long, and 3.3 feet tall fits a standard apartment railing well. Several owners found it ran long for an average-sized porch, so measure before you order and trim your expectations accordingly — you cannot shorten the fabric, only fold or rehang it.

The main caveat is that the maker explicitly says it is not recommended for stormy, heavy rain, storms, and snowy days. That sounds like a contradiction to a waterproof screen, but it really means the coating protects against normal weather, not the worst the sky can throw. For day-to-day rain and snow, it is the most weather-ready pick here. For extreme storms, no fabric screen on this list is the answer.

This is your pick if: your balcony takes real rain, snow, or hail and you want a fully opaque cover that still lets light through.

skip it if: you need a specific shorter length — 19.7 feet is long, and this screen sizes around the assumption of a big railing.

Best Airflow

6. UPGRADE Privacy Fence Screen 90% Visual Blockage 5’x5′ Black Outdoor 170 GSM Mesh Panels for Deck, Balcony, Backyard, Patio

170 GSM HDPEBrass Grommets

A square 5-by-5 panel that covers both height and a good run

Here is the clever part: this screen is 60 inches by 60 inches, so it covers 5 feet in both directions. That makes it the most flexible shape in the list — use it on a balcony rail, wrap a section of fence, or corner off part of a patio. It is made from 170 GSM non-recycled HDPE, which is the standard mid-weight mesh, and it blocks up to 90% of the view while still letting air move through. That airflow is the reason it does not feel like a wall.

The 90% blockage is the strong point. The 90% blackout hides you from passers-by while keeping the balcony bright, and the build is reinforced with anti-rust brass grommets and reinforced edges to resist tearing. Reviewers point out it holding up through seasons of sun, rain, and wind. Just be honest with yourself about heights and widths — this panel is generous in both directions, but it is square, so a very long rail needs more than one. Because it is a square, you can also double-layer two panels for stronger coverage, which buyers do when one layer still shows shapes through.

Where it asks for care is at the attachment points. Wind load on a screen this wide is real, and the note worth heeding is that a big gust can rip it down if the grommets are not used fully. Tie through every grommet with the included zip ties, and it holds. Also, the 170 GSM weave lets more light through than the 200 GSM screens, so if you want maximum darkness, look at the TANG above. For someone wanting flexibility in where they place it, this is the pick.

Versatile shape: 60 inches square means it covers height and width at once, so one panel does more than a narrow rectangle of the same length.

Attachment is the whole game: with 90% blockage comes a big wind sail, so hanging it through all the grommets — not just the corners — is what keeps it up.

Right for you if: you want a square panel that can be reconfigured between a balcony, a fence line, or a patio corner without buying different shapes.

Steer clear if: you need a single screen to cover a rail far longer than 5 feet without adding another panel.

Best Wind Rating

7. TANG 3′ x 14′ Light Gray Balcony Privacy Screen Fence 200GSM Heavy Duty Windscreen for Apartment Porch Deck

200GSM HDPE3-Year Limited Warranty

Three feet tall, built for the windiest apartment balconies

If your balcony is at the top of the building and takes the brunt of every gust, this is the panel to look at. It is 3 feet tall by 14 feet long — the exact height that matches a standard apartment railing — and it is made from 200GSM HDPE, the heavier end of the mesh spectrum. The maker reinforces both vertical edges with 1.5-inch webbing, adds 3 grommets at each corner, and uses brass grommets so they will not rust. It carries a 3-year limited warranty and custom sizing support.

The headline here is how well it handles wind. Shoppers say it standing up to winds up to 45 mph, and one owner notes it has stayed put and looked new through a spell of weather. It blocks 95% of the view, so very little gets through, and it lets breeze and light pass, which keeps the balcony usable. Treat the 45 mph figure as a real-world high rather than a normal, but as a durability benchmark it is the strongest wind story in this list. If your rail takes steady strong wind, this is the one that earns its keep.

Before you buy, check two small things. First, the included zip ties are too short for a balcony railing — several buyers had to combine two or buy their own, so pick up a set of 12-inch black zip ties alongside it. Second, there is a note that grommet coverage is a little sparse, so if you want extra attachment points on a long rail, plan to add your own. Neither is a dealbreaker, but both will save you a second trip. The installation is simple and takes around half an hour solo — easier with two people to hold the screen while you tie.

What owners rave about

  • 200GSM HDPE weave and 3 feet of height match a standard apartment railing exactly
  • Reinforced 1.5-inch webbing on both vertical edges and brass grommets that will not rust
  • Blocks 95% of the view — the highest coverage in this guide — while still letting light through
  • 3-year limited warranty with custom-size support from the maker

The small catches

  • The zip ties in the box run short for a balcony railing — buy your own longer set before install
  • Some owners want more grommet holes than the corner reinforcement provides on a long rail

Nailed on for: the high-floor, wind-exposed apartment balcony where you need the screen to survive the season and match a 3-foot rail exactly.

Not your match if: you want the included hardware to be enough on its own — you will want your own longer zip ties here.

Natural Look

8. PAKNANO Natural Reed Fencing, 4FT X 16.4FT Reed Screen Balcony Reed Fence Bamboo Screen Fencing for Outdoor Backyard Patio

Bamboo Reed100 Zip Ties Included

The natural one — a reed screen that reads as landscaping, not plastic

If flat fabric feels wrong for your building’s look, natural reeds are the alternative. This is a 4-foot by 16.4-foot roll of real reed woven with cotton thread, which keeps it tight and keeps it from rusting in the rain the way metal-thread versions can. It bridges close to 66 square feet in one roll, which covers a long span of balcony rail or an entire patio edge. The maker rates it at 80% blackout, so light still gets through — enough to read by on the balcony during the day.

What makes it feel different is not just how it looks. The see-through weave lets air pass rather than catching it, so it does not toss in a breeze the way a solid fabric panel can. Where buyers land is that the results are best in layers — a single roll gives some screening, and doubling up gets you a much more private feel. That is true of the whole reed category: the look is worth a lot, but the coverage is closer to a screen than a wall. Buyers who layered two rolls report mostly blocking the neighbors and liking the result.

The genuine trade-off here is durability and privacy. Reeds are thinner and less rigid than woven plastic mesh, so the material reports are mixed — some rolls hold up for a couple of seasons, others wither in bad weather, and the panel stays somewhat transparent. It is also fragile to handle. Cut the threading to size on-site, wear gloves because the natural reeds can have slight burrs, and keep the roll in a dry, ventilated spot when it is not in use. For a softer look on a sheltered balcony, none of that is a problem; for an exposed roof-deck rail with constant weather, choose a heavier mesh panel instead.

Where it wins: the 80% blackout reed look adds greenery and texture no black mesh can match, and the 16.4-foot roll covers a full patio edge.

The honest catch: reeds are naturally see-through and weather-sensitive, so for real hiding power you layer two rolls and keep it out of the hardest weather.

Ideal for: the renter who wants their balcony to look like a garden nook and can layer two rolls for real privacy.

Better to skip if: you want a one-roll, low-maintenance, fully blocking screen that shrugs off the worst weather.

Longest Run

9. Shade&Beyond 3’x25′ Black Privacy Screen 90% Visibility Blockage Fence Screen 170 GSM Fencing Mesh Fence Panel

170 GSM HDPEBrass Grommets

Twenty-five feet of mesh for balconies that never seem to end

Some apartment balconies wrap a corner and keep going, and that is the case this screen was sized for. It measures 300 inches long by 36 inches wide — 25 feet by 3 feet — the longest single panel in this guide, so one piece can run the whole stretch. At 3 feet tall it matches a standard apartment rail exactly, and the fabric is 170 GSM UV-protected non-recycled HDPE (high-density polyethylene, a tough plastic weave) with brass grommets (metal rings for tying it down) down each side. It blocks 90% of the view, and the knit stays wrinkle-resistant, so it looks tidy without fussing.

The standout feature beyond the length is the edge build: 2.5-inch black binding and double-reinforced edges, with anti-rust grommets meant to hold for years. That heavy binding and the easy zip-tie mounting make it a comfortable one-person job on a long rail. Buyers report good privacy with airflow through the weave, and the reinforced grommets speed up zip-tie installation. For a wrap-around or extra-long balcony where a shorter screen would mean buying two, one panel here does the whole run.

The one thing owners flag is the zip ties. Reports are mixed on durability, with some saying the included ties break easily under tightening. The screen itself holds up fine — it is the cheap plastic ties that let it down. Buy a pack of metal or heavy-duty zip ties and you will never think about it again. Also check the size carefully: it is easy to over-order length on a screen this big, and since you cannot cut it without losing grommets, measure your run first. Overall it is a worthwhile long-run solution rather than a budget starter.

What makes it worth it

  • 25 feet long by 3 feet tall covers a wrap-around balcony from a single panel
  • 2.5-inch binding and double-reinforced edges with anti-rust brass grommets
  • 90% visibility blockage allows airflow while keeping the view blocked
  • Wrinkle-resistant knit keeps the installation looking clean without fussing

What to fix before hanging

  • The included plastic zip ties can break under tightening — buy heavier-duty ties for the install
  • The size is very long and cannot be cut without losing grommets, so measure carefully before ordering

Buy this one if: your balcony runs long or wraps a corner and you want it covered in one piece with reinforced edges.

Go shorter if: you are not sure of your exact run — the size is generous and cannot be trimmed down cleanly.

Understanding the Specs

Blockage and Shade Percentage

This number tells you how much of the view the screen cuts off. The higher the percentage, the more private you are and the darker the balcony tends to feel. An 80% screen like the Abrotain or the PAKNANO reed fence still hides you but lets more light and air through. A 90% screen like the ShadeMart or the Shade&Beyond knocks back nearly all of the view. A 95% screen like the DUNPONI or the TANG hides even more. Pick based on how exposed you feel and how much daylight you want to keep.

GSM and Fabric Material

GSM stands for grams per square meter — it is the weight of the fabric, and it is the single best clue to how long a screen lasts. The entry-level mesh here sits at 170 GSM. The mid-range sits at 200 GSM, like the Bynbbur and the TANG. The LOVE STORY polyester cover is rated at 160 GSM PES with a PU coating, which is a different construction aimed at waterproofing rather than air flow. Heavier mesh resists tearing and wind better, so on an exposed upper-floor balcony, go heavier. Reed fencing is a different material entirely and behaves like a natural woven screen.

FAQ

What size balcony cover do I need for an apartment railing?
Measure the height of your railing first, then the length of the run you want covered. Most apartment railings sit around 3 feet tall, so a 3-foot screen like the TANG 3′ x 14′ or the Shade&Beyond 3’x25′ matches most railings closely. If your rail is lower, a 2.5-foot screen such as the Bynbbur 2.5′ x 10′ can work, though it may leave a small gap top to bottom. Length is the easier call — just measure the whole run and allow a little extra for folding or doubling.
Does 90% blockage actually stop neighbors seeing me?
It hides almost all of your view while still letting air and a little light through. A 90% screen like the ShadeMart or the Shade&Beyond gives you strong daytime privacy from passers-by, though some light will still come through, so you may want the higher 95% options like the TANG or DUNPONI if you want maximum concealment. If you want a screen that reads as fully opaque, the LOVE STORY polyester cover blocks the view fully while still letting natural light in.
Can I install a balcony privacy screen if I rent and cannot drill?
Yes — every screen in this guide comes with zip ties or cables ties for tool-free mounting. All you do is thread a tie through a grommet and wrap it around the railing. You will not need to drill or nail anything, so there is nothing for a landlord to object to. The ShadeMart, Bynbbur, and TANG all include ties in the box. If you want extra security for wind, you can also use bungee cords or nylon rope, both of which several of these screens accept.
Will a balcony cover survive high winds on an upper floor?
It depends on the fabric weight and how well you tension the screen. Heavier 200GSM mesh like the TANG, which carries a 3-year limited warranty and reports of holding up to winds around 45 mph, tends to handle gusts better than light mesh. A high-blockage screen such as the ShadeMart with 90% blockage can ride out 22 to 40 mph winds when it is tied tight through every grommet. The one caution: the lighter 170 GSM screens attached only at the corners are the ones most likely to catch wind and pull free, so use every grommet you can.
Is mesh or reed fencing better for an apartment balcony?
It depends on what you value. Mesh like the ShadeMart or the Shade&Beyond gives you strong view blocking, a wide range of exact sizes, and easy zip-tie mounting. Reed fencing like the PAKNANO reed screen gives you a natural look that reads as landscaping rather than fabric, but it is naturally more see-through at 80% blackout, and buyers often layer two rolls for real privacy. On a very exposed balcony, mesh holds up better; on a sheltered balcony you want to soften, reed looks better.
How long will a balcony cover last outdoors?
That varies by material and exposure. HDPE mesh screens are made to handle rain, wind, and sun, and sellers rate the Bynbbur and TANG at up to 3 years under normal weather and use, while the PAKNANO reed fence is described as water resistant and good for years. Real results depend on how much direct sun and hard wind your balcony sees. Exposed upper-floor rails with constant gusts will wear any cover faster than a sheltered balcony with partial shade.
Will a privacy screen keep my balcony cooler in summer?
Yes — the 80% blockage cuts direct sun while still letting light through. The Abrotain sun shade cloth is rated at 80% blockage, and owners mention a real temperature difference behind it, enough that the balcony stays comfortable while the sun is strongest. The LOVE STORY cover is rated at 98% UV protection and 400 kPa water resistance, so it also cuts the sun’s heat. A darker mesh screen also helps because it shades the floor and rail rather than letting the sun bake them. A cooler balcony usually means you can keep the door open longer.
Do I need a longer or shorter screen for a corner balcony?
A corner balcony usually needs a longer run than a flat one, because the rail wraps around two sides. The Shade&Beyond 3’x25′ black privacy screen covers 25 feet in one piece, which is the longest single panel in this guide. The DUNPONI 2’6″ x 15′ is a good middle option for a wide flat balconies. If your balcony runs patios, decks, or wrap-around rails, buying one extra-long panel is usually cheaper and simpler than joining two shorter screens.
Can I cut a privacy screen to fit my railing?
Sometimes, but check first.

Mesh screens like the ShadeMart and the Shade&Beyond have grommets along the edges, so cutting through the fabric means losing the attachment points on the cut side — many buyers fold the excess instead of trimming it. Reed fencing is different: the PAKNANO reed screen can be adjusted by cutting the cord that binds the reeds and tying a knot, which shortens the roll to your rail. If exact sizing matters, look for screens that offer custom sizes, like the DUNPONI or the UPGRADE privacy screen.
Will a dark privacy screen make my balcony too dark to use?
Not if you pick the right blockage level. A 90% screen like the ShadeMart still lets light and air through the weave, so a covered balcony stays bright enough to sit on during the day. If afternoon shade is the goal, the Abrotain 80% screen is a good middle ground — it cuts the glare while keeping more daylight. If you want full opacity but maximum brightness, the LOVE STORY polyester cover is fully opaque yet lets natural light in. The darker fabric mainly affects the view, not the light level.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most apartment balconies, the balcony covers for apartments winner is the ShadeMart 5′ x 8′ Black Fence Privacy Screen because its 90% blockage, 96-inch by 60-inch coverage, and breathable HDPE weave handle an ordinary apartment rail without tools or drilling. If you have a long, low balcony and want the safety net of a 3-year limited warranty, grab the Bynbbur 2.5′ x 10′ Grey Balcony Privacy Screen. And for a balcony that takes real rain and snow, the LOVE STORY 3.3′ x 19.7′ Waterproof Balcony Privacy Screen is the one to reach for. One last nudge: the ShadeMart’s 4.7 stars across 500+ owners makes it the safest first try, and measuring your rail height before you order is the single habit that turns the right screen into a finished balcony.

How We Picked

We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.

Sources & Methodology

Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.

As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.

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Mo Maruf

Mo Maruf

Founder

I am a dedicated home cook and appliance enthusiast. I spend hours in my kitchen testing real-world storage methods, reheating techniques, and kitchen gear performance. My goal is to provide you with safe, tested advice to help you run a more efficient kitchen.