Forget Landscaping—This Simple Fence Upgrade Can Help Sell Your Home

You’ve decorated your living room, your bedroom, and even your bathroom. But what about your fence?

Fence decor is having a moment on Pinterest and social media, with homeowners using aesthetically pleasing additions—like shelves, fairy lights, and more—to turn their boring backyard fences into outdoor statement pieces.

And experts support the upgrade. Fence decor is easy (and inexpensive) to add, and it can really impress a homeowner’s guests—and buyers.

“As a real estate expert who loves helping homeowners boost their property’s appeal, I’ve seen how a well-designed fence can elevate a yard and increase value,” says Fred Loguidice, a real estate investor and owner of Sell My House Fast Providence.

So, whether you’re hoping to upgrade your outdoor space before an open house or if you’re just looking to dress up your home’s yard before a big summer barbecue, fence decor might be just what your outdoor space needs.

Buyers love a good fence—here’s what they’re looking for

Many people think of fences as functional—but perhaps forgettable: It’s the thing that marks the end of their property and the beginning of someone else’s. The end.

But Kelsey Hampton, luxury real estate advisor with Spears Group at Compass in Florida, explains that a thoughtfully designed—and decorated—fence does more than mark property lines. 

“Fences can elevate your home’s curb appeal; add a sense of security; and create a private, inviting space for outdoor living,” she says. “Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet evening, a quality fence sets the scene.”

There are many different types of fencing. Here are some of the most popular.

Cedar or redwood fences

Wooden fences are both timeless and customizable. Loguidice says a natural stain on a wood fence will give a warm, natural look, while a white picket fence never goes out of style. Or, homeowners could paint their fence black to create a chic, modern feature.

While vertical fencing is classic, Hampton also recommends horizontal wood slats, which she says offer a clean and sophisticated aesthetic. Plus, this look “works beautifully with both traditional and contemporary architecture.”

Vinyl fences

Vinyl fences are a great alternative to traditional wood fences because they look similar but are more durable and low-maintenance, explains Loguidice. They’re typically a little more expensive up front, but they don’t require staining or sealing later.

Metal, wrought iron, and aluminum

If you’re looking for a sleek, elegant yard style, metal or aluminum fencing could be a good option. Unlike a typical wood fence, this option allows for visibility. It’s less privacy—but it could be perfect for a yard you want to show off.

“These fences are elegant and low-maintenance,” says Loguidice. “These suit front yards or historic homes, offering visibility and durability.”

But take note: These are generally more expensive than wood and vinyl fences. Ornate wrought-iron fences can be especially pricey.

Mixed-material fences

If you can’t decide between styles, Loguidice suggests mixed-material fences: typically wood with metal or stone accents. They look great and feel custom.

The top fence upgrades to boost curb appeal fast

Most sellers don’t need to replace—or even repaint—their fence to make it look great.

“Fences are often overlooked, but with a few thoughtful touches, they can become standout design features that add real value,” says Dotan Trabulsi, owner of Optimal Home Remodeling & Design in San Diego, CA. 

Here are some easy, affordable ideas to refresh your fence.

Hanging planters and floating shelves

Hanging planters can add a pop of color and an element of softness. Trabulsi recommends planting herbs, succulents, or cascading plants.

Loguidice adds that floating shelves can be a great spot for a potted plant or other decor, though he suggests buying shelves, pots, and planters that complement the color of the fence, such as terra cotta on a gray fence.

Decorative lattice or trellis add-ons

Loguidice says florals don’t need to be restricted to the garden bed and suggests adding a decorative lattice to your fence. Plant some climbing jasmine, and soon you’ll have a beautiful yard feature that adds beauty and fragrance.

Trabulsi adds: “We love installing simple wood or metal trellises with trailing jasmine, bougainvillea, or creeping fig. It adds lush greenery and turns a plain fence into a garden focal point. Perfect for clients who want a soft, living wall effect.”

Vertical gardens

If you want to take your fence a step further, add a vertical garden. Loguidice says modular planters with herbs or ferns create a living wall. Planting edible plants can impress eco-conscious buyers, he says, but make sure you have good drainage.

Fairy lights or solar lanterns

If you like to entertain in the evenings, lighting might be the perfect addition to your fence.

“String lights along the top rail instantly make a backyard feel finished and cozy, especially for smaller outdoor spaces,” says Trabulsi.

He adds that solar lanterns also work well when mounted to fence posts, providing soft, ambient lighting without wiring.

Luka Milicevic, a contractor, builder, and real estate agent based in Nashville, TN, says that if your fence has exposed posts, you could swap out the regular post caps for solar post caps.

“These will light up each post at night and add both function and visual appeal.,” he says. “These lights can be installed on either the inside or outside of the fence, depending on where you want the illumination to show.”

He adds that they’re easy to install, noting homeowners can just screw them in.

Painted accent sections or murals

Trabulsi says that painting a fence, or at least a section of a fence, can be a fun and unique addition, especially in tight spaces like side yards. He suggests painting the top third of a fence with a bold color—one that complements the house’s hue, of course—to make the yard pop.

Loguidice adds that a fun botanical mural in one section could make a fence stand out. 

No matter what design or color you pick, Milicevic says that when staining or painting, skip the brush and roller.

“A paint sprayer will give you a smoother finish and ensure coverage between the pickets,” he says.

And while a splash of color can be fun, it’s important to note that, if you’re planning to sell, you shouldn’t go overboard. Keep the decor clean and minimal, and don’t go too big or too personalized. Any fence additions should make sense, match the aesthetic of your home, and be generally crowd-pleasing.

Maintenance matters—fixing fences before buyers show up

Milicevic reminds homeowners of the importance of fence repairs and maintenance—before the decorations go up. Your fairy lights won’t make wood rot magically go away, and if you try to put a floating planter on a crumbling fence, the whole thing might just fall down.

He adds that maintenance usually includes replacing exposed or rusting nails with screws, which hold tighter and won’t work their way out over time.

“Also, replace any warped or bowed boards. Just unscrew, and swap them out,” he says.

Hampton says everyday care is just as important. You might need to wipe down a fence every so often. She adds that daily contact with sprinklers can also lead to faster deterioration, so pointing your sprinklers away is an easy way to avoid unnecessary damage.

In the end, Hampton notes that fences can be an important part of a property.

“Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet evening, a quality fence sets the scene,” she says. “For buyers, it’s a visual cue that the home has been well cared for, which can make a meaningful difference in perceived value.”