Rainbow fences are the latest backyard craze on social media - See how a DIYer created her own

The rainbow fence trend is one of the most joyful garden trends we've seen this year

garden with rainbow fence
(Image credit: Louise Eccles)

Over the last year, we've definitely grown in confidence when it comes to decorating with color in our homes. The same can also be said for our outdoor living spaces, this summer Instagram and Pinterest has been filled with DIYers transforming dull old garden fences into bright, multicolored features with a fresh lick of paint.

  • See also: 20 garden fence ideas – cheap, colorful designs to fence off your outdoor space

Louise Eccles, a journalist from South West London has introduced some uplifting color to her garden with a rainbow fence. It was a punchy move, but one that's made all the difference, as even on rainy days she can enjoy the mood-boosting colors from indoors.

garden with rainbow fence

(Image credit: Louise Eccles)

‘After staring at the same tired brown fence all year through multiple lockdowns, I decided it needed a makeover,' Louise tells us. 'I wanted to look out at my garden whatever the season and whatever the weather and see cheerful colors.' 

She was inspired by At Home With Ashley on Instagram who has a stunning pastel-colored rainbow fence and an incredibly colorful home to boot. There's also lots of inspiration on Pinterest if you're considering hopping on the rainbow fence trend.

Louise explains that she went for a more low-key look at first, but it wasn't quite working. ‘At first, I chose neutrals but it still looked a bit drab when I had finished it,' she says.

garden with rainbow fence

(Image credit: Louise Eccles)

'I bought the bright pink and painted it across the middle of the fence and it gave it the lift it needed.'

As for how she did it, Louise says she started by sanding it, before using a primer coat. She then used a combination of Ronseal garden paint and Little Greene paint. 

'It makes me smile every time I look at it and my two young daughters love it. My husband will take some convincing,’ says Louise.

rainbow fence in garden with flowers

(Image credit: Louise Eccles)

The bright colors create a brilliant backdrop for her flowers to sit against, too.

Feeling inspired by Louise's garden makeover? Head to our guide to the best exterior wood paint for our pick of top-quality outdoor paint that will stand the test of time.

Another idea would be to create an ombré effect with two of your favorite colors, or fading gently from a dark blue to a lighter blue. You could also opt for pastels if highly saturated colors aren't for you.

  • See also: 90 garden ideas – best outdoor looks for SS21 on a big or small budget

Will you be trying some garden DIY this weekend?

Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.


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