IKEA NÄMMARÖ 3-in-1: The simple trick for more balcony privacy

A simple solution can turn even the smallest balcony into a sheltered, comfortable retreat.

In countless cities, the same thing happens every day: you sit outside for a moment to get some fresh air, only to feel watched straight away. A window opposite opens, someone leans over a railing, and another neighbour looks down from above. That is hardly relaxing. IKEA’s cleverly designed 3-in-1 furniture piece tackles this very issue, creating considerably more privacy without drilling, tradespeople or taking up much room.

Why privacy is difficult on balconies and in tiny gardens

Especially in built-up urban areas, balconies sit close together, back yards are narrow and the next block of flats may be only a few metres away. Sitting outdoors can therefore feel like being on display. Although many people would like to escape this constant eye contact, they often encounter familiar obstacles:

• permanently fixed privacy screens are often prohibited in rented homes
• hedges can take years to become genuinely dense
• solid fences block daylight and can quickly feel oppressive
• complicated building rules and tenancy regulations put many ideas on hold

At the same time, the desire for a private outdoor retreat has been growing for years. The global market for privacy screens and fencing is now worth billions. Every extra outdoor corner is put to use, provided people can feel unobserved there.

IKEA’s NÄMMARÖ element: more than a simple screen

With its NÄMMARÖ range, IKEA offers a furniture item that solves this problem in a surprisingly smart way. Its key feature is that it is not merely a straightforward folding screen, but a 3-in-1 element combining several uses in one compact unit.

“A single piece of furniture acts as a privacy screen, bench and storage unit at the same time – and can be moved easily whenever needed.”

The structure is made from solid acacia wood. This timber is considered durable, weather-resistant and well suited to outdoor use. Its slats are positioned to allow light and air to pass through while largely shielding the area from prying eyes. The result is not a dark enclosed box, but a bright and airy outdoor space.

Dimensions that work even on compact balconies

The screen section has deliberately been kept compact, allowing it to fit on narrow city balconies. The privacy screen itself measures around 140 centimetres high and 80 centimetres wide, with a footprint of roughly 50 centimetres. It reliably covers seating height and much of the backrest without filling the entire balcony.

In the extended version, a bench surface and integrated storage are added beneath the screen. Its approximate dimensions are 80 × 68 × 140 centimetres. This means you can sit directly beside the screen with a form of backrest, while everything that would otherwise be left lying around can be stored inside.

3-in-1 function: privacy screen, bench and storage in one

This furniture piece owes much of its popularity to its versatility. Three aspects are repeatedly praised in online reviews:

• Privacy screen: The slats prevent direct views in without creating the feeling of a sealed-off space.
• Comfortable bench: Add a few cushions and the module becomes a proper lounge bench.
• Hidden storage: Cushions, blankets, children’s toys or small gardening tools can be kept out of sight inside.

A single screen costs around €75. Depending on promotional offers, the version with seating and storage costs approximately between €170 and €220. For many tenants, that is far more appealing than investing in permanent installations that have to be removed when moving out.

Care with little effort

The furniture does not need complicated maintenance. For everyday care, wiping it down from time to time with a little soapy water is sufficient. Reapplying a finish once or twice a year helps preserve the wood’s colour. Doing this in spring gives the outdoor area a fresh look for the season ahead.

The major benefit: no drilling, no permissions and complete flexibility

One point is particularly important for balconies and small gardens in rented buildings: the module stands freely. It is not fixed to either a wall or the ground, avoiding many common disagreements with landlords and neighbours.

“Because the furniture is free-standing, it is usually regarded legally more as decoration than as a structural alteration – an important distinction in rented homes.”

Its mobility is equally practical. The element can simply be repositioned to suit the situation:

• as a windbreak for morning coffee
• in front of the strongest sunny side at midday
• in the evening, positioned to block the sightline from a neighbouring terrace

In tight back yards, this creates an adaptable space in just a few moves. It can be a lounge corner today, a children’s play area tomorrow and a quiet notebook workspace the day after – all without drilling a single hole.

Creative ideas for styling the IKEA NÄMMARÖ element

The privacy screen becomes particularly effective when paired with plants and lighting. Its wooden slats are ideal for lightweight vertical gardening. Small hooks, clips or hanging pots can quickly transform the surface into a green wall.

Vertical greenery instead of a grey house wall

Vertical gardening comes into its own on balconies with limited floor space. Where there is barely room for another pot at ground level, herbs, trailing strawberries or ornamental plants can simply grow upwards. This not only makes the area feel cosier, but also enhances the screening effect.

Popular plants for this mini greenery project include:

• herbs such as thyme, rosemary, mint or basil
• trailing plants such as pothos, spider plants or trailing geraniums
• delicate grasses in narrow, tall pots
• climbers such as clematis or runner beans with their own support

Anyone who does not want to think about watering can choose hardy succulents or artificial greenery. Combined with the warm tone of acacia wood, this creates a much more homely atmosphere than a standard plastic DIY-store privacy screen.

Examples for different outdoor settings

The 3-in-1 furniture can be used differently depending on the home. These three typical scenarios show how flexible it can be:

Situation	Possible use
narrow city balcony	Place the module along the railing to screen views from the street, using the storage for seat cushions and a watering can
tiny back-yard garden	Use the bench with storage as a divider between a dining table and sunlounger area, hiding bins or outdoor equipment behind it
ground-floor terrace	Arrange two modules in an L shape to create a sheltered lounge corner, then store toys or garden tools away after use

How it can change the feel of a home

Many users report using their outdoor space much more often once they feel less exposed. Instead of being somewhere to hang washing briefly, the balcony suddenly becomes an extra room:

• a home-working spot with a laptop and coffee
• a small retreat for reading or listening to music
• an evening meeting place for friends over a glass of wine
• a children’s play area where toys do not remain out permanently

The internal storage makes it far easier to keep things tidy. Cushions are protected from rain, while toys can be put away in one quick movement. This is a real advantage in compact homes with limited storage space. It allows people to enjoy the warmer months more fully without having to spend ages tidying up first.

What to consider before buying and assembling it

Anyone interested in this module should clarify a few points beforehand. Balcony load capacity matters, especially when several elements are planned alongside heavy plants or large planters. It is also worth checking the tenancy agreement to make sure free-standing furniture is permitted on the balcony.

During assembly, the furniture should be positioned as level as possible. Only then will the storage lid close properly. A non-slip surface prevents the unit from shifting in windy conditions. In very exposed locations, it may be sensible to add weight to the lower part of the bench, for example with heavy boxes or soil.

Wood protection is another consideration. Those who like the natural greying of acacia can simply allow the furniture to age. Anyone wanting to retain its warm wood colour should use a suitable exterior stain or oil. Regular refreshing considerably extends its lifespan.

Combining simple measures for greater privacy

The screening provided by the NÄMMARÖ element can be strengthened with other lightweight measures, without turning the balcony into a fortress. Options include:

• a half-height balcony fabric screen attached to the railing
• tall but narrow planters in particularly exposed spots
• indirect lighting with solar lights rather than a bright ceiling lamp
• an outdoor rug to visually separate different zones

Such combinations create an area that feels protected without feeling enclosed. By arranging furniture thoughtfully, sightlines can be interrupted deliberately – often, blocking just one direction is enough to remove the sense of being constantly watched.

Another effect is often underestimated: a thoughtfully designed, partly sheltered balcony not only improves personal wellbeing, but can also have a positive effect on a property’s appeal. In densely built-up neighbourhoods, a usable outdoor space can quickly become a decisive factor when looking for a flat – and this 3-in-1 furniture item can achieve that in many cases with remarkably little effort.