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

A simple piece of IKEA furniture can change that.

In many cities, the next balcony is only a railing away, while half the residents in a shared courtyard overlook the same small patch of green. Anyone hoping to sunbathe, read or raise a glass with friends in peace can quickly feel watched. Rather than requiring a complicated building project, an understated 3-in-1 piece from IKEA delivers what many people need: greater privacy, extra storage and a comfortable place to sit – without drilling a single hole in the wall.

Why privacy on balconies and in small gardens is so difficult

Living space is becoming more expensive while outdoor areas are getting smaller. Market analyses put the global market for privacy screens and fencing at around 19 billion dollars recently – a clear indication that outdoor seclusion has become a luxury. At the same time, every square metre is precious in urban areas. Anyone who has installed a large fixed privacy screen knows the issue: it takes up room, can soon appear bulky and often clashes with building rules or a landlord's requirements.

Many tenants are not permitted to drill into the façade or anchor anything permanently in the ground. Hedges can take years to become properly dense, while ready-made plastic balcony coverings often look cheap or quickly turn yellow. The ideal solution therefore needs to:

• require no permanent installation;
• occupy as little space as possible;
• do more than simply provide a “privacy screen”;
• and look reasonably homely.

This is exactly the gap filled by a piece from IKEA's NÄMMARÖ range: a module combining several functions in one.

The IKEA NÄMMARÖ module: privacy screen, bench and storage in one

The concept is straightforward: a free-standing wooden frame with slats creates the privacy screen, with a bench positioned in front and a storage compartment below. The whole unit simply rests on the ground, with no need to attach it to a wall. It has been designed primarily for compact balconies, terraces and narrow urban gardens.

The idea: A mobile piece of furniture that blocks prying eyes without making you feel as though you are sitting in a box.

Material and dimensions: how compact the unit really is

The frame is made from solid acacia wood, which is regarded as relatively tough and weather-resistant for outdoor use. Its slats allow air and light through while interrupting direct lines of sight. Product information places its height at approximately 140 centimetres and its width at around 80 centimetres. The bench-and-storage base is roughly 50 centimetres deep, while the complete unit measures about 80 × 68 × 140 centimetres.

In practical terms, a standard balcony should still retain enough depth for a small table or extra chairs. The screen is sufficiently high to reliably shield seated people without blocking the entire view.

Care: no carpentry expertise required

Maintenance is minimal. Wipe it down with water and a little soap, then refresh it once or twice a year with a suitable oil or wood stain – that is all it takes to keep the timber looking presentable. This makes the furniture suitable for people who have neither the time nor the desire for demanding garden maintenance.

Price and assembly: what balcony owners can expect

In shops, the screen-only element costs around €75. The version with an integrated bench and storage costs between roughly €170 and €220, depending on promotions. Buyer reports paint a fairly clear picture: even people with limited DIY experience can assemble it using standard IKEA tools and a little patience. Several reviews praise the “easy assembly” and the “plenty of storage for seat cushions”.

For many people, the combination of an extra bench and a large storage compartment is the real added value – the privacy screen is almost a bonus.

How the furniture changes the use of tiny balconies

It becomes particularly interesting when considering how much a module like this can alter the character of a small outdoor space. Its effect extends far beyond providing “a bit of privacy”.

Location	Effect
Narrow city balcony	Screening from the street, an additional seat and storage for cushions
Small back-garden space	Visual separation between dining and lounging areas, plus a way to hide wheelie bins or equipment
Ground-floor terrace	Privacy from passers-by, a play area for children and a quick tidying solution

Rather than merely making a balcony look attractive, this furniture reorganises the space. A bare balcony becomes a small lounge, while a pavement-side terrace turns into a semi-private corner where you feel far less as though you are “on display”.

Easy to reposition: privacy wherever it is needed

One major advantage is that the unit is not screwed into place. It stands freely on the ground and can be moved whenever required. If sunlight comes from the east in the morning and the west in the evening, simply shift the module with a few simple movements to wherever it is most useful – either for shade or to create privacy.

• First-floor flat opposite a restaurant: turn the module towards the street.
• Side balcony neighbour with a constant audience: position the element to remove sideways views.
• Terrace beside a walkway: use the bench and screen section as a “back” towards the passing route.

This mobility is especially valuable in rented homes. When moving out, simply take the furniture with you. There are no drill holes, no discussions with the landlord and no dismantling work.

Green rather than just wood: the furniture as a base for a vertical garden

The slats also lend themselves particularly well to becoming the foundation for a lightweight vertical garden. Organisations such as the Royal Horticultural Society regularly highlight how effectively vertical gardening works in limited spaces. Hanging planters, climbing plants and small planting pockets can all be combined effectively with the wooden frame.

Typical options for a “green privacy screen” include:

• herbs in hanging containers, such as rosemary, thyme and mint;
• light climbers including nasturtiums or runner beans;
• delicate grasses in narrow pots;
• summer flowers such as petunias or fuchsias.

Those who prefer a deliberately nature-friendly approach can add insect nesting aids, small bird baths or LED string lights. This transforms a purely practical item into a designed feature that makes the balcony feel noticeably more inviting.

Practical examples for different living situations

The classic city-centre balcony

A typical concrete box with railings and neighbours on both sides is a situation many people will recognise. Here, the NÄMMARÖ module works best placed across the line of sight, slightly offset from the balcony door. One side becomes a sheltered corner with a bench, small table and potted plants. The other remains clear for drying laundry or exercising. Cushions, blankets and perhaps the string lights can all be stored away in the compartment.

Mini garden at a terraced house

In densely built new developments, terraces and small lawns sit close together. Anyone wanting more separation can position the module to break the sightline towards the neighbouring garden. A peaceful spot for reading or working outdoors is created behind it, while a dining table can sit in front. Wheelie bins, air-conditioning units or garden tools can be hidden behind or inside the furniture.

What buyers should consider

Anyone considering this type of 3-in-1 furniture should clarify a few points in advance:

• Balcony load capacity: Acacia wood is durable and therefore not especially lightweight. For very small or older balconies, it is worth checking the available documentation on load limits.
• Wind exposure: Strong winds can affect high-level flats. Securing the unit against tipping – for example with heavy planters or a discreet fixing to the ground – offers reassurance.
• Willingness to maintain it: Timber turns grey if left untreated. Anyone who dislikes that appearance should be prepared to oil or stain it annually.
• Building rules: Some landlords restrict the height of privacy-screen elements. Even though the module stands freely, it is worth taking a quick look at the rules.

In return, the furniture provides several benefits at once: it replaces a separate bench, a cushion storage box and a conventional privacy screen. Particularly in very small spaces, this multifunctionality helps prevent the outdoor area from looking overcrowded.

Better quality of life in just a few square metres

The boom in privacy solutions demonstrates how strongly people seek sheltered places, even if they are only a few square metres in size. A flexible module such as the one in the NÄMMARÖ range fits this trend: it is neither a solid fence nor merely a decorative object, but a practical tool for changing everyday life on a balcony or terrace.

Anyone who often feels they are “on display” on their balcony can shift the balance with a single piece of furniture: suddenly, you sit with your back to prying eyes, store everything you need directly underneath and also create a spot where a glass of wine, a book or an afternoon nap simply feels better. It is precisely these small comfort zones that make a cramped city flat much more bearable day to day.