Good fences make good neighbors, Robert Frost instructed. Good fences can make even better neighbors when they keep the vistas and sight lines open, even as they establish a boundary. The fences below masterfully set property or area limits while maintaining permeability. In place of an imposing, solid mass of wood or stone, these modern constructs allow outsiders visual entry into the space and enable those inside to view the surrounding landscape, maintaining a relationship between outside and in.
While many of the fences here are custom jobs, they demonstrate that materials in a range of prices can be effectively used. The key is the spacing of the verticals. They can be left wide open for border plants to wander through, or placed more tightly to keep children and pets in and deer out. They can be anchored belowground or set into low walls. When done properly, they become a sculptural element all their own, blending style and function.
M Cohen and Sons
This modern metal take on iconic wood post fencing keeps out deer but does not hinder the visual continuity between the private property and the open landscape beyond. Its track, which undulates with the terrain, blends beautifully with its surroundings.
Zeterre Landscape Architecture
Reclaimed or lumberyard wood cut to staggered lengths and set into a base of wood or concrete is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of creating an interesting open fence.
Zeterre Landscape Architecture
Open fencing is no less friendly when set into a low wall.
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.
The sculptural quality of open fencing is amply demonstrated in this custom-made, curvaceous example, made of 300 Cor-Ten noncorroding steel alloy blades, angle cut at the top and set into a 3-foot concrete base 8 inches apart.
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.
The 10-foot-tall verticals are all the more striking for the absence of horizontal supports.
NIMMO American Studio For Progressive Architecture
The transparency afforded by unconnected spaced verticals can be used to reveal specific landscape highlights, such as this tree and the illuminated facade behind it.
Polhemus Savery DaSilva
Widely spaced verticals set into a flower bed are a smart way to segregate a pool area from the rest of a yard. Here cedar posts anchor nearly transparent vinyl-coated stainless steel mesh. The view of the pool is blocked only by the bedding plants.
Protect Your Family With a Safe Pool
Randy Thueme Design Inc. - Landscape Architecture
Open fencing lends itself to a wide range of materials and is downright playful here, with bubble-infused acrylic poles echoing the pool area they surround.
cultivate landscape design
Not all fencing materials are pricey. This short border fence is made from lumberyard wood and rebar.
debora carl landscape design
An expanse of solid wall can be opened up effectively by a short run of spaced verticals, as was done with these metal rods. The wandering border plants here reinforce the connection between outside and in.
WA Design Architects
Nine-foot-tall stainless steel rods set ⅛ inch apart and screwed into a hidden base plate create this ethereal screen. This installation is mainly sculptural, but it could be brilliantly adapted for fencing in a small area.
More: 7 Questions to Help You Pick the Right Front-Yard Fence How to Help Your Dog Be a Good Neighbor
M Cohen and Sons
This modern metal take on iconic wood post fencing keeps out deer but does not hinder the visual continuity between the private property and the open landscape beyond. Its track, which undulates with the terrain, blends beautifully with its surroundings.
Zeterre Landscape Architecture
Reclaimed or lumberyard wood cut to staggered lengths and set into a base of wood or concrete is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of creating an interesting open fence.
Zeterre Landscape Architecture
Open fencing is no less friendly when set into a low wall.
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.
The sculptural quality of open fencing is amply demonstrated in this custom-made, curvaceous example, made of 300 Cor-Ten noncorroding steel alloy blades, angle cut at the top and set into a 3-foot concrete base 8 inches apart. 
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.
The 10-foot-tall verticals are all the more striking for the absence of horizontal supports.
NIMMO American Studio For Progressive Architecture
The transparency afforded by unconnected spaced verticals can be used to reveal specific landscape highlights, such as this tree and the illuminated facade behind it.
Polhemus Savery DaSilva
Widely spaced verticals set into a flower bed are a smart way to segregate a pool area from the rest of a yard. Here cedar posts anchor nearly transparent vinyl-coated stainless steel mesh. The view of the pool is blocked only by the bedding plants.
Randy Thueme Design Inc. - Landscape Architecture
Open fencing lends itself to a wide range of materials and is downright playful here, with bubble-infused acrylic poles echoing the pool area they surround.
cultivate landscape design
Not all fencing materials are pricey. This short border fence is made from lumberyard wood and rebar.
debora carl landscape design
An expanse of solid wall can be opened up effectively by a short run of spaced verticals, as was done with these metal rods. The wandering border plants here reinforce the connection between outside and in.
WA Design Architects
Nine-foot-tall stainless steel rods set ⅛ inch apart and screwed into a hidden base plate create this ethereal screen. This installation is mainly sculptural, but it could be brilliantly adapted for fencing in a small area.