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This blog post is all about the best bathroom DIY enclosed patio ideas!
An outdoor space can be both a blessing and a curse. It tends to be more difficult to design than your interiors and is not always set up for year-round use, making it not much of a priority for decor investments. However, enclosed patio ideas and screen rooms may be exactly what you need to get the best of both worlds!
In trying to create an outdoor room, you can design a space that is functional across all seasons and that captures better your taste in design. From DIY wooden screens to small but important finishing touches like curtains, I wanted to collect great ideas to inspire your outdoor creativity.
In this post, we’ll dive into 28 DIY enclosed patio ideas that are functional but also filled with style and personality. By the end, you’ll be ready to transform your patio into the perfect space for relaxation and entertaining!
1. Traditional Pergolas with Ceiling Fans
A traditional pergola is the first thing one thinks about when it comes to enclosed patio ideas. This is a classic of outdoor design and for a good reason. A simple wooden or metal pergola will be incredibly versatile and stand the test of time.
If you plan on using your enclosed patio in summer, consider using the structure of your pergola to add ceiling fans. These pieces will not only make your space feel more elevated but also help you diffuse fresh air across the patio even during the warmer months.
2. Retractable Canopy with Pull-Down Screens
If you are looking for more flexible patio cover ideas, a retractable canopy may be what you need. It provides a very affordable and quick-to-install solution with options across all budget levels. It also lets you get away without installing a huge structure or keeping your patio setup out throughout the year.
For extra privacy and protection from the weather, make sure to choose a canopy with side screens. You’ll get a ton of use out of it!
3. Glass-enclosed Sunrooms
If you’re designing a brand new patio and have fallen in love with cathedral sunrooms, consider a glass-enclosed setup for your space. The glass windows and ceilings will let natural light flow through, helping you preserve the airy feel and direct view of nature of an open patio.
For a budget-friendly take on this idea, you can replace the floor-to-ceiling windows with folding glass doors. Super easy to install and combine with a light-colored ceiling panel to keep the space bright!
4. Screened-in porch with Outdoor Kitchen
Lots of people will use their enclosed patios as additional dining rooms, effectively turning the space into home extensions. This is a great idea for you if you currently don’t have an outdoor living area. Screen in your porch and include a small outdoor kitchen area in your setup.
This way, you’ll be able to entertain outside all year round. Of course, I would recommend screening options like curtain panels or windows which can be easily opened in the warmer months or when you need to cook.
5. Sliding Barn Doors for Rustic Charm
Given that an enclosed patio is a transitional area between indoors and outdoors, it’s a great place to include finishing details that combine your design style with the more casual nature of outdoor decor.
Sliding barn doors, for instance, can be a wonderful focal point for your enclosed patio entrance if you love a rustic, farmhouse look. More traditional sliding doors in white or pastel with glass details can instead give you a more formal design.
6. Roll-Up Bamboo Shades for Natural Shade
While DIY enclosed patio ideas tend to help protect your space from harsh, cold weather, they need to also account for warmer temperatures. After all, the main benefit of an enclosed patio is guaranteeing comfort and usability throughout all seasons.
Roll-up bamboo blinds are the perfect solution to face off the hot sun during peak summer. Pieces like this will help you cool down the patio, ensuring you have plenty of shade available during the day.
7. Outdoor Blinds with Adjustable Louvers
Another good idea when it comes to blinds is choosing options that have adjustable louvers. These pieces can easily be installed in your DIY-enclosed patio and strike a great balance between natural light and convenience.
I have adjustable blinds in all my windows and they are an absolute lifesaver in protecting from summer heat during peak hours, as well, as regulating the brightness of the space and setting a bit of an ambiance.
8. Greenhouse-style patio with Glass Panels
If you are looking for an enclosed patio but are afraid of giving up on the beauty of the outdoors, look no further than a greenhouse-style design. Make sure to include in your DIY enclosed patio ideas a glass ceiling panel or large window. this design will not only flood your patio with stunning natural light but also give you a direct view of the changing nature throughout the seasons.
Such a dream!
9. Plastic Panels with Vines for a Modern Look
Plastic panels are a great way to quickly enclose your patio on a budget. However, they do not need to look cheap. Make sure to cover them with vines or flower garlands to create a more modern and curated look. The goal is to create a more aesthetically pleasing space where you can, for example, enjoy your morning coffee or cozy up with a book like you would do in your living room!
10. Corrugated Metal Panels
If you love an industrial look, corrugated metal panels are a must-have for your DIY enclosed patio ideas! They are incredibly easy to set up and can even be used to cover any existing fence you may have and no longer like.
One thing to remember: these do tend to heat up in direct sunlight, so make sure to account for that in your design with curtains or an additional patio umbrella for shade.
11. PVC Pipe Frame with Outdoor Curtains
Curtains are a versatile solution to upgrade any patio enclosure, even the most basic ones. All you need is a simple PVC frame and a set of flowy, light-colored outdoor curtains to create a dreamy private patio.
This setup will also be more airy than a fully screened porch, making it a better choice if you’re not ready to commit to a completely closed-off space.
12. Rope Lights & String Lights For Functional Lighting
A great way to turn a basic patio into a real outdoor living space that you’ll love is through decor. As the basic principles of design teach us, setting up the perfect ambiance starts with good lighting. Consider including rope lights and string lights in your DIY enclosed patio ideas for a space that is both functional and beautiful.
Personally, I always like to choose lighting options that are color-changing, battery-operated, and controlled remotely. They are perfect for switching up your space when you’re entertaining and require less maintenance than an outdoor electric system.
13. Reclaimed Wood Privacy Screen with Pressure-Treated Lumber
When it comes to privacy screens, I am a big fan of wooden ones. They add a classic, warm touch to the space and are one of the more aesthetic options when it comes to guaranteeing full privacy. Consider adding wooden panels to your enclosed patio for an organic, modern feel that blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
14. Vertical Greenery Walls for A Secret Garden
One of my favorite DIY enclosed patio ideas is greenery walls. Whether you achieve this with potted trees, artificial vines, or hanging plants, this is a very impactful design that will guarantee privacy without sacrificing direct access to nature.
This idea will work especially well if you live in a warm area, where plants can act as outdoor cooling systems for your patio, combining practicality and beautiful, cohesive design. Who doesn’t love a win-win solution?
15. Roll-Up Fabric Screens for an Easy Screened-In Porch
If you are exploring the idea of an enclosed patio but are either not ready to commit to a renovation or can’t decide if it will work for your lifestyle, consider roll-up fabric screens. They are available in plenty of materials and are easy to install, making it easy for you to find the perfect match in terms of privacy and maintenance needs.
16. Shade Sail or Oversized Umbrella For Guaranteed Shadow
One of the great advantages of an enclosed porch is the lack of direct sunlight. If this is something you are currently struggling with but don’t feel ready to fully close off your space, consider investing in a shade sail or an oversized patio umbrella.
These pieces can be added to your existing porch with minimum effort, turning it into the perfect place to lounge in the shade even in the warmer summer days.
17. Divider Panels For a Budget-Friendly Solution
Divider panels, no matter the style or material, are among the best solutions for an enclosed patio on a budget. They provide the perfect balance of cover and ease of installment, making them a no-brainer if all you need from your DIY enclosed patio ideas is added privacy.
White wooden dividers, for instance, have an incredibly chic coastal look that can be perfect for your patio in spring and summer!
18. Accordion Glass Doors for Discrete Rain Protection
Folding glass windows tend to be on the higher end of difficulty and cost when it comes to DIY patio area ideas but for a good reason. They look incredibly upscale and can be a decor investment that truly lasts through the year as your taste in decor evolves. If you are looking for the ultimate high-end look this is a great option for your home.
19. Reclaimed Window Walls for a Sustainable Glass Enclosure
For a truly DIY and unique addition to your patio ideas, look into a reclaimed window wall. This is a great way to make your covered patio upgrade a sustainable project and to keep things affordable.
YouTube or DIY blog tutorials (like this one) will be the best place to look for tutorials if you decide to go the full DIY way, or you could work with a local artisan if the idea feels too intimidating.
20. Retractable Insect Screens
If, like me, you come from an area where mosquito bites are a staple of your outdoor time, retractable insect screens will make for a great addition to your enclosed patio. You can use them as the main walls for your patio, helping you maintain a more airy feel for the space, or install them as a second layer in your screened-in patio.
They can easily be put up on a weekend and will save you a lot of headaches down the line!
21. Tarp and String Lights for a Cozy Ambiance
The perfect way to upgrade your enclosed patio is to add some decor for a beautiful and cozy ambiance.
When it comes to patio decorations, a popular choice is a nice area rug. They are easy to source online and come in a variety of materials, colors, sizes, and textures. If you are feeling extra fancy, you can also choose to add a few sets of string lights across your ceiling. The result will look so dreamy!
22. DIY Wooden Gazebo with Drapes
A DIY wooden gazebo can be a relatively easy structure to build, making it a beginner and cost-friendly option for DIY enclosed patio ideas.
In setting up these semi-enclosed spaces, it’s important to use decor to take the more basic structure to the next level. In this case, flowy drapes will be your best friends for turning your gazebo outdoor area into a private haven with a luxurious, airy feel.
23. Foldable Wood Panels for a Quick Screen Room
Hinged wooden panels are another staple of enclosed porch ideas as they provide a modern, sleek look that can immediately elevate your design. You can opt for a full enclosure to guarantee the maximum level of privacy, or simply invest in a few of them to create a half-open design.
24. Clear Vinyl Curtains for a Glass-Enclosed Patio
If you love the look of a glass patio enclosure but do not have the budget for it, consider using some clear vinyl curtains in your DIY enclosed patio ideas. Not only these pieces are extremely affordable, but they are also very resistant to harsh weather conditions and easy to clean.
They make for the perfect low-maintenance addition to your patio area, letting the natural light flow through and leaving your outdoor views unobstructed.
25. Frosted Glass Privacy Walls for a Modern Look
If you want your enclosed patio to be the perfect spot to hide away from the world, privacy-friendly materials should be a focal point of your design. For instance, frosted glass can help you find a good compromise between the traditional look of a greenhouse-style enclosed patio and the coverage you need.
Make sure to spend a little bit of time doing research. For frosted glass, for example, there are plenty of techniques and textures you can choose from. Spend some time thinking about where your design is heading before investing in any of these pieces!
26. Oversized Patio Umbrella For Space Separation
An enclosed patio has the great advantage of clearly separating your living area from the remaining outdoors. If this is the main objective you are trying to achieve, consider using outdoor furniture like an oversized patio umbrella. Such pieces can help you visually separate a section of your space from the larger area, giving you the impression of an enclosed space for a fraction of the budget!
Make it a top priority to establish which functional zones need to be created out of the patio area to choose the perfect size for your umbrella or dividers.
27. Wooden Slats for a Traditional Wall Enclosure
Wooden slats are staples of outdoor dancing, making them a traditional choice for an enclosed. They are the best way to enclose your area without investing a huge budget. Their neutral tones and classic look also let your patio furniture and decor take center stage in driving the design of the room. Simple but effective – I love it!
28. DIY Wire Trellis and a Knee Wall
If you are talented with plants, your enclosed patio is the right place to show off your skills! Invest in a few basic planters and use gardening wire to create your trellis depending on what greenery you plan on growing and displaying. You can even pair them with flowy curtains for the ultimate luscious design!
To Conclude
This post showed you 28 genius DIY enclosed patio ideas!
The design process of enclosed patio designs can be challenging as it needs to combine the practicality of a transitional space with the decor of a year-round room. No matter the type of patio you are designing, remember to get creative with your solutions without forgetting the importance of finishing details like curtains, lighting, and greenery!
