25 Enclosed Patio Ideas to Make Your Outdoor Space Cozy

Oct 31, 2023

Fantastic Frank

An enclosed patio is a versatile outdoor space that provides fresh air, but with enough cover and privacy to keep it protected from the elements and the gaze of nosy neighbors.

An enclosed or semi-enclosed patio space can include anything from an attached patio with walls on three sides; a pergola installed on an open patio with privacy screens on three sides; a greenhouse, pop-up canopy, or gazebo on top of a patio; or a screened-in patio.

Here are some ideas for enclosed patios that range from built-ins to add-ons so that you can create a sheltered private space that will optimize your backyard.

Design by Calimia Home / Photo by Jeanne Canto

This 1920s Spanish-style house in West Palm Beach, FL, from Calimia Home includes a built-in semi-enclosed patio off the back of the house that with a dining and lounge space that are sheltered from the elements, with a terracotta roof and three arched openings that allow a view of the pool.

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

Crisp Architects gave this spacious patio a slightly enclosed feel by adding open fencing around the perimeter that defines the space from the rest of the backyard.

Fantastic Frank

An easy and affordable way to create an enclosed patio is by hanging outdoor curtains that can be closed to block out sun or views or tied back for a more open feel, like this breezy patio from Fantastic Frank.

Fantastic Frank

A bamboo privacy screen is an easy and affordable way to give your patio a semi-enclosed feel. A tall wall of bamboo that separates this outdoor space from Fantastic Frank from the neighbors while complementing the rattan furniture.

Fantastic Frank

This enclosed central ground floor townhouse patio from Fantastic Frank is accessible from two sides, and protected by high walls that give it total privacy and access to the sun. A large framed mirror hung on the back wall reflects light and views to prevent it from feeling too closed in. And a tall living wall that stretches to the upper stories adds a lush green element.

My 100 Year Old Home

Curtains on one side and open latticework blanking the brick fireplace wall give this modern farmhouse patio from My 100 Year Old Home a semi-enclosed feel that adds privacy without fully blocking out the house next door.

Hotel Henriette

French interior designer Vanessa Scoffier embraced the enclosed feel of this courtyard patio at Paris' Hotel Henriette, embellishing its charming bones with vintage furniture, a tangle of vines, an arched leaning floor mirror to amplify the views, and whimsical lighting that adds atmosphere and makes you want to linger.

Design by Gaia Inspired / Photo by Jenny Siegwart

This patio from interior designer Kim Nadel of Gaia Inspired is enclosed on three sides and deep enough to house a large sectional and modular chaise longue. Thanks to a skylight and a row of identical frameless mirrors on the back wall that reflect light and views of the backyard, the space feels bright and airy rather than closed-in and dark.

Design by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

A laser-cut wood screen complements high wood fencing that gives this patio lounge space designed by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design a more private enclosed feel.

Fantastic Frank

This backyard patio from Fantastic Frank is enclosed on three sides and includes a lightweight roof structure to shelter it from the elements and block the neighbors from peering down into the space.

Craftberry Bush

Craftberry Bush gave this London backyard an enclosed feel by adding a gazebo on top of the patio that creates the contours for an outdoor living room.

Design by Joshua Smith Inc. / Photo by Lisa Romerin

This enclosed West Hollywood, CA, pool patio from Joshua Smith Inc. has high walls that are built into the landscape for an organic, protected feel that is enhanced by palm trees, vines, and plants. Decorative metal lanterns add ambient light and give the space a sense of history and authenticity.

Liz Marie Blog

This corner patio from blogger Liz Marie is enclosed by house walls on two sides, while an arched white lattice opening on the third side adds partial cover that makes the semi-enclosed patio feel cozier.

Design by Martha O'Hara Interiors / Photo by Andrea Calo

This enclosed Austin, TX, bungalow patio from Martha O'Hara Interiors is enclosed on three sides, but a sliver of a transom window on one side allows indirect natural light to stream through to prevent the space from feeling too dark.

Design by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

High walls give this patio designed by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design an enclosed feel that is enhanced by painting them in an earthy brown that adds warmth to the space.

Design by Architects Magnus / Photo by Jenny Siegwart

This courtyard patio off of the primary bedroom in this modern home from Architects Magnus mixes dark paint on the interior and exterior walls and pergola with white indoor outdoor paint and flooring to create a cohesive indoor-outdoor feel. The high walls around the periphery give the space a comforting enclosed feel.

A Beautiful Mess

A Beautiful Mess kept this large multipurpose semi-enclosed pool patio feeling light and airy with an all-white punctuated with green plants.

Design by Martha O’Hara Interiors / Photo by Spacecrafting

This semi-enclosed patio in West Fargo, ND, from Martha O’Hara Interiors has an outdoor fireplace and firewood storage that anchors one wall, and a roof with a wood-paneled ceiling featuring integrated lighting and heating that gives the outdoor space a sense of comfort while remaining fully open to the vast yard on one side.

Design by Forge & Bow Dwellings / Christa Tippmann Photography

A low curved brick wall around this patio from Forge & Bow Dwellings helps define the space from the front yard. A pergola above the fire pit lounge area adds another layer of enclosure while retaining an open feel.

Fantastic Frank

Fantastic Frank enhanced the enclosed feel of this Mediterranean patio by outfitting a corner of the courtyard with banquette seating that hugs the stone wall.

Michelle Boudreau Design

This detached Palm Springs patio from Michelle Boudreau Design includes a fire pit area that has a semi-enclosed feel thanks to high walls and semi-transparent gates that surround the perimeter.

A Beautiful Mess

A Beautiful Mess defined the lounge area of this semi-enclosed patio with an area rug that anchors the seating.

Blanco Bungalow

Blanco Bungalow enhanced the enclosed feel of this backyard patio by adding a layer of wood fencing on top of the brick wall. An outdoor umbrella, plants, furniture, and accessories were arranged around the seating area to define the space and create the illusion of extra walls to give it a cozy feel anchored by an area rug without adding anything structural.

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

A low stone wall gives this spacious outdoor patio from Crisp Architects a semi-enclosed feel.

S.U.S.A.P

S.U.S.A.P created an enclosed backyard patio using simple fencing that is high enough to block all but the roof of the neighboring house. A cozy seating area with vintage-style patio furniture is painted white and anchored by an outdoor rug.