A small pergola can transform your backyard into a cozy, inviting retreat. Adding the right enclosure can take it to the next level. Whether you’re looking for extra privacy, shade, or just a stylish touch, there are several DIY enclosure options to choose from. Each type of enclosure brings its own unique look and functionality, so it’s important to find one that fits your space and needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore four popular enclosure types: attached latticework, hung lattice panels, laser-cut pattern panels, and canvas screens. Let’s see some examples …
In this small and simple pergola design, the enclosures consist of wooden lattice panels on two sides, adding a sense of structure while maintaining an open and airy feel. The diamond lattice pattern provides a touch of decorative appeal, allowing climbing plants to weave through if desired, further enhancing the natural aesthetic. These panels also offer a subtle level of privacy without closing off the space entirely.
This pergola is also a small design, but a bit wider than the previous one, giving it a more open feel. The enclosure features large diamond-shaped lattice panels, which keep the structure light and airy. The bigger openings let in plenty of sunlight and fresh air while still creating a cozy, semi-private space. The latticework adds just the right amount of charm without making the pergola feel closed off. It’s a great choice if you want some definition in your outdoor space while keeping that breezy, natural vibe.
This small pergola has a more unique look, thanks to its asymmetrical lattice panel design. Instead of everything being perfectly even, the enclosure uses panels of different widths, which gives it a more custom and organic feel.
On one side, there are two wide lattice panels, creating a semi-private enclosure. The adjacent side is more open, with just one narrow panel tucked between the posts, letting in more light and air. Around the back, the pattern continues with a mix of wide and narrow panels, adding some variety and breaking up the uniformity.
The diamond-patterned lattice keeps things feeling airy while still offering a bit of shade and privacy. It’s the kind of design that feels intentional but not overly structured—just right for a relaxed backyard escape.
This pergola is all about sleek, modern style with a touch of artistic flair. The enclosure panels are laser-cut wood, featuring an intricate geometric pattern that makes the whole structure feel both airy and private at the same time. The same panels are also on the ceiling, creating beautiful shadows underneath, which adds to the cozy, inviting vibe.
I love this pergola design! It’s simple but very cozy. Thanks to diamond cell lattice panels installed on the corners. This enclosed design combines both functionality and elegance.
The top of the pergola is designed as a wooden slatted roof, providing light shade while still letting in the sunlight. This would be a relatively easy DIY project to build.
This DIY pergola has a bold, modern design with a strong, rectangular frame that gives it a clean and structured look. The real standout feature here is the laser-cut wooden enclosures, which wrap around three sides, creating a beautifully detailed, semi-private space.
The largest enclosure panel stretches across the back, forming a striking geometric screen that filters sunlight and adds an artistic touch to the space. The side panels have the same pattern and provide just enough coverage to create a cozy, enclosed feel. The ceiling also features the same intricate cutouts, allowing light to spill through and cast ever-changing patterns on the floor below.
The above pergola photo shows only partial enclosure panels but with a similar laser-cut pattern.
Here’s a more intricate laser-cut pattern that also extends to the roof of the pergola creating cool shades on the floor. The overall look is mid-century modern.
This pergola has a sleek, modern design that doesn’t feel boxed in. However, the absence of support in one corner makes me question the overall strength of the design. I would make the two side walls a bit wider to increase the overall rigidity of the structure.
What really makes this enclosure design pop are the intricate laser-cut wood panels. It’s like sitting in a work of art, where the shadows dance around as the sun moves.
Here’s a more enclosed pergola design that uses the same laser-cut panels for the sides and the roof.
Here’s one more rectangular pergola design with one corner support post absent, which creates a more open feel. The intricate enclosure panels look beautiful, and they are wide enough to ensure a sturdy construction.
This pergola has a sleek, modern design with intricate laser-cut side panels that create a semi-enclosed feel. There’s no back wall at all, leaving the space open to the stunning lake view. The two side panels don’t extend all the way to the ceiling, giving the structure a unique look. The same intricate pattern is carried over to the pergola’s roof. This setup balances privacy and openness, making it a perfect place to relax while still feeling connected to the surrounding landscape.
Here’s a very cool and elegant pergola design idea. The standout feature here is the intricate laser-cut side panels, filled with swirling, floral-inspired patterns that give it a soft, decorative touch.
The unique feature of this pergola is the back enclosure, which is made from a black-painted lattice with a tiny square cell pattern. This gives plenty of privacy, while also adding a modern contrast to the warm wood tones. The enclosure is only on one side, and it’s hung from the roof and is also stretched between the posts.
In this pergola, the enclosures are made from black lattice panels with a tiny square cell pattern.
Instead of fully enclosed walls, this pergola features two hung from the ceiling shade sails. These sails act more like suspended privacy screens rather than fixed enclosures, offering just enough shade and separation without making the space feel closed in.
