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CartHere’s How to Keep Your Outdoor Spaces Warm
The approach of cooler weather doesn’t mean you have to close up your deck or patio. An outdoor heater or fire pit can produce plenty of warmth. But heating your space is only one part of the solution: you also need to keep that heat inside your space once it’s generated. From lights and furniture to pergolas and privacy screens, there’s plenty of ways to stay cozy outside even while the temperature drops.
Add a Deck Privacy Screen
Placing a deck privacy screen around your patio is the perfect way to make outdoor gatherings more comfortable in cooler weather. These screens not only offer shade and privacy but also help block the wind from crashing your backyard gathering. A privacy screen can be installed on one or two sides of your deck or patio to block gusty breezes, or around the entire perimeter for full coverage. Look for high-quality windscreens made of heavy-duty materials with resistance to water and UV Rays.
Add a Privacy Fence
A privacy fence can help keep blustery winds and blowing snow from disrupting outdoor gatherings. It can be installed on one or more sides of your yard for optimal coverage, depending on the layout and prevailing winds in your area. You can also plant a wall of hedges and shrubs to form a windbreak, or install artificial hedge walls for an extra layer of protection.
Add a Pergola or Trellis
A pergola, trellis or other patio cover can help you enjoy outdoor living all year long. In addition to providing shelter, they can also help to insulate your space. Trellis and pergolas have other unique benefits too. You can:
Attach outdoor lighting to the frame to create a more ambient atmosphere
Mount infrared outdoor heaters to the ceiling or corners
Hang outdoor curtains to block rain and wind
Grow cold temperature resistant ivy to beautify your space and provide additional coverage
Optimize Your Patio Heater Placement
A patio heater is a simple yet effective solution to help keep you and your guests warm in all kinds of weather. Most outdoor patio heaters have wheels, so you can easily move them around to match the prevailing winds and location of your guests. You can arrange one or two full-sized patio heaters at the edge of seating areas to radiate heat inward, or add a tabletop propane heater to radiate heat outward.
Important safety tip! When using propane patio heaters under covered patios, you must ensure proper ventilation, and keep umbrellas and outdoor furniture a safe distance away.
Use Electric Fan Heaters
If you’re planning an alfresco celebration in autumn, electric fan heaters can add a little heat to your outdoor gatherings. While electric fan heaters won’t adequately heat patios on their own, they do provide a nice supplement to your primary heat sources. Place them around the perimeter of your patio to blow heat inward, and choose a water-resistant model for outdoor usage.
Add Outdoor Lighting
The right outdoor lighting helps to create a cozy, intimate environment. Here’s some ideas to consider:
Landscape lighting will add a warm glow to your yard while also illuminating pathways for safer walking
Hanging lanterns can add rustic charm and help light up specific areas
Candles bring a cozy feel and are easily moved around to wherever they’re needed
Fire bowls and tiki torches can add a tropical cabana feel to your patio and let guests enjoy evening celebrations long after the sun sets
String lights and fairy lights can be hung around your deck or patio to warm up the entire space
Consider Wind-Blocking Furniture
Picking the perfect patio furniture can make all the difference in making your space cozy and comfortable throughout the seasons. Chunky, high-back outdoor sectional sofas covered in pillows provide a warm and welcome retreat from wind and cold. Look for solid heavy metal, wrought iron, teak or wood furniture that can withstand strong winds better than lighter acrylic or wicker sets. Opt for tightly woven materials and textiles that block the wind, and cushions that can be attached to furniture or brought inside during high winds.
Use Outdoor Carpets & Cushions
Outdoor decor accents and patio accessories can also cozy up your deck or patio. Here’s some ideas to consider:
Outdoor cushions can add warm colours to a cool space
Outdoor carpets add texture and provide a soft layer of comfort between guests and a cold stone patio
Throw blankets can be placed on couches and chairs for easy accessibility
Electric blankets that can be kept ready for use if needed
Gather Round the Hearth
Consider adding a fire pit table or tabletop fire pit to your outdoor space. The open flame will help warm everyone’s toes and spirits. You can also find portable fire pits which can be placed in a sheltered nook in your backyard to help block out wind and cold. Be sure to arrange the seating close to your fire pit to help keep the chill off.
Build an Outdoor Fireplace
A concrete outdoor fireplace features an enclosed firebox, which generates more heat than a portable model. For cold weather usage you’ll want to sink your custom hearth lower in your yard to help block wind and cold. You can also include a pizza oven to enjoy dinner alongside a crackling fire.
There are plenty of simple and affordable ways to make outdoor living cozy and comfortable during the colder months. From wind-blocking furniture to feet-warming firepits, knowing how to keep the heat in your outdoor living spaces will help make them comfortable and enjoyable for you and your guests all year long.
