During the warm months, when the weather’s just perfect, we have no trouble organising outside events and alfresco dinners. But once winter sets in, we tend to forget we have an outside area at all.
Unless you reside in an area with an exceptionally cold climate, you should be able to enjoy your outdoor space on colder days as well. With a bit of creativity and some seasonal adjustments, you can make the most of your backyard year-round. Here are some tips for keeping your outside area cosy and functional during the winter.
Place a Fire Pit for Extra Warmth
One surefire strategy to ensure that you use your backyard after the temperature drops is to add heat to the space. Featuring a more classic look and feel than patio heaters, outdoor fire pits provide unrivalled comfort and nostalgic value. Not to mention, they’re ideal for roasting marshmallows.
You’ll find outdoor fire pits available in a range of materials, including cast iron, steel, brick, copper and natural stone. Each material has its pros and cons, so before you make your choice, make sure to consider the durability, aesthetics, appearance and maintenance requirements of each option.
Fire pits also come in a variety of sizes. Larger models are preferable for big parties, while smaller fire pits are better for small gatherings or smaller outside spaces. Consider how you plan to use the area and how many people you’ll need to accommodate.
As for fuel, wood, natural gas, gel and propane are the options. Natural wood is the most popular fuel for fire pits. Over 80% of fire pits for the outdoors use wood, and it’s easy to understand why. The classic crackling sound, campfire aroma, and active flame movement provide an amazing natural ambience. Wood fire pits are also easier to deal with and typically less expensive than gas and gel pits.
With wood fire pits, though, it’s important to use only dried, seasoned firewood or charcoal. Do not use treated or painted wood because it can emit toxic chemicals when burned. Also, make sure your fire pit is placed in a safe spot, away from flammable materials like plants, trees, and buildings. Some fire pits offer optional features such as built-in storage, cooking grates, rotisserie and even pizza ovens.
Whether you like a rustic, natural look or a sleek, modern design, there are numerous ways to tailor your fire pit area to your unique preferences. Adding seats, lighting, and planting can help improve the overall appearance and feel of your outdoor living area. Whether you choose a gas or wood-burning fire feature, you will create a focal point that any family member or guest will enjoy being around.
Get a Throw Blanket to Snuggle Up
Even with a fire pit around, you and your guests may still be exposed to cold gusts of wind. To ensure you all stay protected from the cold, make sure to keep some throw blankets at hand.
A throw blanket is perfect for staying cosy on cool evenings. In addition to providing extra warmth, it also allows to add style and colour to outdoor spaces. That said, when choosing a throw blanket for your outdoor area, warmth isn’t the only thing you’ll have to consider. Look for a blanket that allows you to express your style and adds a personal touch to your outdoor living space.
With such a diverse selection of throws on the market, you’re sure to find one that fits your style. From relaxing solids to eye-catching patterns, throws come in a wide range of hues to suit any mood or theme. To add a dash of fun to your cosy ensemble, choose a throw with fringe.
Invest in a Comfortable Outdoor Sofa for Lounging
An outdoor sofa is far more comfortable than chairs and a table. In addition to being more comfortable, an outdoor sofa is also more stylish, so it helps improve the look of your outdoor space as well. A wicker sectional with comfortable cushions offers the perfect setting for afternoon leisure.
A wicker furniture set constructed of ocean-bound plastic and an aluminium frame is one of the best you can get because it is mould-resistant and rustproof. This means you won’t have to worry about it deteriorating even if it’s left outside in damp weather. Furthermore, this outdoor furniture takes little to no maintenance to keep it looking new.
Wicker outdoor furniture’s durability and sturdiness contradict its lightweight nature. Even larger pieces of wicker furniture can be moved around with ease. This allows you to adjust the settings of your outdoor living environment whenever you want.
String Lights to Set the Mood
Another unpleasant aspect of winter is how early the sun sets – on some days, the sky is almost completely black by midafternoon! Installing light fixtures in your outside space will help solve the darkness of winter afternoons. String lights and lanterns can help cut through the darkness and give a mood-enhancing glow. You could wrap them around bar branches, let them flow over fences, or create a canopy of light above your head, with each bulb serving as a small beacon of warmth on a cold winter night.
To elevate the mood even more, add lanterns to the mix. Place them along paths, hang them from branches, or arrange them around your seating area. With designs ranging from rustic metal to futuristic LEDs, lanterns represent a miniature fireplace, emitting a soothing, flickering glow.
It’s more than just lighting; it’s about creating an environment that envelops you in a lovely, warm hug against the winter chill.
Add a Rug to Make It Cosy
Ideal for all seasons, outdoor rugs are particularly beneficial for the winter months. In addition to providing comfort beneath your feet, outdoor rugs also offer extra warmth for chilly days.
Outdoor rugs are made from robust synthetic fibres that can endure the elements, making them a perfect addition to your winter patio. Place a large rug beneath your sofa set, or layer one small rug on top of a larger one for improved cushioning.
