Have a patio that you don’t like spending time on? Need to do something about your outdoor space so that you’re actively getting pleasure out of it? The good news is that there are so many ways that you can transform your patio, sunroom, balcony, or other outdoor space so that it is cozy this fall – and even through winter. With great new heaters, excellent weatherproofed furniture options, and some great design ideas, you can truly make your patio or outdoor living space into something you’ll want to use again and again throughout the year.
1. Add Décor to the Walls
What many people don’t consider when decorating their patios or balconies is how they can use the walls. You can even add a wall to block wind or enclose the space as you see on a wraparound porch. Walls can frame your patio or outdoor living space and can be great design opportunities. Don’t think you need a full wall, either. A half-wall can help the space feel cozy while adding design and function. Add shelves and place pots and other pieces of outdoor-friendly décor to draw the eye upward. You can even install a mirror or other piece of artwork, so long as it’s made of water-resistant materials.
2. Add Ambient Lighting
Add low lights like string lights or wall lights to add a soft, gentle glow that will make the space feel cozy, even when evenings start to draw in sooner. If you aren’t sure what low or ambient lighting is, the difference is simple. Ambient lighting is lighting from the ground to your eye line. This means floor lamps and wall sconces are all considered low light. High or overhead light is light from above. The reason you’ll want to add low lights instead of high lights is that they’re cozier and draw the eye down and through.
When adding lighting, don’t stop at your patio. Extend the lights through your garden so you can enjoy beautiful views of your space at all times of the day.
3. Add Heating
If you want to extend how long you can comfortably hang outside on your new patio, you need to add heating. Heating is a great way to extend patio season, and there are many different ways that you can approach it. For those on a budget, never underestimate how nice and cozy a firepit can be. For those looking for an easier, more eco-friendly option that can be used throughout the year and doesn’t produce smoke, opt for a heatscopeheaters.com electric radiant heater. These are just what you need to warm a space up, and as they only produce infrared light, you’ll enjoy a nice cozy warmth without the damage of UV or smoke.
4. Keep Bugs Out
Bugs can be very irritating, but there are, thankfully, many solutions to help. If you’re on a budget, simply get net curtains that you can hang from the roof or awning. These will make the space look very cozy, but they will obstruct the view of your garden. If your outdoor space is small, then this won’t be a problem.
You can also get citronella torches that emit a cloud of smoke that detracts bugs, though these can be less reliable. Another great idea is to place bug-repelling plants around and throughout your patio space.
Most importantly, however, aim to keep your patio space clean. You don’t want rotting leaves or standing water in your patio or garden at all, as these become a breeding ground for bugs and mosquitoes.
5. Invest in Your Textiles
While the bulk of your furniture should be very sturdy and weatherproof, that isn’t true for the textile elements. Invest in comfortable cushions, pillows, and blankets as these will make a massive difference to your space. You’ll also want to have a storage space that is completely sealed against the elements where you can easily store the furniture when you aren’t using it.
Another textile to consider if you’re patio space is at least partially covered is an outdoor rug. These are special rugs that won’t rot if they get wet. Like all rugs, they’re a great choice to pull the space together and make it cozy.
