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12 Ways to Warm Up Your Patio
Extend your patio season with cozy fabrics, texture, candles, fireplace and more
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
If there’s one tough thing to say goodbye to at the end of summer, it’s outdoor entertaining on the patio. However, with certain additions, there’s hope for extending your patio use into late fall. Some require a larger investment such as a roof or heat lamps, others a kinder on the pocket, like candles. Or, if you live in a warmer climate, a few design tricks for “warming up” your patio for the season have also been included in the following ideabook. Here’s to functioning patios regardless of chilly weather!
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| Add a rooftop. Whether you choose a permanent, year-round construction or a seasonal canopy, a roof over the patio will help to contain heat in the cooler months. If possible, wire it with lighting to prepare it for fall’s earlier setting sun. |
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| If you do add a roof, circle it with curtains. You can easily block a breeze when it becomes too chilly, plus, aesthetically, their addition will give your covered patio a tropical cabana feel. |
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Build a fireplace. This one is fairly obvious, and will change the way you experience your patio.
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| If a fireplace is too large an investment, or your patio simply does not have space, light each seating area separately with small, portable candles. You’ll benefit from similar warm lighting without shelling out big bucks. |
| With all the cool gadgets these days, you can even create a small firepit directly on your patio table. Just be careful when reaching for the salt! |
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| Heat lamps can warm a considerable area, helping your whole patio stay cozy despite dipping temperatures. |
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| If standing heat lamps seem to large and daunting, consider a more discrete version, like this heater installed in the ceiling. |
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| Though you’d never know from simply looking at the photo, these wooden floors are heated. Heated floors can do wonders for a patio, keeping your toes and space extra snug. |
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| If you’re one of the lucky ones who lives in a warmer climate, you may not need to worry much about chilly temperatures invading your patio. However, you may want to visually warm up your space for the winter season. Peppering your patio furniture with blankets and pillows will help it appear extra cozy. |
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| In dryer climates, consider adding a rug beneath your furniture, especially for stone floors, which can be cooler. The rug will more comfortable on bare feet and ground the look as a whole. |
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Warm up your furniture with upholstered cushions. Blogger Cococozy, who designed this patio, upholstered the cushions in heavy-handed linen backed with Sunbrella to withstand the rain and snow of cooler months (she actually leaves her cushions outside all season long).
Tip: Cococozy suggests propping outdoor pillows on their sides when not in use: If it rains or snows, the water will drain out instead of build up inside the pillow.
Tip: Cococozy suggests propping outdoor pillows on their sides when not in use: If it rains or snows, the water will drain out instead of build up inside the pillow.
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| Texture adds visual warmth. I love the clever use of tall grasses in front of this cement wall. |
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| Add texture through tablescapes and mantle decorations. Even the look of rattan furniture helps to warm up the space. |
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by Busybee Design
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| This patio has it all going on: comfy cushions, a cozy rug, throw pillows galore and loads of warm texture. |
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| Of course, the ultimate addition to a “fall” patio? A hot tub. The perfect spot to relax, star gaze and enjoy a cool, winter evening. More: Browse ideas for outdoor fireplaces |
Comments
Studio Concept - Landscape Architects Great collection..!
19 months ago · Like
Possidento Lightscapes LLC Low voltage landscape lighting is also a great way to add ambience and increase your enjoyment of your outdoor space as the days get shorter!
19 months ago · Like
zig7 Great ideabook! Can I save the whole she-bang?!!
19 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Oct. 26, 2011.
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