Despite the frigid air and cold temperatures, outdoor living spaces in winter can be as cozy and fun as any summertime afternoon on the patio. We’ve put together a range of ways to heat your outdoor space, with tips for ensuring it’s just as stylish as your home. Create your own winter wonderland with these go-to ideas for outdoor living!
Heat It Up
Wondering how to make an outdoor space usable in the winter? Check out our recommendations for outdoor living products and ideas you need to get warm and stay warm on your patio.
Fire Pits
There are a variety of fire pits you can utilize on your patio, including those dug into the ground, metal fire pits, and table fire pits. If you don’t have a built-in fire pit, consider the latter two—they’re great options when it comes to style and function!
Metal fire pits are elevated for better warmth distribution and create a homey vibe. Table fire pits are often sleek and modern—and often come with a ledge to rest cups on.
🔥 Hot tip: Make sure you store your firewood somewhere dry, and that you have a back-up supply for those extra-chilly weeks! Consider getting a log storage structure to keep logs off the ground and out of the way.
Hot Tubs
This steamy solution to cold weather is the perfect way to unwind after a long day—and it’s not nearly as expensive as you might think. You can order inflatable hot tubs online for a fraction of the price of having one professionally installed, and reap the same benefits!
Make sure there’s a fluffy robe or two and plenty of towels available for the sprint back inside.
Free-Standing Heaters
Free-standing heaters are an excellent way to warm up your outdoor space for winter, and they’re easy to find at most big-box hardware stores. Using one or two will help create a bubble of heat around your patio to stave off chilly winds.
🔥 Hot tip: Most heaters are propane-fueled, so it’s important to have a full tank or two on hand.
Outdoor Fireplaces
This option is more expensive and takes more time than some others on our list, but it’s sure to keep you cozy even in low temps. It can also add value to your property, making it a great return on investment for your winter outdoor space!
Enclosures
There are nearly endless options for taking advantage of a covered patio year-round, but having an outdoor covered space in your backyard for winter is a dream come true. If your patio already has an external structure, creating an enclosure can be as easy as hanging insulated curtains or clear vinyl sheets.
If you’re working with a patio with no external structure, consider buying a bubble tent or a canopy for extra coverage.
You can also:
- Plant thick shrubbery around your patio
- Add a pergola for protection
- Use a sturdy, oversized hanging umbrella to shield you from the elements (just be sure to put it down on windy days).
For even more info, check out our article on winter patio ideas.
Add Your Style
Explore these design tips to help make your winter outdoor living space stylish and inviting.
Incorporate Greenery
Bring nature into the space with ornamental plants like pampas grass for eye-catching texture. If your patio is enclosed, you could even create a living plant wall.
Be Strategic About Furniture
When it comes to outdoor seating, look for durability first—no wicker, please! Choose seating that can stand up to the elements, like aluminum chairs or plastic benches. Once you’ve selected solid furniture, look for vibrant, colorful cushions to tie the space together.
Showcase Color
Outdoor rugs can add a pop to your décor. Layer two hues or prints for a stylish dimensional look (but keep them away from fire pits!). If you have a concrete patio, it only takes some painter's tape and your favorite color to create an entirely new look!
Turn Up the Lighting
Don’t let the charm of your patio fade in the night! Twinkle lights scattered throughout the patio or around shrubbery add a magical feel. String lights with glass bulbs (you often see these at restaurants) can be draped across patio structures to create a welcoming, modern vibe.
How To Use Your Outdoor Space in Winter
Now that your outdoor living space is properly prepped, you can look forward to a winter full of fun. Try out our ideas below!
S’mores Night
The only thing better than chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Marshmallows! Make a new tradition with s’mores night on your patio, and create fond memories in your newly warm space.
Hot Chocolate Bar
Make the best of this wintertime favorite with a tasty hot chocolate bar, set with toppings, mix-ins, candy cane stirrers and, of course, whipped cream. Everyone can craft their own delicious drink to sip on for game night or a catch-up session.
Pizza Night
Outdoor pizza ovens are growing in popularity as they improve in quality and accessibility. Pulling a fresh pie out of the oven is always a crowd-pleaser! Choose from gas-powered options or a wood-fired brick oven.
Movie Night
Hang a projector screen behind the fire pit and get a film rolling! Pop some fresh popcorn over the fire and prepare for a night of snuggling and cinema.
