A beautifully decorated patio can be an integral extension of your home. During the warmer months, your patio is the focal point of your entertainment. Backyard barbecues and time spent with friends and family make for some great memories. But what about when the weather turns colder? Are you relegated to be stuck indoors until the snow melts? Not necessarily. It might take some innovation and elbow grease, but you can easily turn your patio into an all-seasons, outdoor refuge. Check out these 6 tips below to make your patio a winter destination.

1. Heat Source

When the temperatures dip to around freezing and there’s snow in the forecast, having a source of heat is the number one priority for making your patio comfortable. A fireplace or a fire pit as the central focal point of your patio space is the easiest way to make your space cozy. It will radiate heat out into the space and provide a place for your family and friends to congregate. You can also utilize electric heaters. Spread them throughout the space alongside or instead of fire for an evenly heated area. 

2. Walls or Foliage

It can get awfully windy in fall and winter. Nothing makes it harder to enjoy your outdoor space than harsh winds blowing your things around and dispersing your heat. Add some windbreaks to your space in the form of walls or foliage to insulate it from the elements. You can build walls to create an enclosed patio or erect clear barriers for an unobstructed view of your backyard. Planting trees or bushes instead can add a landscaping touch. Coniferous or evergreen trees stay green year-round, and are easy to take care of and trim to fit your space. 

3. Roof

Unless you want to be sitting in snow, covering your patio space with a roof is a must. Depending on your budget and style, there are many different options for roofing. You can build a detached pergola-style structure and cover it with weatherproof fabric, or go fancy with an insulated roof complete with a ceiling fan to blow hot air downwards. Whatever you choose, make sure the roof is sturdy enough to withstand snow and ice. 

4. Sturdy Decór

When it comes to decorating your outdoor space, you’ll need furniture that withstands the elements. Investing in furniture that has sturdy design will keep your space looking nice for years to come. Wood or metal frames hold up the best in rain or snow. Any upholstery should be out of weatherproof fabric, such as Sunbrella, to avoid getting damaged by bad weather. You could also look into heated furniture for an extra boost, depending on your budget. 

5. Warm Accents

Now that you have the basics of your winter outdoor space, it’s time to flesh it out with some personality. Decorate your furniture with accent pillows in weatherproof covers to make your space inviting. Using warm color schemes, such as reds or oranges, can also add brightness and warmth. Utilize thick, sturdy curtains for added wind protection and to make the space more homey. Cozy throw blankets will provide extra warmth on particularly chilly days. Look for wool or sherpa-lined blankets as these are warmer. Any fabrics that aren’t able to withstand the elements should be taken inside or stored when not in use. You can purchase a deck box or decorative table with a secret compartment to store your outdoor accents right where you need them.

6. Lighting

There are less hours of daylight during winter, so you’ll need to make sure your outdoor space is adequately lit to make the most of it. A little goes a long way, so a few lanterns or lamps spread throughout the space will provide an even glow. There are also heat lamps you can purchase for added warmth for your space. Candles placed on end tables and throughout your seating area can also give your space a romantic glow. Stringing up twinkle lights or even Christmas lights along the top of your covered space can give the entire patio a whimsical feel and cheer up even the most dreary days. 

7. Plants

Just because the temperatures dip to freezing and below doesn’t mean that you still can’t enjoy nature on your patio. There’s a wide variety of plants that thrive in cold conditions and even bloom during the winter months, so you can add a pop of color to your patio with very little effort. Winter Heath, Cornelian Cherry and Snow Drops will even survive through the ice and snow, so plant some in late summer or early fall to add that special final touch to your outdoor space come winter.  

8. Food & Drink

Backyard barbecues aren’t just for the summer months. What better way to enjoy your space than with a delicious grilled meal? With a little bit of prep to keep your grill space usable, you can update your menu to include heartier dishes and station a heat lamp near the grill to keep you toasty while you cook. You can also break out the hot cocoa or hot apple cider to keep your guests toasty and hydrated. You could even try some winter-themed cocktails if you want to keep the party going all night long.

9. Fun & Entertainment

With your space decked out for maximum winter fun, you’ll need to add entertainment options. An inflatable projection screen with a mobile projector makes for a weatherproof, impromptu movie night. And what winter space would be complete without a hot tub to end the day with a nice soak? They can be pricey, but with the right maintenance, you can fight the winter chill and relax in your very own private winter getaway.  

There’s still a lot of time until spring, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to use your outdoor space! If you’re thinking of renovating your patio space into an all-seasons getaway, contact us to speak with our experts. We can discuss your vision and help you make it a reality! 

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