Many homeowners live on their patios during the summer. They barbecue through long summer nights, sip lemonade under an overhang, and read during rainy afternoons. Unfortunately, this part of the house gets used only five or six months out of the year, for people head inside once cold weather arrives. Fortunately, with a few more items and a little planning, you can enjoy your patio year-round, especially during the winter months.
Choose Durable Outdoor Furniture
Do you pull your furniture inside from your patio once summer ends and keep the furniture in the garage or in storage? Not only is moving furniture a pain, but the moving and storing also means that you’re using your furniture only for part of the year.
Consider outdoor furniture that’s meant to weather the elements: Choose materials that won’t rust and seat cushions that won’t get moldy in or damaged by rain and snow. If your furniture will be outside year-round, consider finding heavier chairs and loveseats so that these pieces can withstand high winds.
Look for Fashionable Wind Blockers
Often, cold temperatures aren’t the problem; it’s the wind that causes problems. Brutal winds can chill people to the bone and send them running inside even when temperatures are not completely cool outdoors.
If your patio isn’t screened in, consider buying a few tarps that you can use to block cold winter breezes. You can find one or two shades to block the wind in the direction it’s coming from, or you can invest in a complete weatherproof wall to keep out the elements. The best options are adjustable closures that you can use in the summer to give you shade. As a result, you can use the covers year-round for different purposes.
Invest in an Outdoor Fireplace
Few things in life are more enjoyable than curling up beside a hot fire under the stars. You can cuddle underneath blankets and enjoy the crisp winter air without catching frostbite.
Outdoor fireplaces come in different sizes and materials, so you could be able to afford one even if you’re on a budget or have a notoriously small outdoor space. By installing an outdoor fireplace on your patio, you’re able to create family memories and enjoy time spent with your loved ones, even if everyone fights for the warmest spots around that fireplace.
Find Miniature Patio Heaters
You don’t need a restaurant-quality patio heater to enjoy outdoor dining during the winter. Many companies make smaller versions for customers to enjoy at home. Some heaters fit on your table or on the floor so that you can place them in the center of a space and warm everyone around them. Other heaters hang overheat and heat areas below. Outdoor heaters are the easiest ways to heat your patio this winter without major disruptions.
Your patio is only as useful as you make it. By ignoring opportunities to spend time outside in the winter, you’ll cram your family, friends, and guests inside your house, where you could leave them with cases of cabin fever. Step outside and enjoy the ambience on your patio this winter.
