As temperatures drop, so does the amount of time we spend outside. It’s a shame that outdoor spaces are vacant in the winter as families and friends gather indoors. Wouldn’t it be nice to make use of your outdoor patio all year long? You’ve put a lot of effort into making it perfect, so why cover everything up and say goodbye until spring?
If the thought of enjoying starry nights under a blanket intrigues you, follow along as we share a few tips for enjoying your outdoor living space this winter.
Storing the Seat Cushions
Create a place to store your outdoor seating cushions all year so you can store them during bad weather in any season. During the winter, moisture will stay in outdoor furniture cushions for a while because freezing temperatures hold the water in the material.
Place a large bin with a lid on the deck or patio so you can pull out the cushions when you need them. Then, you can put them away when you go inside.
Extra Blankets
Keep a big basket full of cozy throw blankets right by the door so that guests can grab one before going outside to enjoy your warm deck or patio.
Heat Sources
It’s that time of year to create a cozy home atmosphere for the holidays. For many people, that begins with the fireplace. Fires produce warmth and bring comfort to everyone gathering around the flames. One of the best ways to enjoy your outdoor living space this winter is to bring the heat. Try one of the following options for a heat source in your outdoor space:
- Portable or built-in fire pit
- A fire table
- Tiki torches
- Gas heat lamps
Portable space heater
Add Warm Lighting
String lights don’t produce much heat, but their warm glow still beckons you to sit outside. Hang string lights in trees and around the deck or patio, and turn them on as you enjoy your wintery outdoor space.
Likewise, you could add pathway lights to the area just outside of your deck or patio; outline the border of your outdoor space to create a relaxed ambiance.
Pro Tip
For an eco-friendly option, consider buying solar-powered lights. While winter can get cold, the sun is often shining brightly, so it’ll charge your lights during the day!
Put Away Summer
Before you can enjoy your outdoor space winter style, you’ve got to put the summer stuff in storage. Take a day to winterize the yard, not just the sitting area. Remember to prepare your child’s playground for the winter so the equipment doesn’t crack and your kids don’t risk injuring themselves from slipping on icy surfaces and sliding. For instance, you may have to move climbing elements into storage so your child doesn’t play on them in icy conditions.
Also, take down sports equipment like basketball and badminton nets, as they won’t see action for a few months. Finally, since you’ll want to keep your outdoor furniture available, cover it with tarps.
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