We recently built a patio from scratch in our backyard, but we didn’t finish it until September which made me oh-so-sad because winter comes early here in Massachusetts. But I was determined to extend the life of our patio well into the chilly fall season, and today I’m sharing lots of cozy and inviting fall patio ideas that will extend the life of your outdoor space.
There are three main ways to do this:
- Make your space physically warmer (heaters, blankets, etc.)
- Decorate for the season (try pumpkins and fall flowers)
- Add items that evoke a cozy, inviting feel (texture, warm colors)
1. Make your space physically warmer.
An outdoor patio heater is great way to add lots of warmth to your space. And they’re not as expensive as you might think; Lowe’s sells one for just over $100. Tabletop torches and candles are great accents that will add a bit of heat along with some ambiance. You’ll also want to have a few throw blankets around to wrap up in when the sun goes down.
2. Embrace the season.
Get in the fall spirit! Autumnal accents will make your outdoor space feel approachable – try heirloom pumpkins, potted mums or even cornstalks if you have space. I chose mostly white pumpkins that would coordinate with our furniture set. And don’t stop at decorations… serve traditional fall drinks like hot toddies and mulled cider to your guests to keep their fingers warm.
3. Add items that evoke a cozy, inviting feel.
Faux fur and other soft textures will make your space feel very welcoming, like an outdoor version of your living room; the tactile nature of these accents will literally make people want to sit down and experience the coziness. Candles and vases of flowers will achieve this effect as well, and an outdoor rug is a must.
And I’ll finish with the most important of all the fall patio ideas – enlist your pets to help! Because there’s nothing cozier than cuddling with your fur baby in a warm faux fur blanket.
In case you missed my other patio posts this summer, check out our crazy before and after photos here and the stone paver patio tutorial here.
This post was created in partnership with Lowe’s.
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