With autumn underway, the long summer evenings are behind us. However, this doesn’t mean it’s time to close down your patio and outdoor living space. Outdoor living areas are more than a set of outdoor furniture. They are often outdoor retreats with fire and water elements, inviting furniture, entertainment systems, dining areas, and kitchen amenities. Making several adjustments to your outdoor space can help extend the lifespan of your patio season. Here are eight tips to creating a year-long patio. 

Invest in a heat source 

From outdoor fireplaces to patio heaters, a strong heat source will help you enjoy your patio well into late autumn and even early winter, depending on where you live. Whether it’s a fire table, stand-alone fireplace, or built-in fireplace, a fire will make your evenings more comfortable and add to the autumn ambiance. Stand-alone patio heaters strategically placed around the patio will add a layer of warmth. 

Layer the lighting 

With the sun setting earlier, illuminating the outdoor space will help to offset the earlier sunsets. The additional lighting will help you and your guests better navigate the darker area and create a magical atmosphere. Strands of patio lights, cordless table lamps, hanging lanterns, and lighting to highlight the walkways are additional lighting layers that can transform the look and feel of the space. 

Make it cozy 

Easily accessible throw blankets can elevate your backyard’s cool weather experience. Being able to wrap yourself in a warm, cozy blanket and lean against a plush pillow when you’re outside enjoying your morning coffee or when you’re gathered with friends around the fire will make you feel like you’re indoors, with the benefits of the crisp, cool autumn evening air. 

Add a cover 

The wind can make any temperature feel much lower than it is. Adding a cover above, such as a pergola or awning, or installing features that can help block the wind, such as outdoor curtains or mature trees, can aid in stopping the elements that make it uncomfortable to be outdoors. 

Install a media system 

From football games to holiday movies, gathering outdoors to watch your team’s game or enjoy your favorite movie curled up on the outdoor sofa will create long-lasting memories for your family and friends. An outdoor television and strategically spaced outdoor speakers will ensure you have the best experience watching whatever is on the screen. 

Update the foliage 

Updating the area’s flowers and foliage with fall or winter varieties will keep the room feeling seasonal and festive. From mum and kale arrangements in the autumn to evergreen, holly berry, and birch in the winter, these small touches can help the space feel instantly updated for the season ahead. 

Invest in high-quality furniture covers 

As the weather changes, inclement days are inevitable when you must scramble to cover the furniture. Having durable outdoor furniture covers will help ensure your outdoor space will be in good condition for the next nice day. 

*Adapted from an article published by RISMedia