DIY backyard ideas for a cosy winter space

  • 5 minutes
  • 19 June 2025

Winter might be knocking at the door, but that doesn’t mean your outdoor lifestyle has to hibernate. With a little creativity and some clever DIY backyard ideas, you can transform your outdoor area into a cosy, Insta-worthy winter space.  

Whether you’re warming up around a firepit or taking the plunge into an ice bath before unwinding in your infrared sauna, there are endless ways to make your backyard a year-round retreat. Here’s a few ideas to help fire up your creativity so you can create a winter-ready outdoor sanctuary that combines comfort, wellness, and sustainability, with ModularWalls as your ultimate design ally! 

Outdoor plunge pools next to TrendWall

Ice plunge pool with a cosy twist 

It may seem counterintuitive, but the ice baths and cold plunge pools in winter wellness is a trend that’s here to stay. Regular cold plunges or ice baths have been shown to help boost circulation, immunity, and mental clarity. When it comes to DIY backyard ideas for winter, this is a wellness winner! Set aside a corner of your backyard for a plunge or ice bath and complement it with a snug recovery zone nearby. Think heated benches, sheepskin throws, and perhaps even a firepit for post-plunge warmth. Surround this space with ModularWalls to shield against wind and ensure privacy, making your cold dip a peaceful, invigorating winter experience. 

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Outdoor exercise zone with a woman doing yoga and then a basketball court with a TrendWall in the background

Outdoor exercise zone built for winter motivation 

Don’t let winter weather be an excuse to skip your workouts. Create a motivating outdoor exercise zone equipped with weatherproof flooring, resistance bands, kettlebells, and a mat. Let the TrendWall® provide the perfect backdrop with its noise-reducing properties, to help keep your session focused and distraction-free. The space may not deliver on traditional cosiness, but you’ll definitely feel warmed up after a workout! 

Outdoor fire pit in front of SlimWall

Cosy up around a firepit 

Nothing says winter warmth like gathering around a firepit. A firepit can be a simple weekend DIY project and creates an inviting focal point in your backyard. Surround it with comfortable seating, outdoor rugs, and plush cushions for a lounge-worthy space where you can relax and entertain under the stars. Get creative with retaining walls, or try a planter box with ModularWalls TerraFirm for enhanced visual appeal and feel peaceful and protected with a ModularWalls boundary as the perfect windbreak and noise buffer. 

Pizza oven in front of an EstateWall

DIY pizza oven space for winter feasts 

A pizza oven adds both warmth and flavour to your backyard setup. Whether you get creative with your DIY backyard ideas and build a traditional brick oven, or opt for a prefabricated one, it’s a surefire way to cosy up with family and friends on chilly evenings. Designate a space with ample benching for prep and seating and use ModularWalls to create a stylish backdrop that also serves as a privacy wall from neighbours. Add fairy lights or outdoor lighting along your ModularWalls for an extra layer of ambience. 

Infared Sauna

Cosy infrared sauna for wellness and relaxation 

Infrared saunas are becoming a backyard must-have, especially during colder months. Frame a wellness nook with your favourite ModularWalls solution perfect for an outdoor sauna. The noise attenuation of ModularWalls means you can enjoy deep relaxation without being disturbed by street sounds or neighbours. Add a timber deck, some greenery and mood lighting to complete a cosy winter spa-like atmosphereUpgrade your zone by adding an adjacent ice bath for the ultimate contract therapy corner – perfect for winter wellness! 

Outdoor shower on an EstateWall

Outdoor showers for a touch of luxury 

An outdoor shower isn’t just for rinsing off post-swim, it can be a luxurious, invigorating winter ritual. Bring a sense of cosiness to the cool outdoor temps, and install a weather-resistant shower fixture, and use natural stone or timber finishes for a spa-inspired look. Pair it with a robe rack and heated towels for a touch of comfort that turns every rinse into a relaxing escape. 

outdoor rug inside an outdoor entertaining area with an outdoor fire place

Sustainable outdoor rugs for warmth and style 

Layering outdoor rugs are an affordable way to add warmth, texture, and style to your space. Let your DIY backyard ideas really come to life with luxe outdoor rugs made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced fibres. They’re weather-resistant, easy to clean, and offer great insulation for bare feet on chilly mornings.  

Outdoor seating area with waterproof outdoor cushions in front of VogueWall

Weather-resistant furniture and cushions 

Invest in durable, weather-resistant outdoor furniture that can withstand the winter elements. Look for materials that are built to last the outdoor elements, just like ModularWalls. Pair them with cushions in moisture-resistant fabrics, then add layers with wool blankets or faux-fur throws for comfort. The combination of robust design and plush styling creates a space that’s both functional and inviting. 

outdoor fire pit and seating area in front of a VogueWall

Ready to transform your backyard for winter? 

With these DIY backyard ideas and the durability, affordability and versatility of ModularWalls you can create an outdoor sanctuary that’s cosy, welcoming, and wellness-focused all season long.