The cooler seasons are upon us and those of us who aren’t blessed with tropical climates all year round are beginning to feel a chill in the air. The layers are increasing and the temperatures decreasing – but that doesn’t mean that your outdoor courtyard needs to go unused. Here are some tips on how to beat the winter weather and get the most out of your courtyard during the cooler months.
Take cover
Make sure your winter outdoor courtyard has plenty of shelter from the elements to ensure comfort despite the weather forecast.
- Café blinds or accordion screens around courtyards and patios can deter wind and rain from ruining al fresco plans.
- Gazebos, pergolas and Bali huts are handy backyard structures when that pesky, on-again-off-again winter rain just won’t seem to let up.
Light it up
Once again, the days are growing shorter and our evenings grow dark much earlier. Ensure that your courtyard has enough lighting to brighten up the yard and add a comfortable glow – opt for warm white, yellow or orange lighting to add a warmer visual to the scenery.
- Fairy lights are a gentle way of introducing light to tight spaces and add a magical touch to a trellis or courtyard ceiling.
- Candles are a beautiful way to add some natural, flattering light and even a lick of warmth to your outdoor entertaining area.
- Lanterns, lawn torches, tea lights and candelabras lift the aesthetic and use flame to create a visual warmth in your backyard winter wonderland.
- For a more permanent, structural solution, install lighting features within your boundary walls for a surrounding, incorporated feel.
All fired up
An outdoor fireplace is the perfect way to keep warm and add a dramatic aesthetic to your backyard during the winter.
- Options range from entire fireplace structures to wrought iron sculptures to deep stone dishes, depending on space, style and budget.
- They can be either store-bought or made from re-purposed materials, for the DIY-inclined.
- For a more enclosed fireplace due to environmental hazards, small backyard chimneys and pizza ovens are a great way to add a grand structural element to your yard.
Rug up
Use some fluffy, plush blankets to furnish your outdoor courtyard area while you enjoy some crisp, fresh air, adding some flair to your winter décor.
- Bold patterns can add a splash of colour.
- Basic block tones can add an elegant atmosphere to the area.
- Fluffy, shaggy animal throws add a wild, rustic charm to your courtyard.
- If there are power points nearby, a heated throw blanket works wonders, ensuring that proper safety precautions are taken.
- Store them somewhere dry – consider storage baskets or towers near your outdoor seating area.
Turn up the heat
Outdoor heaters are a wonderful element to any outdoor setting and immeasurably appreciated during winter entertaining, for when the night is clear and beautiful, but cold as anything. Gas-powered patio heaters are available at many outdoor furniture stores, whilst umbrella heaters are an easy, compact item.
Flick on the heater, slip on a coat and enjoy the beautiful stars during even the coldest of nights.
Bubble over
A hot tub, heated spa or jacuzzi is a fun way to entice some outdoor activities during the brisk months of autumn and winter. Turn up the heat, crank up the bubbles and sink into the soothing warmth! Position an esky and a tray of nibbles nearby and you’re set for the night – don’t forget to have some thick, warm towels in reach for when you need to get out!
For an extra special touch, have fluffy robes and slippers waiting with your towels so you can slip out of wet clothes and into something warm and comforting.
No matter your budget or your setting, if you fill the space with warming elements and take care of your guests, your outdoor area will be appreciated all year round. Break out the heaters, slip into something warm and enjoy watching the seasons change. If you’re interested in updating your courtyard area, take a look at the beautiful, premium courtyard fencing designed by ModularWalls.
