Most people abandon the idea of enjoying their patio in the winter. It gets too cold outdoors, particularly in more northern states, and the patio is sadly shut down until the summer. Yet it doesn’t have to be that way—a lot of people put work into their patios, and it’s healthy to make sure you’re getting some outdoor time even when it’s cold outside.
If you want to keep your patio enjoyable in the winter, it’s possible! Here are some winter patio ideas you can utilize as a homeowner so that your outdoor space is enjoyable regardless of the temperature.
Get Merry with String Lights
It’s not just about making sure your patio is protected against the elements, but making it feel cozy in the winter. That can be difficult to do outside, since you’re limited as to what you can have out there, but string lights are a great option.
They come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can customize them to your taste. Go for some red and green if you celebrate Christmas and truly want to get in the mood, or consider a warm orange if you want to create the illusion that it might be warm outside.
You can string them around most patio enclosures, but should make sure they’re waterproof if they’re going to be exposed to the elements.
Add a Wreath
Another cute winter idea for decoration is to add a wreath to the patio. You could hang it on the entryway or on the door that leads from the house to the patio, and wreaths come in all shapes and sizes to ensure they suit you. It doesn’t have to be a Christmas wreath if you don’t celebrate that particular holiday.
You could even go all-out and DIY your own wreath. There are plenty of tutorials available online, and it will give the decor that homey touch.
Add Pillows and Blankets
Pillows and blankets are essential winter patio decor. Although you might want to find time to enjoy the outdoors in the winter, it’s important to stay warm while doing so—and providing any family or guests with the opportunity to do so too. What better way to do that than by having blankets and pillows around, so people can really burrow in as they watch the snow fall outside?
It’s essential to make sure these pillows and blankets are protected from the elements, however. If they get wet, they’re unlikely to be able to help you or your loved ones stay warm!
Add an Outdoor Bar (with Hot Chocolate!)
One of the best winter backyard ideas is to add a cart outside. If you’re going for luxury, this is sure to impress anyone who comes to visit and will leave you feeling great about the space you’ve created outside. Make sure hot cocoa is available and anyone you have over will never want to leave!
If you usually have mostly adult company, you could also offer alcoholic options in the bar that could be combined with hot chocolate and coffee to make some grown-up beverages. The best thing about having a bar cart is the ability to customize it to your tastes.
Consider a Grill
If you’re going to have a bar on your patio, it’s also a great idea to have a grill. Although cooking out is typically associated with the summer, it doesn’t have to be a hot-weather-only exclusive! Try cooking out in the winter as you cuddle up with your hot chocolate and blankets on the patio.
Make sure to prevent ice from collecting on the grill. Winterized patios are essential for a lot of these decor ideas, as, otherwise, things could get damaged and, at the very least, the patio may no longer be enjoyable.
Try a Fluffy Rug
If your patio is protected for the winter, you could try having a fluffy rug there. This is another piece of decor that can help create the illusion that it isn’t quite as cold outside! If neutrals are more to your taste, you could have a black or white rug to keep a monochromatic theme going.
If you love color, then add a splash of it with a blue or red rug. If you aren’t a fan of fluffy rugs, you could also choose to put another down. Just be careful that liquid doesn’t collect around it or the rug may end up ruined. Remind everyone to wipe their feet before coming into the patio!
Add a Heater
You could also consider adding a space heater to your patio. There’s nothing that can fight the winter cold quite like a heater, and you may end up being very thankful of it when you want to sit outside as the temperatures drop in the evenings.
Winterize Your Patio Properly
If you plan to enjoy your patio and customize it with all of these features, then it’s important to ensure they’re protected. A bar cart, fluffy rug, and blankets are only a good idea if your patio isn’t exposed to harsh winter elements that will leave everything ruined the moment that the temperature starts to turn.
At Enclosure Guy, we make clear curtains that can be installed on almost any patio. Not only does this protect your patio from the snow and rain, but it helps keep it warm, too, as they’re climate-controlled!
You Can Still Enjoy Your Patio in the Cold
Although your patio might, in the past, have seemed like a no-go space in the winter, it doesn’t have to be abandoned. Our climate-controlled clear curtains for patios mean that you can still enjoy your favorite space and fill it full of decor to make it a true part of your home.
Feel free to contact us for a quick quote or if you have any questions or look through our website. We’ll be happy to help you get your patio winterized, from the purchase to the installation.