How Do I... Create a Cosy Outdoor Room for Winter?
Don't let the chill put you off entertaining outside – here's how to cosy up your alfresco space for the winter months
Georgia Madden
9 June 2018
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and garden questions. Here, interior stylist Emma Blomfield shares her top tips for turning your garden or outdoor area into an inviting entertaining space during the cooler months.
In many parts of Australia, we’re lucky enough to enjoy about nine months of mild weather a year, which means we get a lot more use from our outdoor areas than those living in the northern hemisphere.
Here’s how to make your alfresco area an appealing spot for entertaining – or just relaxing at the end of a busy day – year- round.
Here’s how to make your alfresco area an appealing spot for entertaining – or just relaxing at the end of a busy day – year- round.
Think about how you want to use your outdoor space
Start by asking yourself the right questions, such as:
Start by asking yourself the right questions, such as:
- Is there enough seating? A single sofa generally won’t be enough for entertaining. Look to add a second sofa or, if space is tight, consider adding in a couple of armchairs.
- Do you need to fit in a dining table? If your outdoor area is small, consider a folding table that can be tucked away when not in use, or choose one that flips down from the wall and folds away flat. Alternatively, look to dine casually on the sofas (be sure to add in a coffee table so you’ve got somewhere to pop dinnerware and glasses).
- Is your outdoor area heated adequately? There’s nothing worse than feeling chilled to the bone outdoors. Adding in an outdoor heater will mean that you and your guests can relax comfortably whatever the temperature.
Choose comfortable and durable furniture
You’ll want sofas and armchairs to be comfortable and inviting, but they should also be up to the demands of an outdoor space. For your outdoor sofa, seek out a comfortable style that is upholstered in a hardy outdoor fabric, and make sure seating includes weatherproof inserts.
Comfort is also key when you’re selecting outdoor dining chairs, particularly if you want guests to relax at the table long after the meal is done. Timber chairs with upholstered seat cushions are my preferred choice for outdoor dining. For extra comfort, look for chairs with armrests, but be aware they can take up more space than ones without armrests.
When it comes to outdoor dining table materials, I prefer timber or stone, or a combination of the two. These materials are natural, durable and will stand the test of time.
Tip: Be sure to cover outdoor furniture when it’s not in use. This keeps cobwebs off and protects it from sun and weather damage.
You’ll want sofas and armchairs to be comfortable and inviting, but they should also be up to the demands of an outdoor space. For your outdoor sofa, seek out a comfortable style that is upholstered in a hardy outdoor fabric, and make sure seating includes weatherproof inserts.
Comfort is also key when you’re selecting outdoor dining chairs, particularly if you want guests to relax at the table long after the meal is done. Timber chairs with upholstered seat cushions are my preferred choice for outdoor dining. For extra comfort, look for chairs with armrests, but be aware they can take up more space than ones without armrests.
When it comes to outdoor dining table materials, I prefer timber or stone, or a combination of the two. These materials are natural, durable and will stand the test of time.
Tip: Be sure to cover outdoor furniture when it’s not in use. This keeps cobwebs off and protects it from sun and weather damage.
Add in cosy textures
Dress up sofas and armchairs for the winter months with cosy cushions, throws and blankets. Texture is key – look for soft, tactile fabrics that you’ll want to snuggle up with.
Dial the cosiness factor up further by adding an outdoor rug underfoot. It adds instant warmth and can be a great way to zone off a space. Look for a hardy, easy-to-clean variety that can simply be hosed down when dirty.
Dress up sofas and armchairs for the winter months with cosy cushions, throws and blankets. Texture is key – look for soft, tactile fabrics that you’ll want to snuggle up with.
Dial the cosiness factor up further by adding an outdoor rug underfoot. It adds instant warmth and can be a great way to zone off a space. Look for a hardy, easy-to-clean variety that can simply be hosed down when dirty.
Amazon
Make sure it’s sheltered
Sheltering your outdoor space means that you and your guests can enjoy time outside without worrying about the chilly seasonal winds.
There are several ways you can shelter your outdoor area – choose between plantings, timber screens (also great for climbing plants), and patio blinds, which can be used in winter and then rolled up and out of sight in summer.
Sheltering your outdoor space means that you and your guests can enjoy time outside without worrying about the chilly seasonal winds.
There are several ways you can shelter your outdoor area – choose between plantings, timber screens (also great for climbing plants), and patio blinds, which can be used in winter and then rolled up and out of sight in summer.
Image: IXL Heating Fresco Aurora Heater
Heat it properly
Decent heating can be the making of your outdoor entertaining area, ensuring it’s a truly cosy and inviting space to spend time. There are a number of options to choose from, including portable gas heaters and outdoor fireplaces. But we’re seeing a growing number of electrical solutions too, which are great for small spaces as they can be mounted on the wall or ceiling, and there are no gas bottles to replace.
IXL’s Fresco Aurora multi-functional style is one of my favourites – it’s an infrared ceiling-mounted heater with task and mood lighting that takes up very little space.
Heat it properly
Decent heating can be the making of your outdoor entertaining area, ensuring it’s a truly cosy and inviting space to spend time. There are a number of options to choose from, including portable gas heaters and outdoor fireplaces. But we’re seeing a growing number of electrical solutions too, which are great for small spaces as they can be mounted on the wall or ceiling, and there are no gas bottles to replace.
IXL’s Fresco Aurora multi-functional style is one of my favourites – it’s an infrared ceiling-mounted heater with task and mood lighting that takes up very little space.
Consider a fire pit
If you have a large, open or semi-open outdoor space with turf, where an open flame wouldn’t pose a safety hazard, consider adding in a fire pit. It’s great for creating a cosy atmosphere in winter and some models can be used for barbecuing too – perfect for entertaining.
If you plan on placing a fire pit on tiles or concrete, you’ll need to add in a protective surface beneath it to prevent heat damage to the flooring.
Tip: For additional safely, seek out a built-in style or one with a protective grate. A fire pit is not recommended for homes with small children.
If you have a large, open or semi-open outdoor space with turf, where an open flame wouldn’t pose a safety hazard, consider adding in a fire pit. It’s great for creating a cosy atmosphere in winter and some models can be used for barbecuing too – perfect for entertaining.
If you plan on placing a fire pit on tiles or concrete, you’ll need to add in a protective surface beneath it to prevent heat damage to the flooring.
Tip: For additional safely, seek out a built-in style or one with a protective grate. A fire pit is not recommended for homes with small children.
Don’t forget lighting
Avoid harsh lighting such as spotlights in your outdoor entertaining space, and opt for warm lighting solutions instead. Think uplights dotted between plants that wash walls and fences with a soft glow of light, fairy lights strung between the trees, and a stylish outdoor pendant or central light above the dining table.
Avoid harsh lighting such as spotlights in your outdoor entertaining space, and opt for warm lighting solutions instead. Think uplights dotted between plants that wash walls and fences with a soft glow of light, fairy lights strung between the trees, and a stylish outdoor pendant or central light above the dining table.
Image: IXL Heating
Tell us
Do you entertain outdoors in winter? Tell us about your space in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Find a landscape contractor or gardener near you
Tell us
Do you entertain outdoors in winter? Tell us about your space in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Find a landscape contractor or gardener near you
Related Stories
Popular Houzz Series
How Do I... Choose a Coffee Machine?
Start the day right with a steaming hot brew – if you're in the market for a new coffee machine, here's what to look for
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Do I... Know if My Hot-Water System is About to Fail?
Be smart to the signs that your hot-water system is in trouble and say goodbye to unexpected (and unwanted) cold showers
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Do I... Automate My Home?
Passionate about technology? A home-automation system is likely to be on your wish list – here's what you need to know
Full Story
Storage
How Do I... Store My Shoes?
Storage nirvana is closer than you might think – an expert reveals some simple tips for keeping your shoes organised
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Do I... Store Scarves and Other Accessories?
Scarves, jewellery and hair accessories without a proper home are all too easy to lose – here's how to store them right
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Do I... Choose a Washing Machine?
Looking to buy a new washing machine? An expert reveals everything you need to know before you hit the shops
Full Story
Living Rooms
How Do I... Set-Up and Style a Bar Cart?
Bar carts are back in vogue – here's how to arrange one like a pro
Full Story
Gardening
How Do I... Stop My Fruit and Veg From Getting Sunburnt?
Sun damage isn't just an issue for people – it can damage our fruit and vegetables too. Here's how to prevent it
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Do I... Grow Fruit at Home?
An expert reveals the easiest low-maintenance fruits that even a novice gardener can grow at home
Full Story
Bathrooms
How Do I... Set Up an Outdoor Shower?
An outdoor shower is not only practical, but a pleasure to use – read on for tips about creating the perfect design
Full Story
Some great points made in this article - type of furniture, heating, lighting and keeping your outdoor area sheltered from the rain are all important things to consider. We're all about that! Our retractable roofs are perfect for that exact scenario. They are completely rain proof so you can keep your furniture out, and you can add lighting, heating, comfy cushions etc without worrying about them getting wrecked. The best part is that it completely retracts, so on a clear winter night, you can light a brazier to give you that cozy, mesmerising affect of an open fire and enjoy the starry night! You can also add side screens to keep out the cold.
We have a retractable roof at our home and use it pretty much all year round. Here's an article I wrote about being on our deck when it started to rain! https://aalta.com.au/outside-in-the-rain/
If anyone is interested, here's a little video about retractable roofs: https://youtu.be/zWXZhb65eP4
And a couple of pics! First image is a retractable roof on an aluminium Duet frame. The second is one on a timber frame, painted.
By all means have a fire pit (occasionally) and rug up, but I feel heating the great outdoors with gas or electricity can't be justified. What a waste of energy! Follow the seasons and move indoors in winter, out in summer.