5 Creative Ways to Warm Up Your Outdoor Living Space This Winter

For many people this past year, the backyard became more important than ever. It can offer respite from work-from-home routines and ample space for social distancing — in fact, a Zillow survey from the Harris Poll found that 41% of people say they place greater value on a large outdoor space at home as a result of social distancing recommendations. It should hardly come as a surprise that Zillow named a “backyard oasis” as one of the top home trends for 2021. 

You don’t need to wait until spring to get in on the trend and create your own outdoor getaway. Here are five creative ways to outfit your yard, patio or terrace for spending time outside, even when the weather dips down to colder temperatures. 

Add a fire or heat element

Winter activities outdoors call for a heat source — or multiple ones depending on the size of your space. The classic wood-burning fire pit is always an affordable, go-to option (and ideal for s’mores), but there are also heating alternatives like chimineas, propane fire tables and patio heaters (that is, if you can get your hands on one right now). If you do go with a fire pit, just be sure to check your local city regulations to make sure they are legal in your area and you’re following proper safety protocols. 

Fire pits come in a wide range of models, features and price points if you buy one online, but you can also build your own fire pit at home with only a few materials.

Best of all, adding a heat element to your backyard or patio can add concrete value to your home — listings mentioning a fire pit sold for roughly 2.8% more than other listings according to recent Zillow research. 

String up some lighting

Good lighting may not make you feel physically warm, but it’ll create an evening glow that makes being outside feel irresistibly cozy. Creating a soft gleam will not only make your outdoor patio or porch more festive, but it will also prevent you or your household members from tripping or falling in the darkness. 

Don’t overdo the lighting, however. Part of the magic of spending time under the stars in the cool evenings is the ambiance — so, unless it’s pitch black where you live, don’t install bright floodlights in your backyard. Instead, opt for soft string lights with a vintage Edison bulb, solar pathway lights to guide the walkway to the porch or patio and outdoor lanterns to create a romantic, old-fashioned feel. 

Build a protective structure

One way to make outdoor dining or movie night feel more comfortable in the winter months is to try to block gusts of cold wind or splashes of rain that make cool temperatures feel downright icy. Consider putting up a tent or canopy or even adding a more permanent structure that will protect you from the elements. 

A pergola, gazebo or overhead trellis can provide a bit more shelter to your outdoor space without compromising the fresh airflow, which is ideal when you’re social distancing.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket)

To add an extra level of heat and coziness to your backyard, add decorative blankets or shawls around your seated patio area. You can use your favorite wool throws or buy cordless, waterproof electric blankets (often called stadium blankets) for extra insulation. If you have a guest for a socially distant backyard hangout, have them bring their own blankets for an additional layer of warmth (plus, it’s more sanitary than borrowing).

Add some heated seating

You’ve likely already added patio furniture or weatherproof chairs to your apartment balcony or your backyard porch, but why not go the extra mile with heated seating? 

Campers have long been using portable heated seating to enjoy the great outdoors during the cooler months, and it’s easy to see why: It’s durable, it makes the cold weather more enjoyable and it’s unbelievably relaxing.