Just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean your patio or terrace has to go unused. Extending the season is all about achieving peak comfort in your outdoor space, even as those summer days are waning into chilly fall nights. From luxury heating solutions to cold weather-specific architecture to protect your patio from the elements, these ideas are all designed to keep your outdoor space open longer and elevate your comfort in the process. Read on to find the perfect luxury upgrade for your favorite outdoor space.

Heating

Fire Pits

A natural-born icon in the patio design world, the fire pit is centuries-old staple that has remained close to outdoor gathering places for a reason: it is multi-seasonal, meaning it can be used just as much in the summer months for nighttime socializing as it is used on cold afternoons. It also serves as a visual centerpiece for your patio and can make a bold statement if given the right design touch. While wood-burning fire pits were once the staple, the industry standard for luxury properties now leans towards propane or natural gas fire pits for their ease of use and greater flexibility when it comes to design. The one caveat: experts recommend against placing fire pits under covered or enclosed patios.

Outdoor Heaters

For heating that doesn’t require a flame, patio designers most often turn to portable or mounted heaters. These devices have distinct advantages over fire pits, as they are space saving and many produce infrared or electric heat, meaning that they can be safely used in covered or enclosed patios. Designs for these heating solutions can vary widely, but the most common types are wall-mounted patio heaters, which can hide seamlessly into the rafters of a covered patio or the side of the house, or table heaters which include a heating mechanism built into the base of a patio table for maximum space saving. For uncovered patios, tabletop or free-standing propane heaters can also be used.

Structures

Roofs

For much-needed shade in the summer and protection from the elements in the winter, nothing beats a covered patio in terms of versatility and comfort. A covered patio can take a multitude of forms, from pergolas to gazebos to attached gable roofs, which means the sky is the limit in terms of customizing your patio space to fit your unique style. For additional flexibility throughout the seasons, invest in a retractable glass pergola roof to enjoy sunny summers and rainy autumns alike.

Wind Blocking Elements

More commonly known as privacy walls or fences, these architectural elements are also excellent additions for anyone who needs extra patio protection from the elements. Installing one of these wall elements can help block wind, rain, and snow, as well as retain the much-needed heat inside the patio itself. Installing one can be as non-invasive as adding a slatted privacy fence for the right amount of protection and sunlight, or as bold as adding a stunning architectural wall, complete with landscaping, that is sure to make a statement in any outdoor space.

Comfort

Cold Weather Furniture

Instead of locking away your patio furniture once the summer ends, think about how adapting your furniture to the cold can make your patio space more inviting for longer. As we transition into fall, invest in comfort items such as cozy throw blankets and fluffy pillows, and consider changing your summer cushions out for fall-colored ones to liven up the space. To make sure your patio furniture lasts through the seasons, invest in materials that are weather and temperature resistant: natural cedar, teak wood, stainless steel, and wrought iron are the best frame materials for this. For fabrics on cushions and pillows, stick to a UV-protected acrylic such as Sunbrella®.

Hot Tubs and Jacuzzis

Want an ultra-luxurious way to enjoy your outdoor space on those chilly autumn nights? Investing in an outdoor hot tub or jacuzzi might be the solution for you. With a wide variety of sizes and styles to choose from, your tub can be integrated into your patio, deck, or other outdoor space with ease and seamlessness. Extra touches such as integrating a built-in drink bar, a close-by towel warmer, or heated flooring for stepping in and out, will make your wintry outdoor experience feel like an exotic vacation.