5 Ways to Extend Your Patio Season Year-Round

Many homeowners spend a lot of time and money investing in their outdoor living space. However, the winter season in New York dramatically limits time spent outdoors given falling temperatures and winter snowfalls. Choosing to make small changes to your outdoor space once the cold weather arrives each year is a great way to spend time outdoors all year long. Check out these five ways to extend your patio season year-round to get the most out of your outdoor living space.

1. Add A Heater

Patio heaters are a great way to instantly add just enough warmth to a patio space to make it comfortable for year-round use. They take the nip out of the air just enough so that you can spend a more extended amount of time soaking up the waning sunlight. Choose from a wide variety of heaters that are small enough to fit on a side table or large enough to cover the entire patio space. Some heaters also include ambient lighting which can help add ambiance to an area as well as warmth. Consider the overall size of your patio and how much area you will need to be heated to purchase a patio heater that is right.

2. Make It Cozy

When the wind is blowing, and the snowflakes start to fall you will naturally gravitate towards those items on the patio that bring comfort. Make sure to keep your patio space cozy by placing cushioned chairs just steps from the door as well as having a stack of throws ready and available. Other items like pillows and outdoor rugs will help make the area feel warm and tucked in even if the temperatures are cold.

3. Block the Wind

Many New York homeowners would spend more time outdoors if they had some sort of shield to guard them against the piercing wind. Consider blocking the cold wind with items like outdoor curtains or windscreens on blustery portions of the patio. If you have space within your fall landscape, make a mental note to plant some fast-growing shrubs on the windy side of your patio next spring to provide some natural reprieve from the bone-chilling wind. Investing in a wind block that is easy to store away is an excellent option for extending your time outdoors.

4. Install Extra Lighting

Cooler temperatures also mean that New York sunsets will be arriving much sooner than they did in the summer. It is possible that you could come home from work to a patio that is already dark as well. Consider hanging some lights out on your patio to counteract the setting sun. Some homeowners may choose to hang twinkle lights around the perimeter of the space, but you will probably also need some central lighting in order to utilize your outdoor living space fully. Consider those solar light options that easy to move around and use the sun’s power to light up your patio at night.

5. Use the Fire Pit

Backyard fire pits have become very popular in recent years and for a good reason: they are a great addition to a backyard patio! Using the fire pit all year round will help in creating interest to your outdoor living space. You can sit around the fire and warm your toes while enjoying the cooler temperatures or even create an area where guests can roast marshmallows. Make sure that you have enough wood or fuel for your fire to light it as much as possible during the colder months of the year. Doing so will make it easy to pop outside to enjoy the fire as well as the company that you share in your outdoor space.

There is no reason why homeowners in New York should scurry inside once the temperature drops. Using your outdoor space not only gets you outside of the house but it also provides some vital connection with nature that has proven to be very beneficial. Consider making these small additions to your outdoor living space as ways to extend your patio season year-round.

About The Author: Emily Higgins is a writer and homeowner inspired by retro pinup–she is constantly working on revamping her fixer-upper to have a more chic vintage style. When she’s not working on remodeling, she can be found tending to her organic garden and cooking for family and friends.