7 tips for creating comfortable outdoor living spaces year-round

Your patio, deck, and front porch are more precious than ever right now, given what we know about exposure to Covid in enclosed spaces. Thanks to Colorado’s abundant sunshine—and with a little imagination, effort, and yes, money (depending on what you do)—you can continue to see friends and family outdoors as the days get shorter and cooler.

Here are 7 ways to make your patio, deck and porch more comfortable this fall and winter: 

1. Cushions and blankets. One of the easiest ways to stay warm is with padded seat cushions and blankets. Be sure your cushions are thick enough to offer warmth in cooler weather. Keep a basket filled with cozy wool, fleece, or down throws on the deck or just inside the door, ready when you need them. 

2. Heat lamps. They’re a hot ticket right now (no pun intended). Restaurants have relied on heat lamps for years to extend their outdoor seating. You can do the same on your deck. Consider standing electric or propane lamps, or an infrared heating device installed in your porch ceiling. Heat lamp options range in pricing from the moderate to the extravagant. 

3. Fire pit. Nothing says cozy and intimate like a fire. Most portable fire pits start at around $100. Chiminea outdoor fireplaces are popular options in Colorado, and come in a variety of styles and price points. Pick up a packet of extra-long skewers. The kids will love roasting marshmallows, and who doesn’t say yes to s’mores on a cool evening.

4. Outdoor rugs. If your feet are warm, you’ll be warm. All-weather rugs add warmth and color to a concrete patio or porch. Rugs made of polypropylene tolerate the elements year-round. Keep in mind that carpet with a thick pile won’t work on a deck or patio. 

5. Extra lighting. Add ambiance and glow—and make everyone look radiant—with Edison bulbs strung along the fence or hung from the eaves on the house. Wrap tree trunks and pillars in twinkling lights. Set Tiki torches in the grass. Fill your table with candles. It’s impossible to have too much light when it’s dark at 5:30 in the afternoon. 

6. Extra gloves, mittens, hats, and shawls. You may win outdoor entertainer of the year with a basket filled with gloves, hats, and shawls to substitute for the ones your guests meant to bring but forgot. Until all of us get used to dressing to be outside after the sun sets, it’s easy to forget the essentials.

7. Curtains on the pergola. If you have a pergola in your yard—or want to build one—consider adding curtains that can be drawn. Curtains will help to keep the chill at bay and make your seating arrangement feel more like a room.

Be sure to let people know in advance that they’ll be sitting outside so they dress appropriately. Serve warm food and beverages, stay healthy, and have fun!