6 Ways to Refresh Your Outdoor Living Spaces for Winter
Learn how to brighten porches, patios and decks during the colder months of the year
Outdoor spaces can feel a little bare once winter arrives. There isn’t the abundance of blooming plants and outdoor accessories that enhance porches, patios and decks the rest of the year. But you can still ensure these spots are welcoming — and attractive when viewed from inside. Consider these ideas for refreshing your outdoor spaces.
The dark evergreen branches filling the containers on this New York porch create a winter-appropriate backdrop for the natural accents of lotus pods, pine cones and silvery twigs tucked in among them. A holiday wreath and white candle lanterns complete the look.
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Shop for outdoor pots and planters on Houzz
Fill forgotten corners with natural touches. This container featuring mixed evergreens, dried grasses, pine cones and painted stems turns a formerly empty space into a focal point.
10 High-Impact Ideas to Dress Up Your Winter Containers
10 High-Impact Ideas to Dress Up Your Winter Containers
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2. Keep Things Cozy
Lure guests outside with a comfortable and inviting place to sit. Throw in a blanket or two to finish the space. Just make sure the fabrics you choose can handle what Mother Nature throws at them — from snow to heavy rain to bright sunlight — or store them when not in use. An abundance of throw pillows and a thick pad make this built-in bench in front of the fire more inviting.
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Lure guests outside with a comfortable and inviting place to sit. Throw in a blanket or two to finish the space. Just make sure the fabrics you choose can handle what Mother Nature throws at them — from snow to heavy rain to bright sunlight — or store them when not in use. An abundance of throw pillows and a thick pad make this built-in bench in front of the fire more inviting.
Browse outdoor pillows
Add cozy layers for extra comfort. The faux fur on the benches and gliders at this small chalet in Germany is an irresistible draw, even in the snowiest weather.
Warm up otherwise bare porches, patios and decks with an outdoor rug or two. A small rug in front of a chair or bench, such as the one at this Montana cabin, is an appropriate nod to the the changing seasons. Or use a larger rug that covers most of the space and will prevent dirt, slush and snow from being tracked into the house.
Tip: Look for a rug that’s designed to handle outdoor conditions and is easy to clean.
Tip: Look for a rug that’s designed to handle outdoor conditions and is easy to clean.
Hang outdoor curtains around the edges of a porch, patio or deck to create a feeling of enclosure. Even if they don’t surround the space completely, the curtains will provide a welcome sense of protection from the elements. If your outdoor space is open overhead, look for ways to attach the curtains to sturdy supports, such as freestanding poles or along the eaves or a fence. In a covered space, attach them to the surrounding structure.
3. Brighten Winter Days and Nights
Augment your outdoor lighting to counteract winter’s darker days and long nights. Plug-in, battery-operated or solar-powered lights can go a long way in turning an otherwise dark space into an inviting retreat. String lights are a good place to start, but explore other ideas as well.
For a covered porch, patio or deck, consider adding a chandelier to brighten the space. (You’ll want to work with an electrician on this project.) Match the fixture to your own style, whether it’s contemporary, traditional or even a rustic design featuring branches and bulbs.
Augment your outdoor lighting to counteract winter’s darker days and long nights. Plug-in, battery-operated or solar-powered lights can go a long way in turning an otherwise dark space into an inviting retreat. String lights are a good place to start, but explore other ideas as well.
For a covered porch, patio or deck, consider adding a chandelier to brighten the space. (You’ll want to work with an electrician on this project.) Match the fixture to your own style, whether it’s contemporary, traditional or even a rustic design featuring branches and bulbs.
Take string lights to the next level by wrapping them around posts or threading them through plants. They’ll create a bright spot in your winter landscape and add a sense of cheer.
10 Ways to Decorate With Outdoor Christmas Lights
10 Ways to Decorate With Outdoor Christmas Lights
Layer lanterns and hurricane lights throughout your space. Choose fixtures that fit your personal style, making sure they can handle rain, snow and freezing weather — or plan to bring them inside when not in use. Both battery-operated lanterns and those powered by candles are good choices. If you use candles, be sure they’re in a stable and secure spot and never left unattended.
See more outdoor lighting
See more outdoor lighting
You can also fill the lanterns, or even a large mason jar, with battery-powered string lights or twinkle lights to add a touch of whimsy.
4. Warm Things Up
Take the chill out of being outside with heaters. Portable patio heaters are a good way to extend your time on a patio or deck, especially one that’s open to the sky. You’ll find a variety of designs available, from small to large and from traditional to modern.
Adding a mounted heater to an overhead structure or along a wall can raise the comfort level of a more enclosed outdoor space. You can hire a pro to wire them into the space or find plug-in models.
Take the chill out of being outside with heaters. Portable patio heaters are a good way to extend your time on a patio or deck, especially one that’s open to the sky. You’ll find a variety of designs available, from small to large and from traditional to modern.
Adding a mounted heater to an overhead structure or along a wall can raise the comfort level of a more enclosed outdoor space. You can hire a pro to wire them into the space or find plug-in models.
5. Light a Fire
Curl up in front of a fireplace. It’s the quintessential winter activity that reaches new levels when the fireplace is outdoors. Just provide plenty of blankets and hot drinks, then let people settle in and enjoy the flames.
Curl up in front of a fireplace. It’s the quintessential winter activity that reaches new levels when the fireplace is outdoors. Just provide plenty of blankets and hot drinks, then let people settle in and enjoy the flames.
An outdoor fire pit, whether permanent or portable, will be just as inviting. This one in Montana is perfectly placed to take in the snowy view. Add to the experience by hanging a bird feeder nearby that will provide nourishment for wildlife and viewing opportunities for you.
10 Things to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Fire Feature
10 Things to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Fire Feature
6. Celebrate the Season
Add festive decor that will feel at home throughout the colder months. A mix of deeper reds and evergreen plants can take you from December to March. The colors can also help warm up a space, as seen in this Wisconsin sun porch, enriching it during winter.
Add festive decor that will feel at home throughout the colder months. A mix of deeper reds and evergreen plants can take you from December to March. The colors can also help warm up a space, as seen in this Wisconsin sun porch, enriching it during winter.
Substitute a more traditional holiday wreath for one that shows off the natural beauty of winter foliage. The darker shades of this wreath stand out against the bright yellow door and help ground it during colder months.
Highlight favorite outdoor winter activities with a display by the front door. A sled, some ice skates or some crossed skis look right at home even if you’re a long way from the snow. A neat stack of birch logs completes the look.
Share: How have you decorated your outdoor spaces for winter? Post a picture in the Comments.
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Share: How have you decorated your outdoor spaces for winter? Post a picture in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about porches
Browse thousands of porch photos
Work with a landscape designer
Shop for your outdoor spaces
Deck your door, porch and outdoor containers with swaths of winter greenery. Matching wreaths and a festive garland create a welcoming entry at this Michigan home. A pair of evergreen trees, along with smaller potted plants, continue the theme, while wooden lanterns add a bright note on a winter’s day. When the holidays are over, removing the ornaments and bows will keep this design looking fresh until spring.
Tip: Choose outdoor containers wisely in cold-winter areas. Terra-cotta and porcelain vessels are prone to cracking in freezing weather. Metal, wood, fiberglass, resin and concrete are better for wintry conditions.
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