Creating The Perfect Patio For The Fall Season

Fall is full of the joys of the season — crisp air, rainstorms, bright fall colors, and the sound of leaves as you walk down the street. If you love spending time on your patio and do not want to head back indoors for the year, you are not alone. Many homeowners want to maximize their time outside, particularly in autumn. Use these tips to put your patio in the perfect condition for enjoying the sun, spending time with friends in the evenings, or appreciating some alone time in the morning.

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  This is a guest post contributed by Sean Rosser, one of the owners of Hearthside Fireplace & Patio in partnership with Straight North. Sources are cited at the bottom of this post underneath the contributor’s contact information. 

This post also contains affiliate links to help support this blog at no additional cost to you.  I hope you find valuable information in this post and something beautiful for your home. 

 

 

 

 

 

Heating

As the weather starts to chill, you need an adequate source of heating for those cooler evenings. Fortunately, you can choose from a variety of heating options, such as a fire pit or wood fireplace. When you consider heating sources, make sure that you can provide a regular source of fuel, whether you want to use natural gas, propane, or wood. A beautiful fireplace makes a great focal point for the patio.

 

 

 

Dining

Many homeowners choose to use a patio as an extension of the dining and entertainment spaces, and you can continue to enjoy it during the fall. Outdoor dining and cooking can be as simple as a patio table and chairs or as complicated as an outdoor kitchen with hot running water, refrigerator, grill, and appliances. Consider upgrading to an all-season grill that can handle cold and harsh weather.

 

Furniture

Heading out to the patio on a brisk fall morning for a cup of tea or coffee is the height of luxury, especially if you have the right furniture. Create a general layout for the space and be sure to leave room for movement. Aim for durable pieces that are less likely to wither or crack during cold weather, such as steel, iron, or hardwood. Add comfortable cushions to help keep you warm.

 

 

 

Fall Foliage

You can add touches of color and the best of the season by placing pots and planters full of fall foliage in strategic places. Fall plants like chrysanthemums can provide a burst of fall colors at just the right time. When choosing varieties, keep in mind that flowering plants may not look as beautiful once they have finished blooming. Select a variety of blooming and non-blooming plants to keep your patio looking fresh and alive.

 

 

 

Décor

Even if the weather outside is starting to get frightful, you do not need to skimp on the outdoor décor. The outdoor garden can provide excellent sources of fall décor items, including pumpkins, decorative gourds, cornstalks, and more. Consider pillows and throw blankets in fall colors, to provide additional comfort on cold nights and a contrast from the neutral furniture.

 

Lighting

Once the sun starts setting much earlier, your lighting plans should increase with care. These days, you may not need to invest in an expensive, high-voltage outdoor lighting solution. Instead, consider low-voltage lighting choices such as LED string lights or hardscaping and landscaping lights to illuminate your yard’s best features. Be sure to select a variety of color temperatures and brightness, so the lighting does not feel too harsh.

 

 

 

Entertainment

If you really want to max out your entertainment, consider adding entertaining features to the patio or home exterior. With proper protection, outdoor televisions and sound systems can provide the perfect ambiance, whether you want to enjoy watching a football game or listen to your favorite music among friends. Remember to select options with weather protection and install equipment in places with minimal exposure to wind, rain, or snow.

 

 

 

The end of summer does not have to mean the end of your enjoyment of the outdoors. Proper patio furniture, heat sources, lighting, and décor can make all the difference. With these fall patio design choices, you can get a few more months of pleasure in the beautiful sights, sounds, and smells of fall.

 

Sean Rosser is one of the owners of Hearthside Fireplace & Patio. He has helped grow the business over the past 15 years by an average of 20% per year, making it one of the largest hearth dealers in the country.  Prior to starting Hearthside, Rosser had a career in the high-tech industry, where he started and sold several businesses. Rosser holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering, as well as an MBA.

 

 

SOURCES:

https://www.outeriors.com/blog/fall-outdoor-living-ideas/

https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/fall-patio-ideas