It’s that time of year when I’d normally be putting the garden furniture away for winter, but it’s 2020 so of course things are a little different. Ongoing restrictions mean I’m desperate to spend as much time outside as possible, and I’m very aware that alfresco catch-ups may well end up being the only way to see friends and family over the coming months. So, rather than shutting the garden up and retreating indoors, I’m planning to turn it into a cosy haven where I can unwind, socialise and grab some much-needed fresh air. If you’d like to do the same, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your own outside space as the temperatures drop, whether you have a huge plot, a small city courtyard or a even just a tiny balcony to play with…
Invest in a firepit
Few things beat warming up around a firepit or chimnea, and they also act as a focal point, making your outdoor space feel like another room of your home. They’re not as expensive as many people assume, and you can even get models with racks that mean they double as BBQs. If you’re worried about smoke and soot then take a look at bioethanol alternatives, which use sustainable clean-burning fuel rather than logs.
1. ‘Josper’ cut-out metal firepit, £169, MADE.com [AD – affiliate link] | 2. House Doctor firepit, £262, Nunido.co.uk | 3. ‘Josper’ low metal firepit, £149, MADE.com [AD – affiliate link] | 4. Iron brazier, £125, Cox & Cox | 5. ‘Arizona’ outdoor fireplace, £139, Garden Gift Shop | 6. EcoSmart bioethanol firepit (various colours and sizes available), from £995, Moonlight Design
Create shelter
The colder temperatures mean you’ll feel garden breezes much more than you would during summer, so it’s important to find a sheltered spot. You might want to move furniture around to find the most comfortable location, or add fences, trees or a few hardy potted plants to act as a windbreak. If you have a balcony with railings, tie-on screens are another good option.
1. Polystone pot with plate (available in various sizes), from €4.90, Granit | 2. Ferm Living plant box (available in various colours), £245, Someday Designs | 3. Concrete pot (available in various sizes), from €9.90, Granit | 4. Bamboo screen (available in various sizes), from £9.99, Sure Green | 5. ‘Razan’ pair of galvanised planters, £59, MADE.com [AD – affiliate link] | 6. ‘DYNING’ balcony screen, £9, IKEA
Get the lighting right
Short days and dark evenings make effective outdoor lighting vital if you want to use your garden or balcony over winter. But you needn’t spend lots of money installing outside circuits and wired-in lamps, as there are plenty of rechargeable and solar-powered options to choose from. I like to hang a few strings of outdoor bulbs from trees and fences, and I always have a portable lamp close by so I can see what I’m drinking / eating / reading.
1. ‘SOLARVET’ solar-powered LED lighting chain, £19, IKEA | 2. ‘Pro-connect’ plug-in LED light strand on a black cable, £49.99, Lights4fun [AD – affiliate link] | 3. ‘UTSUND’ battery-operated LED lighting chain, £17, IKEA | 4. &tradition ‘Lucca’ wireless LED lamp (available in black, burgundy and grey-green), £123, Made in Design [AD – affiliate link] | 5. Menu ‘Carrie’ wireless LED lamp (available in black, white, dark red, olive green and brushed brass) £127, Nordic Nest [AD – affiliate link] | 6. HAY ‘PC’ wireless LED lamp (available in black, white and green), £69, Made in Design [AD – affiliate link]
Incorporate textiles and texture
Blankets are a must for snuggling up in, and I often add a few cushions, too. I tend to keep things in a basket just inside the back door so I can head out with a cuppa whenever the weather allows, but if you don’t want to keep lugging things in and out then look for weather-proof fabrics that incorporate recycled plastic – there are even outdoor rugs that you can use to keep things cosy underfoot. And, if you’re happy to use them, sheepskins and reindeer hides are great for draping over seats, as they form a natural barrier against cold and damp.
1. ‘MORUM’ indoor-outdoor rug, £55, IKEA | 2. Klippan ‘Ralph’ blanket (available in various colours), £69.99, Someday Designs | 3. Ferm Living ‘Way’ outdoor rug, £229, Made in Design [AD – affiliate link] | 4. ‘Barriere’ outdoor pillow (available in light and dark grey and three different sizes), from £69, Skagerak | 5. ‘Wove’ indoor-outdoor cushion (available in various colours), £110, Cane-line | 6. Shepherd of Sweden sheepskin, £104, Nordic Nest [AD – affiliate link]
Add atmosphere with candles
Candles are essential for creating a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Hurricane lanterns are the best option for outdoor use as they keep the flame protected from any gusts of wind, and again there are plenty of beautiful designs to choose from. My favourites mix classic rectangular shapes with minimalist aesthetics; there are also versions that can be hung from branches or hooks for a magical, fairytale-like effect.
1. Stelton hurricane lantern (available in various sizes), from £39, Nordic Nest [AD – affiliate link] | 2. Design House Stockholm ‘Lotus’ lantern (available in black and white), £74, Nordic Nest [AD – affiliate link] | 3. ‘Lighthouse’ lantern (available in numerous colours and sizes), from £110, Cane-line | 4. Skagerak ‘Bell’ lantern (available in black and light grey and two different sizes), from £115, Trouva [AD – affiliate link] | 5. House Doctor hurricane lantern (available in two sizes), from £121.99, Trouva [AD – affiliate link] | 6. Glass bottle lantern, €4.90, Granit
Large images by (from top): House Doctor, Mikko Ryhänen for Residence / Studio Joanna Laajisto, Entrance Makleri, House Doctor, Hübsch, House Doctor and Skagerak. Small images via the brands named above.
Please note this post contains affiliate links (all clearly marked), which means I will receive a small commission on any resulting sales. You won’t pay any more by clicking on these links than you would by visiting the websites directly.
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