How to Create a Cozy Outdoor Space for Fall

Temperatures are dropping, leaves are turning, and the sun is setting earlier. After a hectic summer, fall is the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends. But the cooler temperatures and shorter days don’t mean you need to limit gatherings to your living room. By preparing your patio or other outdoor space you’ll be able to keep everyone warm and cozy while taking advantage of the crisp air and fall colors. Whether it’s a tailgate party before the local football game or a get-together with a few close friends, there’s nothing like gathering around a warm fire to make the most of cool autumn nights.

Brighten the Space with Pumpkins and Plants

For pops of color, place containers around the patio full of fall-blooming plants including mums, zinnias, pansies, asters, and dahlias. Go vertical with corn stalks picked up at local farms or farmers markets. While you’re at it, grab some straw bales to place between seats. They make a great spot for displaying assorted pumpkins and gourds that add more seasonal color.

Light Up Your Nights

Outdoor lights not only help guests make their way safely, they also add a festive touch and help define the space. While small white lights are a timeless classic, you can get in the fall spirit with strings of orange bulbs, with or without faux leaves attached.

Gather ‘Round the Fire

Since the beginning of time, people have been drawn to a communal fire as much more than a place to warm up. If you’re making plans for a new patio or improving the one you have, a great place to start is by including or upgrading your fire source. From a simple fire pit to a statement-making gas fireplace, your choice will help set the tone for your outdoor entertainment space.

Here are just a few options to consider:

• Include a permanent fireplace to anchor the space and create an outdoor ‘room.’ Outdoor fireplaces offer several advantages, including better defining the space, bringing living room ambiance outside, doubling as a privacy wall, and taking up less space than a firepit.

• Create a firepit using a round or square smokeless insert, either freestanding or built-in—it’s a great and easy choice that will make a convert out of those who avoid campfires due to irritating (and ever-shifting) smoke. With the Breeo grill add-on, your fire pit doubles as a grill engineered for maximum heat control and durability.

• Keep things simple and gain table space with a fire table. Fire tables require nothing more than connecting a 20 lb LP tank and hitting the start button to add sophisticated ambiance to your outdoor space.

• If you’ve got your fire needs covered but are looking for more warmth, mid-wave infrared heaters are a great way to extend your time on your patio or deck, adding two or three months in the spring and fall shoulder seasons.

Help is Close at Hand

There can be a lot to consider when selecting the right fire source for your patio, from choosing between wood burning or gas to understanding local safety and permitting codes. Fortunately, VanderWall can help. For answers to frequently asked questions, check out our outdoor fireplace blog post. For design help and inspiration, stop in our Spring Lake or Grand Rapids store with some photos of your backyard, and our experts will help you determine which fire pit, table or fireplace will best fit your property. If your project involves a high degree of masonry, we can even match you with a local mason who can help you with your project. Or you can always use the “Text Us” tool in the lower right corner of our website.