Adding outdoor blinds, greenery, and a heat source are some of the best winter patio ideas to create a year-round oasis.
In Perth, we’re lucky to enjoy gorgeous weather year-round, but winter can bring surprisingly cold nights.
If you’re tempted to winterise your Perth patio and hibernate inside for the next few months, picture this instead:
Overhead lights emitting a soft, warm glow.
A hot mug of tea in hand.
A plush throw blanket resting on your lap.
With cooler nights approaching, these are the kind of patio nights we look forward to.
And achieving this kind of winter patio setup is easier and more affordable than you think.
Here are 8 of our favourite ways to create a winter patio that is equal parts cosy and luxurious.
Key Summary: 8 Winter Patio Ideas to Create a Cosy Year-Round Patio
- Install Outdoor Blinds
- Add a Heat Source
- Blend the Indoors with the Outdoors
- Focus on Warm Lighting
- Add Comfortable, Cosy Furnishings
- Include Year-Round Greenery
- Opt for an Insulated Roof
- Enclose Your Patio
1. Install Outdoor Blinds
Outdoor blinds are one of the easiest ways to make a patio usable year-round.
Along with creating privacy, outdoor blinds can block out a cold wind, creating a cosy patio haven.
Biting wind making you chilled on an early evening in May? Pull the outdoor blinds down to instantly block out the chill.
With quality outdoor blinds, wet or cold days can still make your patio feel like your own little cosy cocoon.
2. Add a Heat Source
A heat source is one of the most important additions to a good winter patio in Perth. Adding a heat source can make your patio comfortable, usable, and inviting.
Rather than retreating inside on a chilly night, winter patio heaters will have you choosing your patio instead.
From small electric heaters to propane or gas heaters, there is a wide range of winter patio heaters to choose from.
While patio fire features offer warmth and an inviting ambiance, be sure to research necessary safety measures, such as:
- Be mindful of burn restrictions
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Keep flammable items away from heat sources
You May Also Like: 7 Creative Multi-Purpose Patio Ideas
3. Blend the Indoors with the Outdoors
Viewing your Perth patio as an extension of your house is a key way to make it functional year-round.
Focus on creating a patio that feels like another room of your house. This mindset helps turn the patio into a space you want to use any time of the year.
One of our must-have features for making a patio feel like an extension of the home is an outdoor kitchen. Being able to cook and enjoy a hot meal outside is a sure way to tempt you to retreat outside. Rather than being stuck inside just because it’s cooler out, sit down for a cosy meal in the fresh air.
Get inspired with some of our favourite outdoor kitchen designs here: Our 8 Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ Ideas.
4. Focus on Warm Lighting
Outdoor lighting is one of the most affordable ways to evoke an inviting atmosphere, despite chillier temps. Stick to warm light bulbs to create a soft, relaxing glow.
Some of our favourite patio lighting ideas include:
- String lights
- Lanterns
- Candles (Opt for battery-powered for a safer choice)
- Solar lights
- Wall-mounted light fixtures
Get inspired with more ways to utilise your patio in our guide here: How to Make the Most Out of Your Patio.
5. Add Comfortable, Cosy Furnishings
No one wants to go outside and sit on a cold chair when the temperatures drop. Comfortable furniture is a must for an inviting winter patio setup. Focus on a variety of seating options that are durable, outdoor-friendly, and comfortable.
Relaxing, cosy furniture will have you wanting to get outside and snuggle up with a book or cup of coffee.
Also, don’t forget the blankets! Always have a blanket easily accessible to bundle up with.
Add cosiness to your patio with these must-have outdoor winter furnishings:
- Ottomans
- Plush blankets
- Throw pillows
- Outdoor rugs
- Outdoor sofas or plush chairs to sink into
- Side tables to keep your tea or coffee handy
6. Include Year-Round Greenery
Surrounding yourself with lush greenery and colourful plants will have your patio feeling like a year-round oasis.
Opt for plants that thrive in cooler temperatures and damp conditions, such as:
- Hardy evergreen plants
- Ornamental grasses
- Camellias (particularly Sasanqua)
- Olive trees
- Boxwood (Buxus)
- Seasonal arrangements
- Heuchera
- Photinia ‘Red Robin’
- Bay Trees
- Eucalyptus
- Ferns
- Cast Iron Plants
To ensure your winter patio plants look their best, follow these tips:
- Raise pots to improve drainage during wet Perth winters
- Shield sensitive plants from windy areas
- Avoid heavy pruning
- Be careful not to overwater
- Group pots together against a sheltered wall on especially cold days or nights
- Add a layer of mulch to the top of pots to protect against dropping temperatures
For patio landscaping inspiration, see our guide here: 10 Simple Yet Stunning Patio Landscaping Ideas.
7. Opt for an Insulated Roof
An insulated roof acts as an effective barrier against the cold on damp, chilly days. With a layer of foam, insulated roofs provided excellent thermal regulation.
This means you’ll be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter months. An insulated roof is one of the best investments if you want to utilise your patio year-round.
Learn more in our guide here: Key Differences Between Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Patio Roofs.
8. Enclose Your Patio
An enclosed patio will go a long way in keeping you more comfortable, even on the dampest, coolest days. By blocking out the wind and elements, you can create a patio that is set up for year-round enjoyment.
Here’s a lovely example of an enclosed patio that the owners can use comfortably, despite the weather or season: Aussie Patio Designs Enclosed Patio.
See some of our easy and unique ways to enclose a patio here: 10 Creative Ideas for Enclosing a Patio.
Creating a Custom Perth Patio You Love Year-Round
We believe the cooler months offer some of the best times to enjoy your patio, and we hope these tips inspire you.
Adding outdoor blinds, a heat source, comfy furniture, and warm lighting can create a patio you look forward to using year-round.
Contact our Perth patio experts to learn more or get your free quote for a custom patio you can use year-round.
