Designing Your Winter Wonderland: Backyard Landscape Ideas

We often think of our backyards as warm weather spaces––but done right, they can be a year-round outdoor retreat. And who doesn’t want to get more use out of the space they have? When designing an eye-catching and practical outdoor escape, the key is to create a cohesive space where all of the elements work together. And this is never truer than during the colder months when you'll need to take things into account like staying warm and protecting your space from winter weather.

Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner under the stars or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, tailoring your outdoor space for colder months will keep your space functional and inviting all year long. Here are a few backyard design ideas, tips, and tricks that can transform your outdoor space.

Table of Contents

• Furniture for Winter Weather 
• Staying Warm: Heating Options 
• Enclosed Patios, Sheltered Spaces, and Other Ways to Keep Cozy 
• Designing Your Space with Cold-Weather Activities in Mind 
• Styling Your Winter Oasis 
• Final Thoughts 
• FAQs 

Furniture for Winter Weather

Winter doesn’t have to mean abandoning your backyard. With thoughtful design and a few smart additions, you can turn your area into a cozy, functional space for cold-weather gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire.

Choose winter-ready furniture

The backbone of any outdoor space is its furniture, but Winter presents unique challenges. You’ll want to prioritize pieces made for cold-weather durability:

• Durable Furniture: When it comes to chairs, benches, tables and other outdoor furniture, opt for weather-proof materials like Grade A Teak Wood and aluminum that naturally resist rust, moisture, and freezing temperatures. As for fire pits, grills, and other heating devices, choose models made for outdoor use with materials like stainless steel and weathering steel that resist the elements.
• All-Weather Cushions: Choose cushions with weather-resistant fabrics that repel moisture and resist fading. You may want to store your cushions away when not in use or get an easily washable design just in case.
• Protective Covers: Invest in high-quality covers to shield your furniture and heating sources from snow and ice when not in use.

Perfecting Your Winter Furniture Arrangement

Taking some time to plan how to arrange your outdoor furniture will pay off year-round, but especially in the colder months when you want to minimize your time spent trekking through the cold. Some things to consider:

• Functionality: How do you plan to use your outdoor space? Just you and your significant other cozying up under the stars? Hosting large group dinners? How you use your space will dictate the type of furniture you choose and how you lay it out while still keeping everyone warm.
• Patio Grouping: Arranging your seating around a fire pit or outdoor fireplace will make your backyard the go-to for gatherings on beautiful winter nights. Keep in mind that the more people you plan to have, the bigger your source of heat should be.
• Yard Sectioning: If you plan to use your space for different activities like dining, lounging, and cooking, you may want to invest in multiple sources of heat. The more comfortable you are (i.e. - warm), the more likely you are to actually use your outdoor space. Consider using rugs, planters, hedges, and other design elements to section off areas for dining, cooking, and lounging, then equip each section with a suitable heating source.
• Traffic flow: Consider how you’ll move around in your space. You don’t want guests to have to leave the warmth of a crackling fire to let a friend get through. Make sure your furniture is laid out in a way that allows for easy and safe foot traffic in potentially icy conditions.

Staying Warm: Heating Options

Cold weather calls for clever heating solutions, especially if you plan to get the most out of your backyard space during chilly weather. Here’s how to keep cozy:

• Fire Features: The possibilities are endless when it comes to fire pits and outdoor fireplaces. Narrow it down to larger designs and high-efficiency fire pits that put off a lot of heat. If you have a smaller area, you may want to consider dual purpose fire pits that double as a grill to save space.
• Outdoor Electric Heaters: Place electric or propane patio heaters strategically for more warmth. This is especially effective when used with enclosed patios for outdoor dining.
• Cooking Station Setup: Add a prep table and storage bins for tools if you plan to use your grill in the colder months to minimize time spent walking in the cold to and from the house.

Enclosed Patios, Sheltered Spaces, and Other Ways to Keep Cozy

Now that you have your heat source figured out, consider adding shelter and insulation to retain the heat and block wind. Don’t worry, this can be designed in a way that adds to the style of your outdoor space:

• Windbreaks: Use decorative walls, screens, or fencing to block harsh winds.
• Outdoor Rugs: Insulate the ground to retain heat and add comfort (also a great way to section off zones in your yard and add a pop of texture and color)
• Covered Structures: Gazebos or pergolas are a gorgeous way to shield your space from snow and rain while offering shade in warmer months.
• Curtains or Panels: Curtains and panels made with insulated materials can help retain heat and create a cozier atmosphere, while also being easy to roll up or slide out of the way in the warmer months.

Designing Your Space with Cold-Weather Activities in Mind

Designing your outdoor area with winter weather in mind is all about getting the most out of your space, especially when icy road conditions can make you feel cooped up at home. If you know your family loves their board games or you’d love to keep your outdoor dining routine alive all year, consider these setups to get you started:

• Dining and Games: Enclose a table area for meals or family game nights with an electric space heater to keep you toasty.
• Bonfires and Group Get-togethers: Set up plenty of comfy seating around a large, efficient fire pit or outdoor fireplace for toasty evenings with friends.
• Outdoor Cooking: Create a protected and well-ventilated cooking area with windbreaks and a canopy to keep snow and rain at bay while you cook.
• A Solo Retreat: Section an area off for a small set of patio furniture, such as a winter-ready weather-resistant chair you can lounge on, a side table for holding drinks, books, and anything else you want with you, and a fire pit for a secluded getaway.

If you want to enjoy your backyard year-round, a bit of thinking ahead and a few key pieces can make all the difference.

Styling Your Winter Oasis

Once the essentials are in place, it’s time for the fun stuff––styling your outdoor space! You’ll want to pay special attention to styling the area where your sources of heat are, as you’ll be spending most of your time here in the winter months.

Visual Appeal:

• Color: If your backyard is looking a bit bleak without all the blue skies and greenery, you may want to go for some rich winter colors in your decor. Consider deep evergreens and warmer tones to play off the natural landscape while still adding some color.
• Texture: Texture can make a night and day difference when it comes to decorating outdoor areas, especially during winter when you don’t have plant life, grass, and other natural textures. Adding textured rugs, throws, and pillows are an easy choice, but also consider choosing more textured designs for permanent structures like outdoor walling or patios.
• Focal points: Without the usual garden and greenery, outdoor spaces can sometimes lack a focal point. Consider adding a sitting bench, trellis, gazebo, or statue to add interest to your space.
• Plants: If you’re a green-thumb, you may want to include winter-hardy perennials like winterberries or boxwood for greenery. If you’re not a green-thumb, there are still plenty of low-maintenance options, so don’t let that stop you!

Lighting:

• Ambient Lighting: Think string lights, pendant lamps, and recessed lighting to create a magical atmosphere.
• Functional Lighting: Outdoor lighting is an easy way to add ambiance during any season, but winter evenings call for a bit more planning. When it’s snowing or icy out, you’ll want to illuminate walkways and cooking areas for safety and practicality.

Add A Few Cozy Touches:

• Throws and Pillows: It’s amazing the difference a few soft blankets and pillows can make in keeping you warm and creating a cozy-looking winter space.
• Cushions: Adding some winter-proof cushions to your outdoor furniture is an excellent (and stylish) way to stay warm.
• Seasonal Decorations: Use hardy decorations (this can even include the throws, pillows, and cushions) that are made to withstand winter after winter.

Final Thoughts

Winter isn’t a time to shy away from your outdoor space. A beautiful backyard you’ll actually use all year round starts with finding ways to enjoy it in every season. Whether you're hosting a bonfire, dining al fresco, or just enjoying the fresh air, thoughtful design and styling make all the difference.

Ready to transform your backyard into a winter retreat? Check out key winter pieces at Ash & Ember, including premium weather-resistant outdoor furniture, fire pits, and outdoor fireplaces!

FAQs

1. What do I need to consider when designing my backyard?

Some things you’ll want to consider are the size of your space, how many people will be using it at one time, activities you’ll be using it for, your climate, the level of maintenance you desire, your personal style, local regulations, and your budget.

2. How do I get started designing my backyard?

This depends on the level of design. Some features will require bringing in a professional (such as adding a permanent patio), whereas other features you can easily set up yourself. If you’re planning a large overhaul of your backyard and have the budget for it, you may want to consult a landscape designer.

3. I want to get more use out of my outdoor space. What are some winter-friendly backyard activities?

Popular activities include hosting outdoor dining with enclosed and heated table areas, gathering around a fire pit for socializing or roasting marshmallows, or setting up a grilling station for winter cookouts. You can really bring any outdoor activity outside if you design your space for it.