Cozy Backyard Patio – 5 Ways to Cozy Up Your Patio for Fall

Cozy Backyard Patio Makeover – Fall 2020 One Room Challenge

Hello and welcome to our backyard patio! This is truly one of my favorite places, even in its scrambled state. I love to work back here when the weather is nice, drink my coffee in the morning sun, and cozy up by the wood stove when it’s cold and rainy. I’m excited to makeover this space as a guest participant in the Fall 2020 One Room Challenge.

Backyard Patio Before

Here’s a before so you can see what I’m starting with. It’s not horrible or ugly, it just has no design to it. I literally bought some furniture and that was it. Given how much time we spend out here, I want to make this space feel complete and up the cozy factor.

My goal with this makeover is to intentionally design this space for practical use while majorly upping the coziness. And, since Fall is my favorite season, I figured it’s the perfect time for it!

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About The One Room Challenge

If you haven’t heard of the One Room Challenge, it’s a blogging event held in the Spring and Fall each year where designers, DIY’ers, and anyone who wants to join come together to encourage and inspire one another as we makeover an entire space in just 6 weeks. If you were around for the Spring 2020 ORC, then you may have followed along as I transformed our Home Office / Guest Room / Man Cave from an ugly, yellow storage room to a dark and moody retreat. You can read all about it here. That room is still one of my favorite spots in our home!

One thing I enjoyed about the One Room Challenge is that it pushed me to fully complete the room rather than stopping at good-enough-for-now. That’s a huge reason why I signed up again. Make sure to check out the other projects on the One Room Challenge Blog.

Now, for some inspo! Read on for my tips to create a cozy and inviting backyard patio.

Cozy Backyard Patio – 5 Ways to Cozy Up Your Patio for Fall

1. Orient Furniture to Create Cozy Conversation Areas

Comfortable seating is the foundation of a cozy backyard patio. Seating should be arranged in a way that is inviting and appropriate for conversation. You don’t want furniture to be spread out or it can feel distant and off, but you also don’t want to feel cramped. I like to think about how we’ll use the space and orient the furniture to create cozy conversation areas. This could mean a bistro set, couches, dining area, maybe a swing or rocking chair, etc..

Rocking Chairs, Bistro Sets, and Swings

Outdoor Couches and Lounge Chairs

Outdoor Dining Sets

2. Use Lighting to Create Ambiance

Lighting can majorly up the coziness of a backyard patio. Soft lighting helps to create ambiance — think market lights, candles, and lanterns. There’s something about them that adds a magical touch to an outdoor space.

String Lights

Lanterns

Candles

3. Turn Up The Heat for a Cozy Backyard Patio

Nothing says cozy like a nice, hot fire. We were lucky that our patio came with a built-in wood burning stove. But even if you don’t have a built-in fireplace, there are tons of modern fire pit options that are perfect to add warmth and make s’mores!

Fire Pits and Table Top Fire Bowls

4. Choose Cozy Materials

Pillows and blankets add so much coziness to a space! I love choosing fabrics with extra weight and softness for Fall. You could also add outdoor curtains and rugs to make your patio feel more like a cozy living area.

Outdoor Pillows and Blankets

Outdoor Rugs and Curtains

5. Decorate with Nature

Natural elements make a space feel so much more relaxing. Since we’re talking about backyard patios here, your surrounding yard may provide some greenery, while adding a few potted plants can add to the cozy factor. For Fall, I love to use natural elements as decor, such as gathering fallen acorns to create natural fall decor for free!

Plants and Natural Decor