Despite having to spend more time in our homes due to the recent announcements regarding COVID-19, it doesn't mean that we have to be cooped up inside all winter, we can still make good use of our gardens and outdoor spaces. Especially if you have a patio area to take advantage of. 

Now, we know what you're thinking. Who in their right mind wants to spend time outside during the winter when they can be warm and cost inside? Well, there are a whole host of advantages to being outside, especially with being stuck inside for so much of this year and you don't have to be cold! 

Here we provide some tips on how to stay warm on your patio this winter and extend the time that you spend outdoors. Read on to find out more.

Warming Up Your Patio 

Fire Pits 

When it comes to warming up your patio, fire pits have become one of the most popular outdoor fire features due to their low cost, simplicity and portability. Fire pits are traditionally designed to be kept fairly low to the ground, however, they can be built or purchased in many shapes and sizes with a range of materials. 

You can purchase different types of fire pit also. Wood-burning types are popular, but for a more environmentally-friendly option, you can choose pits fuelled by gas or propane. 

Purpose-Built Fireplace

If you have a little more time and budget on your hands, a custom-built fireplace in your garden is a perfect way to warm up your patio. An outdoor fireplace works just like an indoor one and really does create a living room outside. Add seating and a lowered table for a real homely feel. Materials range from metal, stone, brick and concrete and can be fuelled by other wood or gas. Be mindful of where exactly you place the fireplace, avoiding low-hanging trees, shrubs, hedges and nearby structures. Also, think about any potential smoke and the direction it may blow.

Portable Fireplace

For those of you who would love an outdoor fireplace but do not want to commit to getting one built, a portable fireplace may be just the thing for you. These are a particularly smart choice for smaller outdoor spaces or if you plan on moving your fireplace often. These can also be fuelled by wood, gas or propane.

Chimineas

A chiminea is an inexpensive fire feature that is often made out of clay or metal that is guaranteed to warm up your patio area, an ideal alternative to a fireplace. Their traditional design and appearance bode well for outdoor spaces that boast a similar look. Ensure the chiminea is sturdy and has a spark screen. Chimney extensions also help to vent the smoke whilst it burns on your patio.

Patio Lamps & Heaters

Patio heaters are another popular choice for many homeowners who want to bring some warmth to their garden. They are tall, do not take up much space and are fuelled by propane. An average patio heater can warm up an area of 15-25 square feet, so there'll be no worries about your outdoor space getting warm.

Heated Flooring 

You can spend more time outdoors thanks to radiant heating. Often associated with indoor floors, heated flooring is gaining popularity with outdoor surfaces also. These systems can be installed to warm up a number of surfaces including decking and patio and offer gardens a new aesthetic dimension not often seen.

These are just some of the ways that you can stay warm on your patio this winter! For more home and garden tips, be sure to keep an eye out on PrimaPorcelain's blog as well as our socials where we post regular updates. 

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Nothing brightens our day more than receiving a beautiful photo of a PrimaPorcelain customer's brand new patio.

The picture above was taken by a Mr White, who used our 20mm Travertine Cream paving to create an exquisite and unique patio design in his back garden.

We especially love the hexagonal insert that this customer included in his patio design. Very unique!

The patio's smoothly curving edges are another treat for the eyes.

Here's what Mr White had to say about the service we provided:

"Communicating with PrimaPorcelain was easy and my delivery was on time. I'm very pleased with the quality and finish of the porcelain, and with the patio's overall appearance."

If you've got a unique patio design in mind, our low-maintenance porcelain paving slabs are the perfect material for the job. PrimaPorcelain tiles come in all sorts of gorgeous colours and designs, and they're durable enough to last for years no matter what the weather has to say about it.

Browse our range and order your FREE samples!

Adding potted plants to your patio is a great way to bring your outdoor space to life. Sure, most plants are at their best during the spring and summer months, but that doesn't mean your patio should look bare through the autumn and winter months. If you're lucky, some of your spring/summer bloomers will continue to produce flowers as we head into the colder seasons, but most flowers will die back within a matter of weeks.

If you're looking for some patio plant suggestions that will look good through autumn and winter, look no further. We've rounded up a selection of our favourite autumn patio plants so that you can enjoy your patio all year round. 

Don't forget to check out our wide range of porcelain paving if you want to add a new patio to your home for winter!

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Autumn Flowers

Looking at pretty flowers can trigger chemicals in your brain like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin (otherwise known as the happy chemicals). Looking at flowers can make you feel less depressed and anxious, so there's a real mental health benefit if you can encourage some flowers to grow on your patio this autumn.

Hardy Fuchsia

Looking for something that will add an instant pop of colour to your patio? The hardy fuchsia (or fuchsia magellanica) are known for their gorgeous 'ballerina' flowers which are capable of surviving throughout the autumn and the winter. 

Amaranthus

With tassle-like flowers, amaranthus species are a great option if you're looking for a more unusual patio plant. These flowers bloom in autumn and stick around for a few weeks into winter. When cut, they can be used in gorgeous autumnal flower arrangements. 

Cosmos

One of our all-time favourite autumn patio plants is cosmos! Blooming from spring right up until the first frost of the year, these delicate flowers are sure to put a smile on anyone's face. At the end of the season, cosmos will die back, self-seed and create even more beautiful blooms in your garden for the following year!

Autumn Herbs

Another great way to bring your patio to live during the autumn and winter months is to add a herb garden. Unlike most flowers, herbs are hardy enough to withstand the pressure of autumn and winter - plus they can be very helpful in the kitchen. Summer herbs like basil and chives won't make it through the winter, so it's important that you harvest these before the first frost. 

Herbs that will last well through autumn and into winter include sage, bay leaves, rosemary and thyme. It's no surprise that these are often additions in our favourite autumn/winter meals. Creating a herb garden on your patio is really easy and you can enjoy the fruits of your labour all year round.

We hope that this gives you a few autumn patio plant ideas. A quick reminder that the clocks go back on Sunday 25th October, giving us an all-important extra hour in the day. Perhaps you could utilise this to give your patio planters some TLC!

Thinking about redesigning your back garden, but don't want to deal with a lawn? If so, you've come to the right place!

Here we have a few no-grass garden ideas that are sure to make a statement and impress your guests. From decks and patios to pools and flowerbeds, there are many ways to add some much-needed life and va-va-voom to your outdoor space without so much as a single blade of grass!

So, let's take a look at what options are available to you...

More...

If you're someone who likes to change your home and garden decor to match the seasons, you're probably already thinking about ways to add a touch of autumn. Well, here at PrimaPorcelain, we believe that any outdoor space can be transformed with a little imagination.

Once you've got your gorgeous, winter-proof porcelain pavers in place, you can focus on accessorising to create a truly autumnal space. Here are some of our suggestions for autumn patio decor that will have your neighbours looking green with envy.

1. Weatherproofing

During autumn the weather can be unpredictable. Sometimes, we'll have a really crisp, cold but sunny day, and before you know it it'll be pouring it down with rain. As such, it's important that you think about weatherproofing your patio. This means protecting, replacing or removing anything that could be damaged by the changing weather.

If you've got PrimaPorcelain paving installed, you can rest assured that the patio itself will withstand whatever autumn throws at it. As well as being non-porous, our porcelain paving features a rough texture that will help prevent slips and falls - perfect as we start to see more wet leaves and morning frosts.

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A great way to make sure you and your guests aren't caught out by a sudden downpour is to install an awning, veranda or sunroom. These provide overhead cover and, in some cases, come with optional sides that can provide protection from the wind too. Enclosing your patio area will also give it a cosier feel (just be careful if you plan to add a fire pit, not all structures are suitable to be installed over a fire).

Other things that may need to be weatherproofed include:

• Your garden sofa/chairs (we'd recommend waterproof cushion covers)
• Your outdoor steps (add a handrail for extra security)

2. Add Autumnal Colours

One of the easiest ways to make your patio look fit for autumn is to add earthy, deep tones and remove bright summer colours. Now we're not suggesting that you paint all your of your outdoor furniture a new colour (unless you want to), but adding autumnal accents of colour like rust, mustard and brown will really set the tone for the months ahead. Why not try:

• Changing your seat covers
• Buying new plant pots 
• Choosing a new throw
• Adding dried flowers or pumpkins

3. Make it Warm and Cosy

If you want to make the most of your patio on cold autumn nights, it's important that you invest in things to make it feel extra warm and cosy. Adding a fire pit or patio heater will keep you warm so you can spend longer outside.

You can't beat sitting around a fire with a cup of hot chocolate and some marshmallows for toasting! This is one of those autumnal patio decor ideas that's as charming as it is functional.  As well as a fire pit, you might want to invest in some additional throws and blankets that you can take outside on the patio with you for a little extra warmth. 

4. Add Autumnal Lights

In the summer there isn't much need for fairy lights, tea lights or lanterns. The light nights and warm temperatures mean you can happily sit on your patio until 9 or 10pm, no problem. As we move into September and October, you'll notice the dark nights drawing in all of a sudden, do you'll need to add some lights. 

There are so many different outdoor lighting options for you to choose from, but we personally love the look of tea lights (like those pictured above). They twinkle, they can be moved around your patio to add light wherever you need it!

5. Make it Child Friendly

One of the great joys of autumn is Halloween. Every year, children and their parents get dressed up and head out trick or treating, so, if your patio is at the front of your house, you might need to so some child-proofing. 

Removing sharp objects, breakables and precious items can help ensure that your patio is kept in good condition throughout autumn. Children with sheets over their heads  (also known as ghosts) could be stumbling around in the dark and easily fall over and hurt themselves. Being conscious of the little ones that might visit your patio this autumn is a great way to avoid accidental injuries. 

Hopefully, these autumn patio decor ideas will help you make the most of your garden patio this autumn. If you decide to make your patio look more autumnal, feel free to tag us in your pictures over on Instagram @primaporcelain or email us at info@primaporcelain.co.uk.

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