How to Create a ‘Winter Garden’ for Cosying Up

Take Shelter from the Elements

Select a space that has cover to shield you from the wind and rain, whether a roof, awning or even an oversized parasol, together with clever windbreaks like fences, heavy curtains or screens.

Make a Statement with Seating

Without relying on the colour of flowers or the lushness of greenery, it can often feel like your patio or terrace don't have interest during winter, so adding a focal point can help. A cocooning layout of outdoor seating doesn’t just create somewhere warm and enveloping for cosying up, but provides the jewel in the crown of your winter garden. Create a horseshoe or L-shape configuration facing the garden with a fire pit in the centre for warmth or a low coffee table for placing mugs and glasses.

Add Ambience with Layered Lighting

Next, add lighting for an atmospheric glow and practical illumination, and layer your scheme like you would indoors. Think festoon lights draped over fences or wound around trees; wireless lamps like our Minerva, Mini Grisewood or Neoma you can move in and out as required; twinkling fairy lights nestled in trays or bowls on tables; and candles flickering in statement holders across every surface. A pair of the Pagoda or Chamak lanterns either end of an outdoor console adds a focal point, while several Glass Hurricane Holders look fabulous positioned on the floor around your seating area.

Cosy Up with Throws, Blankets and Cushions

There can be a chill in the air on even the sunniest of winter days, while it gets cold quickly as the nights draw in, so look to textiles. Scatter your seating with textural cushions (our plain Velvet or wool Lorna covers are warming and sumptuous)and cosy throws and blankets (try our cosy Faux Fur in grizzly bear or seal grey).Better still, why not keep a basket of spares to hand that guests can wrap around chilly shoulders? The Linea and Selva are irresistibly soft and roll up beautifully. Remember, you can take your textiles when you need them and back inside again when you don’t, so you don’t need special fabrics. Think about dressing your outdoor seating as you would the sofas and armchairs in your living room using colour and pattern as well as texture to bring the indoors out and create a ‘fifth room’.

Add the Final Touches

Finalise your outdoor space by adding accessories just like you’d use inside. Think outdoor mirrors, frost-proof plant pots and decorative ornaments and objects d’art. For winter gardens, consider a tray scape: a beautiful tray already laden with objects d’art, books and more you can transport in and out as needed for instant styling .

Get inspired to create your winter garden with our furniture, lighting, textiles and homeware.