This outdoor accessory delivers double the functionality in one attractive bronze fixture. Light your nighttime patio and heat up a 1000-square-foot space by switching on the Outdoor Infrared Lantern Heater. The energy-efficient product stays cool to the touch even as it keeps you warm, making it safe to use around children and pets. Available at PlowHearth.com; $199.95.
Related: 8 Patio Heaters to Keep You Comfy Outdoors
Throw blankets aren't just for the back of the couch or the foot of the guest bed; they make a smart addition to your porch or patio. Whether you store them in a basket on your screened porch or keep them inside in the linen closet and bring them out only when you're spending an evening out of doors, they'll serve you well. Take care not to leave blankets and other delicate textiles outdoors for long periods of time or they can attract mildew, mold, or pests. Also, practice common-sense safety when using a blanket by keeping it far away from any heat sources or fire pits. Available on Amazon; $15.59.
Related: 12 DIY Ways to Dress Up Your House for Fall
Wrap yourself—and your porch—in comfort by adding a set of insulated curtains to the perimeter of the space. Keep the curtains open during the day to let the sun's rays warm you, then close them after sunset to shut out the crisp, cool breeze. Available on Amazon; $29.99.
Related: 8 DIY Creations to Keep Out the Cold
If a fancy fire pit isn't your style, you may want to give the BlazingBlock Portable Bonfire at try. This self-contained fire is made by lighting a single stick of fatwood and placing it inside the wooden block—no kindling required. When placed on a fireproof surface, the BlazingBlock will burn for more than three hours, bringing warmth and creativity to your outdoor space. Available at PlowHearth.com; $29.95.
Like indoor space heaters, outdoor heaters may have exposed coils that get hot to the touch while being operated. If you're not careful, that quality might put you or your family at risk of injury. You can avoid the trouble that comes with bumping into a standing outdoor heater by mounting one to the ceiling of your outdoor room or the overhang on your porch. This hanging heater comes with a hook and chain for easy installation and will work quietly in the background to keep you warm throughout the fall. Available at BedBathandBeyond.com; $109.99.
Related: Bob Vila’s 35 Must-Do Projects for Fall
If you spend a lot of time in your backyard, you may want to spring for a fireplace or a fancy fire pit surrounded with built-in seating. But if a patio remodel isn't in your budget, a portable fire pit will be your best friend. Warmth—not to mention a s'mores station—is well within reach at a modest price point. Available at PlowHearth.com; $149.95.
Related: No Money to Burn? 9 Fire Pits You Can Afford
In the dog days of summer, a refreshing dip in a cold swimming pool makes for an enjoyable afternoon. But at a certain point in the year, the thought of diving into an outdoor pool can make anyone shiver. With your own backyard hot tub, however, you can continue to enjoy the water—but in a more seasonally appropriate way. This inflatable hot tub from Coleman, which seats up to six people, can be inflated with an included pump and it will keep the water at a comfortably warm temperature thanks to the accompanying heating unit. Available on Amazon; $599.99.
Related: 9 Things to Do in the Yard Before the First Frost
Add a little ambiance with a structural heating element—like this cast iron chimenea. A metal door swings open so you can feed logs into the fire and an ash catcher nestles neatly in the bottom of the fireplace so you can clean it out without a fuss. Available on Amazon; $190.
Related: 9 Ways to Extend Patio Season into Fall
Adirondack chairs conjure visions of relaxing summer days in full view of nature's glory, but by the time fall comes around those classic wood chairs might not seem so appealing. To make them a little cozier for cool weather months, add a full-length cushion like this one. Keep the cushions inside your toasty warm home, then bring them outside when you want to sit outdoors. The warmth from the house will lend those cushions—and chairs—a little extra comfort. Available on PlowHearth.com; $69.95.
Related: The Best Outdoor Furniture Under $100
This charming coffee table has a secret—the cabinet draws open to reveal a propane tank that powers a fire pit in the center of the tabletop. When it's not keeping you warm during the cooler months, the fire pit can be covered with a metal cover that sits flush with the rest of the table, so that you can use the surface to set cool drinks. That element of versatility makes this a patio heater that you can use all year long. Available on Amazon; $207.99.
Extend the time you enjoy outdoor living well into the cool months of fall.
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