Outdoor living space is essential in Texas.

Not only do patios extend living space in a home, but they also let you enjoy the beautiful year round seasons of the state. Backyard pools are pretty standard in Texas, but creating an inviting patio atmosphere is essential to enjoying your outdoor space throughout the year. Check out these seven ways you can extend the use of your patio year round.

Cover It

Having a patio space that is covered, even partially, will help to reduce cool winds from ruining your time outside. Pergolas, fencing or even large bushes can help to shield the space from wind and rain, which will make your patio more desirable during undesirable weather conditions. Creating some sort of barrier between you and the elements will help to make your patio space more secure.

Fire It Up

Outdoor fire pits can spice up any outdoor space— plus they allow for fun making s’mores! Small fire pits can be purchased for reasonable prices, and lighting a fire does wonders in creating a cozy outdoor atmosphere. Have a few sticks and s’more ingredients available to elevate your outdoor patio space and create memories around a warm fire.

Create Walls

Temporary or even living walls can help create a barrier to block unwanted wind and help contain heat when needed. Consider hanging draped fabrics or perhaps some taller plants in containers around your patio area. By doing this, you can create a secluded and condensed space for the cooler months that can be opened back up in the summer time. For the container plant idea, consider a plant native to Texas like the Autumn Sage; it blooms late into November and gives off a mint aroma–making your patio smell nice too!

Add a Heater

Purchasing a heater may seem counterproductive during the hot Texas summers, but warmth will be needed come winter. Patio heaters are a great way to encourage outdoor patio usage, and there are quite a few heater choices on the market. Your choice of heater will depend on the size of your patio; heaters can range from small tabletop styles to large freestanding styles meant for larger spaces. Having the addition of heat during a cool winter day will make your outdoor time much more enjoyable.

Extra Seating

Look for creative ways to add extra seating on the patio to encourage other family members to join you outside. Adding a swing, extra rocking chairs or even dual-use foot stools that can be transformed into seating will help to bring the entire family outdoors and even allow you invite a few neighbors to join you. Adding more seating to your space will help to encourage time spent together during colder months.

Make It Pretty

Your outdoor patio space will be more welcoming if you make it pleasing to the eye. Sweep out the corners and dust the spider webs that could be lurking to help create a more polished and inviting look. Consider purchasing a new outdoor rug to brighten the space and cover drab concrete floors. Adding a few matching accent pieces will make your patio space all the more welcoming and enjoyable.

Encourage Coziness

Even with the addition of an outdoor heating source, you may still need something warm and cozy to wrap up in. Have a stack of blankets on hand for your outdoor space that will hold up well to outdoor weather. Include large blankets that would do well to cover yourself and some smaller blankets to snuggle with and create a romantic atmosphere. Add a few comfortable pillows that will make long afternoons on the patio even more relaxing. There is no reason to forget about comfort just because the patio is outdoors.

Patio spaces should be used year round in Texas due to the mild and dry winter season. Adding a few added creature comforts like extra heating and comfortable seating will inspire you to spend more time outdoors throughout the cooler seasons. Follow these tips on creating on extending your patio season all year long.

Katie Kuchta is a gardening guru, outdoor living expert, and self-proclaimed foodie. She can often be found cooking in the kitchen or on the hunt for the best tacos; follow her on Instagram @atxtacoqueen.