With summer just around the corner, if you’re already dreaming of those long, hot days outdoors in the fresh air then you’re certainly not alone. And, with longer, lighter evenings to look forward to, there are extra hours to make the most of, too – and we, for one, will be relaxing in the garden right up until the sun goes down.
The one small caveat that comes with the traditional British summer, though, is the fact that, often, the weather can change quickly and, as the sun dips beyond the horizon, the evenings can become decidedly chilly without warning. If you’re planning on lounging outside with a book until late or throwing a summer garden party for friends, you’ll want to make sure everyone feels comfortable enough to stay out there for as long as possible, which is where outdoor heating comes in.
There are several forms of outdoor heating to choose from, and each can help you to create a luxurious and comfortable ambience for you and your guests to enjoy. From glowing fire pits to cosy overhead heaters, here are some simple ways to add warmth to your garden this summer so that you can keep the al fresco lifestyle going even after dark.
A luxurious fire pit
Fire pits have become one of the fastest-growing trends in the world of luxury outdoor heating over recent years, and are a stylish and sophisticated way to keep your garden feeling snug. Serving as an aesthetically pleasing focal point for any opulent outdoor space, arrange your seating around it so that you and your guests can enjoy the benefits while you chat or enjoy a glass of wine, or leave it free of any obstructions so that people can stand around it at larger social gatherings.
A sleek and modern gas fire pit is the perfect complement for a contemporary garden aesthetic and watching the flames glowing over elegant glass crystals is truly mesmerising. If you prefer a more pared down sense of luxury, then a traditional wood-burning fire pit, with its appealing crackling sound, instantly exudes a sense of cosiness and will work well with a more rustic garden or outdoor space. Simply throw on some kiln dried logs, and feel the magic happen.
Radiant patio heaters
Overhead patio heaters are another stylish option that can make your outdoor space feel far more functional. Using infra-red technology to emit heat, they exude a soft, atmospheric glow and are surprisingly powerful. Opt for free-standing models so that you can move them around to suit the occasion, placing one over your garden sofa when you simply want to sit and relax or arranging several in strategic locations around your garden when you’re having a barbecue or gathering and need to keep everyone feeling warm and comfortable. Or, if you want to keep the heating confined to a specific area, then wall-mounted heaters are also an option.
Most outdoor radiators have adjustable heat settings and use various different types of fuel. If you want to keep yours as eco-friendly as possible, then choose solar-powered heaters, which will collect energy from the sun throughout the day.
Heated outdoor flooring
Looking for a more discreet way to warm up your outdoor space? Heated flooring could be just the solution you’re looking for. And, contrary to popular belief, it isn’t limited to indoor use only. This innovative option can be installed underneath your outdoor flooring, be it made from tiles, decking or paving slabs, and will invisibly exude heat – blending seamlessly into surroundings and leaving nobody any the wiser.
Heated outdoor flooring is great for minimalistic styling that is based around the mantra that ‘less is always more’, so if modern is the look you’re going for, then look no further. Plus, not only is this a great space-saving option, but it will also mean you can comfortably walk barefoot outdoors in the summer, even at night – and what could possibly feel more luxurious than that?
The bottom line
As much as we’d like to believe that this summer will be long and hot well into the evenings, history has shown that it’s unlikely to be the case. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you should give up on the idea of staying out in the garden until late and making the most of the season, and with these innovative and stylish outdoor solutions, you can do just that, all without compromising on comfort or aesthetics.
