Autumn doesn't have to mean the end of the outdoor season. The sun sits low, the leaves turn colour and the evenings get dark early, but with a few clever choices your garden can become a place you actually want to sit in. With a cup of tea under a blanket, a string of lights above the patio and a rug under your feet. In this article you'll find ten tips and ideas for making your garden cosy in autumn, from warm lighting and cushions in autumnal shades to potted plants and furniture that copes well with the wet season.
In short: choose one sheltered seating spot out of the wind, add warm white lighting there and soften it with an outdoor rug, cushions in autumn shades and a throw. Place potted autumn plants around the seating area and store cushions dry after use. That way your garden stays usable until the first frost.
The 10 tips at a glance
You don't have to do everything at once. The first four tips make the biggest difference: a dry, sheltered spot with light and a rug. The rest finishes the job.
| Tip | What you do | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Tidy up | Clear leaves, dry the patio | An afternoon |
| 2. Sheltered spot | Seating area out of the wind | Moving things |
| 3. Warm lighting | String lights, wall lamp, path light | A weekend |
| 4. Outdoor rug | Rug under the seating area | Small |
| 5. Cushions | Add warm shades | Small |
| 6. Throws | Basket by the back door | Small |
| 7. Autumn plants | Pots by the seating area | An afternoon |
| 8. Harvest and leaves | Pumpkins, branches, berries | Small |
| 9. Eating outside | Set the table, start early | Small |
| 10. Autumn-ready | Store cushions dry | Every time |
1. Clear up and keep the patio dry
A cosy autumn garden starts with a tidy base. Wet leaves on tiles and decking are slippery and hold moisture. Green algae grows faster there, and under a layer of leaves garden furniture develops damp marks. So sweep the patio and paths regularly, including between and under your furniture.
You don't have to get rid of all the leaves. Under shrubs and in the borders they can stay: they protect the soil and gradually turn into compost. That keeps the patio clean and the border alive. If your patio has already turned green, read how to remove green algae from your patio.
Also remove spent summer plants from pots and planters. That makes room for the autumn plants from tip 7.
2. Choose one sheltered autumn spot
In summer you look for shade, but in autumn you want the last bit of sunshine and a spot out of the wind. The seating area that was perfect in July is often too cold in October. So take another look at your garden: where does the sun still reach in the afternoon, and where is it sheltered from the wind?
That is often against the house wall, in a corner between a wall and a fence, or under a canopy. There you sit sheltered, it stays drier and the wall holds on to some warmth. Move your lounge chairs or a few garden chairs there and make that your autumn spot. One good spot is worth more than a whole garden that's only half finished.
Is it windy everywhere? A windscreen can make an open patio a lot more pleasant. If you want to sit outside even when it rains, read about the difference between a veranda, canopy and pergola.
3. Warm lighting instead of one harsh lamp
In autumn it's already dark around dinner time. Lighting then decides whether you stay outside or go back in. A single harsh outdoor lamp on the wall makes the patio feel chilly rather than cosy. Instead, work with a few smaller light points with warm white light: a string of lights above the seating area, a wall lamp by the door and some light along the path.
The lower the colour temperature in Kelvin, the warmer and more yellow the light. For an autumnal feel, choose lamps around 2000 to 3000 K. You can read how to build up your lighting in layers in creating atmosphere with garden lighting. Below are three lamps from Garden Lights that suit an autumn spot well. They run on a 12V system with a transformer; for how to install that, read installing garden lighting.
A string of lights above the seating area
A string of filament bulbs above the patio or along the fence instantly gives that glow of a city terrace. The Partylights Filament gives extra warm white light at 2200 K and is IP44, so it's made for outdoor use.
A wall lamp by the back door
A wall lamp next to the door or against the fence makes sure you can walk outside safely and gives the seating area a warm backdrop. The Columba is an aluminium wall lamp with a 2000 K filament LED, the warmest light of the three.
Light along the path
On wet, dark autumn evenings you want to see where you're walking, especially on tiles covered in leaves. A standing lamp such as the Dax shines forward onto the path or the border, with warm white light at 3000 K.
Ambient lighting
View ambient lighting →
Wall lighting
View wall lamps →
Standing lighting
View standing lamps →Candles and hurricane lamps
Real candles in a hurricane lamp or lantern on the table really complete the look. Keep them out of the wind and not right next to cushions or a throw, and blow them out when you go back inside.
4. An outdoor rug for warm feet
Cold feet are the quickest reason to go back indoors. Tiles and concrete feel cold in autumn, especially after a downpour. An outdoor rug under the seating area makes the spot warmer straight away, both literally and in appearance. It feels like a living room rather than a terrace.
For autumn, feel free to choose a darker or warmer colour: taupe, sand and earthy tones suit the season and show dirt less easily. You can read in detail what size you need and how to care for the rug in outdoor rug for the patio. Two rugs in autumn shades:
Taipei outdoor rug Ø200 cm dark taupe
Tilo outdoor rug 160x230 cm old sand
A round rug fits nicely under a round bistro table or between two lounge chairs; a rectangular rug works under a lounge sofa or dining table. You'll find more rugs in our outdoor rugs section.
Lift the rug after rain
In autumn a patio dries slowly. After a heavy shower, lift the rug and let it and the tiles underneath dry, for example over a chair. That way you prevent damp marks and green algae under the rug.
5. Cushions in autumn shades
A few decorative cushions can turn a summery lounge set into an autumn spot. Swap light, fresh colours for burgundy, terracotta, ochre yellow or moss green. Combine two or three shades and keep the rest calm, and it will look warm without becoming busy.
In autumn, pay extra attention to the fabric. A water-repellent cushion may cope better with a damp evening, but you should still store it dry after use. Cushions without a water-repellent coating always come back indoors.
| Cushion | Colour and size | Water-repellent |
|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux canvas eco+ | Bordeaux, 50x50 cm | Yes |
| Terra canvas eco+ | Terracotta, 30x50 cm | Yes |
| Panama bordeaux | Bordeaux, 45x45 cm | No |
Bordeaux canvas eco+ decorative cushion 50x50 cm
Terra canvas eco+ decorative cushion 30x50 cm
Panama bordeaux decorative cushion 45x45 cm
An oblong 30x50 cm cushion is handy as a lumbar cushion in a lounge chair; square cushions can be stacked in the corner of the sofa. You'll find more colours in our decorative cushions range.
Don't set out your autumn cushions in the morning. Bring them outside when you sit down and take them back inside when you get up. That way they stay dry and still smell fresh after a few weeks.
6. Throws and a basket by the door
A throw draped over the arm of a lounge chair is the quintessential autumn symbol. You wrap it around your legs or shoulders and stay outside an hour longer. Wool and fleece keep you warmest; a throw from indoors is fine, as long as it goes back inside after use.
Make life easy for yourself: put a basket with two or three throws and the cushions right by the back door. Then you can grab everything in one go when you go outside, and tidy it away just as quickly. The less hassle, the more often you'll sit outside.
Warm from below, then from above
Cold mainly creeps up from underneath. If you're sitting on a thin cushion on a cold chair, a throw around your shoulders won't do much. Start with a thick seat cushion and a rug under your feet, and only then wrap yourself in a throw.
7. Autumn plants in pots
A garden without greenery quickly feels bare in autumn. A few pots full of autumn plants around the seating area bring back colour and life, right where you're sitting. Place them in groups of different heights beside the chairs or on the steps.
| Plant | What it does | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Ornamental grass (Miscanthus, Pennisetum) | Plumes and movement | Leave standing until spring |
| Heather | Colour into winter | Lovely in low bowls |
| Skimmia | Evergreen, with flower buds in winter | Preferably in partial shade |
| Autumn aster | Flowering in autumn | Attracts late insects |
| Winter pansy | Flowers in cool weather | Ideal for small pots |
| Spindle, holly | Berries for birds | Against a wall or fence |
Autumn is also a good time to plant. The ground isn't yet cold and is usually moist enough, so new perennials and shrubs can put down roots before winter. That way you lay the groundwork for spring now.
Be careful with terracotta and other porous pots: they can crack in frost if they're full of water. Stand them on pot feet so water can drain away, and before winter check which pots need to come indoors. You can read more about this in preparing garden furniture for winter.
8. Harvest and leaves as decoration
The loveliest autumn decoration is simply what's in your garden or at the market. A few pumpkins on the step, a bowl of chestnuts and pine cones on the table, or a bunch of branches with berries in a tall pot: you don't need anything more. It costs little and fits the season perfectly.
Put the decorations on a tray, so you can move everything aside in one go when you need the table. Pumpkins last longer on a dry spot than on wet tiles, so set them on a shelf or board. For decoration that lasts all year, with colour, pots and an eye-catcher, read about garden decoration ideas.
9. Eating outdoors in autumn
A bowl of soup, a casserole or a hot chocolate tastes just that little bit better outside. In autumn, though, it's worth starting a bit earlier: around midday or early afternoon it's often still sunny and relatively mild. In the evening you're better off in the sheltered corner from tip 2 than at a table in the middle of the garden.
Cover the table with a tablecloth in autumn tones, set out a few hurricane lamps and keep cushions and throws within easy reach. For a garden set with chairs that's already outside, only put the seat cushions down when you sit down to eat. If you're looking for a garden set that can stay outside all year, aluminium and textilene are not very sensitive to moisture.
Stay warm without a heater
You don't need a patio heater to eat outside. Shelter, a rug, thick cushions and a throw make a big difference already. If you still want a heat source, first read buying patio heaters for the differences between infrared, gas and a fire basket.
10. Get your furniture ready for autumn
Being ready for autumn is something different from being ready for winter. In autumn you still use your garden furniture, but it's damper and the nights are cold. Aluminium, textilene and plastic can simply stay outside. Wood needs more attention at this time of year: wipe off leaves and water so it doesn't stay wet for days.
The most important thing is what happens to your cushions. Don't leave them outside, not even under a canopy, because they dry poorly in autumn. After use, store them indoors, in the shed or in a cushion box close to the patio. You'll find more options in storing garden cushions.
Primo cushion box 490L
A cushion box is handy for everyday use in autumn: cushions go in when you get up, and come out when you sit down. It isn't waterproof, so only put dry cushions in it and don't stand it in a puddle. For winter, it's better to store cushions indoors.
AeroCover cushion bag 125x32xH50
If you store your cushions in the shed or loft, a breathable cushion bag keeps dust and dirt out. This AeroCover bag is intended for indoor use. Furniture you no longer use this autumn can be covered with a protective cover in advance. For help deciding between indoors, a cover or leaving it outside, read garden furniture in winter.
Storage boxes
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Outdoor rugs
View outdoor rugs →
Decorative cushions
View decorative cushions →Your autumn spot in 4 steps
Walk around the garden on an afternoon and look for the place with the most sun and the least wind. That's often against the house wall or under a canopy.
Sweep away leaves, remove spent plants from the pots and arrange the furniture so water can run off.
Hang a string of lights or a wall lamp, lay down an outdoor rug and place a basket with cushions and throws by the back door.
Set a few pots of autumn plants around the seating area and put some harvest from the garden on the table. Done.
What you need for a warm autumn spot
- A spot out of the wind, preferably with afternoon sun
- Warm white light between 2000 and 3000 K
- An outdoor rug under the seating area
- Thick seat cushions and a few decorative cushions in warm shades
- Two or three throws within easy reach
- A dry place to store cushions
Common mistakes
Leaving cushions outside
Autumn damp soaks into the filling, even under a canopy. After a few days cushions smell musty and mould gets a chance. Bring them inside after every use or leave them dry in a cushion box.
Keeping the summer spot
The seating area in the shade of the tree was ideal in August, but in October it's cold and damp. Move your autumn spot to the sun and out of the wind.
One harsh lamp on the wall
Bright white light makes the patio feel chilly and dazzles you. Choose a few smaller light points with warm white light at different heights.
Leaving a rug on a wet patio
Under a rug that is never lifted, it stays damp for weeks. Lift it after rain and let everything dry.
Thinking about winter too late
A night frost sometimes arrives earlier than you expect. Know already in autumn where your furniture, pots and cushions will go, and you'll be quick off the mark if it's needed.
Checklist for your autumn garden
- Patio and paths free of wet leaves
- One seating spot chosen out of the wind
- Warm white light above or beside the seating area
- Outdoor rug under the chairs or the sofa
- Cushions and throws in a basket by the door
- Pots of autumn plants around the seating area
- Dry storage place for cushions arranged
- Plan ready for the first frost, see preparing for winter
Do you also need to choose a lounge set or garden set for your autumn spot? The selection tool helps you find furniture that suits your garden in a few questions. Or browse the lounge sets directly.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make your garden cosy in autumn?
Start with one sheltered seating area out of the wind. Place warm white lighting there, put an outdoor rug under your feet, and add cushions in warm colours and a throw. A few pots of autumn plants and some produce from the garden complete the look. With these five things, you'll still enjoy sitting outside in October and November.
Which plants look good in an autumn garden?
Ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus and Pennisetum have their plumes in autumn. Heather, skimmia, autumn asters and winter pansies add colour in pots. Berry-bearing shrubs such as firethorn and holly look lovely and provide food for birds in autumn and winter. Autumn is also a good time to plant new perennials and shrubs.
Can garden cushions stay outside in autumn?
Better not. In autumn it is damp, and cushions dry poorly, even if they are water-resistant. Only leave them outside while you are sitting on them, and store them dry afterwards, indoors or in a cushion box. Cushions without a water-resistant layer should always come indoors.
Can an outdoor rug stay on the terrace in autumn?
It can, if it is designed for outdoor use, but lift it after rain and let it and the surface dry. A rug that lies flat on wet tiles for weeks will trap moisture. If you won't be using the terrace for a while, roll the rug up dry and store it indoors.
How do you stay warm outside without patio heaters?
Look for a spot out of the wind, ideally against a wall or under a canopy. Put a rug under your feet, use thick cushions and a throw, and drink something warm. Warm white lighting also makes a spot feel warmer. You can read more about heat sources in our guide to patio heaters.
When should you put garden furniture away in autumn?
You don't need to do so straight away. Aluminium, textilene and plastic furniture can stay outside and be used throughout autumn. Store cushions and loose textiles dry after each use. Once the first night frost approaches, winterise the rest or put covers over any furniture you no longer use.
