5 Ideas for Using Your Patio Furniture All Winter Long [Poll]

Whether or not you're ready to accept that we're going to have colder weather for a while, it's happening. Warmer days are long gone and snow, ice, and cold temperatures are the norm. Most outdoor furniture should be winterized either using covers or stored to preserve the quality. However, just because it's cold doesn't mean you have to stop entertaining, and what better way to provide additional seating than your beautiful and comfortable outdoor chairs. Here are 5 ideas to make use of your patio furniture all winter long.

1. Invest in a heat source

This may seem like an obvious solution, but gathering around an open fire is a great way to make use of your outdoor furniture all year round. Use a patio heater, fire table, or chiminea to create a warm conversation area around your heat source. As the temperatures drop, turn up the heat and share some hot chocolate, tea, or coffee with your friends and family. If you decide to keep your furniture outside to use around a fire, make sure you cover outdoor furniture when it'snot in use.

2. Use furniture in garage

Even if you live somewhere that drops below freezing from January to March, you can still use your furniture inside. If your garage is filled with boxes and junk, take some time to relocate the boxes to one side and make use of your furniture in there. Sitting areas in the garage can be a fun place to send the kids when you want some peace and quiet.

3. Create a new space in shed

In 2015, we saw the rise of the women's equivalent to the man cave: the she shed. These feminine dwellings can be used for crafting, writing, sewing, sleeping, or to get away for a little while. She sheds are unique to the interests and hobbies of their occupants. Spruce up your shed by incorporating comfortable patio furniture, throwing down a cozy rug, adding some heating, and a light source to make the space your own to relax and unwind from the busy holiday schedule.

4. Bring it into the covered patio

If your furniture is primarily used in an uncovered space and you have a covered patio, bring the furniture in, under the covered patio, to protect it from the elements and prolong its life. Sometimes getting a little fresh air is just what you need during a long winter, even if it's not under the stars. Bundle up, grab a blanket, and relax in the great outdoors, without getting wet.

5. Warm up in the sunroom

Not everyone has one, but if you do, placing your outdoor furniture inside a sunroom can be a great way to use it during the cold months. A sunroom combines the views of the outdoors with the comfort of being inside. Most sunrooms are small, but can still accommodate some additional seating. If you do decide to bring it into your sunroom, it can be an excellent place to entertain and relax through the holidays and in the new year. Even with the cold weather here, you can still enjoy your outdoor furniture throughout the winter months. When you buy quality furniture, it's nice to use your furniture as much as possible. This year, regardless of where your outdoor furniture is located, you can continue to enjoy your furniture all winter long.