The Fall Outdoor Lover's Guide: Furniture for Cooler Weather

When the leaves start to turn, your patio shouldn’t go into hibernation. But for many who live in parts of the country where temperatures can drop quickly, outdoor hangouts become more difficult without the right setup.

What if the outdoor furniture and area design that built so many summer memories could also create just as many fall ones? The key is choosing the right outdoor furniture to invest in and designing the best patio or lawn space from there.

 

What Makes Furniture “Fall Friendly”?

Furniture Built for Comfort and Weather – Not Just Seasons

Many buy outdoor furniture thinking about the warmer season. But if you only use your outdoor space part of the year, you could be missing out! Fall asks something different of a chair than the July cookout. You could be looking at cold mornings, sudden rains, warm afternoons, all within the same day. When picking outdoor furniture, look for HDPS poly-lumber, which is built to withstand all seasons and feel just as great in October as it does in July.

 

• - Weather-resistant poly lumber handles swinging fall temperatures without fading or cracking
• - Rounded edges and contoured seating stay comfortable as the air cools
• - No repainting or resealing before the furniture is ready for the season 

 

Flexible Enough for Quiet Mornings and Big Gatherings

Your fall patio traffic will likely vary depending on your lifestyle. For some, it’s all about early-morning or late-afternoon relaxation. For others, it’s pumpkin carving contests and fall harvest parties. If you fall somewhere in between, opt for modular, moveable pieces that can handle all types of gatherings. Our conversation seating regroups from two chairs to a dozen depending on who shows up.

 

• - Modular pieces reconfigure for two people or a full crowd 
• - Lightweight side tables move wherever the conversation goes
• - One set covers a quiet morning or a full house

 

Fall’s Biggest Moments – Game Day and Fireside Hangouts

Turn Game Day into a Patio Event

Football season is officially here, so why not turn your patio into your outdoor living room? You can design your space for those who want to watch the TV as well as those who want to lounge and chat. There are plenty of unique ways to set up your space for a game day watch party, just remember to leave plenty of room to move between your deep-seating chairs and side tables!

 

 

• - Face the TV north or south, not west, to cut the glare
• - Deep seating and ottomans hold a bigger crowd comfortably
• - A side table keeps snacks and remotes within reach

 

Fireside Evenings When the Day Cools Off

It can stay pretty warm deep into the fall, but once the sun goes down, the temperature tends to go down with it. That’s why many leave the patio for the indoors once it starts to get dark. But a fire table is a guaranteed way to keep everyone outside no matter the temperature. And you can keep it functional and stylish, the Westport fireside set pairs comfortable Adirondack seating with a built-in fire table.

• - A fire table keeps the patio usable well past sunset

 

• - Seating angled around it works for two people or a crowd
• - One purchase covers both seating and warmth 

 

Designing for Fall Dining and Quiet Mornings

From Crisp Afternoons to Thanksgiving at the Table

Fall dining looks different depending on the meal and the occasion. The key is to invest in pieces that can fit nearly any type of gathering or mealtime. Our seven-piece dining sets seat six around one table without crowding elbows.

• - Seats six at one table, no extra leaves or add-ons needed
• - Handles a formal holiday spread or a casual Sunday lunch
• - Wipes clean before the next round of pie

 

Morning Coffee Before the House Wakes Up

One of the best things about designing an outdoor patio or lawn space for you is that you’ll fall in love with using it every day. That’s especially true in the mornings. If you enjoy the cooler mornings with coffee in hand, a couple of Adirondack chairs can set the stage. Plus, they can be flipped around and ready for the family Thanksgiving hangout just as fast!

 

 

• - Contoured seating holds up for a slow, unhurried morning
• - Wide armrests hold a mug without needing a side table
• - The same chair works alone at dawn or pulled into a group later

 

Dressing Your Patio for Fall

Choose Warm, Grounded Tones for the Season

If you need an excuse to upgrade your furniture, fall's a good excuse. When it comes to colors, you can defer to your personal style. Our tip? Lean into warmer tones. Colors like Rustic Red, Woodland Brown, Whitewash, and Weathered Acorn all read “fall” and all four are available in our best-selling Westport Adirondack chair.

 

• - Rustic Red and Woodland Brown lean into the season without looking themed
• - Whitewash and Weathered Acorn read warm without competing with fall foliage
• - Add one new piece in a fall tone rather than replacing the whole set

 

Tips for Fall-Proofing Your Furniture Before Winter

What Should Come Inside?

When you invest in high-quality outdoor furniture, you don’t have to deal with the seasonal shift in and out. Poly lumber doesn't absorb moisture or crack in the cold the way wood does, so frames stay put throughout the season and into winter with little maintenance necessary.

But take note: cushions are the exception! When you know you won't be using them or rain or snow is in the forecast, bring them in or cover them during extended rain.

• - Poly lumber frames stay outside through fall and into winter
• - Cushions are the one thing that needs to come in or get covered
• - Hot water and dish soap handle everything else

 

Key Takeaways

• - You can avoid the back-and-forth with outdoor furniture made with poly lumber frames. They don't need winter storage, only the cushions do.
• - The same conversation seating and Adirondack chairs that you used all spring and summer can carry straight into fall. 
• - With the best HDPS poly-lumber outdoor furniture, you can use the same outdoor setup for all of your fall events like game days, fireside nights and Thanksgiving dinner. All activities work with furniture you likely already own.
• - Rustic Red, Woodland Brown, Whitewash, and Weathered Acorn are this season's colors to add if you're shopping for new pieces.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does all outdoor furniture need to come inside for fall?

Some furniture should come inside to be protected from the elements, but not all! Poly lumber frames are built to stay outside through fall and winter. The cushions are typically the only piece that should come in (or get covered during rain).

What color furniture works best for a fall patio?

Color palettes will depend on your personal preference. If you’re looking for inspiration, stick with warmer, grounded tones. Rustic Red, Woodland Brown, Whitewash, and Weathered Acorn are all available in our best sellers.

How do you keep a patio comfortable for cooler mornings and evenings?

The best way to stay warm through the fall and winter evenings is with a fire table. You can also invest in weather-rated cushions for the mornings, as well as outdoor furniture you don't have to store between uses.

What's the best furniture setup for a fall football watch party?

When it comes to longer game day gatherings, you’ll want to focus on comfort as well as functionality. Deep seating and ottomans should be set up and angled around the screen, facing north or south to reduce glare. Add a side table for snacks and drinks. Create clear lanes for foot traffic as well!