19 Outdoor Heating Ideas To Warm Any Space
As the days slowly get shorter and the nights grow cooler, ideas for outdoor heating become a priority for many. Most homeowners aren’t ready to pack up and abandon their gardens as the seasons start to shift and the first signs of autumn appear - and rightfully so.
If you’re planning an evening family BBQ or a night enjoying a glass of wine with friends around the garden table, the proper outdoor heating will help extend the usability of your garden well into the cooler months.
So, what exactly is the secret to making your patio as inviting as your living room? Which is the best option for you and your outdoor space? Read on as we explore 20 outdoor heating ideas in the UK to suit every style and budget and keep you warm and stylish long after the sun sets.
What outdoor heating options are there?
Outdoor heating ideas in the UK are all about keeping the good times rolling in your garden or patio, no matter the weather.
If you want to create a warm and inviting space that’s perfect for everything from hosting weekend barbeques to relaxing with a book in the evening, here are some of the most popular outdoor heating options to consider:
- Fire pits: Fire pits are the classic choice for creating outdoor warmth and a soft, calming ambience. Available in various styles, from rustic wood-burning models to convenient gas designs, they are perfect for gatherings and marshmallow roasting sessions with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine.
- Patio heaters: These come in many shapes and sizes, from freestanding to tabletop models. Ideal for delivering targeted heat to your outdoor seating area, patio heaters are a stylish way to keep the chill at bay.
- Lanterns: Perfect for small spaces or adding a romantic touch, lanterns are compact heaters that provide a gentle glow and warmth for cosy evenings.
- Wall-mounted heaters: Great for utilising space in smaller areas, these heaters provide warmth without taking up premium floor space.
20 outdoor heating ideas to heat up your outdoor area
1. Create new traditions around the fire pit
Luna Outdoor Fabric Corner Group Set with Firepit Coffee Table in Grey - £3,999
Every heart-warming tradition begins with a first. Being intentional about how you spend time with family and friends allows you to mark special times and create memories you’ll be glad you didn’t miss.
Implement the tradition of sitting around the crackle of a fire pit, sharing stories, bonding and roasting marshmallows under the stars. Whether you choose a rustic wood-burning model or a sleek and modern gas design, a fire pit creates an inviting ambience that keeps the conversation flowing.
When you make sitting by a fire in the fresh outdoor air a tradition for bank holidays, family game nights or birthdays, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.
2. Tabletop lanterns for romantic date nights
Höfats SPIN 1200 Tabletop Fireplace Silver - £169
Dinner by candlelight might be a go-to option for setting the scene for romance, but it doesn’t quite cut it during colder months. Until now, that is. When the temperatures drop, tabletop lanterns come to the rescue, allowing you to enjoy al fresco dinner dates without sacrificing warmth or ambience.
Casting a soft, flickering glow, tabletop lanterns create a warm, beautiful flame to extend your al fresco dining options throughout the year. Enhance the romance with privacy-enhancing garden screens for the ultimate, intimate date night.
3. Add a masonry BBQ for grilling and fireplace flexibility
Buschbeck Venezia Masonry Barbecue - £725
Why settle for just one outdoor heating solution when you can have two in one? A masonry BBQ offers the dual benefits of a grilling station and a cosy fireplace, ensuring your outdoor soirees are warm and delicious.
Featuring a timeless stone aesthetic, masonry BBQs also make beautiful centrepieces to gather around and are perfect for cooking up a feast or simply enjoying the glow of the fire.
Add some comfortable outdoor sofas with cushions and blankets or a stylish dining set, and get ready for endless barbeque nights and fireside chats.
4. Create a year-round gathering space
Luna U-Shape Outdoor Fabric Corner Dining with Rising Firepit Table in Oyster Grey - £5,749
Gathering around a heat source is a tale as old as time. But, while we might not be able to build traditional open fires in our gardens anymore, we can still capture that timeless feeling.
Ensure comfort in every season by incorporating stylish outdoor heating solutions like modern patio heaters paired with comfortable lounge sets and outdoor rugs. If you’re a fan of an open flame, convenient fire pit dining tables and bars will let you create a warm and inviting ambience in an instant.
With Harbour Lifestyle’s wide range of stylish garden furniture, you can design the perfect space to enjoy year-round with your loved ones.
5. Sleek patio heaters for minimalist design
Bromic Eclipse Smart-Heat™ Portable £3,679.00
Gone are the days of ugly, clunky and difficult-to-use heaters. If you prefer elegant and contemporary aesthetics, sleek patio heaters offer the perfect blend of form and function.
They are great outdoor patio heating ideas for modern homes and minimalist outdoor spaces, ensuring your space remains clutter-free and visually appealing. Choose from wall-mounted models or freestanding units, depending on your layout and heating needs.
6. Keep the heat with a pergola
PergoSTET 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey £3,999.00
Providing protection from the elements, a pergola creates an outdoor living space perfect for relaxing, entertaining, dining or working outside while retaining heat from your fire pit table or pergola heater.
This architectural structure creates an extra room, extending your living space into the garden and maximising the time you can enjoy outdoors. Add comfortable sofas adorned with plush cushions and blankets, a coffee table to put your mug of hot tea on and a rug to keep your feet warm.
When bad weather strikes, your pergola will transform into a cosy outdoor sanctuary where you can unwind and enjoy the soothing sound of the famous British rain. For more inspiration, check out our article on modern pergola ideas.
7. Explore affordable outdoor heating ideas, like lanterns and patio heaters
Höfats SPIN 1200 Tabletop Fireplace Black - £189
Creating a warm and inviting outdoor space doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Cheap outdoor heating ideas like lanterns and portable patio heaters can transform your garden into a cosy retreat when the temperatures drop without compromising style.
Lanterns offer a gentle, glowing ambience and warmth, perfect for smaller gatherings or romantic dinners, while compact patio heaters are easy to use and provide heating without a hefty price tag.
8. Use trees strategically when planning your space
Challenger T2 Oak 3m Cantilever Square Parasol in Anthracite £685.00
Nature's beautiful canopy can be crucial in planning your outdoor living space. In the summer months, trees create shade for a cooler, more comfortable seating area outside, away from the sun's intense heat. In the cooler seasons, trees can provide insulation and protection from chilly winds, keeping warmer air in.
Use your tree canopy to your advantage, pairing it with outdoor shade solutions and heating or fire pit options to create a cosy nook that looks beautiful and feels protected and inviting.
9. Bring the pizza, bring the heat
Juno Pro 16" Gas Pizza Oven £249.00
A pizza oven is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious way to add warmth and flavour to your outdoor garden parties and mid-week dinners. Helping you create restaurant-quality pizzas and more in your own home, these ovens are an essential addition to any outdoor kitchen and a great source of heat.
Helping you create a cosy al fresco cooking space with minimal effort, a pizza oven also functions as a central gathering spot for making fun memories in your garden. Enjoy crafting and serving delicious homemade pizzas, and watch your guests swoon over their choice of toppings.
10. Create a quiet, cosy space with patio heaters
Cylinder Patio Heater in Stainless Steel £319.99
Enjoying some downtime in the garden is one of life’s little pleasures. Whether you love listening to calming birdsong or love nothing more than getting lost in a good book, a patio heater will extend the months you can enjoy your garden to the fullest.
Position patio heaters near a comfortable lounge set with a coffee table and outdoor rug to create a cosy space for reading, relaxing or sipping a delicious cup of hot coffee.
With various options available, from sleek standing models to compact tabletop fire pits, you can easily achieve a relaxing set-up whether your garden is big or small.
11. Bring Art Deco style to your outdoor space
Ember Round Firepit Coffee Table in Stone Grey £549.00
Your garden is an extension of your home, and your personality doesn't have to stop at the back door. Elevate your garden with the timeless elegance of Art Deco style, mixing geometric patterns, circular shapes and curves, rich colours and bold design.
Incorporate outdoor heaters with sleek lines and metallic finishes to capture the era's opulence while providing warmth. Fire pits with intricate details or patio heaters in bold hues will add a touch of glamour to the garden.
Mixing glass, metal, and wood fire pits and dining sets allows you to blend classic styles for a sophisticated look reminiscent of old-world Paris and Miami’s trendy South Beach. Complement your heaters with Art Deco-inspired furniture and decorative elements like mirrors and sculpture to bring it all together.
12. Change your perspective with hanging lights and mounted heating solutions
Höfats SPIN 120 Hanging Fire in Silver £169.99
You might think your space isn’t ideal for outdoor heating, lighting or cooking, especially if your patio is small or you have children to consider. However, most spaces can be easily transformed with a bit of creativity—all you need to do is change your perspective.
Use hanging lights to create a warm glow and suspend them over seating areas or weave them through trees and shrubs to add depth and create an inviting atmosphere. Combine them with wall-mounted heaters to get the warmth of cooler days and nights while freeing up room for additional seating or decorative elements.
13. Al fresco dining, year-round
Kalama 8 Seat Rectangular Teak Firepit Dining Set in Latte - £3,549
Why wait for a holiday to enjoy the pleasures of open-air dining when you can recreate the al fresco vibes of European cafes and restaurants right in your own garden?
With the latest garden heating options, including patio heaters, pergola heaters, fire pit dining tables and bar sets, you can savour outdoor meals year-round. Elegant fire pit tables allow you to enjoy your morning coffee in the crisp autumn air or host winter dinner parties with friends without worrying about the cold.
14. Choose stylish and functional outdoor heating options
Höfats MOON 45 Fire Bowl with Low Stand - £289
Why choose between style and substance when you can have both? With today's outdoor heating options, including wooden and glass pillar lanterns and gas patio heaters, you can stay warm without sacrificing the style of your garden.
Whether you're into sleek modern designs or rustic, vintage-inspired pieces, there's a heater out there that will fit your vibe like a glove. Look for features like adjustable heat settings, portability and energy efficiency to keep things cosy and eco-friendly.
15. Utilise wall-mounted heating solutions in compact outdoor areas
PergoSTET Wifi & Bluetooth Heater in Grey £399.00
Got a patio that's more "cosy nook" than "sprawling estate"? No worries—wall-mounted heaters provide the same warmth as a free-standing heater without taking up precious floor space.
They are a great option for patios, balconies or long, narrow gardens, freeing up room to add that corner sofa or dining set you’ve been eyeing. Helping your space feel larger and more inviting, wall-mounted heaters prove that great things do indeed come in small packages.
16. Explore DIY outdoor heating ideas like custom-made fire pits
Cosibrixx 90 Anthracite Fire Pit Table £1,055.00
Good with DIY? Channel your inner builder and create a custom-made fire pit.
DIY fire pits are a fun and personalised way to add warmth and style to your garden. Whether you're building a stone masterpiece or a simple metal bowl setup, these DIY outdoor heating ideas are a conversation starter while keeping everyone toasty.
Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of warming your toes with a fire pit you crafted with your own hands. If you don't feel confident enough in your abilities but still want a personalised heating option, consider hiring a professional to do the job for you instead.
17. Illuminate your garden with fire lanterns
Cosiscoop Basket Lantern in Olive - 139.99
With fire lanterns, you can enjoy a magical outdoor environment that feels intimate and inviting—perfect for drawing friends and family together for evening gatherings or quiet nights on the patio.
Available in various styles, from sleek and contemporary metal lanterns to rustic and traditional wooden designs, fire lanterns serve as unique décor pieces, complementing any garden furniture.
Their portability allows you to move them around easily, adapting to different occasions and layouts. Arrange them around seating areas or as table centrepieces to enhance your garden's atmosphere and help bring out your personal style.
18. Incorporate infrared heating panels
Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat™ Electric 4000W in Black £1,159.00
Take your outdoor heating game to the next level with infrared heating panels.
Mounted on walls or ceilings, infrared heaters provide consistent heat by warming up objects and people rather than just the air, making them an energy-efficient option if you’re trying to save on your electricity bill.
19. Create a rustic retreat with a chiminea
Bring a touch of rustic charm to your garden with a chiminea, a traditional Mexican-style outdoor fireplace. Featuring an enclosed design that efficiently distributes heat while minimising smoke, they are a great choice for small spaces.
For cosy nights, gather around the chiminea on an outdoor sofa set and enjoy the enchanting flicker of the flames with a delicious glass of wine.
Embrace year-round outdoor comfort with Harbour Lifestyle
Heating your garden opens it up as an all-season option, making it a true extension of your home.
Whether you're transforming your patio into a zen meditation zone, setting up a lively entertainment area or simply enjoying al fresco dining, the right outdoor heating ideas can enhance your experience in any season.
Discover Harbour Lifestyle's collection of premium outdoor furniture and heating solutions and make your garden a cosy, go-to destination no matter the time of year. Explore our range and design your ideal garden space that you'll love to enjoy with family and friends and embrace al fresco living.
FAQs
What is the most efficient way to heat outdoor space?
Infrared heaters are one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat outdoor spaces, warming objects and people directly without wasting energy on the surrounding air.
What is the cheapest way to heat a patio?
The cheapest way to heat a patio is using portable and cost-effective propane or natural gas heaters. Alternatively, fire pits can provide warmth and ambience at a lower upfront cost, using readily available firewood.
Additionally, infrared technology is another popular outdoor patio heating idea, heating objects directly rather than heating the air, which results in more efficient heating and cheaper energy bills.
