While evenings spent outdoors are a no-brainer in the warm and bright summer months, as winter approaches and the nights grow colder and darker, you may find yourself using your outdoor space less and less. But there’s no need to let your beautiful outdoor area go to waste during the cooler months. You can swap cold beers around the BBQ for a glass of red wine and a warm bowl of pasta with the addition of a few fluffy blankets, an outdoor heater and some simple but effective lighting ideas that will transform your fresh and summery outdoor area into a warm and cosy winter retreat. 
1. Festoon lighting
You'd be amazed how a simple string of strategically placed festoon lights can transform a dark and uninviting garden into a twinkling, magical space perfect for hosting a snuggly outdoor dinner party. Choose bulbs with a warm white glow and string your festoon lights between trees or across the beams of your outdoor shelter to create a glittering, ethereal look. Outdoor festoon lighting is not only beautiful, it’s also affordable and can be added to your outdoor space without requiring an electrician to install it, making it the number one most popular way to add warmth and light to your outdoor area during the winter.
https://onlinelighting.com.au/festoon-10-light-12v-led-fixed-light-kit-black-warm-white-205397n.html
2. Copper table lamps
Bring some exotic warmth to your outdoor area by creating a Moroccan-themed look using mosaic tiles, textured and patterned throws and pillows and copper table lamps scattered around the space. The copper itself casts a warm orange glow which is complemented by the mottled light of the bulb, creating a mellow and comfortable feel.
https://onlinelighting.com.au/bocal-moroccan-style-table-lamp-brushed-copper-96992n.html
3. Fan in winter mode
While outdoor fans are great for cooling down in summer, they are also useful for staying warm in winter. As the temperature begins to drop, switch your fan to winter mode to change the direction in which your fan turns. In winter mode, fans rotate clockwise which pulls cool air upwards and pushes warm air back down, keeping your outdoor dining area nice and toasty, and enhancing the efficacy of your outdoor heater. Choose a fan with a warm white light and a wooden finish to create an extra warming ambiance.
4. Wood feature light
A feature light over the dining table in your outdoor area can be a great way to add necessary light to an otherwise dark eating area, as well as adding a sense of warmth and style which can make the space much more inviting. We love feature lights that incorporate wooden elements to bring natural warmth and earthy tones to the outdoor space, while the use of eye-catching Edison bulbs can also give the space a cosy, urban feel.
https://onlinelighting.com.au/townshend-4-light-industrial-pendant-black-32916.html
5. Use flame candles
Of course, nothing creates a cosy ambiance quite like the flickering of a flame. While outdoor fire pits and candles can be a great option for offering both heat and light, they can also be tricky to maintain and can pose a number of safety risks, especially if you have young kids running around. Flame candles can imitate the ambiance of real fire, without any of the risks or hassle, making them a great option for getting your outdoor space winter-ready. Add half a dozen to your dining table or scatter them around various surfaces in the garden to make otherwise dark spaces more inviting.
https://onlinelighting.com.au/flame-candle-4w-e14-dimmable-led-globe-warm-white-11699.html
Looking for more inspiration? Head to our blog posts for more or start browsing our products online, you’ll find a huge range of lights and homeware that we can ship to you anywhere across the globe.