Autumn does not need to be the end of outdoor get-togethers. Quite the opposite – your terrace or balcony can be transformed into a charming place to enjoy restful moments with a cup of coffee, a book, or a group of friends – even on colder days. All you need to do is set it up properly and create a cosy atmosphere with added practical protection features. Here are some tips on how to do it.
Create a cosy atmosphere
The first step to a pleasant autumn gathering is comfort. Get warm blankets, cushions, and plaids that create a feeling of home even outdoors. Add an outdoor rug that will give the space a warm feeling, both actually and visually.
Autumn colours – orange, red, and brown tones – will add a seasonal flavour to the terrace. If you have a pergola, you can adorn it with a string of lights or hanging lanterns, which create a pleasant atmosphere after dark.
Protecting the terrace from wind and cold
To enjoy autumn evenings as long as possible, it is worth investing in exterior terrace shading. Not only does shading protect from the summer sun, it can also protect from autumn rain and wind.
Awnings
Adding an awning to a terrace is a practical solution should you need a quick and elegant protective element. Telescopic terrace awnings, operated manually or by an electric motor, provide a brilliant solution to protection from sun and slight rain. You can also select a solution where the fabric is enclosed in a box, which ensures a longer lifespan and elegant design. Modern boxed awnings for terraces and balconies have a discreet appearance and are easy to use thanks to their electric controls.
Shutters and blinds
Screen shutters, which efficiently protect from cold, rain, and piercing wind, are ideal for modern buildings. And if you live in a windy place, you can consider terrace shutters that effectively reduce draught. There are also wooden blinds or bamboo shutters available for terraces, which bring a bit of nature to your home, but function rather as a nice accessory than as fully-fledged protection.
Side terrace shading
If you need more privacy, you can achieve it by using a side or vertical awning. In addition to shading, it protects from the wind and prying eyes. The two systems differ in the direction of extension – a side awning extends horizontally, while a vertical awning resembles a shutter and extends from the top down.
If you are interested in various terrace shading options, be sure to check out our article in which we covered this topic in more detail.
Extend your terrace season
An autumn terrace does not need to be just a short episode between the summer and winter. All it takes is to use smart accessories and protective elements and you can enjoy it until the late autumn. Add a heat source and light to the terrace for pleasant moments outside even on cold days. A portable heater, firepit, or bio-ethanol fireplace will create a nice micro-climate and a cosy atmosphere. And if you add the lanterns or strings of lights mentioned earlier, your terrace will be transformed into the perfect place for autumn evenings.
Let us sum up the autumn checklist:
- Warm fabrics – blankets, cushions, and outdoor rugs as a cosy foundation.
- Decorations in autumn colours – pumpkin, dry grass, heather.
- Light – lanterns, candles, and strings of lights hung on a pergola or railing.
- Terrace shading elements – awning, screen shutters, or side awning to extend the season.
- Heat source – portable heater, bio-ethanol fireplace, or firepit.
Discover ISOTRA shading solutions and set up a terrace you will enjoy in every season of the year.
FAQ
What is the difference between a vertical and side awning for a terrace?
A side awning extends horizontally and is primarily intended as wind protection and to provide privacy. It is an ideal solution for balconies and terraces where you intend to create a screen between yourself and your neighbours.
A vertical awning is similar to a shutter and extends from the top down. It especially protects from the sun and partially from the wind, and is frequently used as an addition to pergolas.
Do terrace shutters provide efficient wind protection?
Yes, special terrace screen shutters or side awnings will significantly reduce draught. At the same time, they prevent heat loss and make sitting cosier even in a cold weather.
How much do screen shutters cost?
The price of terrace screen shutters depends on their dimensions and type. You can buy screen shutters for roughly a few tens of thousands CZK (less than a thousand EUR); an accurate calculation will be made by a specialist based on the project.
It is worth investing in an awning with an electric drive for a terrace?
Absolutely, if you want maximum comfort. An electric drive will allow easy awning operation, usually remotely controlled or connected to a smart home system.
What’s better for a terrace – a pergola, or an awning?
It all depends on your needs and available space. A terrace pergola is a comprehensive, stable roofing system, to which side shutters may be added. An awning is a more flexible and affordable solution, primarily for smaller balconies and terraces.
