In an effort to prolong the enjoyment of life outside the back door, I have been considering the many options for adding a bit of heat to the chilly late summer and fall evenings. Upscale outdoor eateries offer shawls and knee blankets to their patrons to extend the al- fresco experience. This is an easy fix. Have wraps draped over the backs of your patio chairs. Not only practical, their colours and textures will make a fashionable addition to your decor.
There鈥檚 a good selection of patio heaters that offer versatility and practical convenience. Shown here are ideas that spread the warmth in a stylish way. The stainless steel Dyna-Glo Pyramid Patio Heater warms up a 20-foot range, which is ample for a relaxation and eating area. Fuelled with propane, the dancing flames are encased in a glass tube for an eye-catching visual effect. Attached wheels allow you easily to move the heater to where it is most needed, and there are variable heat settings.
A hanging infrared heater suits many sites from gazebos to balconies. The EnerG+ water-resistant infrared heater has an LED light for ambient lighting, three heat levels and three individually activated infrared lamps. It runs off electricity, is environmentally respectful and is safe to be run continuously for weeks. This heater is designed to mount to a ceiling, overhanging timber or lantern stand, and is for outside use only.
When space is an issue, a tabletop heater is the perfect addition to a cozy corner of the patio. With a heating range diameter of six feet, the Fire Sense Table Top Propane heater comes in various finishes, including bronze and stainless steel, that will complement your outdoor furnishings. This heater is lightweight and portable. Set it up on a table behind or beside a sitting area. It has an anti-tilt safety device.
Dear Debbie: I had an artificial tree in my living room set in the corner behind a wing chair. I have given the tree away and don鈥檛 know what to do with the empty space.
Janice
That bare spot where the tree was positioned could start the process for restyling your room. One change leads to another and will inspire you to move your furniture around and give your room a new perspective. Do you want plants or trees as part of your interior decor? If not, there are other ways to fill a corner. Set up a small writing desk and chair; look for a special piece at a secondhand store or auction and refinish it as needed. Create a gallery on the corner walls, perhaps botanicals to bring in some nature. Tuck in one or two book shelves lined with your favourite subjects and include a comfy stool or chair to enjoy perusing your collection. You鈥檒l find that your blank corner has turned into a spot you love to visit.
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