How to Extend Your Outdoor Season Into Autumn With Heating and Shelter

How to Extend Your Outdoor Season Into Autumn With Heating and Shelter

August 27, 2026
As the leaves start to fall, wet weather arrives, and the evenings get darker, hospitality venues have a new challenge on their hands: keeping footfall high during autumn. Preparing your space for worsening weather is essential if you want to appeal to customers during the cooler months. In this blog, we have outlined the best ways to extend your outdoor season into autumn using some of our commercial-grade products.

Benefits of Adapting Outdoor Spaces for Cooler Weather

Footfall is always higher during the warmer months. However, we believe that the extra activity that light nights bring can be extended throughout autumn. Making some small changes before the change in season means that:
  • Business owners can get more ROI on previous investment in other furniture pieces such as outdoor seating.
  • Seating capacity is extended when indoor spaces get fully booked.
  • Revenue opportunities are enhanced, with seasonal events able to host more people.
  • Customer experiences are improved during cooler weather seasons.

Ways to Add Heating and Shelter Into Outdoor Spaces

Incorporating heating and shelter into an outdoor area doesn’t have to cause a headache. With any of the products below, hospitality venues can instantly transform outdoor spaces into cosy areas.

Outdoor Heating

If customers think they will be cold sitting outside during autumn months, they will not attend busy venues. Instead, incorporating heating now ensures visitors know spaces will be prepared for a drop in temperatures. The easiest way to add heating for autumn is choosing products that are freestanding. This includes our range of Patio Heaters and Dome Heaters. These are ideal if you don’t want to add something permanently but still need the benefits of providing outdoor heating. Alternatively, if you don’t mind installing a heating source, you can choose from any of our Wall Heaters or Shade Shelter Heaters. The benefits of all of these heaters is that they can be positioned or installed to suit the layout of your outdoor space.

Shelters

As well as being warm enough, customers also need shelter when sitting outdoors during autumn. In fact, choosing the right shelter actually offers an appealing place to visit as the combination of being outside but protected from the elements with heat and lighting offers a cosy ambience.  Retractable shelters are a brilliant option as they can remain in position all year round but only be opened when the weather worsens. Not only does this provide protection from the elements in autumn, but they also come in handy during the warmer months. Examples include any of our Pergolas and Retractable Roofing Systems plus our Retractable Awnings and Canopies. If you don’t mind adding something more permanent, any of our Ascot Shelters, Cabanas, or Beach Huts are a brilliant choice. Simply style with cosy cushions plus the previously mentioned heating and lighting to create the perfect autumn socialising spot.

Transform Your Outdoor Areas With AEL Solutions

By selecting any of our heating or shelter products, you are not just setting up a space for this autumn, but also years to come. Explore our collection now to design an outdoor area that captures the comfort of the upcoming season.