Scandinavian Patio with a Gray Sofa and Wool Throws at Dusk

Stretching patio season into the cool evenings of September and October is mostly a matter of textiles and light. Keep two or three throws folded over the sofa arms or in a basket so they are always within reach, and choose wool or thick acrylic knits that do not mind a little dew. White and gray cushions look soft and airy; pick outdoor fabric with removable covers so they can be washed. A cluster of lanterns at different heights gives more warmth than a single overhead fixture. Keep the coffee table pale and nearly bare, with just a tray, to hold on to the clean Scandinavian look.