What Makes Your Outdoors Comfortable After Sunset?

Whatever it is, a backyard or a patio, think about it. 

It's probably in the afternoon, right? And then the sun goes down and, suddenly, it's a bit too chilly and a bit too dark, and you simply don't enjoy it anymore, so you go inside. Isn't that a shame? Evenings can be so fun, especially if you have friends over, and they're even more fun when you spend them outside. 

So what's the secret to an outdoor space that works even when the sun is gone? 

Well, it's not just one single thing, so let's talk about it some more. 

What Matters Most at Night

During the day, all you really need is a sunny spot, and that's it. And if you have a beautiful view, even better. 

But that won't cut it at night, so let's see what you'll need then. 

Temperature and Air Movement

This doesn't refer to what the thermometer says but to how the air feels. After the sun sets, surfaces like concrete and stone start releasing the heat they've been absorbing all day. 

Even your furniture does this. If you live in a dry climate, this heat will escape quickly, but in humid places, the air will feel sticky and gross all night. This is why you need something to manage the air flow, and a simple ceiling fan can do the trick. If the space is open to catch a cross-breeze and there's a ceiling fan somewhere, you'll feel a lot more comfortable. 

Even if it's not hot outside, stagnant air feels heavy, so make sure to keep the air always stirring around you. 

Insects and Irritants

Bugs. Ugh. Nothing ruins a peaceful night quicker than becoming dinner for bugs. 

And they get way more lively after dusk because light attracts them, and some of them are naturally more active when the night falls. This is especially the case for mosquitoes, which love moisture, dense vegetation, and any standing water. 

Honestly, even a saucer under a plant pot can become a breeding ground for them. 

You can't really make a sterile, sealed box outside, so the next best thing is to simply be smart with the design. Place seating areas away from garden beds and make sure the drainage works properly so water doesn't pool. 

A fan will work great, too, because mosquitoes are weak flyers and hate breezes. 

Lighting

This is where so many outdoor spaces go wrong. 

Bright, overhead light is a big no-no, as is a single glaring porch bulb. It's great when you need to find your keys, but not so great when you want to relax. You need a functional light, of course, so you don't trip, but you also need an ambient light to set the mood. 

The best way to go about this is to layer your lights. You can use string lights and hang them above or put a softly glowing lantern on the table. Then, add task lighting where you need it, like maybe a small candle or a lamp for a book or a board game. 

For the perimeter, use low path lights or uplights in plants. 

This'll define your space and make it feel larger and safer, but it won't shine straight into anyone's eyes. 

What About Your Climate?

The term 'comfortable' doesn't mean the same to the person living in Alaska and one living in Florida. 

This is why you don't want to get too hung up on the stuff you see on social media; you need to make choices that align with your climate. 

For example, take a humid region like South Carolina and an arid one like Arizona. Arizona gets incredibly hot during the day, but when the night rolls around, you often have a clear, cool night with very few bugs around. Your main job here is to handle that intense sun in the daytime, which means one thing – shade. 

And plenty of it. 

A porch builder in Phoenix AZ won't bother that much with screens and fans, but they'll take their time creating shade.

On the other hand, a porch builder in Spartanburg, SC will need to handle the humid climate and the stickiness that's especially noticeable in the evenings, not to mention the bugs, because insects are a huge part of the nighttime soundtrack. Here, you'll need a good screen and a ceiling fan, and your porch will need to naturally lean towards a design that allows for good airflow. 

The point? Don't copy someone else's design. Focus on what comfort means in your area, and you'll be stuck with a space that sits empty and does nothing for you. 

Expensive fire pits and fancy lights are nice, but they won't make you comfortable. Sit in your backyard/patio/deck/porch/whatever and notice what feels off. 

Too many bugs? Not enough air? Too chilly? Too sticky? 

Then, once you've figured out what doesn't work, do something about it. 

You don't have to do it all in one day. 

Deal with one thing at a time because even one change can make you way more comfortable than you were before.

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