On the Costa del Sol and across much of the Mediterranean, autumn is not the end of terrace season: it is probably its best moment. Middays are still mild, the light is more golden and the evenings invite you to stay outside with a throw and a glass of wine. All it takes is adapting the space a little.
In this guide from Pino & Jacaranda we explain how to prepare your terrace for autumn so you can keep enjoying it: which textiles to add, how to light it as night falls earlier, which plants cope well with the season and how to look after outdoor furniture before the first rains.
In this article
1. Autumn in the south: the best season to be outdoors
When the summer heat retreats, the terrace stops being a place to hide from the sun and becomes the most pleasant spot in the house. Breakfasts in the sun, long lunches at midday and after-dinner conversations that stretch until the evening falls. The key is to move from a terrace designed for shade to one designed for comfort.
What changes on the terrace in autumn
2. Outdoor textiles: keeping the terrace cosy
Just as in the living room, textiles are what add the most warmth to the terrace in autumn. A few outdoor cushions in ecru, sand or terracotta, a throw within reach for when it cools down and an outdoor rug turn a cold terrace into an open-air living room.
Choose fabrics designed to live outside: moisture resistant, quick drying and with removable covers. And remember that anything not made for outdoor use, such as cotton or wool throws, is best brought inside at night. We share more ideas on throws and seasonal colours in our article on autumn textiles.
3. Light for earlier evenings
In autumn the sun sets early, and a well-lit terrace makes the difference between heading in and staying out. The key is the same as indoors: several low, warm light sources, never a single powerful spotlight.
Ideas for lighting the terrace
- Floor lanterns: grouped in a corner or along a wall, they create a lovely atmosphere.
- String lights: across the pergola or along the railing, they give a soft, festive glow.
- Candles in lanterns or glass holders: protected from the wind, perfect on the table.
- Solar or rechargeable lamps: cordless, so you can move them wherever needed.
The Piña Lantern, in perforated white clay, casts a beautiful pattern of light at dusk. And to choose candles, we tell you everything in autumn candles and scents.
4. Plants that cope well with autumn
Plants keep the terrace alive all year round. In autumn, go for hardy Mediterranean species that enjoy the cooler weather: they need less watering and will reward you with colour and fragrance.
Mediterranean plants for the terrace in autumn
- Potted olive tree: the great classic, hardy and always elegant.
- Rosemary, lavender and sage: aromatic, undemanding and flowering.
- Potted citrus: lemon and orange trees start to bear fruit.
- Ornamental grasses: their plumes sway in the wind and turn golden.
- Bougainvillea: in the south it keeps flowering for much of the autumn.
In autumn, water less and take the opportunity to repot plants that need it. We share more ideas in our article on easy-care plants.
5. Caring for outdoor furniture before the rain
Autumn is the ideal time to give outdoor furniture a once-over, before the first rains arrive. A little care now greatly extends its life.
Care by material
- Teak: clean it with water and mild soap and, if you want to keep its honey tone, apply teak oil. If not, it will develop a beautiful silvery-grey patina.
- Synthetic rattan and aluminium: water and a soft brush are all you need. They are the most weather resistant.
- Natural fibres: best kept under cover or on a covered porch, away from direct rain.
- Cushions: wash the covers, dry them thoroughly and bring them in on rainy days.
- Protective covers: for furniture you will not use for a while.
Key idea: never store cushions or covers while damp. A sunny day after the rain is enough to dry them properly and prevent mould and bad smells.
If you also have wooden furniture indoors, you will want to read our tips for caring for natural wood furniture.
6. Small terraces and balconies
You do not need a large terrace to enjoy autumn outdoors. On a balcony or small terrace, a round table for two, a couple of light chairs, a large plant and a lantern are enough. Folding or stackable pieces are your allies, as is furniture with slim lines that does not crowd the space.
The Murcia Round Outdoor Table is perfect for breakfast for two, and the Tulsa Chair, in bamboo and rattan, brings that Mediterranean café terrace feel. If you love fibres, do not miss our article on rattan and natural fibres.
Autumn terrace checklist
- Fold away parasols at midday to make the most of the sun.
- Add outdoor cushions and keep a throw within reach.
- An outdoor rug under the seating area.
- Lanterns, string lights and sheltered candles for when night falls.
- Mediterranean plants: olive, aromatic herbs and citrus.
- Clean and protect furniture before the rains.
- Always store cushions and textiles completely dry.
Frequently asked questions about the terrace in autumn
How can you make a terrace cosier in autumn?
With outdoor textiles such as cushions and a rug, a throw within reach for when it cools down and several warm light sources: lanterns, string lights and wind-protected candles. Mediterranean plants complete the scene.
Do you need to store outdoor furniture in autumn?
In the south it is not necessary: most pieces can stay outside if they are teak, aluminium or synthetic rattan. Just clean them, bring the cushions in on rainy days and cover anything you will not be using.
How do you care for outdoor teak?
Clean it with water and mild soap once or twice a year. If you want to keep its honey tone, apply teak oil; if not, it will naturally develop an elegant silvery-grey patina.
At Pino & Jacaranda we believe that in the south the terrace has no season, it simply changes pace: from the cool of the shade in summer to the warmth of the sun and throws in autumn.
Because the best afternoons of the year sometimes arrive once summer has gone.
