7 Outdoor Decor Items You Can Actually Keep Outside as Fall Approaches

It may feel as though you were just setting up your backyard for the summer, but now that fall is on the horizon, it's time to think about prepping your space for the next season.

As fall approaches and the temperature begins to drop, you may be wondering whether you're going to have to bring all of your outdoor furniture and accessories indoors for safekeeping until warmer days return. As it turns out, you may not need to carve out as much storage space in the garage as you had anticipated—there are many items that will be just fine when left outdoors come autumn.

Below, experts share more insights and speak to seven specific item categories in particular.

Weather-Resistant Furniture

Do not worry about finding a new home for your large, heavy outdoor furniture pieces come fall. Sturdy furnishings made from metal, teak, and all-weather wicker will be safe to keep outdoors.

Kyle Resmondo, master builder and home renovator with MKRedBuild, recommends giving them a quick clean and checking for any necessary repairs.

Once you have done so, protect such furniture items with waterproof covers, Mary Gordon, VP at InSite Builders & Remodeling, says.

Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest how-tos, reno guides, and more!

Cold Weather Plants

You will want to be mindful to continue to treat your green friends kindly as the seasons shift. Resmondo notes that you will want to bring your tropical plants inside when the temperatures drop. However, other plants will do just fine staying outdoors in the colder weather. Such plants may include pansies, lily of the valley, and more.

"Make sure you know the temperature threshold for these plants in your region to ensure they survive the chilly weather," he says.

As it pertains to planters, note that those made from plastic and metal will weather the lower temperatures safely, but Gordon urges gardeners to bring their terracotta and ceramic pots indoors this time of year, as these materials are susceptible to cracking.

Garden Decor

You have likely spent hours on end infusing personality into your garden space with elements including statues, fountains, and birdbaths, and fortunately, all of these decorative items will be just fine remaining outside during the fall and beyond, Gordon explains.

However, birdbaths and fountains should be drained before the cooler weather sets in, Gordon says. Otherwise, they may experience ice damage when temperatures drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit and below.

Sports and Game Equipment

Good news—your children will still be able to burn off steam in the backyard as it gets colder out by playing with sports equipment including basketball hoops and soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse goals. According to Gordon, these items are going to fare just fine in the fall and winter.

On a similar note, slides, swings, and play sets can also be left outside, provided that they are made out of materials such as durable plastic, wood, or metal, Gordon explains.

Outdoor Lighting

As the days get shorter and shorter, you and your family will want to be able to enjoy your outdoor lighting more than ever, and Resmondo and Gordon agree that there is no need to take down those globe lights or other fixtures as fall approaches.

As long as they are rated for outdoor use, they will continue to hold up just fine in the cooler months.

Outdoor Rugs

You may be wondering if it is truly okay to keep your outdoor rug on display outside throughout the fall and winter, and according to Gordon, the answer is yes. Assuming that your rug is made out of weather-resistant materials, it should be equipped to serve you well all year long.

BBQ Equipment

If you have a grill, fire pit, or other barbecue equipment out in the yard, you should be fine to keep it there into the fall and winter seasons. However, since you won't be using these items on cooler weather days, take some time to give them a good cleaning before protecting them with covers that will help to prevent rusting, Gordon notes.