Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces We Want to Warm Up By
By Annie Thornton, Houzz
From East Coast to West, nothing rounds out the evening like gathering around an outdoor fireplace or fire pit with friends and family. Selecting the right patio fire feature design depends on space, heating goals, and local burning regulations. When weighing an outdoor fireplace vs fire pit, key factors include installation complexity, clearances, and seating layout: a fireplace directs heat forward and creates an architectural focal point, whereas a fire pit provides 360-degree warmth ideal for circular conversation. Here are 8 inspiring backyard fire pit ideas and outdoor fireplace concepts, measured by the number of people who saved them to their Houzz ideabooks from July through September 2016.
Related: Check Out These Smoke-Free Fire Pit Ideas
1. This north London deck is an inviting space for even a chilly evening. Masses of purple lavender enclose an intimate built-in seating area, while a distressed pallet table provides a place to rest a drink or spread out charcuterie. The star of the space is the built-in outdoor fireplace with firewood storage. Rustic yet contemporary, the wood-burning hearth provides directional warmth and brings a touch of nature into the urban garden.
2. This covered patio in Texas takes ranch style to the next level, from the roaring fire to the massive rough-hewn timbers and the awe-inspiring view beyond. An outdoor fireplace with seating offers a commanding architectural presence while shielding flames from the wind. Guests can take in the expansive landscape at leisure from one of the cushioned wicker chairs.
3. Bibby Gignilliat puts on team-building events and private parties for a living, sometimes at her home, so it was important that her backyard in Mill Valley, California, be welcoming and inviting. “One of the first things I put in the yard was a fire pit,” Gignilliat says.
In the corner of the backyard, the contemporary fire pit is surrounded by brightly colored chairs and cushions, a theme Gignilliat carries through the rest of the yard. A dedicated seating circle creates an intimate social zone that works equally well for lively gatherings or quiet evenings. “I love color. It’s a passion of mine,” she says.
Emmet lounge chairs: Room & Board; fire pit: Restoration Hardware
4. A stacked brick fire pit stands out in this Virginia backyard, with an inviting dining area beyond. Colorful cushions and furniture pieces tie the outdoor seating areas together, even incorporating fiery hues that nod back to the fire pit. Incorporating a built in fire pit landscaping approach allows hardscaping and planting beds to flow seamlessly into functional social spaces.
5. Breaking this large covered patio into smaller gathering areas makes each space feel more intimate and inviting. On the near end, a clean-burning gas fire pit anchors a cozy conversation area bordered by patio chairs and a stacked block seat wall. In the debate between a wood burning vs gas fire pit, gas models offer instant ignition, steady flames, and smoke-free convenience suited for covered zones.
6. In the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, this custom stacked stone fireplace and teak sofas next to a vine-covered wall invite visitors to sit down and stay awhile. Neutral tones and natural textures evoke a laid-back California style that appears effortless yet cohesive. Deep seating placed parallel to the hearth maximizes comfort and frames the fire as a dramatic focal element.
7. This chic outdoor nook in New York mixes materials and bold patterns but keeps the color palette simple, resulting in a cohesive space. The painted brick chimney and round mirror reinforce the fireplace as the room’s focal point, drawing guests in to take a seat. Strategic patio fire feature design here transforms a compact exterior corner into a fully functional outdoor room.
8. This narrow backyard in East Yorkshire, England, winds its way to a shingled garden shed, passing a cafe table and chairs and a sunken seating area en route. The sunken area features a built-in bench and generous steps for extra seating around the portable wood-burning fire pit. Multi-level grade changes help shelter the fire pit from breezes while meeting necessary ground clearance and safety standards.
