30 Fire Pit Ideas for a Cozy Backyard or Patio Year-Round
From rustic fire pits to modern vessels, let these fire pit ideas inspire your own backyard oasis. A fire pit is a great addition to any backyard, as it creates a cozy and welcoming ambiance that is perfect for gatherings with family and friends, or for those quiet moments spent alone under the stars. In this article, we will explore different materials, designs, and ideas for creating the perfect fire pit for your outdoor space.
Common Fire Pit Materials
When sourcing the best materials for fire pits, it’s essential to consider elements that can withstand extremely high temperatures and the elements. Here are a few popular options:
- Brick: Brick is arguably one of the best options, as it has been used in chimneys across history. It can be used to create a traditional custom shape with mortar.
- Cured clay or terracotta: These materials are excellent for fire pits and can be used to create a rustic look.
- Stone, concrete, and dense stone pavers: These alternatives to brick and terracotta can be used to create a modern and sleek design.
- Metal: Metal is another popular option for fire pits, as it is durable and can withstand high temperatures. Steel, cast iron, and copper are common materials used for fire pits.
Where to Buy a Fire Pit DIY Kit
If you’re not looking to purchase a premade fire pit, you can always DIY a fire pit using brick and mortar, concrete, or by repurposing an old metal vessel. Consider purchasing a DIY kit that makes the job easy. Retailers such as Wayfair, Amazon, The Home Depot, and Lowes offer complete kits, and the latter two retailers sell raw materials to construct your own.
Fire Pit Ideas for a Cozy Backyard or Patio
Here are 30 fire pit ideas to inspire your own backyard oasis:
01 of 30 Secluded Stone Fire Pit
This stone fire pit by Sara Mairead Landscape Design is nestled in the side yard adjacent to a grouping of trees. The enclosed gravel, surround seating, and wooden arch make it feel intentional and inviting.
02 of 30 Rustic Steel Fire Pit
This rustic fire pit fits a variety of backyard spaces—particularly those in the south and southwest. “It’s made from an upcycled steel reservoir in which we welded steel legs to it,” says Amy Hovis, principal designer and owner of Eden Garden Design. “It’s super basic but extremely useful.”
03 of 30 White Round Fire Pit Table
This white round fire pit table blends seamlessly into the chic coastal aesthetic created by interior design company The Layered House.
04 of 30 Modular Concrete Fire Pit
This small, modular concrete fire pit doesn’t take up too much space and lends a modern urban feel. It pairs nicely with the orange Adirondack chairs pictured here but is versatile enough to work with a variety of seating.
05 of 30 Simple Column Fire Pit
Keep your design simple with a tall rounded column fireplace surrounded by a set of chairs and dangling bistro lights. An outdoor rug helps ground the space.
06 of 30 Seaside Fire Pit
You know you’ve made it when you’re able to roast s’mores while looking out over the water. If you’re lucky enough to live seaside, then a simple fire pit surrounded by chairs is all you need to make that dream a reality.
07 of 30 Long Fire Pit Table
A long and tall fire pit table works well in larger outdoor spaces where you’ve got room to spare. In this design by Meredith Interiors, it’s one of a few different vignette seating areas on the back patio.
08 of 30 Fire Pit in an Open-Air Patio
You can still incorporate a fire pit into your backyard space if most of it is covered. Opt for a low-profile design with a flame you can easily control.
09 of 30 Fire Pit Area With Privacy Screen
Whether you share walls with others or your neighbors are a bit too close, consider ways to make your fire pit oasis more private. A metal privacy screen, as pictured here, feels modern while allowing you to relax in your backyard easily.
10 of 30 Fire Pit in the Grass
You don’t always have to build a structure around your fire pit or keep it on a patio or deck where space may be limited. If your grassy backyard has ample space, you can place it anywhere in the yard it makes sense.
11 of 30 Tucked Away Fire Pit
Consider creating a tucked-away area for your fire pit like designer Courtney B Smith did here. A low wall creates a clear delineation of space without blocking views.
12 of 30 Oversize Fire Pit
Another design by The Layered House, this setting features an oversized fire pit in the center of comfortable seating. It takes center stage as the star of the space.
13 of 30 Poolside Concrete Fire Pit
Fire and water go together brilliantly, so consider incorporating a fire feature if you’ve got a pool in your backyard. Your options are endless in terms of style; this long, concrete fire pit doubles as a table which helps save space while lending a nice ambiance.
14 of 30 Black Half-Moon Fire Pit
White, gray, and rustic tones tend to be the default choices for outdoor fire pits, but charcoal black lends a sophisticated urban aesthetic. This half-moon design looks especially sharp sitting on its pedestal.
15 of 30 Deck Fire Pit
Make your open-air deck feel more welcoming with a fire pit and ample, oversize seating. This large white fire pit table fits in beautifully at this Spanish home.
16 of 30 Under-the-Pergola Fire Pit
To create the feeling of a cozy nook, consider placing your fire pit and seating underneath a pergola like Forge & Bow did here. This setup not only feels like an intentional space but allows for ample airflow above and around the fire pit.
17 of 30 Low Table Fire Pit
Consider a low profile for your outdoor fire pit, as pictured here in a backyard design by Jeffrey Neve.
18 of 30 Beachy Fire Pit
Those who are lucky enough to have a home right on the beach should absolutely take advantage of their surroundings. A rustic DIY fire pit nestled into rocks softened by the ocean, wooden cane chairs, and tree trunks make this an earthy retreat.
19 of 30 By the Dining Table Fire Pit
A fire pit tucked into the corner of your patio—ideally right next to your dining area—will help keep you warm during all those al fresco meals. Opt for a smaller DIY fire pit if space is limited.
20 of 30 Metal Geometric Chiminea
Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, proven here by a geometric chiminea crafted from metal. It offers a hefty dose of funky intrigue and lends itself to a variety of aesthetics ranging from retro to rustic to modern.
21 of 30 Sunken Fire Pit
The sunken living room trend from the ’70s has made a modern-day reprise, and you can recreate a similar feel outdoors via a sunken fire pit.
22 of 30 Retro Chiminea
Speaking of vintage-inspired design, consider a retro-modern chiminea like the one pictured here. It acts as the design star of the space while keeping you warm and inviting you to linger longer.
23 of 30 Fire Pit Table on a Small Deck
You can still incorporate a fire pit into your backyard even if space is limited. The key is to get strategic about your furniture placement just as you would indoors. A corner sectional and fire pit that doubles as a table makes this space super cozy.
24 of 30 Metal Barrel Fire Pit on Gravel
This oversized metal barrel planted within a gravel pit lends a rustic feel to this welcoming outdoor seating area. The low-profile slatted wooden chairs add some interesting flair, as well.
25 of 30 Secret Garden Fire Pit
A verdant garden is the perfect backdrop for a fire pit. If you’ve got a green thumb, consider adding a pit to a particularly leafy area of your self-made glen. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of ambience, after all.
26 of 30 Bohemian Fire Pit
Not every fire pit has to be concrete and brutalist. In the right setting, they can have a softer look too—like this one, which sits among curved rattan seats.
27 of 30 Solo Fire Pit Design
Fire pits are great for s’mores with friends and swapping stories with family, but they’re also a great place to zen out all on your own. A seating arrangement for one, then, is great for the more meditative sort.
28 of 30 Fire Pit With String Lights
A good fire pit provides illumination on its own, but what really adds to the vibe is a set of string lights. Just a few of these can really set the mood, especially in the summertime.
29 of 30 Barn Fire Pit
There’s nothing like the great outdoors. If you’re lucky enough to live in a more lush, rustic locale, then a fire pit is the perfect way to spend time with friends and family under the stars. Adirondack chairs make for the perfect companion in this context.
30 of 30 Mountain Fire Pit
Arguably the best context for a fire pit is in a mountain region. You have a better view of the stars, the view of the surrounding area is beautiful, and natural beauty is at an all-time high. It doesn’t have to be too rustic, either—unless you want it to be!
These 30 fire pit ideas will help you create a cozy and inviting outdoor space that is perfect for relaxing and spending time with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a rustic, modern, or unique design, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
What are some common materials for fire pits?
Brick, cured clay or terracotta, stone, concrete, dense stone pavers, and metal (steel, cast iron, copper).
Where can I buy a fire pit DIY kit?
Retailers such as Wayfair, Amazon, The Home Depot, and Lowes offer complete kits or raw materials to construct your own fire pit.
What are some fire pit ideas for a cozy backyard or patio?
Secluded Stone Fire Pit, Rustic Steel Fire Pit, White Round Fire Pit Table, Modular Concrete Fire Pit, Simple Column Fire Pit, Seaside Fire Pit, Long Fire Pit Table, Fire Pit in an Open-Air Patio, Fire Pit Area With Privacy Screen, Fire Pit in the Grass, Tucked Away Fire Pit, Oversize Fire Pit, Poolside Concrete Fire Pit, Black Half-Moon Fire Pit, Deck Fire Pit, Under-the-Pergola Fire Pit, Low Table Fire Pit, Beachy Fire Pit, By the Dining Table Fire Pit, Metal Geometric Chiminea, Sunken Fire Pit, Retro Chiminea, Fire Pit Table on a Small Deck, Metal Barrel Fire Pit on Gravel, Secret Garden Fire Pit, Bohemian Fire Pit, Solo Fire Pit Design, Fire Pit With String Lights, Barn Fire Pit, Mountain Fire Pit.
