Last year I started an interior design series in partnership with Living Spaces here on Fab Everyday, working with some of their interior designers to bring you tips and trends for home design and decorating your space. Today we’re sharing the next article in our #FabLiving collaboration, brought to you from Living Spaces Interior Designer Brynna Evans. Brynna recently shared her tips on How to Design an Outdoor Living Space, and today she is sharing a fire pit guide with everything you need to know when buying and designing a space for an outdoor fire pit. Having a fire pit and seating area was key to our recent French Country-Inspired Patio Makeover, and Brynna’s tips will cover all your questions if you’re thinking about adding a fire pit to your outdoor space. Outdoor fire pit ideas we’re sharing today include where to put a fire pit, types of fire pits (and how to choose a fire pit that’s right for you), fire pit design ideas, and fire pit covers. This is the ultimate fire pit buying guide, so make sure to save this post!
Stay tuned here on Fab Everyday for more interior design ideas and insights like today’s article on outdoor fire pit ideas from the pros at Living Spaces, and follow @livingspaces on Instagram for ongoing home style inspiration.
More outdoor décor inspiration:
- French country-inspired budget patio makeover
- Resurfacing a Concrete Patio for a Budget DIY Patio Makeover
- How to Design an Outdoor Living Space
- How to Make a Hanging Potted Herb Garden
- DIY Cinder Block Raised Garden Bed
- DIY Cinder Block Bench
- DIY Cinder Block Plant Bench
- Fire Pit Guide (outdoor fire pit ideas, design tips, and buying guide)
- Throw a Fabulous French Country Style Outdoor Party
- Three Ways to Style Your Yard with a Hammock
- Front Yard Garden Makeover
- DIY Front Door Makeover
- Curb Appeal
Fire Pit Guide – Everything you Need to Know for Buying a Fire Pit
By Brynna Evans, Interior Designer, Living Spaces
Growing up, my family had this tradition of going camping together every summer. We would gather every night around the campfire and make s’mores! These happy moments don’t only have to be created while camping; you can create lasting memories in your very own backyard. I’m sharing lots of outdoor fire pit ideas for you as a fire pit guide resource.
Designing a fire pit area in your backyard is about two things: design and fire safety. Every region is different when it comes to fire safety regulations; make sure to contact local authorities for your cities rules.
Where to put a fire pit
Where to place a fire pit
When choosing a location for where to put a fire pit, make sure the space around the desired area is large enough. This will ensure that the flames and ash do not reach any flammable items such as: home, garage, shed, trees, and debris.
Surfaces that are safe to put a fire pit
When placing your fire pits on top of a solid surface, it is essential to use dirt, stone, brick, or cement. These materials can handle the fire pit’s weight as well as the heat transfer from the fire. In addition, these materials provide a level base for it to sit on top of and separate the space from the rest of your backyard.
Similar to a rug inside, you can use your base material to separate the area from the rest of your backyard. For example, using a stamped concrete under your fire pit can add pattern and color to your design. Then accent with a stone pathway or gravel surround to create visual interest.
Outdoor fire pit ideas – types of fire pits
Counter tables
There are many different types of fire pits, so learning more about them can help you determine how to choose a fire pit that is right for you. If you prefer outdoor dining, a bar table with a fire pit built-in would be an excellent option for entertaining dinner guests. Generally, these style fire pits are counter height, which caters to the adult demographic and protects little ones from sticking their fingers in the flames.
Round fire pits
Next, there are round fire pits. The circular design of these types of fire pits allow more people to gather comfortably without crowding each other. These designs are also perfect for placing either chairs or a sectional around.
Concrete and glass fire pits
The sleek design of concrete and glass fire pits is the perfect complement to any modern home. The glass provides a barrier to ensure children don’t stick their fingers into the flames. In addition, the concrete surround is one of the most durable materials you can use for fire pits, which ensures many years of fun for your family and friends.
Aluminum fire pits
Aluminum fire pits are great for the family who doesn’t want to display their fire pit all year. With its lightweight frame, you can move the structure anywhere in your backyard (remember to follow fire safety). One great thing about these types of outdoor fire pits is that powder-coated aluminum will withstand all of the elements without rusting.
Fire pit design ideas
Placing seating around fire pit
A key component of your fire pit design ideas is seating. When placing seating around a fire pit, you want to make sure you have at least 8 feet of clearance surrounding, and at least 24”-36” of clearance between your chair and the fire pit. Remember, some of your guests will want to be right up against the fire roasting marshmallows, while others will want to be near the back, away from smoke and heat.
Fire pit design ideas: Outdoor barstools and lounge chairs
Once you have selected the location and type of fire pit, it is time to choose your seating. The Caspian collection offers barstools and lounge chairs in a variety of colors. Don’t be afraid of using bold color palettes since most backyard furniture is grey or beige. This is your area of opportunity to play with the overall design of your backyard area. Use different colors for the designated areas you design, to create separation throughout your backyard while still keeping the color palette cohesive. You can read more about interior design color trends in this article.
Fire pit design ideas: Outdoor sectionals
Sectionals are a great way to bring the inside out, providing an extension of your livable square footage for your fire pit design ideas. Just make sure the sectional is placed at least 24” away from the fire pit so the cushions don’t catch fire.
Fire pit covers
Patio covers
Patio covers are an essential product needed to protect your investment. They provide a barrier between your product and the elements, and there are even specifically-made fire pit covers that you can purchase. This helps extend your patio furniture’s life for years to come. Don’t forget to let your fire pit cool down completely before putting it away, or you could melt your fire pit cover.
S’more ways to enjoy your outdoor fire pit
Now that we have explored all that outdoor fire pits have to offer and lots of fire pit ideas, it’s time for a bit of fun. Growing up, my favorite thing to do was create different s’mores combinations. Here is one of my favorites!
How to Make Reese’s Fast Break S’mores
Ingredients:
- Pretzels Crisps (preferred) or pretzels
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Marshmallows
Instructions:
- Toast your marshmallow over the flames of your new fire pit!
- Place a Pretzel Crisp on the bottom and layer with a Reese’s Cup. Then add your toasted marshmallow and top with another Pretzel Crisp.
- Enjoy!
For more s’mores recipes, check out this article with 15+ S’mores Variations.
About the Author
Brynna Evans
Interior Designer
My name is Brynna Joy Evans, I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, where I completed my Interior Design degree. I have lived in Los Angeles for the last 7 years, but have recently moved back to the Bay Area with my two dogs, Milo and Mazie. I have worked at Living Spaces Furniture for the last 7 years as an Interior Designer. In my off time, you will find me either exploring towns nearby or in Tahoe amongst the forest. The forest is where I always find my new ideas for design.
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