Add warmth to your outdoor space with a fire pit

If you want to make the most of your backyard and keep things interesting in the outdoor season, you need a fire pit. With an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit, you’ll be able to entertain at the house, connect with friends, spend time in nature and create memories even if it’s chilly outside. It is also the ideal conversation starter to break the ice when you have new guests joining the party.

But you don’t necessarily have to be into social gatherings to enjoy that feeling of tranquillity, comfort and intimacy you get when you spend time around the fireplace. It’s an excellent way to spend a romantic evening at home. Or imagine sinking into your outdoor rocking chair with a glass of wine in one hand and a good book in the other, with firewood popping and crackling sounds in the background. 

Fire pit ideas for every outdoor space

Are you confused by all the types, designs, colours and material options when it comes to fire pits? Don’t worry. We have got your back with the below guide.

• Fire pit bowls: Usually made from stainless steel, fire pit bowls are designed to accommodate larger pieces of firewood. If you used to think this type of fire pit looks boring, imagine one shaped like a globe, with laser cuts or one that looks like a striped ball. At vidaXL, you’ll find unique designs, including fire pit bowls with BBQ racks and pokers. Go for one that comes with a fire screen covering or an ash-catching plate if you want to avoid embers and ash flying all over.

• Fire baskets: Smaller than fire pit bowls but just as visually appealing, fire baskets are ideal for limited garden space or backyard. However, at vidaXL, we also have fire basket alternatives that can double as BBQs. Some of them can be used with both charcoal and firewood if that’s something you’re interested in.

• Fire pits with BBQ racks: Whether you like small get-togethers or you’ve already made a tradition of hosting large barbecue parties at your house, you’ll surely impress your guests with a 2-in-1 fire pit that features a grill grate attachment. It’s the best solution when you need a hassle-free outdoor cooking idea. You can start by using it traditionally to set the mood with a warm glow, and then you can get straight into flipping some burgers for the barbecue.

• Traditional fireplaces: Larger and taller than fire pits, classic fireplaces have ample space for burning logs, and the smoke blows up the chimney. If you know you’ll have a larger number of people gathering around it, you should probably go for a fireplace instead of a fire pit. From metal and steel to clay fireplaces, we have dozens for you to choose from. If you like throwing backyard barbecue parties, a fireplace with a grill included is an ideal choice for you.

• Ethanol fireplaces: Not everyone likes that unmistakable smoky smell and the crackling sound of burning wood, characteristics that are so typical for fire pits. That’s exactly why ethanol fireplaces were invented. They’re the alternative to a traditional fireplace. Featuring a modern bioethanol burning system, an ethanol fireplace is odourless, smoke-free and produces no sparks and no ash. You can conveniently ignite an ethanol fireplace with a lighter and place it on the coffee table or a garden table. Another benefit is the fact that it can be used outdoors or indoors. It will easily create that authentic fire atmosphere in your living room.

What is the best fire pit for you?

It’s important that you choose the right fire pit from the beginning. These are the most important factors to consider when choosing your new fire pit:

• Type: Before anything, you need to decide what type of fire pit is suitable for your needs. Luckily, there’s one for every outdoor space possible and for every requirement. Once you’ve figured out the ideal type, think of the design you’d prefer. The fire pit should complement the overall aesthetic of your outdoor living area, so keep that in mind when you choose the style, material and colour. If you’re not sure about it, or you like to change your home style often, fire pits with a timeless design do the trick.

• Location: Figure out the best location for it. Where would you like to place it? How many people will sit around it? The answers to these questions will also help you decide the ideal size of the fire pit. Don’t forget that you also need to find room for outdoor chairs to place around the fireplace. If you often host large outdoor parties, you should probably opt for a fireplace or a fire pit with a larger design. At vidaXL, you can filter by width and length to target your search accordingly.

• Budget: The budget is another aspect you should take into consideration if you want to speed up the process of finding your ideal fire pit. Luckily, we offer a variety of options to meet a broad range of tastes and budgets.

How to create a focal point around a fire pit

A fireplace or a fire pit can naturally become a focal point in your backyard without you having to do anything in particular. However, there are ways to enhance the look and feel of it and transform it into a centrepiece. 

You probably want to have the fire pit close to your outdoor dining area. Start by looking for outdoor seating that would blend in with the look you’re trying to achieve. Decorate with seats or benches, and don’t forget about adding a garden table. There’s also the option to choose a fire pit with a practical tabletop around the centre fire area. That can be very useful if you intend to save some space.

Is there another type of furniture you would want around the fire pit? If you want to save time, choose an outdoor furniture set. Outdoor lighting will complete everything nicely, so explore our collection to get some inspiration. From garden lamps and torches to string lights and candles, there’s plenty to choose from to make your outdoor area brighter.

Another interesting addition to your outdoor focal point would be a BBQ. That is if you want to have the ability to grill, smoke and roast larger quantities of food. Otherwise, you can always buy a fireplace with a grill or a garden barbecue with a tripod and a fire bowl. Definitely also add a bar if you’re into outdoor entertainment.

Regardless of which fire pit you choose, make sure the area around the fire pit is not cluttered. Avoid placing garden fire pits near open windows, flammable objects or substances to prevent a fire hazard. When it comes to outdoor fire pits made from powder-coated steel, we recommend keeping them dry and storing them indoors if possible if you want to prolong their life. 

Where should you place your fire pit?

Whether you have an awning attached to the house, a patio cover, a gazebo or a pergola, simply make use of the space you have and treat it like an outdoor room. By adding a fireplace to your outdoor living space, you will prolong the time spent outside while also creating a cosy vibe. Even if you only have a small corner available in your backyard, there will still be enough space to place a small fire pit. Out of all the outdoor fire pits, fire baskets are usually smaller-sized and very practical for smaller spaces.

But what if you really want to create that fireplace vibe in your backyard, and after installing your outdoor dining set, you’re left with no space at all? That’s where tabletop ethanol burners come in handy. You can place the mini garden fire pit on your outdoor dining table or the coffee table. And since it’s portable, you can always move it to the living room if the party is also moving inside. It’s also easily transportable, so you could even take it with you on a camping trip.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to reach out to us, so we can help you find the perfect fire pit for your outdoor space.