Fire pits have become a popular feature in modern outdoor living spaces, offering warmth, ambiance, and a gathering space for friends and family. Whether you’re looking to roast marshmallows under the stars or simply extend your outdoor season into the cooler months, choosing the right fire pit design for you will enhance your enjoyment of your new fire feature. In this article, we’ll explore popular fire pit design ideas and fire pit shapes to help you get inspired.
Trending Fire Pit Styles
1. In-Ground Fire Pits
Photos courtesy of Belgard
In-ground fire pits are built to give the appearance of flames coming out of the ground, a striking visual effect that showcases the beauty and warmth of the fire itself. Some in-ground fire pits are built with a low lip of pavers around the edge, while others appear completely flush with the patio surface. This style can be constructed to use either wood or gas as fuel, depending on your preference.
While visually arresting, certain styles of in-ground fire pits that do not feature a border around the edge can pose a safety risk, especially for pets and young children. When consulting with our clients, we seek to understand your safety concerns before recommending which fire pit design style is right for you.
2. Gas Fire Tables
Photos courtesy of Belgard
Gas fuel offers the ultimate convenience when it comes to fire pits—it burns clean, and there’s no need to stock firewood or clean up ash. Gas fire tables bring the drama of flame to your outdoor living room experience. The fire feature can be incorporated into dining tables or a more coffee-table-style setup at the center of a seating area.
3. Cooking Fire Pit Designs
While you can make s’mores over just about any fire pit, a more specialized setup is required if you want to take your wood-fired culinary adventures beyond the humble marshmallow. Cooking fire pits can be built in-ground and include built-in grills or adjustable grates. If you’re looking for a campfire-style cooking experience without having to sleep outdoors, then a cooking fire pit can be a great way to enhance your outdoor living space.
4. Multi-Level Fire Pit Patios
Photos courtesy of Belgard
A multi-level patio can bring focus to your fire pit space, setting it apart from the rest of the hardscape as a spot for your family and friends to retreat and connect. A sunken fire pit area can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, while a raised dais delivers a sense of openness and freedom to enjoy the fresh air.
5. Fire Pits with Built-In Seat Walls
Photos courtesy of Belgard
Built-in seating walls surrounding fire pits are becoming one of the most requested hardscape design elements among the clients we serve. Whether a simple stone bench or a bench seat with a back, built-in seat walls offer plenty of space for your guests to gather around the open fire. We’ve even helped some customers take their built-in seat walls to the next level with amphitheater-style seating!
Choosing the Fire Pit Shape that Fits Your Aesthetic
Round Fire Pit Designs: Traditional and Classic
Round fire pits are a classic choice that will never go out of style. Functionally, a round shape provides even heat distribution and encourages guests to sit in a circle, which facilitates great conversation.
Square Fire Pit Designs: Modern and Contemporary
Square fire pits are structured and clean, ideal for integration with modern landscapes and patio designs. Square shapes are the most spatially efficient choice for corner spaces.
Rectangular Fire Pit Designs: Sleek and Elongated
Often seen in gas fire tables, rectangular fire pits are perfect for larger groups, as they provide more linear seating space. They work especially well with oblong patios and outdoor dining areas.
Oval Fire Pit Designs: Soft and Organic
An oval shape combines the benefits of round and rectangular fire pits, offering ample seating space while maintaining a cozy atmosphere.
Hexagonal and Octagonal Fire Pit Designs: Unique and Geometric
Looking for a unique and interesting twist? Hexagonal and octagonal shapes add a distinctive visual interest and can offer a good balance of space and seating arrangements.
Free-Form Fire Pit Designs: Natural and Flowing
Free-form fire pits are custom-shaped and can be designed to fit specific spaces or design requirements. They blend well with natural landscapes and can be tailored to the surrounding environment.
Start Designing Your Custom Fire Pit
Feeling inspired to start your fire pit project? Our experts can have you roasting marshmallows and singing kumbaya around a blazing fire before you know it. Connect with an Elevate Outdoor expert today to talk about your vision, or, for more outdoor design inspiration, take our design survey!
