Who doesn’t love a good patio fire pit or outdoor fireplace? Think back on some of your fondest summer memories. I bet at least one of them was around a fire, chatting with your loved ones and enjoying some melt-in-your-mouth roasted marshmallows.

Patio fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are all about gathering with the people you love and spending good quality time together. That is why they are so popular among homeowners.

When we think of a wood-burning or gas fire pit, we usually picture a circle stone or steal fire pit with a couple of chairs around it. However, did you know that there are many different ways for you to get creative with this outdoor feature? Keep reading to discover 11 modern fire pit ideas for your backyard!

1. Consider the shape

First off, we don’t have to limit ourselves to circle or square fire pit ideas. Although there’s nothing wrong with these shapes, there are many ways for you to get creative when it comes to selecting a shape for this backyard centerpiece!

When considering shape, you must also consider the surrounding elements. If you have outdoor furniture around the patio fire pit or outdoor fireplace, make sure you take measurements to ensure they will work well together.

For example, the long narrow shape of the fire pit, as seen in the picture below, fits perfectly with the long seating area. If the seating area was in an angle, a round fire pit would’ve sufficed. It’s all about measurements, people!

Featured product: Raffinato fire pit 

2. Create a nook 

To make your cozy night by the fire even more intimate, consider installing a privacy wall. You can either go the natural route, using hedges, or install a wall as seen in the picture below. Depending on your desired aesthetic and the level of maintenance you’re willing to put in, select one and install it on one or two sides of your patio fire pit or outdoor fireplace.

You can even customize your privacy wall further by adding lights in the wall to create a starry night feel. Doesn’t get much cozier than that!

Featured products: Borealis retaining wall and Hexa 60 patio slab

3. Lay stone underneath

Not sure how to design not only the patio fire pit or outdoor fireplace but the area it's in? We have an easy solution.

To pull the whole look together, think of installing patio slabs or pavers underneath the fire pit. The area will appear more polished than if you simply installed a wood-burning or gas fire pit directly on the grass or on gravel. It will also be more comfortable for your guests to rest their feet and belongings.

Featured products: Borealis retaining wall and Travertina Raw patio slab

4. Get comfortable

A built-in seating area just elevates the whole simple fire pit or outdoor fireplace experience to a whole other level. Ditch the rickety plastic chairs and install a concrete bench with plush cushions and blankets for extra comfort.

A customized seating area also allows you to further draw on your aesthetic. Select some bright colored cushions for a more eclectic look, or keep everything monochromatic for the ultimate modern design.

More homeowners are extending their indoor living to the outdoors! Don’t neglect décor when designing your outdoor fire pit idea!

Feature product: Raffinato fire pit  

5. Set the mood

Fire pits create more than just heat. They create an experience. A bonding experience for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Why not set the mood even further by hanging string lights around the wood-burning or gas fire pit area to make the night feel even more magical.

Lights are great for setting the mood in your outdoor space and are also practical. They allow you to enjoy the experience day and night. This addition is a game-changer and best of all, it’s inexpensive and easy to install.

What are you waiting for? Set the mood for your next night out by the fire.

Featured products: Borealis retaining wall, Borealis stepping stones, Borealis patio slab

6. Keep it simple

Not into all the bells and whistles? No problem. You can benefit from a simple modern fire pit design without them.

If you’re looking for a low-key patio fire pit area for you and your loved ones to enjoy, a classic cast iron bowl will do the trick. Throw a few chairs around and you’re good to go! What matters is that you’re getting to spend some quality bonding time with the ones you cherish most.

Featured product: Brandon fire pit 

7. Functional seating

Not only are seating areas designed for comfort and style, they can also be designed for practicality. In fact, a stone seating area around a patio fire pit or an outdoor fireplace can include storage under the benches to stock fire logs. You can also add lights to the stone walls for additional lighting and/or speakers for the ultimate entertaining experience.

If you’re not into the concrete seating space and prefer adding chairs around the fire pit, think of including log side tables for your guests to rest their drinks on!

The key here is functionality. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your outdoor space, might as well make it as practical and comfortable as it can possibly be! 

Featured product: Valencia fire pit, Villagio Paver

8. Customize it to match your space 

Not only can you pick the shape of your wood-burning or gas fire pit, but you can also get creative with its style. Does your house have a rustic aesthetic? Maybe select a wood lookalike concrete stone to match it!

More of the modern type? Here's a modern fire pit design idea for you! Select a sleek, grey fire pit or even a black fire pit bowl!

This outdoor feature isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Customize it to match your outdoor space and your personality.

Featured products: Graphix retaining wall, Ocean Grande patio slab

9. Placement is everything

Some of you may be debating the placement of your fire pit area in your outdoor space. It all depends on your property. Does your backyard overlook a view? Consider placing your patio fire pit or outdoor fireplace in the middle of your property, overlooking your gorgeous view.

If you’re working with a large piece of land, as a general rule of thumb, you should place your fire pit in the middle of it. On the other hand, if you are looking for small backyard fire pit ideas, consider a round fire pit to the back of your property. For extra functionality, consider a fire pit that also doubles as a counter to rest your drinks.

Featured products: Brandon fire pit, Blu 60 Smooth patio slab

10. Go low

Inground fire pits are on the rise and certainly make a fire pit area idea the standout piece of any yard! Furthermore, because it is sunken, it feels intimate and separated from the rest of your outdoor space. Install some lights in the walls and some cozy cushions and blankets for the full experience! To save space, you can also opt for a backyard fire pit design that doubles as a counter so you and your guests can bring a glass down and enjoy the night by the fire.

Featured product: Raffinato fire pit 

11. Lead the way

If your simple fire pit area is at the middle or back of your property, don’t let your guests walk on grass to get there. Roll out the concrete path and lead them to their destination!

A walkway allows you to connect your patio fire pit or outdoor fireplace to the rest of your house and really ties everything together nicely. Add some lighting in the walkway stones or some Tiki Torches on either side to amp up the ambiance or your fire pit landscaping and to make sure your guests make it to and from your fire pit hangout zone safely.

You see? Who said you can’t customize this fun outdoor feature? With a little creativity, you can create a modern fire pit idea that will become the centerpiece of your outdoor space. Discover the products that will help you do so!