Few things make a garden feel more inviting than an outdoor firepit glowing at dusk. From rustic stone circles to sleek corten steel bowls (and even smoke-free, design-led fire tables), the right setup turns an ordinary patio into a year-round retreat.
In this guide you’ll find firepit ideas for every style of space — plus a curated edit of firepits to shop so you can recreate the look at home. Whether you’re styling a compact terrace, or planning a full firepit garden, these firepit garden designs will help you build warmth, atmosphere, and a focal point that draws everyone outside.
Firepits to shop now: our edit
Corten Steel Fire Pit (FloraSelect)
Best for modern patios and gravel detailing — clean lines, sculptural shape, effortless styling.
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Large Corten Steel Fire Bowl (NicomanStore)
A bold centrepiece for bigger seating circles — looks especially good with timber benching and uplighting.
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Jack Flat Pack Fire Pit & BBQ (FormeSteel)
Portable and practical with an industrial edge — ideal for small patios, gravel gardens and flexible layouts.
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70cm British Fire Pit with Legs (BritishFirePitShop)
A classic bowl-on-legs style that suits lawns and country gardens — simple, sturdy, always timeless.
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The “different level” upgrade: luxury, smoke-free fire tables & sculptural bioethanol pits
If you want a refined look that feels closer to an outdoor living room than a campsite, these are standouts:
EcoSmart Fire Manhattan 50 Bioethanol Fire Table – a proper coffee-table moment with a flame at its heart.
EcoSmart Ark 40 Fire Pit Table – sculptural and modern, designed to anchor seating layouts.
EcoSmart Fire Mix 600 Fire Pit – sleek, bowl-like and minimalist for design-led patios.
EcoSmart Fire Mix 850 Fire Pit – a larger statement version for bigger terraces and entertaining zones.
Choosing the right type of outdoor firepit (before you design around it)
Wood-burning firepits
- Best for: crackle, scent, and that true outdoor ambience
- Consider: more smoke, ash cleanup, and dry wood storage
Charcoal/cooking firepits
- Best for: grilling, sharing food, entertaining
- Consider: grease management and safe placement away from soft furnishings
Bioethanol fire tables & pits (EcoSmart-style)
- Best for: a clean-lined look, minimal smoke, “outdoor lounge” vibes
- Consider: fuel cost and careful, manufacturer-led safety/ventilation guidance
12 Firepit garden designs to steal
1) The classic stone circle (timeless and easy to scale)
A stone surround instantly reads “firepit garden” — and it works in everything from cottage planting to modern landscaping. Keep seating circular so conversation flows naturally, then soften the edge with low planting or gravel.
Style tip: Add chunky timber stools or curved benches so the firepit feels built-in rather than placed.
2) A modern linear setup (for sleek patios)
Prefer clean lines? Choose a minimal firepit design and pair it with straight-edged seating, simple paving, and architectural plants (grasses, clipped shrubs, or olive trees in pots).
Works best with: a corten bowl or a streamlined, design-led fire feature.
3) Sunken seating (the ultimate cosy outdoor room)
A sunken firepit zone feels private, luxurious and immersive. Even without digging down, you can recreate the look by framing the area with raised planters or L-shaped bench seating.
Gravel underfoot helps sell that “built-in destination” feeling (and it’s brilliant for drainage in the UK). If you want inspiration for layouts, planting and edging ideas, have a browse through our modern gravel garden ideas — lots of the same principles apply to firepit zones.
Add lanterns and subtle ground lighting to make evenings feel intentional, then finish with plenty of cushions and a throw basket so the space always looks ready for a gather.
4) Rustic campfire charm (low-budget, high atmosphere)
For a relaxed look, build the setting around texture: chunky logs, rough stone, weathered timber, and wild planting. A simple steel bowl becomes a feature, when surrounded by nature — especially in
gravel garden ideas.
Firepit idea: Keep throws in a basket nearby so the space is always ready.
5) Mediterranean firepit garden (warmth meets holiday energy)
Terracotta pots, gravel underfoot, herbs (rosemary, lavender), and pale seating create a sun-drenched mood — even in Britain. A firepit extends evenings outside, long after the temperature drops.
Pair with: corten steel for a warm, earthy palette.
6) Coastal-style firepit area (cool tones, relaxed seating)
Think driftwood textures, pale cushions, and soft lighting. A fire bowl becomes the counterpoint to breezy styling — especially effective on decking or pale stone.
Keep it balanced: a simple firepit + layered textiles stops coastal schemes feeling too stark.
7) Raised bowl drama (a quick way to look “designed”)
A raised fire bowl makes the flame more visible and elevates the whole seating layout. Add low benches, or a built-in ledge for drinks and nibbles.
Ideal for: compact patios where you want impact without lots of construction.
8) Pergola haven (for fairy lights and late-night lounging)
A pergola instantly turns a firepit into a destination. Hang warm lighting above, add outdoor curtains if you want a softer look, then anchor everything with a firepit centred beneath.
Pro move: choose one hero material (corten, timber, or pale stone) and repeat it.
9) A pathway leading to the firepit (the “moment” approach)
Instead of placing the firepit near the back door, make it a feature you walk to. A gravel path, stepping stones, or soft garden lighting creates anticipation — and it makes the garden feel bigger.
Works beautifully in: longer plots and divided garden zones.
10) Japanese-inspired calm (minimal, intentional, serene)
Gravel, smooth stones, clipped greenery and a simple bowl can feel incredibly tranquil. Keep planting restrained and focus on form, not colour.
Finish with: a lantern or two and a low bench rather than bulky seating.
11) The cook-and-gather setup (firepit + food = guaranteed crowd)
If your firepit doubles as a BBQ, the whole garden layout changes: you’ll want prep space, serving surfaces, and seating that faces the action. A kadai-style bowl is perfect for this “everyone gathers round” feel.
Use this for: casual summer evenings and winter marshmallow moments alike.
12) The luxury outdoor lounge (the EcoSmart level-up)
A bioethanol fire pit table creates the feel of an outdoor living room — think clean lines, tailored cushions and a coffee-table layout where the flame becomes the centrepiece.
Design tip: Treat it like indoor styling outdoors: symmetry, low tables, and proper lighting.
Firepit safety essentials
Never leave a firepit unattended, and make sure it’s fully extinguished before you head inside.
Site your firepit on a non-flammable base (stone, paving, concrete, or a suitable fire mat), and keep a clear zone around it — away from hedges, fences, pergola fabrics, and overhanging branches. As a simple rule of thumb, allow around 3 metres (10 feet) of space wherever possible.
Keep a bucket of water or sand (and ideally a fire extinguisher) within reach, and check local guidance or restrictions — especially during dry spells or windy weather.
With the practical bits covered, you can enjoy the best part: a firepit that feels relaxed, welcoming, and designed for lingering long after the sun goes down.
FAQs
How To Light a Firepit?
Lighting a firepit is straightforward but requires attention to safety and proper technique. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation: Ensure your firepit is clean, removing any old ash or debris. Place it in an open area away from overhanging branches, structures, or any flammable materials.
2. Gather Materials: You’ll need kindling (small sticks), tinder (dry leaves, paper, or fire starters), and firewood. Make sure all materials are dry.
3. Arrange the Tinder: Put a generous amount of tinder in the centre of the firepit.
4. Add Kindling: Arrange the kindling in one of several ways: a tepee (conical shape), a log cabin (layered stack), or a lean-to (kindling leaning against a larger log).
5. Light the Fire: Using a long match or lighter, ignite the tinder. It should catch fire quickly and burn hot enough to light the kindling.
6. Gradually Add Firewood: Once the kindling is ablaze, carefully add larger pieces of firewood to build the fire. Don’t add too much too quickly, as this can smother the flames.
7. Maintain the Fire: Keep adding firewood as needed, always leaving enough space for air to circulate and feed the flames.
8. Extinguish Safely: When you’re ready to put out the fire, sprinkle water over the embers, avoid pouring a lot of water quickly as this can damage the firepit. Stir the ashes and apply more water until all material is cool to the touch. Dispose of the ashes once they’re completely cool and ensure the fire is completely out before leaving the firepit unattended.Always check local regulations before lighting a firepit, as some areas have restrictions based on weather conditions or season. It’s also important to have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby in case of emergency.