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What to Put Around a Fire Pit: Stylish and Functional Ideas

  • Writer: webseomember33
    webseomember33
  • Apr 7
  • 5 min read

A fire pit is a perfect centerpiece for any outdoor space, offering warmth, light, and a cozy atmosphere for gatherings. But while the fire pit itself is essential, what you put around it is just as important. The right additions can enhance the functionality, comfort, and overall look of your fire pit area, making it more inviting and enjoyable for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to put around a fire pit, covering both practical and aesthetic options to create a stylish and functional outdoor retreat.



A fire pit is a perfect centerpiece for any outdoor space, offering warmth, light, and a cozy atmosphere for gatherings. But while the fire pit itself is essential, what you put around it is just as important. The right additions can enhance the functionality, comfort, and overall look of your fire pit area, making it more inviting and enjoyable for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to put around a fire pit, covering both practical and aesthetic options to create a stylish and functional outdoor retreat. 1. Seating Arrangements One of the first things to consider when designing your fire pit area is seating. Comfortable seating will ensure that your guests are able to enjoy the warmth of the fire pit while relaxing. Here are some seating options to consider: a. Outdoor Sofas and Chairs Invest in weather-resistant sofas or armchairs that can handle the elements. Choose a set of deep-seating chairs or a sectional sofa for a more luxurious setup. Look for cushions that are made of sun-resistant fabric for durability and comfort. b. Adirondack Chairs For a more traditional look, Adirondack chairs are a popular option. They are simple, sturdy, and provide a relaxed seating posture ideal for fire pit settings. They can also be easily moved around to accommodate different seating arrangements. c. Benches If you're limited on space or prefer a more communal seating arrangement, benches are a great option. Long benches can seat several people and encourage a more social atmosphere around the fire pit. Consider adding some outdoor cushions for added comfort. d. Stools and Poufs For flexible seating, you can add stools or poufs around your fire pit. These are easy to move and can double as extra surface space for drinks or snacks. Look for weather-resistant materials to keep them looking great year-round. 2. Outdoor Rugs and Mats Adding a rug or mat around your fire pit area can instantly elevate the space. Not only does it provide a cozy feel, but it also helps protect the ground beneath from heat damage and debris. Outdoor Rugs: Choose an outdoor rug made from durable materials like polypropylene that can handle heat, dirt, and moisture. It will provide a comfortable space to rest your feet and create a more defined area around the fire pit. Heat-resistant Mats: If you're concerned about sparks or ash damaging your flooring, a heat-resistant mat placed beneath the fire pit can protect your patio or grass. 3. Lighting The right lighting can transform the entire ambiance of your fire pit area, especially after sunset. Consider incorporating a mix of ambient lighting and task lighting to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. a. String Lights String lights are a popular choice for creating a whimsical and cozy vibe around the fire pit. Hang them overhead on trees, a pergola, or a fence to provide a soft glow. b. Lanterns and Candles Place lanterns or LED candles around the perimeter of the fire pit for additional warmth and ambiance. Opt for battery-operated candles for safety, or go for solar-powered lanterns if you want an eco-friendly option. c. Ground Lighting If you want to highlight the edges of your fire pit area, install low-voltage ground lighting or landscape lights along the walkways or around the perimeter. This provides subtle lighting and enhances the overall design. 4. Landscaping and Greenery Incorporating greenery around your fire pit can soften the hard lines and add a natural element to the space. Here are a few landscaping ideas to enhance the area: a. Potted Plants Adding potted plants or planters around the fire pit helps to bring life and color into the space. Choose plants that thrive in outdoor conditions, such as succulents, lavender, or ferns. Consider placing them in decorative planters to match your outdoor theme. b. Flower Beds If you have a larger area around your fire pit, you might consider adding a flower bed or a small garden. Flowers like sunflowers, geraniums, or petunias can add color and fragrance to the area. Keep in mind that flowers near a fire pit should be heat-resistant. c. Grass or Ground Cover If you want a more natural, rustic look, consider leaving the area around your fire pit as a grassy space. You can also plant ground cover like clover or moss, which will give the area a lush, green appearance while remaining low-maintenance. 5. Fire Pit Surround The fire pit’s structure itself can be enhanced with a few thoughtful additions. Consider building a stone or brick surround around the fire pit for a more durable, stylish look. These materials help contain the fire and protect the surrounding area. Stone or Brick Walls: Create a low stone wall around the fire pit to serve as both a safety feature and a stylish backdrop. This also helps retain heat for a longer-lasting fire. Seating Walls: If you're going for a more permanent installation, consider a seating wall that doubles as a fire pit surround. This provides built-in seating and gives the fire pit area a more structured, cozy feel. 6. Side Tables and Accessories Having side tables or coffee tables around your fire pit area is perfect for placing drinks, snacks, or other items while enjoying the fire. Look for weatherproof tables made from durable materials like teak, stone, or metal. You can also add decorative trays or accent pillows for an extra touch of style. FAQs: What to Put Around a Fire Pit 1. What type of seating is best around a fire pit? The best seating depends on your style and needs. Adirondack chairs and outdoor sofas are popular choices for comfort and style, while benches are great for larger groups. 2. Can I put a rug around a fire pit? Yes, you can use an outdoor rug, but make sure it’s made from heat-resistant material. It will help protect your flooring and add a cozy touch to your space. 3. Should I put any plants near the fire pit? Yes, potted plants or flower beds can add beauty and natural elements to your fire pit area. Just ensure the plants are heat-resistant and placed at a safe distance from the flames. 4. How do I protect my patio from the heat of the fire pit? To protect your patio, use a heat-resistant mat under the fire pit or surround it with non-flammable materials like stones or bricks. 5. What kind of lighting is best around a fire pit? String lights, lanterns, and landscape lighting are great for creating ambiance and ensuring visibility at night. They provide a soft glow that complements the fire.

1. Seating Arrangements

One of the first things to consider when designing your fire pit area is seating. Comfortable seating will ensure that your guests are able to enjoy the warmth of the fire pit while relaxing. Here are some seating options to consider:

a. Outdoor Sofas and Chairs

Invest in weather-resistant sofas or armchairs that can handle the elements. Choose a set of deep-seating chairs or a sectional sofa for a more luxurious setup. Look for cushions that are made of sun-resistant fabric for durability and comfort.

b. Adirondack Chairs

For a more traditional look, Adirondack chairs are a popular option. They are simple, sturdy, and provide a relaxed seating posture ideal for fire pit settings. They can also be easily moved around to accommodate different seating arrangements.

c. Benches

If you're limited on space or prefer a more communal seating arrangement, benches are a great option. Long benches can seat several people and encourage a more social atmosphere around the fire pit. Consider adding some outdoor cushions for added comfort.

d. Stools and Poufs

For flexible seating, you can add stools or poufs around your fire pit. These are easy to move and can double as extra surface space for drinks or snacks. Look for weather-resistant materials to keep them looking great year-round.



2. Outdoor Rugs and Mats

Adding a rug or mat around your fire pit area can instantly elevate the space. Not only does it provide a cozy feel, but it also helps protect the ground beneath from heat damage and debris.

  • Outdoor Rugs: Choose an outdoor rug made from durable materials like polypropylene that can handle heat, dirt, and moisture. It will provide a comfortable space to rest your feet and create a more defined area around the fire pit.

  • Heat-resistant Mats: If you're concerned about sparks or ash damaging your flooring, a heat-resistant mat placed beneath the fire pit can protect your patio or grass.



3. Lighting

The right lighting can transform the entire ambiance of your fire pit area, especially after sunset. Consider incorporating a mix of ambient lighting and task lighting to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

a. String Lights

String lights are a popular choice for creating a whimsical and cozy vibe around the fire pit. Hang them overhead on trees, a pergola, or a fence to provide a soft glow.

b. Lanterns and Candles

Place lanterns or LED candles around the perimeter of the fire pit for additional warmth and ambiance. Opt for battery-operated candles for safety, or go for solar-powered lanterns if you want an eco-friendly option.

c. Ground Lighting

If you want to highlight the edges of your fire pit area, install low-voltage ground lighting or landscape lights along the walkways or around the perimeter. This provides subtle lighting and enhances the overall design.



4. Landscaping and Greenery

Incorporating greenery around your fire pit can soften the hard lines and add a natural element to the space. Here are a few landscaping ideas to enhance the area:

a. Potted Plants

Adding potted plants or planters around the fire pit helps to bring life and color into the space. Choose plants that thrive in outdoor conditions, such as succulents, lavender, or ferns. Consider placing them in decorative planters to match your outdoor theme.

b. Flower Beds

If you have a larger area around your fire pit, you might consider adding a flower bed or a small garden. Flowers like sunflowers, geraniums, or petunias can add color and fragrance to the area. Keep in mind that flowers near a fire pit should be heat-resistant.

c. Grass or Ground Cover

If you want a more natural, rustic look, consider leaving the area around your fire pit as a grassy space. You can also plant ground cover like clover or moss, which will give the area a lush, green appearance while remaining low-maintenance.



5. Fire Pit Surround

The fire pit’s structure itself can be enhanced with a few thoughtful additions. Consider building a stone or brick surround around the fire pit for a more durable, stylish look. These materials help contain the fire and protect the surrounding area.

  • Stone or Brick Walls: Create a low stone wall around the fire pit to serve as both a safety feature and a stylish backdrop. This also helps retain heat for a longer-lasting fire.

  • Seating Walls: If you're going for a more permanent installation, consider a seating wall that doubles as a fire pit surround. This provides built-in seating and gives the fire pit area a more structured, cozy feel.



6. Side Tables and Accessories

Having side tables or coffee tables around your fire pit area is perfect for placing drinks, snacks, or other items while enjoying the fire. Look for weatherproof tables made from durable materials like teak, stone, or metal. You can also add decorative trays or accent pillows for an extra touch of style.



FAQs: What to Put Around a Fire Pit

1. What type of seating is best around a fire pit?

The best seating depends on your style and needs. Adirondack chairs and outdoor sofas are popular choices for comfort and style, while benches are great for larger groups.

2. Can I put a rug around a fire pit?

Yes, you can use an outdoor rug, but make sure it’s made from heat-resistant material. It will help protect your flooring and add a cozy touch to your space.

3. Should I put any plants near the fire pit?

Yes, potted plants or flower beds can add beauty and natural elements to your fire pit area. Just ensure the plants are heat-resistant and placed at a safe distance from the flames.

4. How do I protect my patio from the heat of the fire pit?

To protect your patio, use a heat-resistant mat under the fire pit or surround it with non-flammable materials like stones or bricks.

5. What kind of lighting is best around a fire pit?

String lights, lanterns, and landscape lighting are great for creating ambiance and ensuring visibility at night. They provide a soft glow that complements the fire.

 
 
 

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