That time of year is here. The evenings are getting chilly, and we’re all looking for a way to stay cozy outside. An outdoor fireplace is a huge commitment, both in cost and space. This is exactly why I’m obsessed with the fire pit.

It’s so much more casual and way more convenient. You can put a fire pit almost anywhere! And the modern ones are total space-savers.

From super-casual to totally sophisticated, check out these amazing seating ideas as you get ready for fall fun!

Keep it Casual

Making a casual seating spot around the fire pit is all about matching what’s already going on. You’ve got to find something that syncs with the fire pit’s vibe and the whole backyard.

Got a minimal yard with a sunken pit? You can easily pair that with concrete blocks. Add some padded seats, and you get a pop of color that doesn’t mess with the theme.

I also like just using a few chairs or even stools. You can use them when you need them and, best of all, move them somewhere else with zero hassle.

Keeping the fire pit seating simple and minimal. [From: Thuilot Associates]
A lean, contemporary version of the classic fire pit. [From: Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture]
A minimal approach to the fire pit and its surrounding seating. [From: SHED Architecture & Design]
The view from this stone fire pit is just magical!
A super casual setup for seating around the fire pit.

A Style That Lasts

There are so many places you can put a fire pit! It doesn’t have to be shoved into the corner of the deck. You can find space for a slim, contemporary fire pit right in the heart of the swimming pool area.

If you want a more traditional look, a stacked stone fire pit is a classic. Then there are those really innovative designs.

I’m talking about combining the fire pit with a dining table or a coffee table. Talk about turning a boring evening into something totally romantic and memorable.

A fire pit in the middle of the dining table makes outdoor dinners feel even more special!
It’s hard to find a contemporary fire pit more beautiful than this one. [From: EcoSmart Fire]
The stacked stone fire pit: a classic that always works! [From: Erin Lang Norris]
This fire pit design on the Mediterranean patio protects it from strong coastal winds. [From: ARTO]
Taking the fire pit to a completely new level!

Get Cozy on Warm Evenings

This fall, you have to go beyond those boring, linear seating options. It’s time to try ideas that give you way more seating space while taking up limited square footage. How?

This is almost always done with semi-circle or circular seating layouts. I love built-in sitting areas around the fireplace. You can use them all year as smart hangouts. And when that winter chill finally sets in, this is one spot on the deck that will get so much more use.

Pair this with your outdoor kitchen or dining zone, and you’ve created a complete social hub that’s ready for all your fall parties!

Tying the outdoor kitchen together with the fire pit and seating. [From: Helmet House Construction]
The fire pit is what defines this entire outdoor hangout!
A tropical pool featuring a fire pit at its center with sunken seating.
A mix of different seating styles makes this outdoor space even more fun. [From: Hill & Co]