I love fall—the changing leaves, the cool evenings, the cozy sweaters I can start wearing again. As the temperature drops and the nights get chilly, what’s better than gathering family and friends around a warm fire pit? Today we’re sharing some beautiful and creative fire pit designs, plus several of our favorite DIY fire pit tutorials.
Design Layout using Gravel
Adding a gravel surround to designate a fire pit area and adding several Adirondack chairs is an easy  (and inexpensive way) way to create an  instant serene outdoor seating area.
via White Loft Studio/Style Me Pretty
Enlarge the area around your fire pit with gravel held in place by lumber, add some chairs and tree stumps for tables, and enjoy the view.
via House Beautiful
Stones and Rock Design Layout
Large, flat stones like flagstone are another fairly inexpensive way to create a lovely patio area around your fire pit. Tuck several in the grass to make a natural-looking sidewalk back inside.
Recreate this gorgeous look with large flat stones such as flagstone, paver sand, and a steel fire pit bowl, which can double as a birdbath when not in use.
via Erin Lanigan
The height of this inviting fire pit plus the width of the cap stones make a cozy spot to gather and put up your feet for a while.
via Epic Land Design
The design of these flat rocks makes this fire pit—which used to be a koi pond—look so pretty and organic.
Dual Purpose Retaining Wall and Seating
Creating dual purpose retaining wall and seating is a smart way to create a beautiful fire pit, while at the same time beautifully transitioning yard elevation issues.
The beautiful design, the types and colors of stones, the pretty landscaping, and the seating options all combine to make this a relaxing retreat.
via Cambridge Pavers
Imagine stepping down in this stunning sunken fire pit and enjoying a warming fire. The retaining wall provides two rows of seating.
Fire pits don’t have to be circular. This spectacular square fire pit provides tons of seating, serves as a retaining wall in a gorgeous, spa like setting.
via Garden and Home
Situating your fire pit in a hillside or even a slight rise gives you an opportunity to add a surrounding retaining wall bench.
via Romero’s Outdoor Services
This sunken rustic fire pit area looks so warm and cozy—perfect for extra-chilly fall evenings.
While this design below is not a retaining wall, it’s a free standing seating area and a welcoming fire pit with lots of surrounding seating, a pizza oven, a comfy outdoor living room, and more.
In-Ground Fire Pit Design
Large pieces of granite form the crown of this simple and natural-looking in-ground fire pit.
via Rocksmith
Easy DIY Fire Pit Tutorials
If you’re inspired to make your own fire pit, this terrific tutorial steps you through the process. (Note the metal ring is a smart safety element if you use a decorative rock that’s not totally fire-resistant and could potentially explode if it gets too hot.)
via Bower Power
Here’s another great post on how to make your own fire pit—this time an in-ground fire pit that doesn’t require a ton of brick or other masonry pieces.
Whatever your style, skills, and budget, chances are you can create your own fire pit. This tutorial shows you how to DIY a fire pit for just $60.
Fire Pit Tips
Stringing bistro lights above and around your fire pit adds a nice ambience. You can use large garden urns filled with cement to hold the light posts in place. (I’d add a layer of potting soil over the cement in the pots and tuck in some flowers or greenery.)
via Instructables user bagarrett2
To naturally ward off mosquitoes and other insects without the use of flammable bug sprays, add sage to your fire pit. The sage also provides a lovely, natural, herby scent.
via Intuition Physician
With a beautiful fire pit like one of these in your yard, you’ll welcome the cooler weather and look forward to heading outside to warm yourself around the open flame as often as you can! If you want to check out more creative outdoor fire pits, patios and outdoor kitchen, we shared our favorites on the blog here.
Thanks for stopping by!
Christy
Dorothy says
Would love the design details on the first pit with the white rock & white Adirondack chairs.