Spending time outdoors with family and friends is vital for our mental health and wellbeing, and nothing makes the experience more enjoyable than gathering around a fire pit. If your outdoor living space is in need of a new fire feature, here’s how to wow your guests with these 5 fire pit design ideas in Allentown and Lebanon, PA.
Any fire pit can be wood-fired for an authentic campfire experience, or you can choose natural gas or propane for more flame consistency, safety, cleanliness and no smoke.
Round: the Classic
A classic round fire pit is the shape that most people think of. This shape recreates the primal hearth, where people gather around to share conversation and tell stories. Round fire pits are the ideal shape for ensuring everyone has the same opportunity to be close to the fire (or further away).
Round fire pits are ideal for relaxed spaces. They don’t necessarily have to evoke a rustic feeling, though. They can be sleek - made of poured concrete, or even a trendy oversized metal bowl - although the juxtaposition of a rustic masonry fire pit set in an ultra modern setting can be stunning.
Linear Shapes: Sleek and Modern
Square, rectangular, and even L-shaped fire pits give your outdoor living space a more structured feel and a sleek, clean look. They are ideally suited for formal outdoor spaces that feature straight lines and although they are often positioned in the same orientation as linear elements such as pavers or retaining walls, you can create a striking visual contrast by placing them at a 45-degree angle.
Larger fire pits can blur the line between fire pit and fire table, especially if they are somewhat elevated and feature more generous cap stones which are perfect for warming your feet or resting your beverage.
Linear fire pits match the elegance of grand or ultra-modern homes. Their shapes are adaptable to both intimate and large spaces: imagine a cozy zen hideaway surrounded by a lush living wall, or a spacious bluestone patio where you can place comfortable lounge furniture around the fire pit.
Linear fire pits can also ideally accommodate everyone: some people love to sit very close to the fire while others get too hot and prefer to sit a bit further away.
L-shaped fire pits are bold and they are designed for hosting large parties. This design is ideal for defining separate spaces and to create outdoor “rooms,” as well as the ability to warm up a crowd.
Square fire pits can be wood-fueled. Rectangular and L-shaped fire pits are typically gas- or propane-fueled for consistent flames across the entire length of the fire pit (the consistency is especially important in L-shaped fire features).
Retro Sunken Style
Fire pits don’t have to be at or above ground level. A sunken fire pit area creates a clean look around the fire, and creates its own dedicated space reminiscent of the 60’s “conversation pit” design where the high-backed seating helps keep the heat in the space - perfect on a chilly night. The best option for a sunken fire pit is natural gas or propane, so that rising smoke doesn’t interrupt with the fun on the patio above.
An Investment in Fun
Whichever style you choose, a fire pit is one of the best investments you can make in your outdoor living space. No other feature will compel you to go enjoy your patio on cold days! This feature alone will let you use your patio for much longer than the relatively short summer season. Since you are paying for the space, your fire pit will let you enjoy it year-round!
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