There’s something about sitting around a backyard fire pit that seems to officially signal the start of summer. Longer nights and warmer weather means that you can extend the amount of time you spend outdoors well into the evening hours. Outdoor living spaces maximize the function of your home by providing an additional area for dining, lounging, and entertaining. Adding a fire feature can help elevate your yard into a comfortable space that is useable long into the fall months (and even the winter depending on where you live!). Ranging from large extravagant centerpiece designs to contemporary sleek options, there is a wide variety of fireplaces, tables and stone structures to suit your space and decor style. We rounded up our favorites and broke them down into an easy-to-follow guide to help you narrow down the setup and style that works best for you. Large wooden Adirondack chairs surround a large traditional brick and flat stone fire pit. Image by HGTV.com
Traditional Fireplaces

One of the most popular styles of fire pit design is still the traditional fireplace. Preferred for their natural and organic appearance, these fire pits are usually best situated in the backyard because they are larger in size. They vary in style but are most often made of stone, built of mixed brick or natural materials, and sometimes painted a whitewash or black to modernize the design. Traditional fireplaces often leave room for food grilling racks or a natural stone pizza oven. We r...