Outdoor Garden Fireplaces — Design Ideas, Styles & How to Use Them Well
- Dominik Ag
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
There’s something different about an outdoor fireplace. It’s not just heat or ambience — it’s presence. Unlike a firepit, which feels casual and social, a fireplace feels architectural. It anchors the space. Frames the garden. Gives it structure, comfort, and elegance.
If you’re thinking about adding a fireplace to your outdoor space, here’s what to know — from layout tips to design styles and practical advice that makes it worth the investment.
What Makes an Outdoor Fireplace Different?
Where a firepit gathers people in a circle, a fireplace becomes the backdrop. It draws the eye, adds height and focus, and instantly makes a garden feel more ‘finished’. It’s especially powerful in structured layouts, lounge zones, or patios that double as outdoor rooms.
Think of it as a garden’s version of a feature wall — but with heat and flicker.
Fireplaces also:
Offer a more wind-resistant heat source
Work beautifully with modular seating or dining areas
Add vertical interest (especially in flat gardens)
Can double as a privacy screen or divider
They’re ideal when you want something a little more formal — but still warm and welcoming.
Gas vs Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are sleek, clean, and low-maintenance. No smoke, no ash, no stacking logs — just instant heat with the push of a button. They’re perfect for porcelain terraces, outdoor kitchens, or modern seating zones.
Wood-burning fireplaces, on the other hand, bring crackle, scent, and ritual. They feel more natural and raw — best suited to countryside homes, wilder planting schemes, or rustic designs.
Want a breakdown of gas vs wood? We’ve got you covered here.
Where to Place Your Outdoor Fireplace
Location matters — it’s the difference between a fireplace that gets used… and one that doesn’t.
Place it where it frames the garden.
End of a patio, opposite the dining area, or behind an L-shaped sofa — it should create a sense of enclosure and visual balance.
Avoid the back corner unless it’s framed well.
A lone fireplace tucked into the void of a garden usually gets forgotten. Build around it — seating, planters, walls.
Use it to zone a space.
It works well as a divider between a lounge area and planting, or between a covered area and open patio.
And most importantly: give it breathing room. You’ll want a solid 1.5m–2m of clearance in front for furniture, cushions, and safe movement.
Design Ideas & Styling Tips
1. Built-In Stone Fireplace with Raised Hearth
Perfect for formal gardens or symmetrical layouts. Use honed limestone or sawn Yorkstone for a timeless, elegant feel.
Bonus tip: Extend the base for seating or logs underneath.
2. Rendered Fireplace with Cladding or Slats
Great for contemporary gardens. Paint the render to match your other features and frame it with slatted fencing or corten steel panels.
Pair it with a corner sofa and a sleek fire table for a fully integrated lounge.
3. Double-Sided Fireplaces
Want heat and beauty from two sides? A double-sided fireplace works wonderfully as a divider between dining and lounging zones.
Design it as a floating wall with a fire cut-out — backed by storage, planters, or feature lighting.
4. Outdoor Fireplace Wall with Integrated Lighting
Add up-lighting into the base or sconces into the wall. It makes your fireplace glow even when it’s not lit.
Fireplace vs Firepit — When to Choose a Fireplace
Still not sure which route to go?
Choose a fireplace if:
You want structure and a vertical focal point
Your garden feels flat and needs height
You’re creating a formal or semi-enclosed outdoor room
You want to block wind or add privacy
Choose a firepit if:
You want flexible, social seating
You like the open-circle feel for casual chats
You’re working with a more naturalistic layout
You want to keep the cost and installation lower
See our full guide on How to Use a Firepit in Your Garden for more inspiration.
💡 Real Design Inspiration
Want to go bigger? Some gardens integrate the fireplace with:
Outdoor TV screens (with a sliding panel or lift)
Covered pergola lounges
Built-in bars or drinks stations
Cascading water features nearby for contrast
Final Thoughts
A garden fireplace isn’t just about adding heat — it’s about giving your space rhythm, intimacy, and identity. It anchors an evening, frames your layout, and gives people a reason to gather.
Whether you go gas or wood, built-in or freestanding, the key is placement and design. When done right, it becomes one of the most memorable parts of your garden.
📞 Want to Build a Garden That Feels Like Home?
Book Your Private Video Consultation
We’ll help you choose whether a fireplace, firepit (or both) is right — and design your space around what you actually use and love.
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