Fire Pit Seating Ideas To Create an Intimate Outdoor Space

Whether you’re entertaining a large group of guests for a backyard cookout, or just want a cozy space for two to unwind after a long day, the right fire pit seating can transform your fire pit area into an inviting space for both socializing and relaxing. 

We’ve rounded up our top fire pit seating ideas for your outdoor oasis, from cozy couches to classic Adirondack chairs, hammocks, and more.

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Fire Pit Seating Ideas You’ll Love 

When choosing seating to complement your outdoor fire pit, prioritizing comfort and durability for outdoor use is key. 

Whether it’s recycling tree stumps or creating a cozy conversation space with a curved sofa, your outdoor fire pit seating can be as unique as your imagination and style. 

Here are our top fire pit seating ideas: 

1. A Curved Sofa

 If you have a circular fire pit, a curved sofa is designed to mimic the shape of your pit, adding a cohesive look to your outdoor space. It also allows all of your guests to enjoy a clear view of the fire pit and appreciate the beauty of its flames.

2. Tree Stump Seating 

 Tree stump seating provides a rustic charm and brings back the nostalgia of summer camp experiences. 

 Use different sizes, shapes, and grain patterns to blend your fire pit seating area with nature. 

 To create tree stump seating: 

 1. Source the tree stumps: Check with your city or town’s local regulations to see if you require a permit to cut down trees in your yard. Otherwise, you can opt to purchase decorative stumps online or at your local garden center. 

2. Choose the right size: For a comfortable seat, stumps should be approximately 18-20 inches tall and 12-14 inches wide for an adult seat. 

3. Clean the tree stumps: Use a stiff brush to remove dirt and debris. Then, use a belt sander to smooth out the top and sides of the tree stump to create a comfortable sitting surface. 

4. Seal the stumps (Optional): Add two coats of wood sealant to protect the wood and extend its lifespan.  Use a tinted stain before applying the sealant if you want to adjust the color. Allow the wood sealant to dry for 24 to 48 hours. 

5. Arrange seating: Once the sealant has dried, position the stumps around your fire pit. You can arrange them in a circle for social gatherings or scatter them around for a more natural look. 

3. Sunken Seating

While most fire pits are surrounded by benches or chairs on a level surface, a sunken seating area is a built-in seating option that is in a recessed section of the ground, and typically accompanied by a sunken fire pit providing a cozy space ideal for intimate gatherings. 

This fire pit seating option transforms your area into a secluded haven, perfect for winding down and engaging in deep conversations. 

To make your sunken seating area glow under the soft evening sky, consider adding patio lighting, such as recessed stair lights or LED strips.

4. Adirondack Chairs

Adirondack chairs have tall, slatted backs with wide armrests and a seat that angles upward. 

Sturdy and stylish, wooden Adirondack chairs made of cedar, teak, or eucalyptus provide durability and are resistant to rotting. This timeless fire pit seating option offers a classic look that’s worth the investment.

5. A Hammock or Hanging Chair

Looking for an elevated fire pit seating idea? Consider trying a hammock or hanging chair. 

A traditional hammock can be draped between a pair of trees while hanging macrame chairs from a pergola offers a suspended seating option for the ultimate lounging experience. 

Be sure to prioritize safety when placing your hammock or hanging chair by securing it to a sturdy structure, like a tree with thick branches. Opt for seating made with fire-resistant materials and ensure your hammock is located at a safe distance from the fire pit, to prevent catching fire from flying sparks.

6. Folding Chairs

If you’re on the hunt for cost-efficient and comfortable chairs for your fire pit, consider folding chairs. 

Lightweight and foldable, these chairs can be quickly put up and taken down and can be easily moved around and stored away when not in use. 

7. A Love Seat

If you’re looking for an ultra-comfortable fire pit seating option, a loveseat is a great way to cozy up and unwind next to the flames. 

Positioning a loveseat beside your fire pit offers an intimate and cozy spot for two that maximizes your seating options without overwhelming your outdoor space, thanks to its compact size.

8. A Built-in Seat Wall

A seat wall is a permanent outdoor seating option that can double as a retaining wall. Mix and match different colors, shapes, sizes, and textures to construct a seat wall that is not only functional but an aesthetically pleasing complement to your outdoor space. For added texture and comfort, consider adding cushions, throw pillows, or outdoor blankets to your seat wall. 

How Far Should Seating Be From a Fire Pit? 

A good rule of thumb when setting up chairs or a bench around a fire pit is to keep seating about 3 feet from the edge of the pit. This distance creates enough space for your guests to move around and stay safe from the heat. 

How far chairs should be from a fire pit can also depend on the weather. When it’s windy, move your fire pit seating back so it’s at least 7 feet from the fire pit. This distance allows your guests to stay safe from unpredictable gusts of wind that could potentially blow sparks, embers, or smoke their way. 

Fire Pit Seating Safety Tips 

Safety should always be a top priority around a fire pit. When it comes to fire pit seating: 

• Ensure that your fire pit seating is sturdy and safe. Unstable chairs or benches can lead to potential accidents and can be more dangerous near an open fire. 
• Keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby to quickly put out flames if needed. 
• Keep flammable materials, such as cushions made of linen or cotton, away from the fire pit. 
• Never leave the fire pit unattended when in use. 
• Call in experts such as a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified professional or local licensed contractor to evaluate your gas supply and fire pit once a year. 

Hire a Unilock Authorized Contractor to build your fire pit

Explore Outdoor Fire Pits and Fireplaces at Unilock 

Whether you’re looking for a place to warm up on a cool winter evening or you want to transform your backyard into the perfect retreat for a summer barbecue, an outdoor fire pit can serve as an ideal gathering space year-round. 

At Unilock, we offer a variety of wall products in a number of different sizes and styles that you can use to build all kinds of fire pits.

If you prefer to purchase a prebuilt kit, Unilock offers several prebuilt fire pit kits and fireplaces, including: 

• Sunset® — The Sunset Firepit effortlessly enhances any outdoor space with its authentic stone-like appearance. 
• Barcelona™ — The Barcelona Fireplace, exuding a classic patina similar to the distinguished Brussels Block® paver, serves as a timeless piece to any outdoor space. 
• Tuscany™ — Mimicking the appearance of quarried stone and the look of the enchanting Tuscan countryside, the Tuscany Fireplace adds a rustic, laid-back charm to any outdoor setting. 
• Moda™ — Adorned with the sleek, modern aesthetics of Lineo™ Dimensional Stone, the Moda Prebuilt Fireplace adds contemporary elegance to any outdoor living area. 

If you’re not sure which fire pit is ideal for your outdoor space, let us help you connect with a Unilock Authorized Contractor, who can recommend the best products for your hardscape project.

Build an outdoor oasis with Unilock. Explore our fire pits and fireplaces.