23 Cozy Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for the Most Inviting Backyard

By Jessica Bennett
Updated March 16, 2020
Robert Brinson
Outdoor fireplaces bring comfort and warmth to your deck or patio, allowing you to use the space in cooler weather and after dark. Whether made of stone, brick, or other material, these structures also form a dramatic focal point. Give your backyard a sophisticated update and a cozy glow with these outdoor fireplace ideas.
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Outdoor Wood Fireplace

Brie Williams

Wood paneling on am outdoor fireplace bolsters the modern farmhouse style of this back porch. The natural color and texture contrast all-white ceiling and floors. Accessories including outdoor pillows and an area rug deliver splashes of blue to the simple color palette.

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Outdoor Patio Fireplace

Laura Hull

This stucco outdoor fireplace is built directly into the landscape surrounding the patio to create an intimate outdoor dining space. Ornate detailing at the top of the fireplace creates a grand look. Simple metal patio furniture keeps the focus on the fireplace.

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Small Outdoor Fireplace

Brie Williams

This small outdoor fireplace makes an impressive statement in little space. A narrow mantel creates display area for accessories and a round mirror that helps make the petite screened porch appear larger. The fire's warmth keeps the screened porch comfortable even as the temperature drops.

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Stone Fireplace

Robert Brinson

A stucco-finish fireplace adds textural interest to this outdoor gathering area. The smooth fireplace surround contrasts the brick siding and columns as well as the rough-cut stone flooring and metal ceiling treatment. Furnishings in neutral colors and natural textures enhance the modern-rustic feel of the space.

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Mix-and-Match Brick Fireplace

Edward Gohlich

A handful of round stones sprinkled throughout this outdoor fireplace surround breaks up the predominantly brick display. The bricks and stones are placed in an uneven, wavy pattern, which conveys a casual and laid-back energy for the patio. Cushioned outdoor chairs and an umbrella overhead create a comfortable conversation area.

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Stone Outdoor Fireplace

Tria Giovan

The best outdoor fireplace designs reflect the home's overall style and aesthetic. You can achieve this effect by repeating materials and shapes found elsewhere on the exterior. Here, the outdoor fireplace is made from the same type of stone that lines the space's arched entryways, while the firebox's shapely opening mimics the curved architectural elements.

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Outdoor Brick Fireplace

Gordon Beall

Brick appears on several surfaces throughout this covered patio. Although the all-brick fireplace surround is an extension of the flooring and nearby columns, its soaring height allows it to function as the main focus. Bricks arranged in a herringbone pattern on the inside of the firebox add a hint of subtle contrast.

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Outdoor Fireplace Focal Point

Werner Straube

A seating arrangement in the center of this patio looks anchored, thanks to an eye-catching outdoor fireplace. The fireplace's natural-stone surround features hues that echo the home's siding and the patio flooring. An art print and a pair of decorative grates placed on the mantel ensure the fireplace takes center stage.

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Double-Sided Outdoor Fireplace

Edward Gohlich

This striking two-sided fireplace pulls double duty as a "room divider." Accessible from both sides, the stucco and brick structure divides a dining space and casual seating area on this spacious patio. The fireplace's brick accents, such as on the chimney and around the firebox, help the soaring piece look grounded.

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Grand Outdoor Fireplace

Tria Giovan

Taking a cue from the architecture of the house, this shapely fireplace surround creates an elegant centerpiece for this covered patio. The mantel offers prominent display space for a collection of small sculptures. A large painting hung above the mantel helps the outdoor room feel more like a cozy interior space.

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Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Laurie Black

A mix of materials can help an outdoor fireplace design stand out. Here, a thick wooden mantel lends contrast to this outdoor fireplace's hefty stone surround. The large mantelpiece lends display space for an oversized windowpane mirror and candle display.

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Painted Outdoor Fireplace

Emily Followill

White-painted brick on the exterior of this home is repeated on the fireplace surround on the patio, as well. A large hearth provides additional seating for guests (before the fire is ablaze, that is). A small coffee table and wall decor add interior-like comfort.

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Contemporary Outdoor Fireplace

Edward Gohlich

This massive fireplace features clean lines and a simple, unadorned stone surround, giving it undeniable modern flair. The lengthy firebox ensures the entire seating area is enveloped with warmth even after the sun goes down. The low-profile seating is accented with patterned pillows to add personality to the patio's contemporary design.

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Tuscan-Inspired Outdoor Fireplace

John Granen

A natural-stone surround allows this rustic-look fireplace to blend with this home's Tuscan aesthetic. The reddish-orange hues of the fireplace surround echo the color of the home's stone veneer, the patio flooring, and the weathered finish of the wooden ceiling beams. Wicker furniture and neutral cushions follow the nature-inspired color palette.

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Freestanding Outdoor Fireplace

James Yochum

Freestanding outdoor fireplaces add interest and character without compromising the structure of your home. Here, a hefty stone-and-metal fireplace ensures the seating area stays warm and cozy well into the nighttime hours. A patinaed finish on the metal top gives the piece a timeworn look.

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Stucco Outdoor Fireplace

Dominique Vorillon

A stucco surround allows this outdoor fireplace to blend effortlessly with the rest of the home's exterior. The soaring chimney draws the eye upward, which helps the patio feel even larger. Antique-look tiles above the firebox reinforce the space's Mediterranean style.

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Covered Deck Fireplace

Colleen Duffley

Often reserved for poured patios and porches, a sturdy stone fireplace gives this deck a big style upgrade. A rustic wooden mantel offers display space and helps tie the fireplace in with its surroundings. The deck's wood-paneled ceiling warms up the gray-colored stones, furniture, and siding.

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Traditional Fireplace Design

Dominique Vorillon

A freestanding fireplace, featuring clean lines and a simple stone surround, adds warmth to this relaxing outdoor retreat. The fireplace's minimalist design is reminiscent of traditional Asian designs. This look is further emphasized by the structure of the furniture and the large Oriental area rug.

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Warm and Inviting

Dominique Vorillon

Cobblestones adorning the surround of this outdoor fireplace design give the piece a casual and inviting energy. A shapely grate placed on the floor in front of the firebox lends contrast to the thick wooden mantelpiece above. A wicker sofa with bright white cushions brightens the neutral space.

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Rustic Outdoor Fireplace

Matthew Benson

A sturdy stone fireplace instantly conveys a warm and welcoming aesthetic on this patio. The rough-cut stone surround echoes the look of the flooring, reinforcing the rustic look. A blazing fire conducts plenty of heat so the seating area stays warm even when temperatures take a dip.

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Matching Outdoor Fireplace

Philip Harvey

This fireplace extends the look of the home to the outdoors, thanks to a surround outfitted with aluminum siding. The surround adds texture and style to the patio space, which is dressed with fun patterns, colors, and accessories. A crystal chandelier and tiger-print rug bring unexpected style outdoors.

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Elegant Outdoor Fireplace

Gordon Beall

An outdoor fireplace adds a charming focal point to a patio. In addition to providing a splash of personality, the fireplace also ensures the small seating arrangement can be in use even after the sun goes down or as the seasons change. This elegant brick fireplace helps ground this large outdoor space while keeping guests cozy.

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Curved Stone Fireplace

Alex Hayden

Located on the outside edge of a covered patio, this striking stone fireplace warms an intimate seating arrangement. The heavy stone surround gracefully follows along the curve of the patio. Stately columns add prominence and traditional style to the outdoor space.

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By Jessica Bennett