Fire pits are a trendy, versatile addition to any garden space. As well as making a unique centrepiece for your seating area, they can keep you warm at night or in winter, helping you use your garden more all year round. The best fire pit areas are cosy, warm, and don’t get in the way of your conversations.

Once you’ve bought your fire pit, though, it can be hard choosing a seating setup that works for you. Depending on how much space you have in your garden, how many people you’ll be seating, and what your budget is, you might struggle to figure out the best way to furnish your outdoor area. To help you get the most out of your garden, we’ve listed some of our favourite seating ideas around the fire, so you can take inspiration for your own designs. Read on to see our top suggestions for your fire pit seating area.

1. Choose a matching set for a cohesive look

When you’re picking the best garden chairs for your home, there are a range of factors to take into account. What material do you want to use, what colour should they be, and are you opting for larger or smaller chairs? The answer to all of these depends on your personal preference, as well as the size and layout of the rest of your garden, but by choosing matching chairs for your fire pit area, you can set the tone with ease.

Whether you’re choosing individual seats for a smaller space, or using garden sofas to host all your garden party guests, you can make a statement by choosing furniture that matches for a professional, smart look.

2. Make the most of your space with a corner sofa

3. Use soft furnishings to your advantage

Soft furnishings are an easy way to customise your seating without breaking the bank. They provide extra comfort, a pop of colour, and a change of texture. Try mixing and matching these with your garden chairs to find a unique pairing that works for your design.

You can also use an outdoor rug to vary the look of your seating area and make it stand out visually from the rest of your garden. Otherwise, if your seating area is near a wall, hanging a rug can make for a bold statement piece of décor.

4. Give your fire pit area some boho chic

If matching furniture isn’t to your tastes and you’d rather get creative, you can add some bohemian flair to your fire pit area by mixing and matching pieces to your heart’s content. While it’s tempting to let loose and vary your seats as much as possible, you still want conversations to flow naturally and easily, so consider choosing chairs of similar heights and sizes.

You can easily decorate your seating area to add some playful personality by layering soft patterns, textures, and colours where possible. This can be done by adding blankets and throws to your furniture to help give it some boho flair, and to give yourself an extra layer when the weather gets cold.

5. Cover your seating area

6. Add small décor to your pit

Some fire pits are built directly into a table or a central raised plinth, giving you a small amount of space around the edges for some minimalist décor. Although these areas might seem too small to style, there are plenty of ways you can make your fire pit more visually appealing with a few additional pieces.

Try pairing your larger fire with small lighting such as candles and fairy lights, making for a unique layered effect that can bring some subtle ambience to your seating area. You can also decorate the edges with small trinkets or decorative items such as pottery and trays, given you have the room.

While there are a number of ways to style your fire pit, it’s important to remain safe and avoid placing flammable materials near a flame. Many fire pits come with protective screens or fireguards, so be sure to use these wherever possible.

7. Keep it simple with a two-person setup

Some fire pit areas use huge sofas to seat as many people around one fire as possible, but not all gardens are created equal. You may only have space for a small arrangement of garden furniture, but you can still make the most of what you’re given with a classic two-person fire pit setup.

By placing your fire between two seats, you can give your home a unique alternative to an outdoor bistro set, and one that’s perfect for use during winter months. This idea also works brilliantly with sun loungers, letting you lean back and relax on summer nights without having to worry about the drop in temperature.

8. Use rattan for a traditional look

9. Go modern with sleek metal designs

If you’re looking for a more up-to-date, industrial look, consider using aluminium garden furniture. Its clean edges and sturdy frames give it a sleek finish that stands out, and it’s perfect for giving your garden or patio a trendy minimalist appeal.

Your metal furniture will also mean you won’t have to worry about flammable materials, such as wood, being in range of danger. While it’s still recommended to keep soft furnishings and cushions away from your fire, you’ll be able to give your seating area an effortlessly stylish look that’s perfect for modern garden designs.

10. Pair two sofas for a makeshift conversation booth

Looking to host the perfect garden party at your home? Try turning your fire pit into a cosy social area to keep conversations flowing. By placing two garden sofas facing each other, with a central fire pit between them, you’ll be able to arrange your seating to emulate a restaurant or pub booth, while keeping your guests warm.

This technique makes sure that nobody is blocked off from socialising by awkwardly placed décor and gives your guests a relaxing getaway to split off from the rest of the pack. Plus, it’s perfect for casual family nights under the stars, or smaller gatherings with a select few friends.

Still looking for garden furniture inspiration? Read our blog for a range of other tips and tricks to help you design your dream home.