21 Rustic Fire Pit Ideas for Any Outdoor Space

By
Rabekah Henderson
Rabekah Henderson headshot
Rabekah Henderson
Rabekah Henderson is an NC-based contributing writer for The Spruce covering design, decor, and all things home.
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Published on 02/28/23
rustic firepit ideas

Emily Henderson Design

Fire pits often act as the social centerpiece of outdoor spaces, as they create spaces for people to gather, enjoy a few drinks, and talk long into the night. They also add a rustic touch to an outdoor space—after all, what says down-home outdoor style more than a carefully started crackling wood fire? If you're ready to add a fire pit to your own space, keep reading for our favorite rustic fire pit ideas.

  • 01 of 21

    Bring in Some Stumps

    rustic firepit ideas stumps

    Ann Living

    To really hone in on that rustic look, think outside the box with fire pit seating. Consider using hewn or refined stumps as seats—their woodsy look will make your outdoor space feel like a campground all year long. But make sure to add a clear waterproof finish to the stumps to ensure they don't rot.

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  • 02 of 21

    Build Into Slopes

    rustic firepit ideas inground slope

    Mindy Gayer Design

    Few things say 'rustic' more than an in-ground fire pit along a slope or raised section of land. In-ground fire pits are a great way to take advantage of awkward elevation changes in your backyard, giving them purpose and you cozy warmth.

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  • 03 of 21

    Add a Dual Purpose Fire Pit

    rustic firepit ideas

    Ann Living

    For a fire pit fit for small spaces, look for one that can do double duty, like the raised fire pit with a removable cover in Ann Living's space above. Its small footprint helps it fit nearly anywhere, and its cover allows it to serve as a place for drinks and snacks when not in use.

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  • 04 of 21

    Consider Your Ground Cover

    rustic firepit ideas ground cover

    Cottage + Sea

    When adding a fire pit to your space, don't forget to consider what it will sit on top of. Your beautiful green grass can get burned from a fire pit's excess heat, and concrete or brick surfaces can become stained from coals and smoke. Try using wood chips or gravel as a hardy surface cover for your fire pit space instead.

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  • 05 of 21

    Make It Vertical

    rustic firepit ideas vertical

    Herzen Stimme

    A fire pit's rustic reputation doesn't have to prevent it from looking a little bit dramatic. Vertical fire pits add vertical visual interest and have plenty of style, and they're great for adding a touch of heat to narrow spaces.

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  • 06 of 21

    Repurpose Other Items

    rustic firepit ideas repurpose

    Herzen Stimme

    Something as simple as a metal basket can become a fire pit. For an extra rustic look, look for a large metal basket or dish that looks worn or industrial—but make sure it can be safely heated up before starting any fires.

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  • 07 of 21

    Convert Existing Features

    conversion rustic firepit ideas

    Blanco Bungalow

    For a more built-in option, try converting a wall stove or old outdoor oven into a fire pit. This works really well if the stove has a vintage look, as the fire pit can have much more of a rustic, down-to-earth feel.

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  • 08 of 21

    Add Them to Busy Spaces

    rustic firepit ideas busy space

    Blanco Bungalow

    Rustic fire pits are often pared-down and fairly minimalist. Because of this, they're great additions to already-busy outdoor areas, whether they're filled with seating, succulent gardens, or beds of vegetables.

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  • 09 of 21

    Use Rust-Colored Fire Pits

    rustic firepit ideas rust colored

    S.U.S.A.P.

    A rust-colored fire pit brings a warm and well-used feel to your outdoor space. Add a cozy rocking chair and a warm drink and you'll be good to go.

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  • 10 of 21

    Try an Outdoor Fireplace

    fireplace rustic firepit ideas

    Mindy Gayer Design

    Want an outdoor fire pit look that's a bit more structured? Whether you need to have a more surrounded fire for safety reasons or personal preference, an outdoor fireplace can still have that rustic look, especially if you use whitewashed or reclaimed brick.

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  • 11 of 21

    Get Rectangular

    rustic firepit ideas rectangular

    Mindy Gayer Design

    Want to spread the warmth around? Look for a rectangular fire pit that offers more heat than a smaller circular one. Pair it next to an outdoor sofa or bench for an outdoor pairing that will keep you cozy all season long.

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  • 12 of 21

    Use Your Furniture

    rustic firepit ideas furniture

    Mindy Gayer Design

    The furniture that surrounds your fire pit offers more opportunities to really hone in on a rustic look. Look for simple and classic seating, like Adirondack chairs or wooden swings to add a more rustic and Americana touch to your outdoor space.

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  • 13 of 21

    Add a Few Plants

    rustic firepit ideas plants

    Cottage + Sea

    Want to give your rustic fire pit a little style? Consider bringing in some hardy evergreens that will add a purposeful touch of green. Place them flanking seating or in between chairs for the best look, and make sure to pick plants that work for your climate—so no year-round snake plants if you live in New England.

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  • 14 of 21

    Try Prefab

    rustic firepit ideas prefab

    Emily Henderson Design

    Prefabricated outdoor fireplaces are another great way to add some heat to your outdoor space. Prefab fireplaces often have more of a midcentury-modern look, so pick furniture with a down-to-earth and farmhouse feel to ensure you still have a rustic-looking space.

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  • 15 of 21

    Go Vintage

    vintage terracotta rustic firepit ideas

    Emily Henderson Design

    An old-world vintage fire pit or outdoor fireplace adds rustic character like nothing else. We love the clay and tile outdoor fireplace in the space above from Emily Henderson Design. To get a similar look with a fire pit, look for a terracotta one rather than a metal one.

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  • 16 of 21

    Add Some Color

    rustic firepit ideas colorful

    Dazey Den

    Fire pits don't need to be full of boring neutrals—instead, they can be bastions of fun color and style, like the one in Dazey Den's backyard above is. Colorful fire pits are harder to find than neutral ones, so consider DIY-ing it if you really want the look.

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  • 17 of 21

    Add Nighttime Lights

    rustic firepit ideas nighttime lighting

    Ann Living

    Who says your rustic fireplace can't have a little something extra? We love this outdoor strip lighting in Ann Living's backyard. It adds some fun style to a nighttime bonfires and ensures no one trips trying to find their seat.

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  • 18 of 21

    Use Stone

    rustic firepit ideas stone

    Lady Landscape

    A natural stone patio surrounding your fire pit will make it feel like you're on a mountainside rather than your suburban backyard. To make the look hyperlocal, pick stone that's found where you live.

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  • 19 of 21

    Use Exposed Wood

    rustic firepit ideas exposed wood

    Lady Landscape

    Exposed wood, whether it's used in your fire pit seating or the fire pit itself, brings an easy rustic touch to your outdoor space. Just don't use actual exposed wood in the bowl of your fire pit, as it will burn.

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  • 20 of 21

    Use Pallets

    rustic firepit ideas pallets

    S.U.S.A.P.

    Rustic DIY lovers rejoice: pallet furniture is the perfect addition to your rustic fire pit. Stack a few on top of each other for a DIY sofa, or add some table legs to create an expansive table.

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  • 21 of 21

    Plant Some Rustic Grasses

    rustic firepit ideas rustic plants

    Lady Landscape

    Another way to bring a rustic look to your fire pit is by adding some rustic-looking plants nearby. Prairie grasses like the ones in the space above from Lady Landscape are a great example of this.

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