8 Outdoor Fireplace Trends To Light Up Your Home

As the crisp winter months approach, many of us begin to shift our focus from outdoor adventures to cozy moments indoors. But, why limit warmth and comfort to just the inside of your home? Fireplaces, long a staple of interior design, are taking center stage not just inside, but also in outdoor living spaces. And in 2024, the outdoor fireplace installation trend is hotter than ever—literally!

With the latest design trends evolving, adding an outdoor wood fireplace is the perfect way to bring warmth, elegance, and functionality to your exterior. Not only do these installations offer a comfortable spot to enjoy a crackling fire, but they also act as focal points that enhance the aesthetics and value of your home. 

Here’s a deep dive into the outdoor fireplace trends of 2024 that will light up your home this winter:

1. Modern Minimalist Designs:

In 2024, simplicity is essential when it comes to outdoor fireplace design. Homeowners are opting for clean, streamlined forms and neutral tones for their fireplaces, producing an understated elegance that suits contemporary architecture.

Consider smooth concrete or stainless steel with sharp, geometric shapes—not too fussy, but all absolutely elegant. The minimalist look is frequently combined with integrated seating areas or surrounding patios that blend into the rest of the outside environment, making the crackling fireplace feel like a natural extension of the home’s interior architecture.

Pro Tip: For a touch of comfort without losing simplicity, wrap textured blankets or cushions around your outdoor seats. This unobtrusive addition softens the harsh lines of your modern fireplace, bringing warmth.

2. Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Fireplaces:

Sustainability will be a key trend in all areas of house design, including outdoor fireplaces. Many homeowners are increasingly opting for eco-friendly and sustainable fireplace choices, allowing them to enjoy their fires without guilt.

Bioethanol fireplaces are becoming more popular. These fireplaces use renewable energy to burn cleanly and without emitting hazardous gases. They do not require a chimney or gas connections, providing for a simpler and more sustainable installation. Bioethanol fireplaces are available in a variety of styles, including freestanding, tabletop, and wall-mounted, so you can select one that is suitable for your outdoor environment.

Additionally, fire pits made from recycled or locally sourced materials are in high demand, allowing homeowners to minimize their environmental impact while still adding warmth to their outdoor areas.

Pro Tip: Choose reclaimed outdoor wood fireplace or eco-friendly materials like recycled concrete for the surrounding fire pit area to reinforce your commitment to sustainability.

3. Multi-Functional Fireplace Design:

The trend of combining functionality with style continues to grow in 2024. Multi-functional fireplaces, like those with built-in grills or outdoor kitchen setups, are especially popular. A gas outdoor fireplace can double as a cooking space, while seating around the fireplace can offer both comfort and utility.

For example, a gas fireplace installation with built-in storage or a grill attachment allows you to cook and entertain while keeping warm by the fire.

Pro Tip: Look for multi-functional fireplaces that match the aesthetic of your home, whether you’re going for a modern, rustic, or transitional look.

4. Built-In Lighting for Added Ambience:

To elevate your outdoor fireplace’s aesthetic, consider adding built-in lighting around the fireplace. LED lighting strips can highlight the textures and materials of your outdoor wood fireplace, or you can opt for lantern-style lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

These lighting features enhance the ambiance, whether you’re using a gas fireplace outside or an electric fireplace.

Pro Tip: Dimmable lights are a great addition for adjusting the mood, whether you’re having a quiet evening by the fire or hosting a lively gathering.

5. TV Above Fireplace Ideas

A increasing trend for outdoor fireplaces is the incorporation of entertainment, notably the placement of a TV over the fireplace. This design turns your backyard into an outdoor living room, ideal for family movie evenings or watching sports while being warm by the fireplace.

A TV over the fireplace, along with built-in seating and lighting, offers an entertainment hub that the entire family can enjoy regardless of the weather.

Pro Tip: Keep the fireplace gas cleaner nearby to maintain your gas fireplace installation and avoid any buildup that could damage your TV or the surrounding structure.

6. Fireplaces with Water Features:

Some homeowners are combining fireplaces and water features to create a truly stunning and luxury outdoor environment. The juxtaposition of fire and water produces a stunning contrast, resulting in a distinct aesthetic that is equal parts calm and bold.

Consider a fireplace built into a stone wall with a waterfall cascading beside it, or a sleek, modern fire bowl surrounded by a reflected water pool. These designs give a sense of tranquillity while making your outdoor space feel more like a luxury resort.

Pro tip: When combining these two pieces, consult an expert to ensure correct installation and safety. Lighting can also intensify the interaction of fire and water.\

7. Smart fireplaces for ultimate control:

With technology advancing in all aspects of our homes, it’s no wonder that smart fireplaces be a popular trend in 2024. These fireplaces include remote controls, smartphone apps, and even voice activation, allowing you to easily modify the flame strength, heat output, and lighting levels.

Some smart outdoor fireplaces can even change automatically based on weather conditions, ensuring that your space is always at the optimal temperature for comfort.

Pro Tip: For increased convenience and energy efficiency, consider investing in a smart thermostat that works with your fireplace.

Outdoor Fireplace vs. Fire Pit:

If you’ve been hesitating between an outdoor fireplace and a fire pit, both choices provide warmth and atmosphere. But, outdoor fireplaces are more permanent structures, often with chimneys and built-in seating. In contrast, fire pits provide flexibility and portability.

While both have advantages, an outdoor fireplace with a chimney typically provides greater smoke control, making it suitable for people seeking a more structured and polished outdoor setting. For homeowners who prefer more mobility, an outdoor portable fireplace may be a better option.

How Much Does An Outdoor Fireplace Cost?

Many homeowners question how much an outdoor fireplace costs. The answer varies depending on the materials, architectural complexity, and whether you’re installing a gas, wood, or electric outdoor fireplace. On average, prices range from $3,000 to $15,000, with unique stone designs or outdoor fireplaces with chimneys costing more.

Final Thoughts: 

Don’t just stay home this winter; instead, create a warm, beautiful, and pleasant outdoor place. Whether you’re putting a trendy gas fireplace outside, a rustic outdoor wood fireplace, or a sleek bioethanol fireplace, there are unlimited possibilities for improving your outdoor living space.

If you’re seeking for the ideal crew to help make your vision a reality, look for fireplace contractors near me at Outdoor Makeover and Living Spaces who specialize in fireplace installation services in Atlanta, GA. We’ll guide you through the current trends, from outdoor fireplaces with chimneys to portable fires, ensuring that your outside space becomes a comfortable getaway for everyone.

So, what are waiting for? Contact us today!

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