.png)
How to Set Up a Fire Pit Area: Designer Picks for Seating, Lighting & Outdoor Entertaining
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, Oasis Green may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure for more information.
Most homeowners spend a lot of time thinking about the fire pit itself. Gas or wood? Round or linear? Stone, stucco, brick, concrete or something more modern? Those are important decisions, but after designing outdoor living spaces in Arizona for decades, I think there's another part of the project that deserves just as much attention: everything that happens around the fire.
Knowing how to set up a fire pit area effectively takes a little planning- preferably before the fire pit structure is purchased or built. Where will everyone sit? Can people comfortably move around the space? Is there somewhere to set down a drink? Can you safely see the walkway back to the house after dark? Does the fire pit feel connected to the rest of the backyard or like something that was added wherever there happened to be room?
Those seemingly smaller decisions can make the difference between a fire feature that looks beautiful and one your family actually wants to gather around. And here in Arizona, fall is when this really starts to matter. Once our summer temperatures finally begin to break, we're entering some of the best months of the year for spending evenings outside.
We've been designing and building Arizona landscapes since 2006, and one thing I've learned is that a successful fire pit area isn't just about one feature. It's about creating a comfortable gathering space all around it.
If you're still deciding on the actual fire feature, start with our guide Creating the Perfect Outdoor Gathering Space — It Starts With a Fire Pit. If the fire pit is already handled or you're trying to figure out what should go around it, keep reading.
Start With the Seating Plan, Not the Accessories
Before you shop for a single chair, take a look at where the gathering area actually sits in relation to everything else in your backyard.
Is it close to the house or is it more of a destination at the back of the property?
Does it connect naturally to the pool or an outdoor kitchen?
Will people have to walk through the seating area to get somewhere else?
Is there enough room for someone to get up from a chair without forcing everyone else around them to move?
These are the things I think about when I'm laying out a backyard because circulation matters more than homeowners sometimes realize.
A fire pit can be beautiful, but if guests have to squeeze between furniture and a planter every time they head back to the house, the space is going to feel tighter than it looked on the landscape plan. A tight or uncomfortable space ultimately may not get used nearly as often as one that's well designed and properly laid out.
There's also a sequence I would encourage homeowners to rethink.
A lot of people build the patio and fire feature first and then go shopping for whatever furniture will fit in the space that's left. Whenever possible, I prefer to think about those things together.
You don't necessarily need to know the exact chair you're going to buy before the hardscape is installed, but knowing approximately what kind of seating you want—built-in, freestanding or a combination—can help determine how much room the gathering area actually needs.
It's much easier to plan enough space from the beginning than discover later that the chairs you love make the finished area feel overly crowded.
David's Two Cents: We've had a built-in outdoor fireplace in our own backyard for years, and one thing I've learned is that the fire feature itself is only part of what makes the space enjoyable. Comfortable seating, good lighting, an easy place to set down a drink, and enough room for people to gather without feeling crowded make just as much difference. Get those things right, and the fire becomes the reason everyone wants to stay a little longer.
A Quick Note About Fire Clearances
I don't usually recommend relying on a universal internet rule for how far a chair, cushion, umbrella or other item should sit from a fire feature.
The appropriate clearance depends on the particular fire feature, the fuel type (gas or wood-burning), installation and manufacturer's requirements, along with any applicable local requirements.
However, if you're still in the planning phase and simply trying to determine whether a fire pit and seating area will comfortably fit in your outdoor space, I generally like to plan for about 4 feet between the fire pit and the surrounding seating as a starting point for space planning—not as a universal safety clearance.
Depending on the layout of the yard, the size and scale of the furniture you hope to use, and how many seats you want to accommodate, 5 to 6 feet may create a much more comfortable seating area with better circulation.
Always follow the specifications for your particular fire feature when determining furniture placement or designing anything permanent around it.
Built-In Fire Pit Seating vs. Freestanding Chairs
There are generally three ways we approach seating around a fire feature:
Built-in masonry or seat-wall seating
Freestanding chairs
A combination of the two
All three can work beautifully. They simply solve different problems.
Built-In Seating
Built-in seating can give a fire pit area a strong architectural presence. For example, we built this sunken fire pit lounge area (shown below) in the center of this backyard, so our clients wanted it to be the focal point of their outdoor space. If the first thing visitors see when they enter the backyard is the back side of a seating wall, that wall needs to look intentional from every angle—not just from the fire pit side.
A seat bench can help define the gathering area, visually connect the fire feature to the surrounding hardscape and provide seating for a larger group without filling the patio with individual chairs.
It’s also permanent, which is both an advantage and a limitation.
Once we build a masonry bench or seat wall, it’s going to stay exactly where we put it. You can’t shift it back six inches because someone wants more room or move half of it out of the way when only two people are sitting there. That’s why placement, depth and circulation space matter so much when we design built-in seating.
Freestanding Chairs
Freestanding seating gives you much more flexibility in how you use the space. Two chairs can create a quiet place to sit on a weeknight, while additional chairs can be pulled into the space when friends or family come over.
We’ve designed more freestanding fire pits with this configuration than almost any other: chairs surrounding the fire feature with enough room behind them for people to comfortably move through the space.
For homeowners with a smaller yard, having a freestanding fire pit or fire feature can allow chairs used at a dining area to be moved into position when the fire is going. This eliminates the need for duplicate furniture and keeps the area clear for foot traffic when not in use. This flexibility can help the area feel more open and be especially valuable in a backyard where every square foot needs to serve a purpose.
Depending on the chairs, freestanding seating can also provide more back support and lounging comfort than a traditional masonry bench, especially when furniture with padded seating or cushions is selected.
The tradeoff is that furniture requires maintenance and eventual replacement, particularly in Arizona’s intense sun. It’s definitely something you’ll want to think about ahead of time.
Why I Like Combining the Two
For many yards, a combination of built-in and movable seating gives us the best of both. A partial seat bench can establish the architectural anchor of the space and provide permanent seating, while leaving room for homeowners to add chairs when they want more flexibility or need to accommodate a larger group.
We built this round fire pit with a curved seat bench on one side and plenty of open space on the other to give our clients flexibility in how they use their backyard patio. When it's just their family or a small group, the permanent seat bench creates an intimate place to sit and enjoy conversation. When they host a larger gathering, several chairs can easily be added to the open side.
The fire pit below uses the same idea, but with built-in bench seating on both sides and enough open space to add a couple of chairs when extra seating is needed.
This type of flexible fire pit seating works especially well for homeowners who occasionally entertain a crowd but don’t want their backyard arranged for a large group every day.
If Your Fire Pit Needs Chairs, What Style Should You Choose?
This is where the shopping part begins, but I wouldn't choose a chair based on appearance alone.
For an open fire pit area, some of the most common options include:
Adirondack-style chairs
Modern lounge or club chairs
Deep seating
Swivel chairs
Lighter occasional chairs that can be stacked and moved in and out as needed (we use this type in our own backyard)
The best choice depends on how you use the space, but in Arizona, material deserves serious consideration too.
Our outdoor furniture deals with intense sun, prolonged heat, dust and seasonal wind and rain. Something that performs beautifully on a covered patio in a milder climate may not age the same way sitting completely exposed in a Phoenix backyard.
Powder-Coated Aluminum
Quality powder-coated aluminum is one option worth considering for Arizona patios.
Aluminum itself doesn't rust the way iron or steel can, and it's relatively lightweight, which is helpful if you regularly rearrange your seating.
The powder-coated finish adds another layer of protection, but finish quality matters. I wouldn't assume that every chair advertised as powder-coated aluminum will perform the same way.
Look at the manufacturer's specifications, care instructions and warranty, particularly if the furniture will spend most of the year exposed rather than under a covered patio.
One last note: if you plan to purchase several chairs and intend to store them when not in use, a stackable option like powder-coated aluminum can save you quite a bit of space.
HDPE or Poly Lumber
HDPE/poly lumber has become another popular option for outdoor seating, especially Adirondack-style chairs.
It's low maintenance and doesn't require the refinishing associated with natural wood. It also avoids some of the concerns homeowners have with wood splitting or splintering over time. But again, quality varies.
Look at the construction, hardware, manufacturer specifications and warranty rather than assuming every piece of poly furniture is interchangeable.
We've seen a number of styles of Adirondack-style chairs from sleek and modern to Stackable Adirondack-style chairs with cupholders.
Cushioned Lounge and Swivel Chairs
If comfort is the priority, cushioned lounge chairs and swivel chairs can make a fire pit area feel much more like an outdoor living room.
I especially like this type of seating when the gathering area has some protection from the elements or is located near a covered patio or ramada. Many of my clients will purchase covers to use with their nicer outdoor furniture when they aren't being used to keep them protected and looking good longer.
For cushions, don't rely solely on the word “outdoor.”
Look at the actual fabric specifications. Is it designed for prolonged outdoor exposure? What does the manufacturer say about UV and fade resistance? Can the covers be removed for cleaning? How should the cushions be stored or maintained?
Those details matter much more in Arizona than the pretty lifestyle photo on the product listing.
And remember that outdoor furniture can become extremely hot after sitting in direct summer sun. Darker exposed surfaces can be especially uncomfortable, so consider where the furniture will live during the hottest months as well as where everyone will sit around the fire in December.
If You Already Have Built-In Seating
If your fire pit already includes a built-in bench, your shopping list changes considerably and you probably don't need a complete outdoor furniture set.
Instead, think about what would make the existing seating more comfortable without covering up the architecture you paid to build.
Depending on the design, that might mean outdoor seat cushions, a few outdoor pillows or two movable lounge chairs that can be brought over when you have a larger group.
The key here is restraint.
One of the reasons built-in seating looks so good is the clean architectural line it creates. If we completely cover it with pillows, throws and extra furniture, we've lost some of the reason we built it in the first place.
Give People Somewhere to Put a Drink
This sounds like such a small detail, but it makes a surprisingly big difference.
Think about what people actually have with them when they're sitting around a fire: drinks, phones, appetizers, maybe a plate or a roasting stick.
Where does all of that go?
If there's nowhere convenient to put anything down, drinks end up on the ground, phones end up balanced on knees and chairs start getting moved around to reach whatever surface is closest.
With freestanding seating, a few small outdoor side tables like the one below can solve the problem easily.
For custom built-in seating, we can sometimes incorporate a ledge or surface into the hardscape itself.
Either way, you don't need a table between every chair. You need enough usable surfaces to make the area comfortable without cluttering the walking space.
Lighting Around a Fire Pit
A fire gives you atmosphere.
It doesn't necessarily give you enough light to safely navigate the rest of the backyard.
The path from the house to the fire pit, steps, elevation changes and surrounding landscape still need appropriate lighting.
This is where professionally designed low-voltage landscape lighting can make a big difference. Path lights, step lights, recessed lighting, overhead party lights, built-in LED lights, or even carefully placed accent lights can help people move through the yard while also creating layers of light around the gathering area.
The goal isn't to flood the fire pit with light. In fact, too much lighting can completely destroy the atmosphere you're trying to create. It's about providing enough illumination where it's needed while allowing the fire to remain the visual focal point.
We go much deeper into this in Top 5 Landscape Lighting Ideas for Enjoying Arizona Evenings, including path lighting, uplighting, entertainment-area lighting and ways to layer different types of light throughout a backyard.
What About Rechargeable Table Lamps?
A set of small rechargeable outdoor table lamps can be useful on a side table or food table for a little additional ambient light. We suggest choosing cordless options to prevent guests from tripping over cords on a back patio. A cordless and rechargeable table lamp, similar to those shown below, offers extra convenience for both hosts and guests.
The key is to think of this as supplemental lighting, not a replacement for a proper landscape lighting plan. It's nice for seeing what's on the table and adding another soft layer of light around the chairs but shouldn't be responsible for safely lighting the path back to the house.
The Finishing Pieces That Actually Make a Fire Pit Area More Comfortable
Once the seating, surfaces and lighting are handled, there are a few smaller pieces that can genuinely make the area more enjoyable.
Notice I said a few.
This is where it's easy to go online, search “fire pit accessories” and suddenly convince yourself you need fifteen things sitting around the patio.
You don't.
For cooler Arizona evenings, an outdoor throw can be nice to have nearby. A couple of well-chosen outdoor pillows can make lounge seating more comfortable. A nice set of serving trays can make it easier to bring drinks or appetizers outside.
If you keep cushions or blankets outside, consider an appropriate weather-resistant storage solution positioned in a location that complies with the clearance requirements for your fire feature.
That's about as complicated as this needs to get.
I'd much rather see four useful pieces around a fire pit than twelve things that looked good in an online shopping cart.
What We Wouldn't Put Around a Fire Pit
Since we're talking about things you can buy for a fire pit area, it's probably worth talking about a few things I wouldn't recommend too.
First, I wouldn't buy furniture without considering where it will actually sit in relation to the fire feature. Always follow the fire feature manufacturer's clearance requirements.
I also wouldn't load the space with combustible decorative items close to the flame simply because they make the patio look cozy.
Be careful with inexpensive furniture or décor if the manufacturer doesn't provide enough information about outdoor use, heat exposure or material performance.
And don't overcrowd the space.
This is probably one of the easiest mistakes to make because outdoor furniture looks much smaller in a showroom or on a product page, than it feels once six pieces are sitting around a fire pit.
Oversized chairs can eat up circulation space quickly.
I'd also be cautious with lightweight decorative pieces in an exposed Arizona backyard. Anyone who has watched patio cushions or decorations start moving around when a monsoon rolls in knows exactly what I'm talking about.
The goal isn't to fill every empty spot.
It's to make the space comfortable enough that nobody notices what's missing.
Don't Forget About Shade
This might sound strange in an article about fire pits, but if you live in Arizona, you know how much of an impact shade can have on the longevity of items permanently stored outside.
You may use your fire pit primarily from fall through spring. Your furniture, however, still has to survive June, July and August. So think about where that furniture will sit during the summer.
Does part of the seating area receive afternoon shade?
Is it near a covered patio?
Could some of the furniture be moved under a ramada or pergola when the fire pit isn't being used?
Are there mature trees providing useful shade?
In the right location, shade can improve comfort and reduce direct sun exposure on furniture.
That does not mean placing an umbrella, pergola or other combustible structure directly over an active fire feature.
Any overhead structure or shade element needs to comply with the clearance requirements for the particular fire feature and applicable local requirements. If you're trying to combine fire, furniture and shade in one relatively compact area, that's something I'd rather design correctly from the beginning than try to solve afterward.
When a Store-Bought Setup Isn't Enough
Sometimes, the issue isn't about finding the right chairs; it lies within the space itself.
There may not be enough room around the existing fire pit, or the circulation might be inadequate. The fire feature could feel isolated at the edge of the yard rather than being connected to the rest of the outdoor space.
Solutions might include incorporating built-in seating or enhancing the area with proper lighting to create a more inviting atmosphere.
Or maybe you're starting from scratch and want a custom gas fire feature incorporated into a larger backyard remodel.
That's when shopping for another accessory probably isn't going to solve the problem.
A well-designed fire feature should feel like part of the entire backyard rather than something sitting in the middle of it.
That's also why we design fire pits as part of larger outdoor environments, considering the hardscape, seating, circulation, lighting, shade, landscaping and the other places people naturally gather.
If you're deciding between a fire pit and something larger or more architectural, you may also want to read Finding Your Dream Outdoor Fireplace, where I go deeper into fireplace placement, materials, fuel types and design considerations.
And if you're in the Phoenix metro area and you're planning a larger backyard project, we'd be happy to take a look at your space. We've been designing and building fire pits, seating, and complete outdoor living spaces for Phoenix-area homeowners since 2006, and we'd be glad to walk your yard with you and talk through what would work best. Reach out to schedule a complimentary landscape consultation whenever you're ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best seating for an outdoor fire pit?
It depends on the space and how you plan to use it. Built-in masonry seating creates a permanent architectural element and can accommodate larger groups efficiently. Freestanding chairs generally provide more flexibility and may offer greater lounging comfort. For many backyards, a combination of built-in and movable seating works extremely well.
Are Adirondack chairs good around a fire pit?
They can be. Adirondack-style chairs naturally create a relaxed seating arrangement and are available in a wide range of outdoor materials, including HDPE/poly lumber and metal. Pay attention to the manufacturer's specifications and the particular product's construction rather than assuming all Adirondack chairs will perform the same outdoors. Furniture placement should also follow the clearance requirements for your particular fire feature.
What outdoor furniture materials work well in Arizona?
Quality powder-coated aluminum and HDPE/poly lumber are two options worth considering for Arizona outdoor spaces. For cushioned furniture, pay particular attention to the fabric's outdoor-performance specifications, UV/fade information, cleaning requirements and whether replacement cushions or covers are available. No outdoor material is maintenance-free or immune to prolonged Arizona sun, so location and shade should also factor into the decision.
Do you need side tables around a fire pit?
You don't technically need them, but they make a gathering space considerably more functional. Guests need somewhere to set drinks, phones and small plates. With freestanding chairs, a few compact side tables usually work well. With built-in seating, a ledge or integrated surface can sometimes accomplish the same thing.
How should you light a fire pit seating area?
Think in layers. Permanent landscape lighting should handle functional illumination for pathways, steps and circulation areas, while the fire itself and smaller decorative lights can provide ambiance within the seating area. Rechargeable table lamps can add a useful soft glow near the chairs, but they shouldn't replace proper path or safety lighting.
