3 Unexpected Reasons to Have an Outdoor Fireplace
Sure, their enchanting light makes longer evenings magical. But outdoor fireplaces solve 3 design issues as well
Having trouble heading back inside as sunny spring days turn cold at sunset? Outdoor fire features are a great way to extend the livability of your outdoor space into the evening. While fire pits and fire as art are all the rage, the traditional fireplace offers so much more than physical warmth. Consider adding a hearth to an outdoor room if you need any of the following.
1. A vertical focal point. The classic chimney elevates the eye.
This strong vertical focal point splits the tall, white wall of the nearby home, critical to making this outdoor living space cozy and comfortable.
2. Structure and definition. The addition of a fireplace can provide structure and definition to an otherwise open pergola.
The combination of a fireplace and screenlike foliage can create a boundary that defines an outdoor living space.
In some circumstances, a stand-alone fireplace is enough to anchor a room.
3. Light and warmth. In addition to physical warmth, fireplaces add a dramatic light and a welcoming invitation to a space. In this garden, the visual warmth of the fireplace is enhanced by applying strategic lighting to the fiery leaves of the trees that flank its chimney. I would happily put on a sweater to enjoy the cozy warmth of this patio.