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Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

The Best Outdoor Patio Fireplace Design Ideas for 2026

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Key takeaways:

From built-in fireplaces that define outdoor “rooms” to corner designs that maximise smaller patios, the best outdoor patio fireplace ideas for 2026 focus on creating a layout that works with your space rather than against it. Sheltered setups are key for retaining warmth in the unpredictable British weather, while sculptural fireplaces are increasingly being used to elevate the overall design. Bioethanol fireplaces bring all these ideas together, offering a clean, low-maintenance way to introduce real flames into your outdoor space without the constraints of traditional fireplaces.

Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

Thinking about upgrading your outdoor living space in 2026? This year, we’re seeing lots more homeowners designing their gardens as an extension of their home. Think defined zones for cooking, dining, and unwinding, with one striking focal point that brings everything together. And more often than not, that focal point is your fireplace. 

We understand that traditional fireplaces can be restrictive. They’re smoky, messy, and aren’t always the most practical choice if your patio is on the smaller side. This is where bioethanol fireplaces come in, offering a clean and flexible way to enjoy real flames without the usual hassle.

Explore our top outdoor patio fireplace ideas for 2026 below, and discover how the right bioethanol fireplace can completely transform your patio. 

Top 5 patio fireplace ideas for 2026

1) Built-in fireplaces to create outdoor “rooms”

One of the biggest outdoor fireplace design trends for 2026 is creating defined “rooms” within your garden. Built-in fireplaces play a central role here, helping to divide open-plan layouts, anchor your seating areas, and give your patio a more architectural feel. 

Best for: Larger patios where you want to create a full outdoor living space.

Get the look with bioethanol: Our bioethanol fireplace inserts are perfect for creating outdoor “rooms”, with no chimney or flue to worry about. We recommend placing your bioethanol fireplace insert within a rendered wall or media-style unit to achieve that modern, built-in look.

2) Freestanding designs that adapt to any layout

Flexibility is a key outdoor living trend for 2026, especially for smaller patios where you need to adapt your layout to suit the space available. Freestanding fireplaces allow you to move your heat source exactly where you need it, as often as you’d like.

Best for: Compact patios, balconies, or rental properties.

Get the look with bioethanol: Our freestanding bioethanol fireplaces are extremely flexible, with no wiring or gas connections required. They can be easily moved to suit your space and mark different moments such as dining, hosting, or relaxing.

Outdoor freestanding bioethanol fireplace

3) Corner fireplaces for smaller spaces

If your patio is on the smaller side, you may need to get creative with maximising your space. A corner fireplace is perfect for freeing up the centre of your patio and surrounding walkways, helping to make the most of the space available.

Best for: Smaller patios with limited space.

Get the look with bioethanol: Our compact bioethanol fireplace models, like the Malvern or Moritz, are ideal for tucking away into your corner spaces. The real flames help to create a striking focal point, with no mess or maintenance to worry about.

4) Sheltered setups to withstand British weather

It’s essential that you design your outdoor patio fireplace setup around the great British weather. Sheltered setups help to retain warmth and make your patio far more usable throughout the whole year, not just summer.

Best for: Exposed patios that you want to enjoy year-round.

Get the look with bioethanol: Our range of outdoor biofires don’t produce smoke, which makes them ideal for more enclosed setups. We recommend placing your fireplace within a sheltered nook like a pergola for maximum comfort. 

Outdoor freestanding bioethanol fireplace

5) Sculptural designs to create a striking focal point

In 2026, outdoor fireplaces are as much about design as they are about heat. We’re seeing a clear move towards sculptural, statement pieces that add strong visual impact and act as striking focal points, even when they’re not in use.

Best for: Contemporary, stylish patio spaces.

Get the look with bioethanol: We offer a fantastic range of contemporary bioethanol fireplaces that are perfect for creating a striking focal point. Models such as the Howarth, Burford, and Globus feature clean lines and open glass views, allowing the real flames to take centre stage.

Howarth outdoor bioethanol fireplace

Bioethanol fireplaces: the clean, contemporary choice for patios

Bioethanol fireplaces have emerged in recent years as a popular choice for patio heating, and it’s easy to see why. They bring real, flickering flames and moderate heat output (around 2kWh), without the smoke, soot, or ash associated with traditional fireplace options – allowing you to enjoy all the atmosphere of a real fire without the mess or maintenance.

They’re also extremely flexible. There’s no need for a chimney, flue, or fixed gas connection, so you’re free to position your fireplace exactly where it works best – whether that’s tucked into a sheltered corner or centred within your patio seating area.

We offer a huge range of outdoor bioethanol fireplace designs, from sleek, contemporary models to more traditional woodburner-styles, allowing you to create a fireplace setup that perfectly suits your outdoor patio.

Ready to transform your outdoor living space? Explore our bioethanol fireplaces and get ready to design the patio you’ve always dreamed of.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I use a biofire outdoors?

    Many of our customers do use their bioethanol fire outdoors, but please remember to position them well away from any flammable items, especially those models that have an open front. There may be an unexpected gust of wind that could cause a fire if the flame touches anything flammable!

    Also whilst there is the same amount of heat generated by ethanol fires when used outdoors as indoors, the space being heated is obviously much larger and therefore the heat level will feel less than when used indoors.  

    So if being considered for outdoor purposes, usage of bioethanol fireplaces outdoors  should be mainly used to create a nice relaxing vibe for your space. 

    Advantages of Using Bioethanol Fireplaces Outdoors

    Remember that another advantage of biofires is that since there is no smoke, and no chimney required, our freestanding range can be easily moved between indoors and outdoors.  

    Also, at the end of a pleasant summer evening, there's none of the somewhat overwhelming strong smell of smoke on clothes that some other alternatives leave you with! 

  • Do bioethanol fireplaces give off real heat?

    Yes. Absolutely. Whilst our bioethanol fireplaces are not intended to replace your main heating, e.g. central heating, they will make a perfect additional heating source when you would like to create a more gentle atmosphere, with that real flame, cosy feeling. The actual amount of heat output from our bioethanol fireplaces depends on a number of factors (room size, presence of drafts etc), but typically they will give off 2kw. For easy comparison, this is the equivalent of an electric heater on medium setting, or an increase in room temperature of 3 to 4 degrees. We're still working a way of measuring how much more cosy one of our bioethanol fireplaces will make any room! 

  • Do bioethanol fireplaces create smoke or soot?

    Bioethanol fuel burns with 98% efficiency, so when used correctly it is very clean burning and therefore does not produce any smoke, soot or nasty residues. 

    So what does ethanol produce when burned? Nothing more than carbon dioxide and water. You should never observe any smoke or soot coming out of your bioethanol fireplace. 

  • Do I need a flue or chimney with a bioethanol fireplace?

    Short answers are always nice, aren’t they? Do you need a flue or chimney with a bioethanol fireplace?

    No.

    Therefore, one of the most significant benefits of bioethanol fireplaces is their versatility. 

    You’re no longer constrained to gas or electric fires if you don’t have a chimney. And you can use a beautiful bioethanol fireplace anywhere - a house, a flat, a home office, a garage - basically, wherever you want to enjoy a cosy, warming flame. 

    And it won’t cost you a fortune to install your biofire. 

    In fact, installation is as simple as unpacking your biofire, placing it in your desired spot, and lighting it. Warm and cosy in less than an hour.

    Why don’t biofires need a flue or chimney?

    It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? A real flame and no flue or chimney. But it’s true. 

    Burning wood and coal produces smoke, soot, ash, and a LOT of mess. And wood and coal burning are heavily associated with air pollution in urban areas. 

    On the other hand, bioethanol fuel burns cleanly without polluting the air inside or outside of your home. And this means you don’t need a flue or chimney with a bioethanol fireplace — better for the environment and better for you. 

    Can I get a false flue for my bioethanol fireplace?

    Yes. We sell false flues that magnetically connect to the top of your biofire. The upper end of the flue curves to a right angle, making it look like your flue connects to the outside. 

    Of course, there’s no need for a flue with a biofire — but if you want that traditional woodburner look, complete it with a beautiful false flue. 

    What happens when you burn bioethanol?

    Bioethanol needs oxygen to combust, so it burns some of the oxygen in the room. This is why we recommend ensuring your room is ventilated — keep your internal door open to ensure airflow, or open a window every couple of hours if it’s feeling stuffy. 

    While it sounds a bit worrying that your fire uses oxygen in the room, it’s precisely the same with any fire: wood, coal, or bioethanol — they all produce flames that use up oxygen from the room. 

    What emissions do you get from burning bioethanol?

    We all know that wood and coal produce smoke, soot, and ash. These flames also send out tiny carcinogenic particles into the air, which can be health hazards, especially if you’re prone to respiratory problems. 

    However, the only emissions from burning bioethanol are:

    • Carbon dioxide — about the same amount as burning two candles
    • Water vapour — but you won’t notice it in the room. 

    That’s it. Just a little carbon dioxide and water vapour. 

    This makes bioethanol much safer and better for the environmentthan fossil fuels. 

    And your house plants will love it — they’ll absorb the carbon dioxide produced by your biofire and thrive!