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Outdoor living space with fireplace

Top Tips for Designing the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space

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Imaginfires
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Key takeaways:

When designing an outdoor living space, the ultimate goal is to create an area you’ll genuinely want to spend time in. Start by zoning your garden into functional areas, include some comfortable seating, introduce structures to shelter from the unpredictable British weather, and install lighting so you can use the space into the evening. A bioethanol fireplace will bring warmth, atmosphere, and a natural focal point without the hassle of smoke or installation, making it one of the most effective ways to elevate your outdoor entertaining space.

Outdoor bioethanol fireplace

Want to create an outdoor living space that you’ll actually use, not just look at? A well-designed outdoor living space doesn’t just look good on a sunny day – it invites you to slow down, relax, and make the most of every moment outdoors. With the right layout and features, even the most compact patio can become a stylish outdoor space you’ll return to time and time again. 

Here’s how to bring it all together.

Our top outdoor living space ideas

1) Start by “zoning” your space

Begin by dividing your outdoor space into zones, each with a clear purpose. This creates structure and makes the space feel intentional rather than cluttered. 

To do this, you need to think about how you want to use your garden. Try asking yourself:

  • Would you like a relaxed seating area to enjoy with friends and family?

  • Do you need a BBQ and dining space for entertaining?

  • Would you prefer a quieter corner where you can step away and switch off?

Even if your garden is on the smaller side, you can achieve subtle zoning through the way you place your furniture or plants; or, you could install different flooring in different areas. For example, arranging a sofa set around a central fire feature will instantly create a cosy lounge area, while a BBQ, table, and chairs will establish a separate dining zone.

2) Select seating that invites you to stay

If you opt for comfortable garden seating, you’ll be much more likely to use the space – so it’s worth investing in pieces that feel just as inviting as your indoor furniture. Opt for deep cushions and carefully arrange your furniture in a way that encourages conversation. 

Here’s where different outdoor seating types really shine:

  • Corner sofas – perfect for creating defined, sociable zones on smaller patios

  • Modular seating – ideal if you like to rearrange your layout often

  • Small bistro set or armchairs – best for creating intimate seating spots in compact areas

  • Built-in bench seating – works well along walls or fencing to save space

And don’t forget the finishing touches. Throws, cushions, and outdoor rugs will all help to soften the space and make it feel more like an extension of your home.

Outdoor seating

3) Plan for the unpredictable British weather

Designing outdoor living spaces in the UK comes with its own set of challenges in terms of weather. If you don’t prepare for rain, wind, or frost, then you might not be able to use your space as often. 

Here’s how to plan around the weather:

  • Install pergolas, awnings, or gazebos to provide protection from wind and light rain

  • Position your seating areas where they’re naturally shielded from bad weather

  • Choose materials like rust-resistant metals, treated wood, and quick-drying fabrics that can withstand moisture

  • Purchase or build a storage solution to keep your cushions and accessories dry

4) Use lighting to set the atmosphere

It’s easy to forget about lighting, but it can actually be one of the most powerful tools in garden design. It not only allows you to use your space in the evening, but also completely transforms the mood.

We recommend layering different types of lighting to create depth – for example:

  • Use soft, ambient lighting like festoon lights or lanterns to create a relaxed glow

  • Add subtle task lighting around your dining areas so you can still use the space after dark

  • Introduce low-level lighting like floor or step lights to enhance safety

  • Highlight key features such as seating areas or a fireplace to create a natural focal point

Outdoor electric fireplace

5) Install a bioethanol fireplace

A bioethanol fireplace adds the perfect finishing touch to your outdoor living space. It becomes the natural focal point, helping to draw people together while adding warmth, light, and movement.

Bioethanol fireplaces give you all the benefits of woodburners without any of the drawbacks, making them a popular choice for all kinds of outdoor living spaces. Here’s why you should choose an outdoor bioethanol fireplace:

  • Enjoy the beauty of real flames with no smoke or ash to worry about

  • There’s no need for a chimney, flue, or gas connection

  • They’re clean-burning and can be used in smoke control areas

  • Easy to install and move around your garden as you please

  • Extremely low maintenance (only require light cleaning)

At imaginfires, our outdoor biofires are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, from woodburner-style stoves to more contemporary models, so you can choose the perfect design to suit your aesthetic. 

Ready to transform your garden into a space you’ll enjoy spending time in?

Explore our range of bioethanol fireplaces and get ready to create an outdoor living space you can use all year round.
Explore our range of bioethanol fireplaces

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 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! 

  • Will my bioethanol fireplace need professional installation?

    Not at all. Just place your fireplace where you want it, add fuel, and ignite. No tools, tradespeople, or building work required.