It must be something primal that causes us to find comfort in the sight of a flickering candle or a wood-burning fire, and perhaps these tendencies are only heightened by long days spent staring instead at screens. While, when it comes to design, we often associate fire with wintry dens rich in hygge, flames can bring light and warmth to your outdoor space during peak summer and into fall.
Lanterns
Lanterns can be hung from a hook or set on a surface and, with their protective, translucent cases, provide pleasingly ambient light. My current favorites include, from left, a brass option with a crossbar design from Vermont Lantern that looks like those used on old ships ($180); a modern take on an old-school oil lamp by Mats Broberg and Johan Ridderstråle of the Swedish brand Broberg & Ridderstråle ($141); and one with a rattan-wrapped handle from West Elm (from $49). Then there are the beautiful glass oil lamps from Wolfard Glassblowing Co., which come in various sizes (from $135). They’re sure to dress up any table and help keep the party going long after sundown.
Fire Pits
Investing in a fire pit and surrounding it with some low chairs is a great way to activate a lesser used area of your patio, garden or lawn. I love this modern version (second from left) from Yard Art with an optional tabletop, which is offered in a cheerful tomato red (from $4,065). If you’re worried about someone having to be seated downwind, look for a chiminea, or free-standing, front-loading outdoor fireplace, which will direct the smoke. I love this minimalist one (far left) from the outdoor furniture brand Neighbor ($4,500). For something more discreet, try this black iron one (third from left) sold at Home Depot, with a compartment at the bottom for storing wood ($150). Solo Stove is known for its smokeless firepits — the brand’s signature design traps smoke between its double walls before burning it off — and, with its 30-inch opening, this stainless steel model is built for entertaining ($700). Perhaps you’ll want to add roasting sticks for s’mores making ($60).
Torches
Torches will brighten up dark corners and look great lining a path — to keep the mosquitoes at bay, you can buy fuel laced with citronella ($36). Focus Industries makes an industrial-feeling torch with a copper shade that develops an appealing patina with age (left, $603). Or if it’s strict minimalism you’re after, Sorbus offers a model with an adjustable stake and a cylindrical stainless steel top (second from left, $100). These woven bamboo designs from Tiki Brand channel luaus (third from left, $33 for four), while a pair of these blue-accented torches from the same line would be perfect outside a seaside cottage ($60 for two).
