Martha Stewart
When it comes to spending time outdoors, nothing beats a bonfire, full of cozy seating and warm ambiance. It's one of the best summer activities, but once the cold weather sets in, usually everyone packs away most of their outdoor furniture till spring. But what if we were to tell you that you can continue the cozy fireplace feeling indoors?
All it takes is finding the perfect décor and furnishings to emulate the bonfire aesthetic which will also work both indoors and outdoors. With these easy design suggestions, you can create the ultimate cozy bonfire vibe indoors just in time for the holidays!
Comfy Lounge Chairs
A relaxing lounge chair is a perfect place to start, especially if it can be used both indoors and outdoors. The most important thing to consider when selecting a piece is comfort and size - the perfect lounge chair is cozy and moderately sized to fit in different spaces. Check for pieces that are durable, multi-purpose, and weather-resistant so they will last for years to come. Style your chairs with some faux fur throw, some blankets, and nice pillows and you are good to go! Here are some of our favourite options.
These stunning Isola Dining Chairs from Urban Barn are a must-have for your collection. They're designed with synthetic all-season wicker woven over a metal frame for durability and comfort. They're great for both inside and outside the home.
If you’re a bit bolder and love a pop of colour, try the Navene Blue Dining Armchairs from CB2. Their sleek design and removable cushion allow an easy transition to suit your hosting needs.
It’s hard to believe that the Playa Outdoor Lounge Chair from West Elm is actually made to be outside. It takes comfort to the next level and has a lovely mixture of soft pillowed seats and sturdy wood construction. Place a few together to create seating for a small gathering.
Sparkling Lights for Atmosphere
Accessorizing with beautiful lanterns is key in creating a bonfire atmosphere. Use small lanterns with real candles, or artificial fairy lights to help craft a feeling of warmth and peace. The low light will not only make your guests feel at ease and relaxed, but you can also leave them up all year long. Check out our top lighting picks below!
These Malta Lanterns from Pottery Barn look stunning either hung up or sitting between chairs on the floor. These lanterns come in three different sizes and create depth and a point of visual interest. They're ideal for both indoor and outdoor use and are multi-purpose for wherever you need some extra light and décor.
Fairy lights are very popular and an effective way to add ambiance to your space. They're also extremely versatile and help to create a focal point in your space. Consider using an arrangement that emulates a fire or mount them into a shape on the wall. Place them in a glass jug as decoration or drape them over your shelves. They can be used in so many ways, so get creative with these! Just make sure you look for outdoor lights if you plan to eventually take them to your yard.
Take a look at these Metal Cage Lanterns from Wayfair. With the extra detailing, the light shines through in unique ways to create character and ever-changing patterns of light. These lanterns are battery-operated and work well both inside and outdoors!
Pro Tip: Did you know that you can get light bulbs that emulate a flickering fire? Explore the lighting variations out there to create your own unique space.
Keep It Warm
You can never have enough cozy blankets, both in the winter and on those cool summer nights. Keep your guests warm and snug around the bonfire or cozy indoors with extra throw blankets.
We absolutely love this Speck Throw from EQ3 with its digitally knit fabrication - it's so unique and modern! It's made of 80% wool to keep you toasty and warm, and it's big enough to share.
For a luxurious feel, try out a faux fur throw like this one from CB2. Try mixing and matching with different colour and patterns to create a vibrant environment around the fire.
Faux Nature for Maximum Comfort
Faux plants are great to bring both nature in and out! Greenery is beneficial in many ways as it adds a touch of nature and tranquility to the space. Add faux plants and trees into your design as the earth tones will create a calming, serene effect. Amp up your indoor bonfire experience with some of our top picks!
These Cypress Trees from Crate and Barrel come in three different sizes allowing for different arrangement levels. Try placing the smaller trees on the ground or on a side table or mantle. Larger trees work well in-between chairs to add privacy, or to cleverly section off a space for the woods indoors.
Check out these Lit Evergreen Spheres from Pottery Barn, a unique and fun way to add some extra greenery to your bonfire experience. We love that these are pre-lit with diverse shapes, which adds texture and dimension, as well as a point of visual interest. They come in two sizes, giving you the opportunity to fiddle around with placement - hang them up, place them around lanterns, or group them on tabletops.
For something a little different and a lot more festive, take a look at these Pre-Lit Twinkling Twig Trees from Crate and Barrel. They're a modern choice for bringing more ambient light inside and incorporating natural shapes and texture into your space. You can mix and match with their three sizes and two stem colours and accessorize with them either on their own or mixed in with greenery.
Gather Around
Once you have everything in place, it's time to add the final touch to create the perfect bonfire experience - a bonfire, in whatever form it may be! If you don't have a fireplace in your home, you can always find Smokeless Small Scale Fire Pits like the option from Wayfair below, or simply get creative with fairy lights and candles. CB2 offers unique Bola Oil Lamps which would add that warm ambiance experienced during an outdoor bonfire. Just remember that safety is the number one priority!
Finish off your indoor bonfire vibe by adding some final décor pieces, such as decorative mugs, throw pillows, extra seating, and so much more.
Small Scale Fire Pit - Wayfair Bola Oil Lamps - CB2 Outdoor Throw Pillow - CB2
If your guests are cozy and comfortable and don't want to leave, then you know you've successfully made the outdoor bonfire experience a reality indoors. Have fun enjoying the season and making lasting memories curled up in your cozy new space!
Wishing you all the best this holiday!
White Dahlia Design Team