DIY Fire Bowl/Indoor Fire Pit for Ambiance, Rituals, Warmth, and Witchery ~ For Around $20 or Less

As always, if you just want the instructions, without the story behind it, click here.

I’ve been working on creating a “back yard oasis” since moving into my current home. Part of that includes a sheltered, outdoor “living room” — a seating space that combines being outside and enjoying nature with the comfort, convenience, and ambience of a traditional living room and some-time cigar lounge. This seating area is on the patio, under a gazebo (which also houses the sheltered dining area), and I was originally planning to have one of those propane “fire pit” tables in the middle of it, but it turns out they are not safe in a soft-top gazebo unless the roof is much higher than mine.

So I looked up “indoor fire pits” — and laughed out loud (after I picked my jaw back up off my desk). Apparently, ambience is worth its weight in gold these days. “Absolutely NOT, mass consumerism machine — I’m not feeding you today!”

The most plain and basic ones started at $30.00, and ones anywhere close to the look I was going for were more like $99.00 and up. Considering they are all, literally, simply an inner receptacle for alcohol or similar fuel, with varying outer containers, filler, and rocks or fire glass or whatever, I knew I could make something better, safer, and far cheaper that still looked like it belonged in my backyard oasis for ambience, s’mores, heat, ritual, or all of the above.

By the time it was assembled, all four elements were already right there in the bowl — earth in the sand, water in the shimmer of the glass (which is, technically, liquid), fire at the centre, and air rising with the incense smoke when I stuck some sticks into the sand. Balance in a bowl.

For around twenty dollars or less, and maybe as many minutes of your time, you can build your own, personal, indoor/outdoor hearth — portable, beautiful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether it’s the centrepiece for a ritual, a quiet evening by yourself, or a way to keep the vibe alive when the weather turns, this little fire bowl proves that warmth and witchery don’t have to come with a luxury price tag.

Mine cost closer to the twenty than the “or less,” because I already had a very specific vision in mind, so I paid about $10 (plus tax) just for the bowl — but if I’d been willing to go for even a slightly different look, I could have got everything for about that amount. It’s also good to remember that often, Walmart has the same things for cheaper than the dollar store, so always check if you have both nearby. Also, there are thrift stores, Buy Nothing, and Freecycle type groups, where you can find all kinds of treasures, not to mention give new homes to things you want out of your space, but not in the landfills!

Make Your Own Fire Bowl/Indoor Fire Pit

Supplies:

• Bowl ($9.98)
The main structure of the fire bowl. I used a ceramic planter, but it can be literally any type, shape, or size container, as long as it’s made of some kind of fire-proof material. Dollar store finds can work; Walmart was cheaper for me on the day.

• Sand ($4.97 for a 44-lb bag)
Insulates to keep fire and heat contained and outer surfaces cool, weights the bottom so it won’t tip, and acts as the base for stones and the fuel canister.

• Tuna (or similar) tin with smooth-edge lid (free)
Fuel canister. Holds alcohol/gel/oil fuel. Lid extinguishes flame and slows evaporation.

• Side-cut / “safe-cut” can opener (assumed on hand)
Needed to create that smooth reusable lid.

• Slightly larger tin (I used a dolmas tin) (free)
Holds back sand/stones and anchors the inner fuel canister.

• Decorative stones/glass ($2.94)
Optional but pretty. I used Gold, Gold Matte Metal, and Ruby Red glass gems. Any fireproof stones, glass, marbles, tiles, pea gravel, crystals, etc. will do.

• 20–22-gauge wire (under $1 of a $4.97 roll)
For a simple “D” handle on the lid.

• HVAC tape (under $1 of a $5.78 roll)
To affix the handle to the lid — heat-resistant and nearly invisible on metal.

• Coaster ($2.00 or less)
Optional cover to hide the fitted lid when not in use; also a resting place for the hot lid. Stone/ceramic/metal all fine; tiles or found lids work too.

• 70% isopropyl alcohol ($2.98/qt)
Fuel. 70% gives visible orange/yellow flames; 90% burns hotter and bluer. Alternatives: hand sanitiser, Sterno/gel fuel, torch oil, buddy burner, paper/twigs (more smoke).

Instructions:

• Fill base container with sand to ~1″ from top. Pack down lightly.

• Press the larger tin down to make a well; pack surrounding sand firmly and level to the bowl’s edge.

• Place tins nested together in the well. Arrange stones/gravel around them.

• Make a “D”-shaped wire handle for the lid; affix with HVAC tape (I covered the lid for a uniform look).

• Fill the inner can with alcohol and light. If it doesn’t catch right away, hold the flame longer; cold fuel takes longer to ignite.

 

Safety & Fuel Notes

A few things to keep your fire bowl happy, healthy, and not accidentally explosive.

Fuel choices:
70% isopropyl alcohol burns the cleanest and gives you those lovely, visible orange-yellow flames that feel like actual fire, rather than the eerie blue lab-burner look of 90%. You can also use hand sanitiser, Sterno, or other gel fuels, torch oil, cooking oil, or even a buddy burner if you fancy making your own. Twigs and paper work too, though they’ll smoke a bit more.

Ventilation:
If you’re using alcohol as your fuel, it’s perfectly fine to use your fire bowl in an enclosed space — as long as it’s not too small or sealed tighter than a submarine. A bit of airflow is all that’s needed. Isopropyl burns cleanly, producing mostly carbon dioxide and water vapour, with minimal carbon monoxide. So yes, gazebos, sunrooms, and lounges are all fair game. Just avoid lighting it in a broom closet… or anything smaller than you are.

General sense & self-preservation:

• Never pour more fuel into a still-warm can. Let it cool first — it’s patient, you can be too.
• Keep it on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Extinguish with the fitted lid, not your breath. (The latter works, but tends to singe eyebrows.)
• And for the love of common sense, keep sleeves, scarves, and wandering pets clear of the flame.

That’s it. Fire is a living thing — respect it a little, and it’ll serve you faithfully for years.