Firewood storage

When we were designing our house, I remember my architect and designer commenting on how they love having a space specifically designed for firewood storage.  We were using every legal inch on the width of our lot (given the required set backs and such) in the area of our outdoor room, garage, and pool, so we were not able to incorporate a deep storage area for fire wood, but the discussion clearly made an impression on me.

In my outdoor room, the firewood storage is fairly simple – I keep it in a copper container to the right of the fireplace. If we are lighting the fireplace (which we have not done yet this fall, although we thought about it yesterday with the arrival of a cold front), we simply make sure there is enough wood to restock the fire. The cut wood is not too far away, and it is easy to replenish.

I do like this firewood storage solution for an outdoor fireplace – two built in storage spaces on either side of the fireplace. I suppose we could have done this, but it would have had an impact on our garage space, and we have a gas connection to the right of the fireplace for a grill.

Here is a picture of the design but in a fireplace that is not freestanding.  Image from Kelly Klein’s beach house – the room is outdoor, but the sliding teak doors open completely to create a seamless transition from the indoor spaces to the outdoor spaces.  I love that oak table, custom designed for the space by Lars Bolander. Via Architectural Digest.

Harry Norman realtor Dawn Mullins recently hosted a lovely event for members of the ICAA-SE at this 1929 historic house in Buckhead, which is on the market (click here for listing).  The house is beautiful, and one of my favorite spaces was this outdoor room that had a roaring fire in the fireplace, the perfect place to enjoy a crisp fall evening.  Note the clever wood storage area built under the hearth.

This seems like a practical as well as attractive firewood storage solution – the niche in the side of the house protects the wood from the elements, and it is likely that this storage is in close proximity to the fireplace.

I spotted this picture from photographer Emily Followill’s portfolio – I love this artful arrangement of logs in an exterior space.

I noticed the firewood storage that designer Suzanne Kasler has off her kitchen eating area; I seem to recall that this is the area where she keeps her grill too. Via Architectural Digest.

The outdoor grill/firewood storage is part of this lovely backyard area, so it is easy to access the firewood. Via Architectural Digest.

Outdoor firewood storage seems to be a relatively easy task to accomplish.  Personally, I prefer to keep firewood outside, even when lighting a fire in an indoor fireplace.  The potential of bugs and dirt hitchhiking a ride into the house on a log seems too much of a possibility!  However, I have been collecting quite a few pictures of indoor firewood storage. In some cases, it is probably practical – if fires are lit with great frequency, or if a house or apartment has little to no access to outdoor storage spaces.

One of my favorite kitchens belongs to architect William Hefner, and was featured in House Beautiful. He incorporated a wood burning fireplace into the design, and elevated the fireplace to create a nook for fire wood storage underneath. I have seen this in a 1920s kitchen in a house designed by Philip Shutze; I wonder if this is a design that was common in the keeping room of older houses during that era?

A similar concept, but the wood is stored loosely. Design by Kendall Conrad, via C Magazine.

I rather like this arrangement.

The cover of Kathryn Ireland’s book shows how she utilized the ledges on either side of her grand fireplace for wood storage.

Reese Witherspoon purchased the house (although it on the market again)and put her own spin on the design, but still uses one of the ledges for firewood storage.  Via Elle Decor.

The tall slim lines of the firewood storage in this living room make an architectural statement.

An interesting freestanding wood storage solution is quite sculptural. Design by Kay Douglass.

I think this was part of a showhouse, so the birch logs are probably for display rather than function. (Hampton’s Showhouse 2012, via Habitually Chic).

I must admit, I don’t really get this look.  Maybe it is supposed to create a striking tableau in a fireplace that is not functional? Clearly it is not for storage given that it would all have to be unloaded to actually light a fire! Via pinterest.

Yes, interesting to look at, but my fear of insects makes me cringe a bit to see all of this wood inside…Via Pinterest.

Again, my guess is that most of this wood (except for the lower level logs) is for decorative purposes rather than actual use. It does make a striking arrangement.

Firewood storage under a table is another common theme. Source.

In an unusual twist, the firewood is stored above the fireplace. It almost looks like an image on a flat screen TV!  Via pinterest.

I must admit, this seems so very unsanitary to me.  This does not look like stylized firewood – this looks like real (and possibly moldy and bug ridden) firewood!  I could never have this volume of firewood inside my house.  Source.

An attractive container for wood in a house that was featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles…

Here is an interior shot from the same house.  The doors on either side of the fireplace conceal niches that are for firewood storage.  I only know this because I was able to see the house while it was under construction, and the builder pointed it out!  If I were to do indoor firewood storage, this is how I would do it. Tucked away, but still visible if the doors are open.  Architecture by Peter Block, interiors by Beth Webb. 

Ultimately, my preference is for a simple basket that holds enough wood for the next fire, well contained and pre-selected. Source.

If any of you have interesting firewood storage locations, I would love to hear about it!  I notice it now in every house I visit that has a wood burning fireplace.  What do you think about the indoor firewood as décor trend?  I am ok with a few dried out pieces of wood in my house, but definitely not on board with vast amounts. In fact, now that we are settling into our second fall in the house, we are primarily (in fact, exclusively) using our outdoor fireplace for wood burning fires.  I need to get on the ball about ordering the Chesney’s gas logs for my living room fireplace – I think this is the way to go for that space. I wonder if I am getting too late to have installed in time for Christmas?

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