How To Store Firewood Indoors

Firewood is a great source of heat and ambiance for your home, especially during the cold winter months. But storing firewood indoors can be challenging, as you must balance convenience, aesthetics, and safety. You don’t want to make your living room look messy, bring in unwanted dirt or pests, or create a fire hazard. 

If you have a gas or electric fireplace, you may still want to incorporate firewood into your space for purely aesthetic purposes. Why not beautify with natural firewood?! 

So, how do you store firewood indoors in a smart and stylish way? Here are some tips and ideas to help get you started. 

Safety First – Use Seasoned Firewood

Seasoned firewood has many advantages, such as producing more heat, creating less smoke, and preventing creosote buildup in the chimney. The easy one-step way to obtain seasoned firewood is, of course, to buy it! However, if you’re cutting your own firewood or getting fresh-cut firewood, here is what you need to know: 

• Cut and split the wood to the right size and length for your fireplace or stove.
•  Stack the wood in a sunny and windy place, off the ground and with enough space between the pieces for air circulation. 
• Cover the top of the stack with a tarp or a roof to protect it from rain or snow, but leave the sides exposed. 
• Let the wood dry for at least 6 months, or up to 2 years, depending on the type of wood and the climate. You can use a moisture meter to check if the wood is below 20% moisture content, which is ideal for burning. 

This applies to using firewood purely for decorating purposes too! Using unseasoned firewood will most likely lead to mold and/or insects, which can potentially spread to other areas of your home. 

What about the technicalities of storing the seasoned firewood indoors? A few recommendations you can consider: 

• Keep the wood elevated off the floor and avoid direct contact with the wall if possible. If storing on the floor and/or against a wall, use an item that allows ventilation between the floor and the wood (such as a rack or grill) and keep a space between the wood and any walls. 
• Keep the room well-ventilated if possible. 

These tips will reduce your chances of attracting insects and continue the seasoning process. 

Using a Rack or Holder To Store Your Firewood 

One of the simplest and most common ways to store firewood indoors is to use a rack or holder. A rack or holder can keep firewood organized, elevated, and accessible. You can choose from various designs and materials like metal, wood, leather, or rattan. Some racks or holders are also on wheels, so you can easily move them around as needed. A rack or holder can add personality and flair to your fireplace design. For example, you can go for a minimalist look with a pipe-based firewood holder or a chic, shapely look with a brass-capped log holder. You can also opt for a dual-purpose rack or holder that doubles as a bench or side table, saving you some space and adding functionality. 

Using a Closet or Cabinet

If you don’t have enough space in your living room or prefer to keep your firewood out of sight, you can use a closet or cabinet to store it. A closet or cabinet can provide ample storage space for your firewood while keeping it dry and protected from pests. You can also add ventilation holes or fans to prevent moisture buildup and mold from growing. A closet or cabinet can also blend in with your existing furniture and decor, making it less noticeable. You can use an old wardrobe, dresser, bookcase, or TV stand to store your firewood. You can also repurpose items you already have on hand, such as buckets, crates, shoe racks, or picnic baskets. 

How about a Built-in Niche?

Another way to store firewood indoors is to use a built-in niche. A built-in niche is a recessed space in the wall that can accommodate your firewood. A built-in niche can save you some floor space and create a seamless look for your fireplace design. You can also customize the size and shape of your niche to fit your needs and preferences. A built-in niche can also showcase your home’s firewood as a decorative element. You can arrange your firewood in different patterns and colours to create visual interest and contrast. You can also use the niche to display other items like candles, books, or photos. Some fireplaces already have dead space between the edge of the fireplace and a wall. Using this space to store firewood is ideal for both convenience and aesthetics. Adding a few floating shelves higher up will provide you with some decorating options if desired. Don’t forget to use a rack, grill or anything perforated on the floor to keep your wood elevated. 

Time to set it all up! 

Storing firewood indoors doesn’t have to be boring or messy. With these ideas, you can store your firewood indoors in a smart and stylish way that suits your home and lifestyle. Whether you use a rack or holder, a closet or cabinet, or a built-in niche, you can enjoy the warmth and coziness of your fireplace without compromising on convenience, aesthetics, or safety. Click here for some DIY firewood storage inspiration.

We hope you found this helpful and now it’s time to increase the enjoyment of your fireplace! 

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