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Fireplaces have certainly changed since they first came to be. While people once use them to cook meals and keep their houses warm, that’s no longer the case today. We cook in the kitchen and rely on the central heating system to keep the temperatures right. And if we have a fireplace, it’s usually a decorative fixture.
Although electric and faux fireplaces have many perks, they can’t replace a good old-fashioned wood-burning stove. You’ll certainly have your hands full with managing this type of fireplace. However, it has a charm all its own. While you may not like it immediately, you’ll quickly realize just how fulfilling tending a wood-burning stove can be. In winter, it’s straight-up magical.
But while wood-burning stoves once served a purely practical purpose, that isn’t the case anymore. Today, you have countless designs to choose from. But how do you choose the right one?
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best wood-burning stove ideas you can use in your home. With them, your house won’t be just a place you live in – it will feel like a true home.
Who says a wood-burning stove can’t be modern?
Image source: Diligence International
Although wood-burning stoves lean more towards a rustic, retro design, you can make them contemporary too. With the right approach, they’ll belong in even the most modern houses out there.
The secret lies in using clean lines. Instead of complicating patterns, go for a simple square with little to no ornaments. We also recommend making your wood-burning stove either black, white, or gray. These are the most common colors in modern homes.
Wood-burning stove ideas
Add vertical log storage next to your wood burner
Image source: KraftMaster Renovations
A wood burner needs wood to…well…burn. Before you know it, your house will drown in a sea of logs. This can severely limit how much space you have in your living room.
That’s when log storage comes into play. We recommend building a vertical one next to your log burner, running parallel to the flue. Not only is it practical to use, but beautiful to look at too. And contrary to what you may think, it suits both traditional and modern designs.
Enclose your wood stove in a hearth
Image source: HomeClick
A traditional fireplace always contains a hearth. This is a layer of fireproof material that encloses the firepit. Although a typical wood burner doesn’t come with a hearth, adding one is a very popular design right now. The extra protection is certainly nice, but it’s the breathtaking look that will make you fall in love with this idea.
Apart from slate, you can also use ceramic tiles or classic bricks to construct your hearth. No matter which one you choose, your fireplace is bound to look spectacular.
Choose the right color for your wood-burning stove
Image source: Natick Fireplace
Coming up with a solid wood burner idea isn’t just about the design – choosing the right color is just as important. Nowadays, most people can go with either black or gray. However, you can branch out a little and experiment with other colors as well. Just remember that your color choice should match the rest of your interior.
Place your wood burner into a brick fireplace
Image source: Hearths A’Fire, Inc.
Who doesn’t love the classic exposed brick wall design? Plenty of people design their fireplaces this way. You can take this idea one step further and place a wood stove inside it.
The exposed brick look has evolved from a retro to a modern urban style, making it one of the best choices for your home. You can also experiment with the shape of the fireplace bricks. Adding a few vertical ones around the opening can create intricate patterns that will make the final look even more stunning.
Build a ground log storage next to your wood burner
Image source: Quadra-Fire Wood & Pellet Stoves
We’ve already mentioned the vertical log storage design. However, it isn’t your only option. You can also build it near your wood stove as long as you keep it at least 15 cm away from it. We particularly like the symmetrical design that features two parallel log storages on each side.
This design will turn your wood stove into the main focal point of your room. It will be the first fixture your guest notice.
Mirrors go surprisingly well with wood-burning stoves
Image source: Paul Raeside
Although your wood burner will be the focal point of your room, it likely won’t light it up entirely. Luckily, you can place strategic mirrors across the room to spread the light further. This will make the room even cozier than before.
Even small designs can have a big impact
Image source: Susan Teare, Professional Photographer
As the saying goes, size doesn’t mean everything. Certainly not when it comes to fireplaces. If you don’t have a lot of space in your room, don’t worry. Wood burners come in all sizes. A small one can make your room feel cozy, especially if you place it in a corner or near a window.
Make your wood burner parallel to your mantel
Image source: David Giles
If you plan to enclose your wood stove in a fireplace, make sure it runs parallel to its mantel. The symmetry will make it all the more beautiful. The color of your wood burner and your mantel should also be compatible. If one is a dark color, the other should be too. Mismatching either the shape or color is nothing short of a design debacle.
Don’t be afraid to paint an exposed brick fireplace
Image source: IronStrike Stoves & Inserts
While the exposed brick fireplaces look amazing, they don’t fit every room design. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use it. All you need is a bucket of paint. This ensures you get the best of both worlds – you get to use the brick design AND you get to match your interior.
Use art to customize the space around your wood burner
Image source: James French
One of the best wood burner ideas is to place other decorations near it. That way it won’t feel too bare and exposed. You can hang paintings and photographs on the nearby wall. You can also add plants or sculptures near it as a finishing touch. When it comes to creativity, the world’s your oyster.
Consider adding log storage under your wood burner
Image source: Rauser Design
Some log burners come with designated storage places under them. Although the sizes vary, they’re not usually very big. However, it is enough to always have extra logs you can add to the fire. Not to mention it makes your wood burner look much more realistic.
Don’t be afraid to create contrast with bold color choices
Image source: Arada Stoves
Contrast is an excellent way to create an elegant or even regal design. For instance, you can cast a yellow wood burner into a black fireplace to highlight it. You can then decorate the room with golden ornaments to match the burner. This will give your room a unique blend of luxury and comfort.
Cast your wood burner into a marble fireplace
Image source: Direct Stoves
Marble fireplaces are some of our favorite design choices. Although they’re usually open fire, this doesn’t have to be a rule. If you wish, you can place your wood burner inside a marble fire surround. This way, you get both the easy maintenance of a wood stove and the unique look of marble. Just make sure the colors go well together.
Make a freestanding wood burner
Image source: Regency Fireplace Products
Some wood stove ideas are very simple. Why bother with complicated decorations if you can just create a freestanding wood burner? This gives you more leeway to consider where in the room you wish to place it. It also creates a nice focal point that your guests will simply adore.
Frame your wood burner
Image source: David Giles
Once you find the right wood burner for you, consider framing it inside a hearth. You can then add a unique mantle to bring the look together. If your stove feels tiny inside a large hearth, you can fill it up with additional bricks.
Place a painted wall behind your log burner
Image source: IronStrike Stoves & Inserts
If you don’t like hanging decorations behind your wood burner, you can simply paint the entire wall behind it. You can choose a singular color, abstract shapes, or even a concrete image. Placing your wood burner in front of white walls is boring. The extra touch of colors will make the room come alive.
Use your wood-burning stove as a divider between rooms
Image source: Firehouse
Some living rooms aren’t separated from the kitchen by a wall. While this design is more practical, it makes a wood stove look out of place. Unless you use it creatively. You can use a wider stove to create a multi-purpose divider between the kitchen and your living room. This is one of our favorite log burner ideas simply because of how ingenious it is.
Encase your wood-burning stove in concrete
Image source: Elms Interior Design
Concrete fireplaces are very popular because of their versatility. The material is very shapeable, meaning you can create the fireplace of your dreams. Once you do, why not burn wood on a stove rather than the fireplace? It is both prettier and more practical than using just the concrete hearth.
Add hearth mats for extra coziness
Image source: Valiant Accessories
Hearth mats have many uses. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they also protect the floor under your wood burner from heat. Hearth mats come in countless designs, meaning you’ll always find a good fit for your room. Your ideal mat should be made of wool, polyester, or other fireproof material.
FAQs on wood-burning stoves
What is a wood-burning stove?
A wood-burning stove is a type of heater that uses wood as its fuel source. You can use it as either your primary or secondary heating system, and it’s commonly manufactured out of cast iron or steel.
How does a wood-burning stove work?
Wood is burned in a firebox within the stove, which then warms the stove and the room. A chimney leads outside to release smoke and other combustion byproducts from the stove.
What are the benefits of a wood-burning stove?
A wood-burning stove can be used to generate heat that is inexpensive to run and gentle on the environment, while also providing a reliable heat source in the event of a power outage.
How do you choose a wood-burning stove?
A wood-burning stove’s size, placement, heat output needs, and aesthetic preferences should all be taken into account when making a purchase. You should also look for an EPA-approved stove if you care about your indoor air quality.
What are the installation requirements for a wood-burning stove?
Wood stoves have different installation needs depending on the type you choose and local regulations. Stoves should be set up on hearths or other fireproof surfaces and connected to a clean, well-insulated chimney.
How do you start a fire in a wood-burning stove?
Use dry, seasoned wood, crumpled newspaper, and kindling to start a fire in your wood-burning stove. Light the newspaper, add some kindling and wood, and then open the damper.
How do you maintain a wood-burning stove?
Regular cleaning, ash removal, and flue and chimney inspections are necessary for the safe operation of a wood-burning stove. The chimney should be cleaned by a professional at regular intervals.
What are the safety concerns associated with a wood-burning stove?
Fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and burns from the stove or chimney getting too hot are all potential hazards when using a wood-burning stove. Before using a stove or fireplace, make sure it has passed a professional inspection and is in compliance with local building requirements.
How do you clean a wood-burning stove?
Ashes and debris can be removed from a wood-burning stove by using a soft brush and an ash shovel when the fire has cooled down completely. A moist towel can be used to clean soot and buildup off the stovetop.
Can a wood-burning stove be used as the primary heat source for a home?
A wood-burning stove can be the major heat source for a home, but only if the stove is properly suited for the room and an expert has checked out the chimney. Having a backup heating system is crucial in case of an emergency or a power outage.
Our final thoughts on wood-burning stove ideas
These wood burner ideas will transform your living room design. You can implement them both individually and together. Whether you use just two or several is completely up to you. But no matter what you choose, we’re sure you’ll come up with the best wood stove designs possible.
If you liked this article about wood burning stove ideas, you should check out this article about fireplace hearth.
There are also similar articles discussing fireplace mantel ideas, fireplace wall ideas with tv, electric fireplace ideas with tv above, and faux fireplace ideas.
And let’s not forget about articles on what to put behind a wood burning stove, how many face cords are in a cord, pellet stove venting requirements, and components of a fireplace.