Either Or

Hello! Today I am posing this question to you: how do you/would you prefer to store your inside firewood stash? If given the choice, would you prefer either a container of some sort next to the fireplace or a built-in "nook" next to the fireplace?

I have five Either Or scenarios for you to consider your preferences.

This serene room has a tall nook next to the fireplace...

Steph Since 1979, photo source

...and this tranquil dining room has a basket to hold the wood for the fireplace. Which do you prefer? I know one thing for certain, I would love a fireplace in the dining room no matter what!

House Seven Design, photo source

Both fireplaces for Either Or choice number two have wood mantels and there the similarity ends. Do you prefer the storage nook....

Victoria Hagan, photo source

...or the crock?

Becca Interiors, photo source

Two statement fireplaces for Either Or option three. This substantial stone fireplace makes room for a nook.....

Jake Arnold, photo source

....and this brick and concrete fireplace has an old trunk next to it for firewood. Which would you prefer?

Axel Vervoordt, photo source

How about the choice between either a white and bright dining room with an accompanying firewood nook..... (again, yes to the dining room fireplace!)

Lauren Liess, photo source

....or a dark sitting room with a dark basket for the firewood?

Sean Anderson, photo source

The final Either Or choice: an elevated firewood nook in this sleek room.....

Marie Flanigan Interiors, photo source

...or a basket atop these gorgeous wood floors?

William Smalley, photo source

Have you made up your mind? Do you always prefer one option over the other? I have mixed feelings. My first choice would be something next to the fireplace that has its own personality - a vintage crock, basket or box - because how and where you store your firewood is an opportunity to add both a layer in and character to the room. That being said, built in "nooks" can be the perfect solution depending on the room; I particularly like them with kitchen fireplaces:

Joris Van Apers, photo source

Nooks also work very well with modern architecture and spaces that have limited floor or wall space. The ultimate considerations for a firewood nook for me are how often the fireplace is used and the size of the nook. If the firewood is used and replaced regularly, a generous sized, easy to access nook works very well. I would not incorporate a nook that goes to the ceiling no matter how often it is used, to me it is unpractical - it is not easy to fill the nook to that height and it is difficult to remove wood at arm level without (what could be disastrous) shifting in the wood pile. Lastly, I prefer firewood nooks that are part of the actual fireplace construction rather than in a space created in the wall next to the fireplace.

I would love to know your thoughts in the comments below!

I will be back tomorrow with June's edition of Wallpaper Love. See you there!

Thank you for playing Either Or with me today,

Kerry