A house with a wood burner
Short answer: A wood burner makes for a warm and cosy living room, but the heat is uneven. The room with the stove gets very warm, while the bedroom can stay cold. With layers, sensible placement and a little thought for the night, the whole house can feel comfortable.
Radiant heat and uneven warmth
A wood burner gives off radiant heat, which warms whatever it reaches, and warm air that rises. Close to the stove it can get very hot, while corners and neighbouring rooms stay cool. The heat is also greatest while the fire is burning and drops once it goes out. That means the temperature in the house can swing a great deal over the course of an evening and a night, which affects both comfort and sleep.
Layers in the living room
Because the warmth varies, it helps to dress in layers. A light layer next to the skin, and an extra one you can take off when the stove is hot and put back on when it has gone out. Avoid very thick clothing near the stove, as you will soon get too warm. Many people change into sleepwear early in the evening and wear it as loungewear. See bamboo sleepwear for men for light sets that suit a warm room.
Safety around the stove
Keep textiles, blankets and clothing well away from the wood burner. Never hang laundry to dry directly on or just above the stove. Loose sleeves and throws can get too close when you add more wood. Make sure the house has a smoke alarm, and test it regularly. Always follow the manufacturer's guidance on distance to flammable materials.
The bedroom far from the stove
The bedroom is often furthest from the living room and gets little of the heat. That can be a good thing, since many people sleep best in a cool room. But going from a warm living room into a cold bedroom can make the bed feel cold to climb into. Make the bed in good time, and leave the door open for an hour so some warmth can get in. A smooth, snug sheet, see bamboo fitted sheets, gives an even surface to lie on.
When the stove goes out at night
The stove usually goes out a few hours after it was last fed, and the house slowly cools down. Early in the morning it can be cold. Sleep under a duvet suited to a cool room, and wear sleepwear that covers you if you feel the cold easily. A fresh duvet cover makes the bed more pleasant, see bamboo envelope sheets. If you have another heat source, it can keep a low background warmth overnight.
Air and smoke
A wood burner uses air from the room for combustion. Make sure fresh air can get in, for example through a vent. Air the room briefly when the stove is not in use. Smoky smells in textiles can be aired out, but if they linger, the items need washing. Check that the stove draws well, and have the chimney swept as recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Can I dry laundry by the wood burner
Only at a safe distance and never directly on or above the stove. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on distance.
Why is the bedroom cold when the living room is warm
Heat from a wood burner spreads poorly to rooms far from the stove. Open doors help a little.
How do I get a smoky smell out of clothes
Air them thoroughly, ideally outside. If the smell lingers, wash them according to the care label.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
