Types of Fireplace Screens

Fire safety starts with a fireplace screen. You look forward to using your fireplace to keep you toasty. If you want to stay toasty, it is important to invest in the right screen so you can enjoy your fireplace without the safety hazards. Fireplace screens will protect your flooring for sparks and burnt embers so your inviting living room does not turn into a breeding ground for flames. Screens are functional but they can also be decorative and add style to any room. If you are shopping for a screen, you need to choose a design that is cohesive with your current decor and a size that will fit your fireplace. Compare the different styles and sizes and choose the best fireplace screen for your living room, bedroom, or dining room.

The Mesh Screen

 Mesh curtains are very common and they are generally the most affordable type of fireplace screen on the market. They act like window treatments do to your windows and will shield the fireplace with a wall of mesh material. Mesh curtains slide from the center of the fireplace to each sidewall. They are made of a chain-like material that hangs from a rod similar to a window curtain. You will mount the rod from your lentil bar so the curtain will cover the entire opening of the fireplace.

If you are considering a mesh curtain consider the following:

Fireplace Screen

Photo Credit: Flickr Man_of Steel

  • What material is the mesh made of?
  • What size do you need to cover the entire opening?
  • What color of mesh will match your interior?

Spark Guard Curtains are very popular fireplace screens. They are available in sizes up to 48-inches x 36-inches and come with a rod assembly kit for easy installation. Make sure to measure your fireplace and purchase a screen that is 1 to 2-inches shorter than the height of your fireplace so you can prevent dragging.

Single Panel Fireplace Screens

Another popular option for your fireplace is the single panelscreen. Single panels screens are rigid panels that are designed to lean against the fireplace opening. Some of these screens are designed with feet so they can be freestanding. When you invest in a single panel screen you need to make sure it is made of durable material and it is very sturdy. If you buy a wobbly panel it may fall and defeat the purpose of having a screen.

Single panel screens come in a number of different styles. You can choose a wrought iron screen that will blend with most interior decor or a brass screen if you like the looks of classic styling. You also need to consider the geometric design of the screen. Classic arch fireplace screens are very popular for traditional homes. If you have a more modern home, consider investing in a sleek rectangular screen so you can keep consistent shapes throughout your design elements.

Uniflame offers a number of aesthetically pleasing single panel screens. The single panel black screen comes in small, medium, and large sizes so it will fit any fireplace. Compare the copper trim designs and the brass applications to choose the best screen for your living room.

Three Fold Fireplace Screens

You have probably seen three fold screens in homes around your neighborhood. These screens have three separate panels and they are placed on the hearth of the fireplace for fire safety. These screens will support their own weight with the two stabilized panels and can be adjusted to cover opening of all sizes. When you are shopping for a three fold panel, you should find a panel that will stand on its own while still covering the opening. If you have to extend the panels too far to cover the opening it may not support its own weight.

Uniflame offers a black 3 Fold Fireplace Screen that is triple-plated and meticulously crafted. This screen will enhance the ambiance of your hearth while still protecting your home for common fire hazards. The dimensions of this screen are 31-inches by 52-inches. It has a matte black finish so it will match almost any decor.

Buying Customized Fireplace Screens

Not all standard sized screens will fit your fireplace. If you have an awkwardly shaped fireplace you may need to invest in a special customized screen that was designed specifically for your fireplace. A number of different contractors offer customization services for fireplace screens and doors. You can choose the material, the style, the color, and the size of the screen based on what you want. While customization services are more expensive, they are the only option when you cannot find a screen to fit your unique fireplace.

A fireplace is the element of your home that you look forward to using when winter comes along. If you are ready to start lighting your logs, make sure you have the right fireplace screen before you go out log cutting. There are a wide variety of fireplace screens available for purchase. You need to find an attractive design that will add to your decor while still remaining functional. Make sure you compare different screens available and price these fireplace screens online so you can find an application you can afford. Buying your screen online will save you money if you know how to measure your dimensions accurately. Follow tips on how to measure your fireplace and how to choose a screen that will fit your hearth and you will be on your way to sparking your first fire.