Glass is another category of fireplace screen materials. Options like the CB2 Ledge Glass Fireplace Screen offer a clear visual of the fireplace and the flames inside but can be more challenging to keep clean. The solid material also tends to direct heat to the ceiling rather than allowing it to pass horizontally through the screen and into the room.

Discover our full range of stylish and convenient Fireside Accessories to find the perfect finishing touch for your fireplace. A single-panel fireplace screen that fits flush against the opening of a wood-burning fireplace should be about 1 inch wider than the firebox. For fireplace screens with multiple panels, you should select an option that is 10 to 12 inches wider than the opening so that the panels can be arranged in a way that keeps the screen stable and standing on its own. Fireplace screens are most commonly made of metal. Alloy steel is one of the most popular materials and usually equates to a fireplace screen that is lightweight. This can be an advantage if you frequently move your fireplace screen for storage but a disadvantage if you have children or pets that might bump into the fireplace screen. Because of the light weight of these models, they sometimes are more prone to tipping over. On the other hand, cast or wrought iron fireplace screens are among the heaviest options. While this makes them more challenging to maneuver, they’re usually fairly sturdy and durable. A three-panel fireplace screen is a good choice if you want to ensure that you have adequate coverage across the front of your firebox. In addition, most options with three panels are foldable, making them easier to move out of the way and more space-efficient for storage. The Pleasant Hearth Arched 3 Panel Fireplace Screen makes a great choice if this functionality is important to you. The CB2 Ledge Glass Fireplace Screen is easy to clean and care for. The tempered glass surface wipes clean with glass cleaner and a soft cloth. However, take note that there are no handles on this fireplace screen, and it becomes hot when exposed to the heat from a fire. So it’s not as ideal for situations where you may need to frequently tend to a wood-burning fire. Instead, it’s a better fit for gas fireplaces or if you don’t plan to regularly add logs to your fire.A cabinet-style fireplace screen provides a built-in look when compared to freestanding fireplace screens. A characteristic feature is a double-door opening that provides easy access to the firebox but a mesh screen to keep sparks, embers, and logs contained. This is also a very energy-efficient choice for a fireplace screen; when the glass doors are closed, heat loss through the chimney of your fireplace is reduced. You want to approximately match the size of your fireplace to the screen you choose. If you choose a screen that is significantly smaller than your fireplace, it won’t be as effective at minimizing these risks.

The Alpine model from Pleasant Hearth is a cabinet-style fireplace screen that has an alloy steel frame with dual tempered glass doors. A rigid mesh screen allows for ventilation when the fireplace is in use while still acting as a barrier between the firebox and the rest of the room. A hidden damper knob gives you control over airflow and allows you to make adjustments as needed. The design of a fireplace screen impacts its visual appeal. There is a wide range of styles to choose from, making it a matter of personal preference regarding the look and finish of the fireplace screen you choose. While fireplace screens have a functional purpose, you might choose one based on its design—knowing it will serve as a focal point in the room. The simplest design of fireplace screens may have no adornment or features on the frame and screen, while other options feature metal scrollwork or other design details, like the classic, Victorian-styled Pleasant Hearth Arched 3-Panel Fireplace Screenor the modern West Elm Deco Fireplace Screen. This spark guard measures 33 inches wide and 44 inches tall and is designed to fit snugly against the front of your fireplace. The mesh screen covers the front and sides of the firebox, and the top of the spark guard ensures that sparks and embers don’t escape from the top, either. This type of fireplace screen is a good choice if you want to have extra assurance that your floors, furniture, and children and pets will be protected from sparks and embers. The iron construction makes it a little heavier than some other options (it weighs 18 pounds), but it also offers more stability and is less likely to tip over. Please note: This fire guard is not intended for child safety purposes but primarily designed for spark protection and decorative enhancement. With the Mansion Fire Screen, you can enjoy the warmth and ambience of your fireplace without the hassle of constant cleanup. Embrace both style and safety with this must-have accessory today!Kimberly Greenwell, home education expert and host of the TV show "My Southern Home," says, "The fireplace screen should always cover the entire opening to prevent embers from entering your home and children and pets from being injured by the fire." The exception may be for a ventless gas fireplace, where the screen is simply decorative or may be a deterrent to touching the hot glass. A fireplace screen with doors offers protection from sparks and embers while making it easy to tend the fire or clean up ashes after the flames have gone out. If that’s the type of fireplace screen you’re searching for, we recommend the Pottery Barn Industrial Fireplace Door Screen.

Fireplace screens can cost several hundred dollars depending on the materials, design, and finish, but you can shield your space from embers and sparks with a more affordable version. The Best Choice Products Simple Steel Mesh Fireplace Screen is simple but budget-friendly. It’s made from a steel alloy and comes in three different finishes to suit your style or decor. Most other fireplace screens with doorsutilize magnets to hold the doors closed, but it’s worth noting that magnets may fail after repeated exposure to high heat, and then the doors need to be removed. This isn’t a concern with the Pottery Barn Industrial Fireplace Door Screen because the doors have a latch instead of the usual magnetic closure system. However, use caution when opening the doors since the latch can become very hot to the touch, like the rest of the steel fireplace screen. The West Elm Deco Metal Fireplace Screen is available in two sizes: small (38 x 28.5 inches) and large (38 x 32 inches). The option with marble feet is also available in an extra large size (50 x 35 inches) to accommodate larger fireplaces. There are no handles to move the fireplace screen out of the way when not in use, but it looks stylish enough to leave as a focal point in front of your fireplace all the time. A primary function of a fireplace screen is to provide a measure of safety. In the case of a wood-burning fireplace, the screen is designed to keep sparks, embers, or logs from escaping out of the hearth and into the room. The steel mesh of the screen should have a network of small openings that allow for airflow and heat transfer but aren’t so large that sparks or embers would easily pass through. It features a fine mesh screen that offers some protection against flying sparks and errant ashes, ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.This option is made of steel, has a mesh screen for spark protection, and offers a latching mechanism to keep the doors securely closed. That's an important feature. Without the doors closed, this fireplace screen will be less effective. Greenwell, home education expert and host of the TV show "My Southern Home ,"says, "Fireplace screens with large openings, without wire mesh, do not protect your home from loose embers that can land on your rugs, carpet, and other easily flammable household items." Adding to the safety features of this freestanding fireplace screen are its adjustable feet, which provide better stability if you have an uneven hearth. Moreover, the curved top and sides of this guard are not just visually appealing; they are also highly functional. They effectively contain sparks and ash, preventing them from venturing beyond the fireplace. The steel mesh of this fireplace screen allows heat from your fireplace to dissipate while preventing sparks and embers from escaping into the room. You’ll appreciate the folding, three-panel design since it makes it easier to move and store the screen when not in use.

This outdoor fireplace screen is constructed of cast aluminum for rust resistance. The wire mesh of the screen is fine enough to prevent sparks and embers from escaping but allows for the heat to easily pass through. You especially want to choose a fireplace screen with this attribute if you plan to use it in an outdoor living roomwhere you’re relying on the fire’s warmth for comfort. Whether you choose to use this fireplace screen outdoors or indoors, it has an appealing art deco aesthetic, and it's available in multiple finishes to suit the style of your patio, porch, or any other living space. You might be shopping for a curved fireplace screen if you have a narrow hearth or if you want to ensure that sparks and embers won’t escape from the sides of your fireplace. The UniFlame Curved Fireplace Screen is a simple option that fits this purpose and is made of steel with a heavy-duty mesh for protection. We recommend this fireplace screen if you have hardwood floors, carpeting, or rugs and furniture in close proximity to your fireplace and you want to maximize protection against sparks or embers landing on these surfaces. Designed with an antique brass finish, this fire screen exudes a timeless elegance that complements any interior decor. Its curved front panel with a thin edge not only enhances the overall aesthetic of your fireplace but also keeps sparks and ash where they belong – inside the hearth. The stability of a fireplace screen is important, especially if you have children or pets in the home. A fireplace screen is intended to have safety benefits, but if it’s unsteady and prone to falling over, it can become a nuisance or a liability. Factors that determine the stability of a fireplace screen include whether the screen has feet, the weight of the material it’s made from and whether it’s a flat panel or hinged panel design.A spark guard is a specific type of fireplace screen that provides more coverage across the width and height of your firebox. It features a mesh screen with a top and sides that enclose the opening of the fireplace while still allowing plenty of airflow to the flames. We recommend the Symple Stuff Dang Spark Guard for this category since it features wrought iron construction and handles to make it easier to move the fireplace screen from one spot to another. Durable and steady, a wrought iron fireplace screen is a practical choice. This version from Home Loft Concepts has a welded iron frame with mesh screen to shield your surroundings from the hazards of a hot fire. It has a flat panel design to fit flush against your firebox and two feet to provide balance, although it would be nice if the feet were adjustable like they are on some other freestanding fireplace screens. We recommend the Pleasant Hearth Preston 3 Panel Fireplace Screen as the best overall choice. Affordable and stylish, it has a three-panel design that guards against sparks and embers and is made of durable and heat-resistant steel. If you want the convenience of a screen with doors, we recommend the splurge-worthy Pottery Barn Industrial Fireplace Door Screen. We like that it has a latch to keep the door securely closed and is available in two finishes. What to Look for in a Fireplace Screen Safety