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Fireplace screens are an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone who has an open fire. They prevent sparks and embers from jumping out, potentially leaving unsightly burn marks on carpets and furnishings. It’s not stretching the imagination too far to say they could even prevent a serious house fire.
The range of fireplace screens is enormous, and we researched more than 60 during the process of assembling this review. These screens range from the purely practical to those that are highly decorative. In addition to aesthetics, we also considered materials. While we recommend any of the picks listed below, our favorite fireplace screen is the Fire Beauty Fireplace Screen With Doors. We like it because of its beautiful design, powder-coated solid steel construction, and strong magnetic catches that keep the doors closed and prevent heat loss.
In this article, we go over the key features to consider when shopping for fireplace screens. Just ahead we include our list of top picks for the best fireplace screens for a variety of different settings.
- BEST OVERALL: Fire Beauty Fireplace Screen With Doors
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Panacea Products 3-Panel Arch Screen
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FLUSH-FITTING: Pleasant Hearth Alpine Glass Fireplace Door
↓ Jump to Review - BEST GLASS: Clearly Innovative Glass Fireplace Screen
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOLDING: Amagabeli 4-Panel Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FLAT: UniFlame Single-Panel Black Wrought Iron Screen
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH DOORS: Fire Beauty 3-Panel Folding Fireplace Screen
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DECORATIVE: Plow & Hearth Tree of Life Fire Screen With Door
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MODERN: Best Choice Products 2-Door Fireplace Screen
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Fireplace Screens
We looked at all different types of quality fireplace screens, focusing on practical aspects like construction and user-friendly features such as doors for easy access or hinged sections for compact storage. We did not include outdoor fireplace screens in this particular list; we investigated only indoor models.
Freestanding fireplace screens protect against damage while also providing aesthetic appeal in a remarkable variety of sizes and styles to match your fireplace mantel. This means there’s something for pretty much everyone. While commissioning custom fireplace screens may be preferred by those who want one-of-a-kind pieces, almost anything imaginable is already available for purchase.
From steel wrought iron to glass to seasonal items like Christmas fireplace screens, shoppers can choose what will create their ideal fireplace ambience. We tried to account for the full range of options when putting together this collated selection, narrowing it down to the best within well-defined categories.
We also consulted with the experts. Radu Costei, senior R&D technician at Regency Fire, told us, “I personally recommend a mesh screen so that any wayward embers that are trying to make their way up and out of the fire are stopped.” He added that he would avoid fully covered metal ones “as they often get very hot against a roaring fire, enough to cause second-degree burns.”
Our Top Picks
The following selection covers a wide range of fireplace mesh screens plus one glass model and have both detailed and simple designs. It has been divided into categories so potential buyers can focus on the most suitable models quickly and easily.
Best Overall
Fire Beauty Fireplace Screen With Doors
Product Specs
- Size: 30.7 inches tall by 37.8 inches wide
- Finish: Black, powder-coated
- Assembly required: Yes
What We Like
- Features doors for easy access, high-quality components, and hard-wearing powder-coated finish
- Strong magnetic catches with door handles placed out of reach of small children
- Uses long piano hinges so there’s no stress on individual points and greater durability
What We Don’t Like
- Requires minor assembly, and a few have arrived with missing or broken parts
Given the importance of individual preference, it’s nearly impossible to choose a single best fireplace screen that will suit everyone. The Fire Beauty fireplace screen is a fine example of one that incorporates many of the key features in a single model.
The structure is steel throughout with a heavy-duty frame and mesh with decorative curls added to mimic traditional wrought iron. The whole thing is finished in powder coating that is baked on at high temperature. It is much more hard-wearing than paint. A pair of doors with sturdy piano hinges allow unrestricted access to the fire. Strong magnetic catches are used, and handles are placed high on the frame to prevent small children from reaching them.
A small amount of assembly is required, and the tools are included. The link provided also includes different sizes, plus various design tastes.
Get the Fire Beauty fireplace screen with doors at Amazon.
Best Bang For The Buck
Panacea Products 3-Panel Arch Screen
Product Specs
- Size: 27.31 inches tall by 47.5 inches wide
- Finish: Black
- Assembly required: No
What We Like
- 3 panels wrap the fireplace for better spark and ember protection
- Folds flat so it needs less space for storage when not required
- Arched double-bar design strikes a good balance between classic and contemporary appeal
What We Don’t Like
- Complaints are very rare, though the relatively lightweight construction is not especially sturdy
Good three-panel fireplace screens have two features that are particularly useful. First, they wrap the fireplace, providing more side protection than flat screens. Second, they fold up when not required, making them easier to store. The Panacea Products three-panel screen underlines these benefits, and the budget-friendly price means anyone can afford one of these versatile safety accessories.
This three-panel fireplace screen is made of square tubular steel frame. The black finish appears to be durable powder coating (though the manufacturer doesn’t confirm the specifics of the finish, but the product is definitely made from steel). Strong drop hinges allow free movement and should put up with daily use. They allow the Panacea Products fireplace screen to fold completely flat when not required.
Get the Panacea Products fireplace screen at Amazon.
Best Flush-fitting
Pleasant Hearth Alpine Glass Fireplace Door
Product Specs
- Size: 30 to 33 inches tall by 37.5 to 43.5 inches wide (multiple sizes available)
- Finish: Black, powder coated
- Assembly required: Yes, and installation
What We Like
- Flush fitting allows open masonry fireplaces to be fully enclosed for better heat management
- Tempered-glass doors prevent warm air from escaping when the fireplace is not lit
- Steel mesh screen doors stop sparks and embers if the glass doors are left open
What We Don’t Like
- Quite expensive, and handles can get hot, so not recommended for those with small children around
The Pleasant Hearth Alpine glass fireplace doors are unlike other fireplace screens in that they are designed as a permanent installation, effectively turning an open masonry fireplace into a closed fireplace insert.
The black powder-coated steel frame supports two tempered glass cabinet-style doors with magnetic catches. Damper knobs control the amount of heat that comes out of the fireplace. When the fire is not in use, the glass doors also prevent heat loss up the chimney. Behind these are two mesh doors, again with magnetic catches. These work just like a standard fireplace screen when the glass doors are left open for maximum warmth.
Installation is required, and Pleasant Hearth estimates this should take around an hour. Multiple sizes are available, so buyers will want to measure their fireplace opening to determine the correct size needed.
Get the Pleasant Hearth fireplace screen at Amazon (silver finish), Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Glass
Clearly Innovative Glass Fireplace Screen
Product Specs
- Size: 29 inches tall by 39 inches wide
- Finish: Feet in silver or black
- Assembly required: Yes
What We Like
- Glass panel provides a cozy, uninterrupted view of a roaring fireplace
- Made from tough ¼-inch-thick tempered glass with a stylish beveled edge
- Supportive metal feet in silver or black to suit room decor
What We Don’t Like
- It weighs around 30 pounds, and although rare, breakages are possible
A number of models are described as modern fireplace screens, but none are as stylish and contemporary as this one from Clearly Innovative. The large pristine panel allows a clear, unobstructed view of the living fire while still offering full protection from sparks or embers that might get thrown out.
The glass itself is tempered to provide the necessary strength and safety. A 1-inch-wide beveled edge adds an attractive accent. Supportive metal feet are available in either silver or black finish to suit room decor. The feet need to be fitted when the Clearly Innovative glass fireplace screen is delivered, but this just means tightening two Allen screws. Sizes given are for the medium glass screen. Large and small alternatives are also offered.
Get the Clearly Innovative fireplace screen at Amazon.
Best Folding
Amagabeli 4-Panel Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen
Product Specs
- Size: 32 inches tall by 51 inches wide
- Finish: Black and gold
- Assembly required: No
What We Like
- A 4-panel folding screen with gold highlights for classic appeal
- Provides good coverage for wider fireplaces while remaining very affordable
- Folds down to just over 12 inches wide when not needed; ideal for storage in cabinets or closets
What We Don’t Like
- While complaints are not common, there have been a few durability issues
The charming gold accents and finials of the Amagabeli are reminiscent of classic antique fireplace screens, completing the nostalgic look with a matching companion set of fireplace tools. The Amagabeli fireplace screen is made with durable steel construction in wrought-iron style and high-quality mesh. At 51 inches wide when fully extended, it offers good protection for wider fireplaces.
With large fireplace screens, trying to find somewhere to keep them during the summer can be a problem, but those four folding panels on this model provide the solution. While some might feel it’s decorative enough to leave in place, it folds down to just over a foot wide. Given its size, it is also very affordable.
Get the Amagabeli fireplace screen at Amazon.
Best Flat
UniFlame Single-Panel Black Wrought Iron Screen
Product Specs
- Size: 33 inches tall by 44 inches wide
- Finish: Black wrought iron
- Assembly required: Yes
What We Like
- A simple yet stylish design with a hammered wrought-iron finish
- Uses heavy-gauge steel mesh that should provide years of protection
- Curved feet and useful lift handles are attached with Philips screws for rapid, easy assembly
What We Don’t Like
- Most buyers appear satisfied, though poor packaging has meant some orders have arrived damaged
For those who value simplicity, flat fireplace screens like this one from UniFlame will hold a lot of appeal. There are also subtle details with this model that elevate it above purely utilitarian steel frames.
Made from wrought iron, this single-panel screen has a hammered finish that hints at traditional wrought-iron craftsmanship. There’s a gentle curve to the feet and lifting handles that suggest they were hand forged even though they are factory produced. The mesh is heavy-duty for years of trouble-free protection.
Minor assembly is required, which the manufacturer says can be completed in just 5 minutes. This UniFlame fireplace screen is the large-size model, with medium and small versions also available.
Get the UniFlame fireplace screen at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best With Doors
Fire Beauty 3-Panel Folding Fireplace Screen
Product Specs
- Size: 28.2 inches tall by 48.6 inches wide
- Finish: Black, powder coated
- Assembly required: Yes
What We Like
- Versatile design will fit with modern, geometric, and art deco fireplace styles
- Durable wrought-iron construction with a hard-wearing, rust-resistant finish
- Offers doors for easy access to the fire, and folds for more compact storage
What We Don’t Like
- There are seldom problems, though handles can get too hot for young hands
This pick from Fire Beauty will be popular with those who like an art deco aesthetic. It will also pair well with modern fireplaces and those with geometric designs.
This three-panel fireplace screen is a sturdy construction made in wrought iron and finished in a hard-wearing, rust-resistant powder coating. It benefits from twin doors that are latched with heat-resistant magnets, allowing easy access to tend to the fire while the screen stays in place. The three-panel layout folds to roughly half its extended size for storage.
While assembly is required, this three-panel fireplace screen is simply a matter of attaching the feet and door handles, which takes just a few minutes.
Get the Fire Beauty folding fireplace screen at Amazon.
Best Decorative
Plow & Hearth Tree of Life Fire Screen With Door
Product Specs
- Size: 31 inches tall by 38 inches wide (small), 44 inches tall by 33 inches wide (large)
- Finish: Black with gold flecks, powder-coated
- Assembly required: Yes
What We Like
- High-quality fireplace screen featuring a decorative Tree of Life motif
- Single door provides convenient access and has a magnetic latch for secure closure
- Heavy-duty welded-steel construction with a tough powder-coated finish
What We Don’t Like
- The quality construction does result in a higher price tag than many competitors
Trying to judge what any individual feels is decorative is always a challenge, but the Plow & Hearth Tree of Life decorative fireplace screen seems to have broad appeal. Its message about the interconnectivity of life has particular resonance as the human race strives to be more ecologically responsible.
This well-made, heavy-duty steel construction with a tough black and gold-flecked powder-coated finish provides dependable durability. It incorporates a single mesh door allowing access to the fire to add logs or clean without moving the screen away. In most cases, it can sit flat against the fireplace for maximum protection.
There is minor assembly required, but it’s simple and should only take minutes. A larger version of the Plow & Hearth Tree of Life fireplace screen is also offered.
Get the Plow & Hearth fireplace screen at Amazon or Wayfair.
Best Modern
Best Choice Products 2-Door Fireplace Screen
Product Specs
- Size: 31 inches tall by 38.5 inches wide
- Finish: Black or gold, powder-coated
- Assembly required: Yes
What We Like
- Uses solid flat wrought-iron bars to offer a slender, modern appearance
- 2 doors have discreet magnets to allow quick and easy fireplace access
- Perpendicular feet are larger than many for superior stability yet remain unobtrusive
What We Don’t Like
- Although popular, a number of fault reports suggest that quality control is inconsistent
The clean geometric lines and lightweight frame of the Best Choice Products two-door fireplace screen are designed to suit modern decor. Instead of chunky box-section steel, flat wrought-iron bar has been used. Both the frame and hinges are welded to provide the necessary durability, and the extended feet add stability.
The screen doors are steel mesh with magnetic closures making them an excellent choice for homes with children and pets. They are convenient because they allow the fire to be attended to without moving the fireplace screen. Slender handles compliment the style. Assembly may take a little longer than close competitors, though it should still only take around 10 minutes.
Get the Best Choice Products fireplace screen at Amazon or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Fireplace Screen
Visual impact is always going to be one of the major considerations when choosing the best fireplace screen, and of course, price is another important element. There are several other factors that will help buyers focus on the appropriate model, and these are discussed below.
Safety
Safety is the absolute priority whether choosing modern or vintage fireplace screens. Historically, some fireplace screens had embroidered cloth panels and a wooden frame, but it’s important to point out that these were only ever used to conceal the opening when not in use.
Clearly, a fireplace screen needs to be inflammable. With wood-burning fireplaces with grates capable of exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s also important that the material doesn’t melt. As pointed out by our expert above, to protect users from burns, the construction should not be completely solid. Also, fireplace screens should either have feet or fold in such a way that they won’t topple easily.
Size
The size of the fireplace screen is another key element in its safety. It needs to be big enough to prevent sparks and embers from getting to areas where they can cause damage, but it shouldn’t be so big that it looks cumbersome.
Research revealed a wide variety of advice. Suggestions varied between ½ inch and 5 inches larger than the fireplace opening. A half inch probably doesn’t provide a sufficient safety margin, and 5 inches is likely to be too much. Somewhere between 2 and 3 inches seems ideal, providing an effective barrier and retaining visual appeal. The most important consideration is that it isn’t too narrow or too short, which would allow sparks or burning embers to escape.
Material
The most used material for the best fireplace screens is steel: steel mesh for the main screen and steel section (usually square but sometimes round or flat) for the supporting frame. It’s durable and can be finished in different colors, so while black is most common, it’s relatively easy to create gold fireplace screens, for example. Other metals such as wrought iron, brass, and copper may be used, but the latter is quite soft and normally only used decoratively. Aluminum is also used on occasion as it’s easy to cast.
Glass is popular because it offers an unobstructed view of the fire. It must be tempered or toughened (two words that actually describe the same process) so it can survive occasional knocks. There are two minor drawbacks. First, toughened glass can be comparatively heavy. Second, as a solid obstacle, it can prevent direct heat from reaching those sitting in front of the fire.
Additional Features
Beyond the decorative elements that are very much a question of personal preference, there are a couple of practical features worth considering.
- Folding fireplace screens are often among the more decorative options. It’s usually possible to position them in a way that offers maximum protection while also being visually pleasing. Their other major benefit is that they are more compact when folded down and therefore easier to store.
- Fireplace screens with doors have the advantage that users don’t have to move the whole screen out of the way to add logs or clean the fireplace. The simple mechanical or magnetic catches fitted are secure but easy to use.
Some fireplace screens incorporate both of these features.
FAQs
The article above contains a wealth of information that will be invaluable in helping people pick the best fireplace screen for their needs. While researching the subject, some general questions came up; those answers are provided here.
Whether or not a fireplace screen gets hot will depend on the heat of the fire, the screen material, and its distance from the fire. It’s always safest, especially with kids around, to warn others that it could be hot and that it shouldn’t be touched.
Consulting several retailers about how big they thought a fireplace screen should be, the resulting answers varied between ½ inch and 5 inches of overlap all around. The important point is that it should never be too narrow or too short to prevent sparks or embers from escaping.
Yes, you do. In the U.S., the American National Standards Institute demands that gas fireplace inserts have their screens be fitted to protect people from the glass, which can get very hot.
All of the best materials for fireplace screens are nonflammable and durable. These typically include steel, plus copper, brass, or bronze, which can be more visually attractive. Glass is another popular option, but it must be toughened (also called tempered).