Choose And Measure Screens For Your Fireplace
By Steve Wagner & Jennifer Whipple

For generations families have been gathering around fireplaces during cold weather, and while technological advances have given us many alternatives to heating our homes with an open flame, nothing quite replaces it. There’s just something about the crackling of the logs, the glow of the embers, and the ever-changing flickering of the flames that fire up imaginations, draw us in, and encourage us to dream. No matter how high-end your TV might be, the fireplace is still the focal point of the family room.

Naturally, if you have a fireplace, you should have a fireplace screen. The most important reason is safety – fireplace screens not only help keep children and pets away from the flames, they also prevent sparks and embers from getting onto your carpet or floor.

Any good-quality, properly fitted screen will help protect your hearth, so concentrate on finding a one that will complement your room’s décor. As far as looks go, the sky’s the limit: fireplace screens come in many designs and finishes, from simple to ornate. Before you start shopping, think about how often you use your fireplace, what kind of protection you need (Do you have kids? Pets?), and what look you’re going for.

There are two basic types of fireplace screens:

Flat Guard or Spark Guard Screens. Flat guard or spark guard style screens have a solid mesh panel that fits against the face of the fireplace and completely covers the fireplace opening. These screens afford the greatest degree of safety and an unobstructed view of the fire. This style screen must be moved aside to tend the fire or gain access to the firebox. Flat guard or spark guard screens are ideal for homes with smaller children and curious pets.

Screens with Doors. Screens with doors fit snugly against the face of the fireplace for safety. The doors have magnetic closures and open without having to move the whole screen to gain access to the firebox. This makes it easier to replenish the fuel or clear away the ashes. Screens with doors are a good choice for homes with older children and homes where the fireplace sees a lot of use.

Once you have chosen the screen, you can further complement the overall look and function of your hearth by adding matching fireplace tools and wood holders.

There are no standard sizes of fireplace openings in the US, so it’s important to measure your opening size carefully to achieve a proper fit. Here are some tips for finding the right sized screen for your fireplace:

To review the custom screen options, visit plowandhearth.com or call 1-800-866-6072 for further information or to place an order. For help measuring your fireplace, visit your nearest Plow & Hearth Retail Store.

With the right fireplace screen in place, you can relax and enjoy beauty and warmth of a crackling fire on your hearth.