Our best overall pick, the Pottery Barn Classic Fireplace Triple Screen, is made of durable cast iron and has clever center panels for easy access. Here are the best fireplace screens. The center panel of this fireplace screen has two doors that open and provide easy access for adding logs to the fireplace or stoking the fire. This is a handy feature when compared to other flat or folding screens that must be moved out of the way in order to gain access to the fireplace. And considering the fact that this fireplace screen is made of cast iron, you’ll be glad you don’t need to move it around frequently. While cast iron adds to the heft of this model, it also makes it more durable and sturdy. These are important attributes for a fireplace screen, since you don’t want it to easily tip over. 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. Because it’s made of a steel alloy, it’s also much lighter than some other fireplace screens—weighing less than 9 pounds. However, this lightweight construction also means that it’s not as durable. The mesh of the screen is subject to bending or breaking and it may not be sturdy enough to stay upright if pets or children bump into it. However, for a fireplace screen that costs less than $50, it serves the basic function of a fireplace screen and is a good budget buy. This glass fireplace screen has a single-panel design. It’s constructed with a matte black steel frame and tempered glass for stability and durability, even when exposed to high heat. Keep in mind that the design of a glass fireplace fireplace screen won’t allow for as much heat transfer into the room as fireplace screens with a metal mesh surface. But, in exchange, you get a clear view of the fireplace behind the screen while still shielding the room from embers and minimizing the amount of smoke that enters the room. 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. Number of Panels: 1 This option is made of steel, has a mesh screen for spark protection, and offers a latching mechanism to keep the doors securely closed. It’s a freestanding fireplace screen with adjustable feet, which provides for better stability if you have an uneven hearth. Most other fireplace screens with doors utilize magnets to hold the doors closed, but it’s worth noting that magnets may fail after repeated exposure to high heat (see citation) 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. It has a single panel with two doors that open from the center. Regardless of what size fireplace you have, this option is likely to fit since it’s available in sizes ranging from 26 x 30 inches to 44 x 36 inches. You can pick between vintage iron or matte black finishes, but there are no brass or chrome options to choose from. However, the look of this screen is industrial without being utilitarian and makes a good fit for a functional, easy-to-use fireplace screen with doors. Covering a span of 41 inches, this UniFlame fireplace screen fits snugly against the opening of your firebox without the need to adjust the position of multiple panels. While there are no feet for added stability, the curved design of the screen keeps it standing upright and allows it to fit flush against the fireplace opening. What you may miss are handles, which would make it easier to move the fireplace screen out of the way when it’s not in use. However, since it only weighs 14.5 pounds, it’s not as cumbersome to move as larger, cast-iron fireplace screens that lack handles. The Pleasant Hearth Preston Fireplace Screen spans 52 total inches when fully extended. When stored, it’s only about 24 inches wide. The design is classic with simple lines that add to the appeal of the fire screen beyond its functional purpose of keeping shooting sparks contained in your fireplace. It’s only available in a distressed black finish known as Vintage Iron, but the overall aesthetic of this fireplace screen would fit into most homes. The Crest Flat Guard Screen from Plow & Hearth is made of steel and has two front-facing feet, along with two rear feet that can be adjusted to accommodate the opening of your firebox or an uneven hearth. It’s available in small (38 x 31 inches) and large (44 x 33 inches) sizes. It has a scrollwork design that adds visual interest to the steel mesh of the screen. It’s available in a standard black finish, but copper and gold finishes may be available from some retailers as well. 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. We recommend this option for a three-panel fireplace screen because it has an elegant Victorian design to dress up its alloy steel frame and mesh. This model extends 48 inches across and weighs 8.58 pounds. It’s light enough to easily move around, which is a key reason to buy a three-panel fireplace screen. You’ll appreciate this fact when you need to move the panel aside to tend the fire or when it’s time to stow the fireplace screen away. However, the lightweight combined with the folding design does mean that this model may fall over if it’s bumped into by children or pets. Keep in mind that this three-panel fireplace screen is better suited to block embers than serve as a fence for your fireplace. This spark guard measures 33 inches wide and 44 inches tall. It’s 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, or 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. 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 the Home Loft Concepts Erick Iron Fireplace Screen is simple but attractive. It’s worth noting that it’s available in gold or black with brushed gold or silver accents. At 16.53 pounds, it’s not the lightest or heaviest fireplace screen on the market. It has enough heft to remain stable on its own, but also isn’t so heavy that it becomes a challenge to maneuver it around—although keep in mind that this model does not include built-in handles. 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 room where 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 is available in multiple finishes to suit the style of your patio, porch, or any other living space. Fireplace screens also serve as a safeguard when using vented or ventless gas fireplaces. In the case of ventend gas fireplaces with a firebox that is open to the room, a fireplace screen can keep children, pets, or loose objects from coming in contact with the gas log set. For a sealed, ventless gas fireplace, a fireplace screen serves as a visual and physical barrier to minimize the chance of someone coming in contact with the glass front of the fireplace.
Fireplace Size
You want to approximately match the size of your fireplace to the screen you choose. Since a fireplace screen only provides protection for areas it covers, it won’t be as effective at preventing sparks or embers from escaping if you choose a screen that is significantly smaller than your fireplace. While many fireplace screens will fit fireplaces of a relatively standard size, you’ll need to find a bigger fireplace screen if you have a firebox that is larger than most. Some fireplace screens come in small or large sizes; check the specific dimensions for any fireplace screen you consider purchasing to ensure that it will be a good match for your fireplace.
Material
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. 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.
Design
The design of a fireplace screen impacts its visual appeal. There are 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 Screen or the modern West Elm Deco Fireplace Screen.
Stability
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. The most stable fireplace screens usually have feet that help to prevent the screen from falling over if it’s bumped. In a similar way, multi-panel fireplace screens with hinged sections can be arranged in a way that provides more stability than some single, flat-panel screens. However, some very lightweight three- or four-panel fireplace screens may not prove to be very stable.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Erica Puisis has been writing about the latest innovations in home products and décor for The Spruce since 2017. With a background in product research and interior design, she identifies products that are both functional and beautiful. For this article, she considered the top options in fireplace screens from a variety of retailers. Products were evaluated based on their style, materials, and safety features. The fireplace screens included in this list range from basic to high-end and suit a variety of budgets. If you have a ventless gas fireplace with a glass front, you might think that you don’t need an additional fireplace screen. However, the glass front of the gas fireplace can become very hot. A fireplace screen provides protection against burns.
