Fireplace screens come in a wide assortment of unique designs. Choosing the proper fireplace
screen can be challenging. Fireplace screens are made to fit the most common sized fireplaces but
the don't fit all sizes. When a brick mason builds a fireplace there is no template for the opening size.
Every mason builds a fireplace differently and sizes tend to vary. The most frustrating part is finding
the perfect screen for your homes decor only to find out it doesn't come in your size.
Measure the width (brick to brick) of your opening, next is the height. Measure from your hearth
(where the screen will sit) to the top of the opening. The most common sizes for fireplace openings is
36 inches wide by 28 - 30 high or 42 inches wide by 28 - 30 or 32 inches high, This is the range that
most fireplace screens are made to fit. Another important measurement is the depth of your hearth,
from the front of the hearth to the firebox. Most fireplace screens need a minimum of 6 inches, even
the flat screens have legs and they require 4 to 5 inches in depth.
Fireplace screens come in many styles. Single flat panel, curved or bowed panel, three fold, four fold,
spark screens (a flat screen that curves to the top and sides of the opening), screens with doors or
"pull screens" a mesh curtain that opens to both sides. All fireplace screens must cover the opening
to prevent sparks from flying out. Any fireplace screen with a good mesh will work fine for burning
wood.
Flat Panel fireplace screens are free standing and designed to rest against the opening. These
single panel screens usually have feet or legs supporting them in the front with adjustable supports
protruding into the firebox. A one inch overlap on both sides and the top is recommended for safety.
Curved or Bowed fireplace screens are self supported and require no legs or feet. Usually the
curve is up to 6 inches allowing it to be freestanding. The sides of the screen touch the front of the
fireplace and the top is open. It is preferred to have the height of the screen taller than the opening.
Three Panel folding fireplace screens are free standing and allow for more adjustments to the
opening. The center panel widths can vary from 28 to 32 inches and the side panels from 8 to 12
inches depending on the design. The side panels are folded inward toward the firebox not only for
support but to adjust to the opening. Height varies with design but it should be higher than your
opening to prevent sparks from flying out.
Four Panel fireplace screens are more adjustable and are also easy to move when tending your
fire. These screens can be folded to fit the openings width but they still should protect the height of
your firebox.
Spark screens or spark guards are designed to cover the entire opening allowing no sparks to fly
into your room. These screens are flat across the front and curve toward the top and sides of your
firebox.
Mesh curtain pull screens can be custom made to fit the opening in your firebox. These screens
basically work like the curtains on your windows. They are supported by a rod and slide open to both
side by using a pull or tassel at the top enter of the screens.
Door screens have grown in popularity over the past few years. Free standing mesh screens either
flat or three panel designs have opening doors. The doors open making tending your fire easier
without having to move the entire screen.
Screens for gas fireplaces or for use with gas logs are more for aesthetics (unless you want to
keep small children or pets away from the fire). Gas fireplace screens do not need a mesh behind
them as there are no flying sparks and these screens don not have to cover the opening completely.
Summer screens are more decorative and not intended to be used with a wood burning fire. They
can be solid with a scene or picture on them. Some have planters on them while others can hold
candles. The possibilities are endless with these decorative summer screens and the purpose is to
hide the opening of the dark and dirty firebox when not in use.
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