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Let’s face it: Kids (and cats) are extremely curious. Offering a double layer of protection against children and their furry friends from burning themselves is this fireplace fence. Available in either six or eight panels, the safety railing is made of sturdy steel that snaps together to create a wide buffer zone between the little ones you love and the hot glass or metal of the fireplace. And because it’s portable, the fence works well around gas burners and outdoor fire pits. On the move? No worries. Since it easily collapses, it allows you to take it with you on visits to the grandparents’ house.

Editor’s note: Even when you have a fireplace screen in place, never leave a child or pet near a live fire unattended.

Pros

• Freestanding or wall-mountable fence
• Comes with a locking mechanism
• Can be configured to different fireplace shapes and sizes
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Kids can still see the fire, which can cause curiosity

What to Look for When Buying a Fireplace Screen

Before hitting deciding on a new or replacement fireplace screen, the most important features to consider are:

Size

Because the main function of a fireplace screen is to contain jumping flames and wayward sparks, make sure the screen you choose covers the entire width and height of your fireplace opening.

Budget

There’s a wide variety of fireplace screens ranging from inexpensive to splurge-worthy. We gathered the top fireplace screens costing anywhere from about $40 to just under $1,000. Of the 12 we chose, the average cost falls into the $150 to $250 price range.

Material

Most fireplace screens on the market are made of either metal, glass or a combination of the two.

• Wrought/cast iron: Heavier than steel, these durable screens can last a lifetime.
• Steel: More lightweight than iron, the downside of steel is that it’s more likely to topple over if bumped.
• Tempered glass: Thick and tempered-glass fireplace screens offer a view of the fire.

Type

Most fireplace screens come freestanding, fitted and with or without doors.

• Single-panel screens are the most popular, because they sit flush against your fireplace opening and are easy to maneuver for setup and when needing to tend to the fire.
• Multi-panel screens are typically used on larger fireplaces and have one (or two) large panels on the front with two smaller ones on the side that fold inwards. Many come with doors that open to add logs and stoke the fire.
• Curved/bowed screens are one-piece screens are often self stabilizing, yet still allow you to see and access the fire from the top without needing to move them.
• Cabinet-style screens are inset and feature doors. This style of fireplace screen is most efficient at containing the flames within the firebox. If you keep the doors closed when not in use, it helps keep warm air (and cold air in summer) from escaping up and out of the chimney.

Why You Should Trust Us

Toni DeBella, who wrote this piece, is a reviews expert and DIYer covering an array of home topics. She researches products so she can properly recommend ones that’ll work best for homeowners looking to solve a specific problem. We consulted with Russ Dimmitt, director of education at the Chimney Safety Institute of America, to detail the most important features to look for in a fireplace screen. Dimmit has nearly three decades in the chimney and venting industry. He educates chimney sweeps and professionals on the latest products, safety protocols and all other aspects when it comes to chimneys.

How We Found the Best Fireplace Screens

The amount of fireplace screens on the market right now is dizzying. We took the time to sort through the lot so you wouldn’t have to. We took into account recommendations from industry insiders, as well as real-life customer reviews and ratings. The most important criterion was the industry’s safety standards, such as the type of heat-resistant materials used. We focused on the design, performance, quality, functionality and value of each of the screens on our list. After gathering all this crucial information, we whittled down the list to the 12 best fireplace screens.

FAQ

Do fireplace screens reduce heat?

Fireplace screens are designed not to block the heat generated from your fireplace, however, depending on whether your screen is mesh or glass determines how much actual heat is absorbed and/or passed through into the room.

Is glass or mesh better for fireplace screens?

Mesh is the most popular type of fireplace screen, because it keeps sparks contained while allowing heat to radiate out into the room. A metal mesh is also lightweight, so you can easily move the screen out of the way when you want and, not unlike a sieve, it lets more heat through than glass, which absorbs the heat before radiating it out into the space.

Screens made out of glass have their pros and cons. Glass creates a solid barrier against smoke and embers, as well as keeps the visual focus on the fire and surrounding fireplace instead of the screen. They’re generally heavier, but if they do get knocked over, they can break more easily than iron or metal. One material isn’t necessarily better than the other. In the end, it comes down to personal preference, so pick the material that fits your lifestyle and home aesthetic best.

Does a wood-burning fireplace need a screen?

Yes, absolutely. The main function of a fireplace screen is to keep burning substances from entering the room, hence why it’s important to keep in mind that those that don’t sit flush with the brick or opening of the fireplace pose a higher risk than those that do.

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