A Detailed Guide to Fireplace Screens Posted on January 7, 2026 Fireplaces offer a traditional, cozy way of providing warmth unmatched by any other heater. Nothing beats gathering around a crackling fireplace, especially in the depths of winter. A fireplace screen is an essential element of the fireplace to make sure the fire stays safely isolated from the room. In this guide, we discuss everything you need to know about fireplace screens, and how to choose one for your hearth. What is a Fireplace Screen? A fireplace screen is a barrier placed in front of an open fireplace to stop sparks, embers, and hot debris from going into the room. Such screens can range from simple metal mesh barriers to decorative folding screens and heavy framed glass doors. A fireplace cover or fireplace cover screen is often used as a term for the same thing, but can also mean a hinged metal or glass door that seals the opening when the fireplace is not in use. Glass doors tend to retain more heat and reduce room-to-chimney heat loss, while mesh screens allow more radiant heat into the room while still blocking most sparks. Why Every Fireplace Should Have a Screen ✔ Stops sparks and embers Open wood fires throw sparks and hot embers — a properly fitted screen keeps them from landing on rugs, furniture or curtains. This is a primary safety recommendation from the US Fire Administration. ✔ Protects children and pets A screen forms a barrier that reduces accidental contact by kids and pets with flames, hot glass, or coals. ✔ Reduces accidental fires and liability Many fire-safety guides recommend screens (as well as chimney caps/spark arrestors) to reduce fire risk from escaping embers. ✔ Improves room comfort Glass doors can reduce heat loss up the chimney when the fire is low or out, while mesh screens allow more radiant heat into the room while the fire is burning. Types of Fireplace Screens and Covers Mesh metal screens (single panel or folding) These are wrought iron, steel wire mesh behind a frame. They are lightweight and allow heat to radiate into the room, while adding a touch of decor. They are also cheaper than glass fireplace doors. However, small embers may still pass through the grate if the mesh is coarse. The metal frame and the mesh also get hot, which can lead to burns on contact. While they are good for everyday use, they may not be the best option for households with rowdy kids or pets. Featured fireplace mesh screen: Majestic INFIT-35-BK 35″ Inside Fit Screen with Black Front for Trilliant35 and Ruby35 Fireplace Inserts This mesh screen will help to optimize the look of your Trilliant35 or Ruby35 fireplace. Its minimalist design offers no additional adornment, giving you more of a framed look for your fireplace. It sits on the required surround, giving your fireplace a complete, finished look with no gaps exposed. Price: $409.00 Majestic INFIT-35-BK 35" Inside Fit Screen with Black Front for Trilliant35 and Ruby35 Fireplace Inserts The Majestic Inside Fit Screen with Black Front will help to optimize the look of your Trilliant35 or Ruby35 fireplace. A front is required to finish your Trill... View Product Spark guard / heavy mesh screens These have tighter mesh with smaller openings and reinforced frames designed for wood burning. They are used when more spark arrest is needed. This allows for improved safety and better ember control, and they are often recommended for wood stoves and high-ember fires. Glass fireplace doors These can have single or double glass panels in a metal frame, and they can be sliding or hinged. They are best at stopping embers, while reducing air draft up the chimney when closed to save on heating energy saving. They also have the advantage of being able to close when leaving the house. However, the glass can get very hot, which may not be ideal for households with young children and pets. Full-cover fireplace screen / solid cover As the name implies,these are solid metal or decorative panels that completely cover the firebox when not in use. They are good as a decorative dust cover and extra barrier, but they block all radiant heat when closed. As such, they are used mainly when the fire is out or for style. How to Size a Fireplace Screen Measure the width and height of the visible opening of the firebox, not the brick surround. Use this guide: Firebox width (edge to edge) Firebox height Depth of the hearth sill (for footed screens) Add at least 2–3 inches of overlap on each side and the top to stop embers escaping at edges. Fireplace specialists recommend a screen that completely covers the opening with some overhang. For folding screens, the center panel should sit flush with the opening. The side panels are meant to help protect the adjacent hearth surfaces. Consider whether you need hinged doors for tending the fire, or a fixed flush screen for maximum spark control. Fireplace Screen Material and Finish Choices MaterialNotesWrought iron / steelDurableHeat tolerantGood for functional and decorative stylesBrass / copper trimDecorative, but finish can discolor from heatBrass components should be inspected for warping over timeTempered glass doorsHigh heat resistanceDouble-pane doors are more insulatingPowder coat or enamel finishProtects metal from rustingChoose a heat-rated finish Ready to Choose a Fireplace Screen? At Total Home Supply, fireplaces and hearths are one of our core specialties. We offer an extensive selection of fireplace screens, doors, covers, and other accessories to suit just about any type of fireplace. Get your hearth ready for the cold season with our fireplace accessories from the world’s top brands. Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
