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The 11 Best Fireplace Screens of 2024

Keep the flames, embers, and sparks safely contained in style

Best fireplace screens collaged against colorful peach background

The Spruce / Zackary Angeline

A fireplace screen acts as a barrier to prevent sparks and embers from jumping out into the room and is recommended for use with wood-burning and gas fireplaces. Kimberly Greenwell, home education expert and host of the TV show "My Southern Home," agrees: “Fire exposure and embers are the two most common safety hazards from a fireplace.” With this in mind, she adds that the top criteria for choosing a fireplace screen are “fuel, function, and safety.” 

We researched dozens of fireplace screens for gas and wood-burning fireplaces, rating them on ease of use, sturdiness, effectiveness, and value.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Pleasant Hearth Preston 3 Panel Fireplace Screen

Pleasant Hearth Preston 3 Panel Fireplace Screen

Home depot

What We Like
  • Folds up for easier storage

  • Simple, contemporary design

  • Durable and heat-resistant

What We Don't Like
  • No finish options to pick from

  • Lacks handles to make it easier to maneuver

A folding fire screen offers the advantage of being easy to move and compact to store. At the same time, the hinged panel design provides more coverage in front of your fireplace. Our top selection for this type of fireplace screen, and our top pick overall, is the Preston model by Pleasant Hearth. It has a three-panel design and is made of steel that is durable and heat-resistant but also lighter and easier to move than cast iron fireplace screens. There are no handles on this fireplace screen, but at just under 15 pounds, it’s light enough that the lack of handles isn’t a major inconvenience.

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. 

Type: Folding | Dimensions: 52 x 0.5 x 31 inches | Weight: 14.28 pounds | Material: Steel | Number of Panels: 3

Best Budget

Best Choice Products 3-Panel Simple Steel Mesh Fireplace Screen

Best Choice Products 3-Panel Simple Steel Mesh Fireplace Screen

Amazon

What We Like
  • Folds flat for storage

  • Available in multiple finishes

  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like
  • Could fall over if bumped into

Fireplace screens can cost several hundred dollars depending on the materials, design, and finish, but you can shield your space from embers and sparks with a more affordable version. The Best Choice Products Simple Steel Mesh Fireplace Screen is simple but budget-friendly. It’s made from a steel alloy and comes in three different finishes to suit your style or decor. 

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.

Type: Folding | Dimensions: 47.75 x 0.75 x 29 inches | Weight: 8.38 pounds | Material: Steel | Number of Panels:

Best Glass

CB2 Ledge Glass Fireplace Screen

CB2 Ledge Glass Fireplace Screen

CB2

What We Like
  • Constructed of tempered glass with a steel frame

  • Modern design 

  • Won’t obstruct the view of the fireplace

What We Don't Like
  • No handles to move the screen

  • Only available in a matte black finish

A glass fireplace screen is a modern, streamlined option that won’t conceal the beauty of your brick fireplace or the flames inside. It’s a popular choice for either wood-burning or gas fireplaces. With this in mind, we recommend the CB2 Ledge Glass Fireplace Screen for its attractive and functional design.

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 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.

Style: Single panel | Dimensions: 38.6 x8.1 x32.1 inches | Material: Steel, glass | Number of Panels: 1

Best with Doors

Pottery Barn Industrial Fireplace Door Screen

Pottery Barn Industrial Fireplace Door Screen

Pottery Barn

What We Like
  • Latch closure for doors

  • Adjustable feet for uneven hearths

  • Handles for easy maneuvering

What We Don't Like
  • Limited finish options

A fireplace screen with doors offers protection from sparks and embers while making it easy to tend the fire or clean up ashes after the flames have gone out. If that’s the type of fireplace screen you’re searching for, we recommend the Pottery Barn Industrial Fireplace Door Screen. 

This option is made of steel, has a mesh screen for spark protection, and offers a latching mechanism to keep the doors securely closed. That's an important feature. Without the doors closed, this fireplace screen will be less effective. Greenwell, home education expert and host of the TV show "My Southern Home," says, "Fireplace screens with large openings, without wire mesh, do not protect your home from loose embers that can land on your rugs, carpet, and other easily flammable household items." Adding to the safety features of this freestanding fireplace screen are its adjustable feet, which provide 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, 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. 

Type: Doors | Dimensions: 28 x 36 x 3 inches (other sizes available) | Weight: Not listed | Material: Steel | Number of Panels: 1

Best Curved

UniFlame Curved Fireplace Screen

UniFlame Curved Fireplace Screen

Home depot

What We Like
  • Stable design

  • Lightweight

  • Fits flush against fireplace opening

What We Don't Like
  • No handles

  • Only available in a black finish

You might be shopping for a curved fireplace screen if you have a narrow hearth or if you want to ensure that sparks and embers won’t escape from the sides of your fireplace. The UniFlame Curved Fireplace Screen is a simple option that fits this purpose and is made of steel with a heavy-duty mesh for protection. We recommend this fireplace screen if you have hardwood floors, carpeting, or rugs and furniture in close proximity to your fireplace and you want to maximize protection against sparks or embers landing on these surfaces. 

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.

Style: Curved | Dimensions: 41 x 31 x 7 | Weight: 14.5 pounds | Material: Steel | Number of Panels: 1

Best Flat

Plow & Hearth Crest Flat Guard Screen

Plow & Hearth Crest Flat Guard Screen

Amazon

What We Like
  • Adjustable feet

  • Scrollwork design 

  • Available in multiple finishes

What We Don't Like
  • Lacks handles

A flat fireplace screen fits flush against your firebox and keeps logs, embers, and sparks from landing on the hearth or entering your room. It’s a simple design that works well for most fireplaces in the home. We love this decorative version, the Plow & Hearth Crest Flat Guard Screen, which serves a functional purpose while adding a beautiful focal point to the room.

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 fireplace 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. 

Type: Single panel | Dimensions: 38 x 31 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Steel | Number of Panels: 1

Best Modern

West Elm Deco Metal Fireplace Screen

West Elm Deco Metal Fireplace Screen

West Elm

What We Like
  • Available in multiple sizes and finishes

  • Pick between metal or marble feet

  • Simple, stylish look

What We Don't Like
  • No handles 

If you want an attractive fireplace screen to match your modern fireplace, look no further than this stylish option from West Elm. The Deco Metal Fireplace Screen is an ideal choice if you want a functional barrier between your fireplace and the rest of the room but also desire something that looks right at home with modern decor. A steel frame with a mesh panel sports an antique brass or classic black finish. You can pick between metal feet in a matching finish or opt for marble feet for an art-deco aesthetic. 

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. 

Type: Single panel | Dimensions: 38 x 6.5 x 25.5 | Weight: Not listed | Material: Steel, marble (optional) | Number of Panels: 1

Best 3-Panel

Pleasant Hearth Arched 3 Panel

Pleasant Hearth Arched 3 Panel

Walmart

What We Like
  • No assembly required

  • Lightweight and easy to move

  • Easy to store

What We Don't Like
  • Only available in a black finish

  • May fall over if bumped

A three-panel fireplace screen is a good choice if you want to ensure that you have adequate coverage across the front of your firebox. In addition, most options with three panels are foldable, making them easier to move out of the way and more space-efficient for storage. The Pleasant Hearth Arched 3 Panel Fireplace Screen makes a great choice if this functionality is important to you. 

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. 

Type: Folding | Dimensions: 48 x 0.79 x 30 | Weight: 8.58 pounds | Material: Steel | Number of Panels: 3

Best Cabinet-Style

Pleasant Hearth Alpine Fireplace Glass Door

Pleasant Hearth Alpine Fireplace Glass Door, Black

Walmart

What We Like
  • Tempered glass doors for easy access to firebox

  • Hidden damper knob

  • Reduces heat loss when fireplace is not in use

What We Don't Like
  • Only fits masonry fireplaces

A cabinet-style fireplace screen provides a built-in look when compared to freestanding fireplace screens. A characteristic feature is a double-door opening that provides easy access to the firebox but a mesh screen to keep sparks, embers, and logs contained. This is also a very energy-efficient choice for a fireplace screen; when the glass doors are closed, heat loss through the chimney of your fireplace is reduced. 

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. 

Type: Cabinet | Dimensions: 31 x 37.5 x 1 inches | Weight: 37 pounds | Material: Alloy steel, tempered glass | Number of Panels: 1

Best Wrought-Iron

Home Loft Concepts Erick Iron Fireplace Screen

Home Loft Concepts Erick Iron Fireplace Screen

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Iron frame provides stability

  • Available in multiple finishes

  • Simple design

What We Don't Like
  • Feet aren’t adjustable

  • No built-in handles 

Durable and steady, a wrought iron fireplace screen is a practical choice. This version from Home Loft Concepts has a welded iron frame with mesh screen to shield your surroundings from the hazards of a hot fire. It has a flat panel design to fit flush against your firebox and two feet to provide balance, although it would be nice if the feet were adjustable like they are on some other freestanding fireplace screens. 

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. 

Type: Single-panel | Dimensions: 31.75 x 41 inches | Weight: 16.53 pounds | Material: Iron | Number of Panels: 1

Best Outdoor

Frontgate Beckett Fireplace Screen

Frontgate Beckett Fireplace Screen

Frontgate

What We Like
  • Available in two sizes

  • Art deco design 

  • Multiple finishes available 

What We Don't Like
  • Feet are not adjustable

A warm fire on a crisp night is a perfect pairing, and the Frontgate Beckett Fireplace Screen completes your outdoor set-up. This decorative fireplace screen is attractive enough to use anywhere, but it’s designed with outdoor use in mind by the manufacturer. 

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 it's available in multiple finishes to suit the style of your patio, porch, or any other living space. 

Type: Freestanding | Dimensions: 32 x 39 inches | Weight: 24 pounds | Material: Aluminum | Number of Panels: 1

Final Verdict

We recommend the Pleasant Hearth Preston 3 Panel Fireplace Screen as the best overall choice. Affordable and stylish, it has a three-panel design that guards against sparks and embers and is made of durable and heat-resistant steel. If you want the convenience of a screen with doors, we recommend the splurge-worthy Pottery Barn Industrial Fireplace Door Screen, our pick for best with doors. We like that it has a latch to keep the door securely closed and is available in two finishes.

What to Look for in a Fireplace Screen

Safety

A primary function of a fireplace screen is to provide a measure of safety. In the case of a wood-burning fireplace, the screen is designed to keep sparks, embers, or logs from escaping out of the hearth and into the room. The steel mesh of the screen should have a network of small openings that allow for airflow and heat transfer but aren’t so large that sparks or embers would easily pass through. 

Fireplace screens also serve as a safeguard when using vented or ventless gas fireplaces. In the case of vented 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. If you choose a screen that is significantly smaller than your fireplace, it won’t be as effective at minimizing these risks.

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, our best glass pick, 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 is 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 our best 3-panel pick, the classic, Victorian-styled Pleasant Hearth Arched 3-Panel Fireplace Screen or our best 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.

FAQ
  • What types of fireplace screens are available?

    Fireplace screens come in a variety of types, including flat or single-panel options, multi-panel folding options, curved panels, cabinet-style screens with doors, and specialty fireplace screens like a spark guard. The type you choose will depend on the configuration of your fireplace, your reasons for choosing a fireplace screen, and the style that appeals to you. 

  • Is glass or mesh better for a fireplace screen?

    When deciding whether a glass or mesh fireplace screen is better for your situation, consider these features and benefits. Glass fireplace screens are the clear choice for visibility, giving you an unobstructed view of the fireplace and flames inside. However, they may be more expensive and can be heavy. Metal mesh fireplace screens are often cost-effective but may obscure the view of the flames.

  • Should a fireplace screen cover the entire opening?

    Kimberly Greenwell, home education expert and host of the TV show "My Southern Home," says, "The fireplace screen should always cover the entire opening to prevent embers from entering your home and children and pets from being injured by the fire." The exception may be for a ventless gas fireplace, where the screen is simply decorative or may be a deterrent to touching the hot glass.

    A single-panel fireplace screen that fits flush against the opening of a wood-burning fireplace should be about 1 inch wider than the firebox. For fireplace screens with multiple panels, you should select an option that is 10 to 12 inches wider than the opening so that the panels can be arranged in a way that keeps the screen stable and standing on its own.

    While you should cover the width of your fireplace opening to protect the room against sparks, ash, and embers, the fireplace screen does not necessarily need to be as tall as the opening of the firebox. This is especially true if you’re burning well-seasoned, high-quality firewood, which doesn’t spark as much due to the lack of retained moisture. 

  • Do fireplace screens block heat?

    Fireplace screens do absorb heat from the fire but then radiate it into the room. "Surprisingly, most of the heat from your fireplace goes up the chimney," says Greenwell. "A fireplace screen absorbs the heat and radiates warmth into the room, warming the space."

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.

Our Experts:

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