Fireplace screens are a practical and beautiful way to add an accent to your room while protecting furniture, pets and children from errant sparks or exposure to flame. Choosing one of these beautiful additions can be a challenge, so we've put together a series of professional tips to help you make the best possible decision for you.
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When choosing a fireplace screen, it's natural to consider the types of screen to choose from. We've taken the liberty of exploring them for you in this pro tip.
Single panel
Single panel fireplace screens are probably the most common type of screen available. They are the easiest to use and set up since all they require is to be set flush against the opening of your fireplace. Single panel fireplace screens often feature double doors, so your fire will be easy to tend.
When they don't have doors, single panel fireplace screens come equipped with handles that allow easy adjustment. They can also include adjustable legs to ensure your screen sits snugly against the fireplace opening.
Multi-panel
Multi-panel screens are well suited for large fireplaces and create a 3-D space that provides proper protection while leaving an opening near the top of the screen that allows you to tend the fire easily. Multi-panel screens can also feature doors and cover a range of styles from contemporary to antique replicas and modern styles.
Bowed or Curved Fireplace Screens
Curved or bowed fireplace screens offer superior coverage to single panels and similar coverage to triple panel fireplace screens. You can think of them as a middle ground between single panel screens and multi-panel screens.
Multi-panel screens are unique in that they can be adjusted to suit your unique fireplace via folding, but also create 3-D protection that simultaneously allows access to your fire. Bowed or curved screens accomplish the same effect but are less customizable since they normally have no folding panels.
Now that we've taken a look at the major considerations when buying a fireplace screen, let's take a quick look into some of the common styles available.
Antique
Truly antique fireplace screens are extremely hard to find in modern times, but antique replicas are commonly available. If you're interested in having a geometrically intricate design that catches the eye, you can strongly consider pursuing a screen designed in the Art Deco style.
The Art Deco style of design emerged from France prior to World War 1 and was heavily influenced by several styles that all sought to be modern in appearance. What resulted was a series of highly geometrical designs that emphasize symmetry and contrasting shapes to create dynamic images.
Victorian-era brass work replicas are another way you can add a "classic" appeal to your living spaces. These brass pieces are generally large and feature swirling and looping waves and curls, which catch the eye and soothe the spirit.
Contemporary
Contemporary fireplace screens typically commit to a sleek, refined look that goes along well with modern decors. Contemporary screens add refined elegance to most apartments but fit especially well with decors that focus on clean lines and subtle finishes.
If your home sports a modern and minimalistic look, a black screen in the contemporary style should accent your home quite well.
Scenic
Scenic fireplace designs often feature references to nature, which are then backed by a metal wire mesh. Designs can feature interlocking branches that add a soft touch, depictions of wildlife and nature scenes, starlit skies and even recurring geometric patterns that fit well into a modern home.
Scenic fireplaces tend to cast interesting shadows and can make for a display of their own in the right circumstance.
