In the old days, open fireplaces were exactly that: open. Built from bricks into a wall of the home, they offered direct access to the fire at all times. Back then, this was an unavoidable necessity, as people used the fire for many different purposes, not the least of them cooking. Even then, however, the safety issues were all too clear: devastating house fires often started in or near the hearth.
Today, safety is paramount. The simplest and most effective fireplace accessories for increasing safety are fireplace screens. Made out of glass or a dense mesh of fire-resistant material like metal, they stand as a shield between the fire and the outside room. Three common examples should illustrate their usefulness for improving safety.
Reason one: protecting the outside from burning logs from accidentally rolling out of the fireplace. While this, fortunately, happens only rarely, it has always severe consequences. It is therefore very important that the fireplace screen is either firmly attached to the fireplace opening or, alternatively, made out of heavy iron and placed solidly on the floor. Screens that leave an opening between their lower end and the floor do not offer sufficient protection.
Reason two: keeping flying sparks and embers inside the fireplace. Especially when logs have burned down for a while, they will disintegrate and fall to the bottom if stacked upon each other, causing sparks to fly up – possibly into the room where they might start a fire. Solid fireplace screens made out of glass and covering the fireplace opening completely offer the best protection.
Reason three: ensuring the safety of children and pets near the fire. Children like playing near an open fire and are attracted by the flames and heat radiating from a fireplace. While it is still of critical importance that children are never left unsupervised near a burning fire, installing a physical barrier between them and the flames is an invaluable safety feature. The same argument is valid concerning pets. While animals naturally shy away from open flames, the familiarity with a fireplace in operation that pets reach may cause them to overcome their instinct and get dangerously close to the fire.
Hopefully, these arguments can convince many fireplace owners to consider installing a protective screen. They are among the most important fireplace accessories and investments in the safety of their home.
Stupell Industries 3 Panel Decorative Fireplace Screen, Tapestry and Floral, 31 by 44 by .375 Inches
Fireplace screens are the focal point of any room and the beautiful colors will enhance the look of the area . Both functional and decorative, these unique decorative screens will keep your fireplace out of sight when not in use. This piece is handcrafted from original artwork by English muralist Julie Perren. Lithograph is laminated to sturdy 3/8-inch mdf and folds up when not in use . Item is already assembled in box and ready to be put in front of the fireplace . Made in USA. 31-inch H by 44-inch W by 3/8-inch L
Rustic Fireplace Screen
Magnificent metalwork fire screen features cutout silhouettes of deer and mountains; absolutely magical when backlit by firelight!Weathered bronze finish gives this the instant appeal of a well-loved antique. Three-part folding design with mesh screen. Wrought iron. 54 inches x 1/2 inches x 32 1/2 inches high
Panacea Products Corp 3Panel Scrolltop Screen Fireplace Enclosures & Screens
3 Panel, Brushed Bronze, Scroll Top & Bottom Fireplace Screen, Powder Coated Steel Construction, Elegant Understated Scroll Design Looks Great In Both Traditional & Contemporary Decor, Barrel Hinges Secure Side Panels To The Front, 30′ H x 50′ W.
Rustic Star Fireplace Screen
Add a touch of Texas style to your hearth with this handsome folk art screen! Striking gate design features a host of metal cutouts and rustic weathered finish; gives any room a cozy prairie campfire feel. Metal. Front panel 26 inches x 3 inches x 35 inches high. When open screen is 51 inches W.
Metal Fireplace Screen
As romantic and cozy as a fireplace can be, safety should always be first and foremost in the home. A metal fireplace screen will give you peace of mind when leaving a room temporarily, that an errant breeze down the chimney won’t deposit sparks or cinders on your floor and carpets. Handsome black metal styling with a cast iron medallion in the center. 44 ½ x 1 x 30 ¾ inches high.