Fireplace screens can be both decorative and important for safety. If you have a wood fireplace, a screen is a necessity. But even if you use gas or electric, a fireplace screen will complete the overall look of your fireplace.

Screens keep smoke and ash from entering the home from wood burning fires. And they will also keep potentially fire causing sparks from flying out as well. You can also purchase a style of screen that hides the ash build up at the bottom.

Fireplace screens are also important for the safety of pets and children, as they will not be able to get too close. No matter what type of fireplace you have, this is an important consideration. Even without an open flame, fireplaces can still be dangerous.

More people have fireplaces that are powered by gas or electric these days. The cleaning and maintenance is far easier. But there is still a desire to emulate the look of a wood fireplace if possible. One is so used to seeing fireplace screens on traditional fireplaces that they just do not look right without them. Many people have screens for this purpose, even if they never actually use the fireplace.

There are many materials and styles of fireplace screens on the market. They are usually either glass or metal, with an iron, gold or brass look. Styles may be folding, single pieces or multiple. The designs cover a wide range from very basic to ornate and everything in between. You will definitely find one to match the style of your home.

You need to make sure that your screen is the proper size if it is to fulfill its safety purposes. Some screens are fitted into the fireplace. For those that are not, you need to be sure that it covers the sides as well as the front. It will also need to be a few inches higher than the fireplace.

You will also want to ensure that freestanding fireplace screens are stable. Especially if you do have pets or small children, you want to make sure that they are not easy to knock over. Folding screens in particular can be somewhat more unstable. If necessary, you may need to consider attaching the screen somehow to the fireplace to prevent accidents.

The vast selection of fireplace screens available ensures that you will find the perfect one for your safety and home decorating needs. There will be no need to sacrifice beauty to protect your family as well as your home.

Jeff Bridges has always enjoyed a warm fire on a cold winter’s night he currently helps run a fireplace screens website, which promotes fireplace screens in all shapes and styles.