Fireplace Screen Beauty -- Yes, Screens Can Be More Than Functional...

If you're looking for a fireplace screen, you probably have a good idea why they're important: they keep sparks from leaping out of an open fire and landing on carpets, draperies, passing cats, etc.

Even if you're in the room the whole time a fire is burning, you're probably not paying attention to it 100% of the time, so a screen can give you peace of mind. You don't want to look up to see a corner of your antique rug on fire!

While fireplace screens serve a practical purpose, they can be quite handsome too. In fact, many people who never even burn fires in their hearths purchase screens for the decorative aspect (they can also hide the inside of an ugly firebox adorned with char and soot stains).

Most fireplace screens are made from metal frames (often wrought iron) filled out with metal-based mesh. But more decorative options can be made with other materials. Anything that isn't flammable is game.

Examples include glass and stained glass fireplace screens. You can even find interesting mirror screens, though most people prefer materials that let them see into the firebox to some extent. (It may be a different matter if you're trying to hide an ugly firebox!)

Below, we'll look at a few of the myriad fireplace screen options available over the Internet (when you shop online, you get a much greater selection than what you'd find at a home and garden store, and you can also find and buy them "out of season").

This hand-made screen is a handsome one, and it's easy to see why it's popular and highly reviewed at Amazon.

"This fireplace screen is made to look antique with the metal hand polished finishing." It stands a substantial 35" tall and 55" wide, so you'll want to measure your firebox before considering it.

If it works for you, it's listed well under the retail price at Amazon:

Tuscany Fireplace Screen with Antique Oxidized Roman Mediterranean Design

This fireplace screen features doors that open in the middle, which makes it different from one-piece and folding screens. It's not as decorative as some of the screens we're looking at here, but simplicity can be very practical.

Since it mounts flush against the surround, it doesn't stick out as traditional folding screens do, so you don't have to worry about it being knocked over if you have rowdy kids or dogs in the house. It's designed to look like built in fireplace doors, but the unit actually doesn't require any tools for installation.

"These screen doors install in seconds with no masonry work, drilling or special tools required. A rigid metal frame and stabilizing feet keep the fireplace doors in place and let you open and close them easily to tend your fire. Mesh screen in the doors let the heat and beauty of your fire through, but stop hot coals and embers from escaping into your room."

The practical model pictured above is available online for less than $100:

Basic Fireplace Screen with Doors

The screen shown above is elegant and decorative without being overbearing. As an added plus, it's inexpensive too and costs less than $50 at Amazon.

It measures 32" x 50" x 6" and comes in "colonial brown." The simple oak leaf design will match many decorating styles, and the branches themselves are hand-forged.

For the price, it's a great alternative to those ugly wire mesh curtains that so often come with hearths.

Click below to buy it from Amazon (or browse other screens in their inventory):

Oak Leaf Fireplace Screen

While wrought iron and mesh make up the majority of fireplace screens, you can definitely find models that feature more exotic materials. Stained glass is popular for its cheerful color.

While some stained glass screens block the view of the fire, this charming dragonfly design only takes up the center of the screen, so you can enjoy the decorative piece while still catching a view of the dancing flames behind it.

As far as materials go, the screen features a bronze finish frame with fleur de lis accents, and the colorful dragonfly insert is made from a stunning 1200 pieces of glass.

It's more expensive than the last couple screens we've looked at, but you'll usually find stained glass is more expensive. If this decorative element is something you enjoy, the screen is still a relatively affordable option:

Dragonfly Stained Glass Fireplace Screen

You have to be quite a sports fan to want to see a team's logo on your fireplace screen, but if that suits your family just fine, you'll be pleased to know you can get all sorts of college and professional teams immortalized on your fireplace accessories.

The screen above highlights the Cincinnati Bengals team logo, and the company that makes it offers lots of other teams too, and yes all the screens are fully functional and can withstand the crackling flames of a roaring fire.

"This wrought iron Fireplace Screen is fully functional, accented with decorative scrollwork and features a 16" by 19" oval stained glass logo. This officially licensed Fireplace Screen will make your fireplace the center of attention in your home and show off your team pride."

Click the link below to take a closer look at the Bengals screen or to browse other teams available:

Cincinnati Bengals Stained Glass Fireplace Screen