It’s no secret that fireplaces require their fair share of maintenance—but the reward is worth the work, especially when you have a cozy place to gather on chilly nights. Knowledge of fire safety is a must for anyone who regularly lights a crackling fire, and adding a screen is one way to exercise precaution. Plus, they’re not only functional. Choosing a fireplace screen is an easy way to infuse a decorative element into the room, especially if the structure of the fireplace doesn’t necessarily match your style.

Read on to discover the benefits of a fireplace screen, which type is ideal for your fireplace, and how to properly care for one. Plus, get our best ideas for how to style a fireplace screen in your space.

What Is a Fireplace Screen?

The primary function of a fireplace screen is to act as a barrier between a crackling fire and the rest of the room. This way, if embers or sparks fly from the fire, they’re stopped by the screen instead of landing on the floor, furniture, fabric, or the skin of someone sitting close to the fireplace. Protecting your home and its inhabitants from potential fire or burns is the number one reason for adding a screen to your fireplace.

Depending on the type of screen you choose, another benefit is that it can aid in distributing heat evenly throughout the room. From a purely aesthetic perspective, fireplace screens also add an accent detail to the space that you’ll benefit from even when there’s no fire burning.

Types of Fireplace Screens

There are a few options you should consider when shopping for a fireplace screen. The most simple style is a single-panel screen that is designed to fit flat against the fireplace. If you’d like more flexibility in their coverage and how easily it is to reach the fire, opt for a multi-panel folding screen, bowed or curved screen, or one with double doors.

For a sleek look that also allows you to fully see the fire blazing, choose a glass fireplace screen. You can also choose a decorative screen that complements the rest of the room, but be aware that not all will offer as much protection as a type that fully covers the fireplace opening.

How to Care for a Fireplace Screen

The good news is that most fireplace screens require little upkeep. Metal is the most commonly found material, and a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth about once a month will prevent dust from building up. For a deeper clean, use a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the screen and let it dry completely.

Glass fireplace screens can be carefully wiped down with a homemade vinegar solution. Regardless of the method, always wait until the entire hearth area is cool before cleaning the screen, and be sure to check with the manufacturer for any special instructions.

Fireplace Screen Ideas

Use the following fireplace screen ideas as inspiration for your own space.