Your mantelpiece is beautifully decorated, the fire is on, and the room feels delightfully cozy. What's lacking, then? Why, a fireplace screen, of course!
There are many reasons why you should definitely add one right now, from safety to the fact that it can even help you reinforce your room's décor.
However, keep in mind that these bad boys are not all the same: it's important to find out exactly how to choose a fireplace screen so that you can get one that matches your needs and interiors.
But let's first see why and how it can upgrade your space.
Whenever fire is involved, it's much better to be safe than sorry:
- A fireplace screen will prevent stray sparks, embers and ash from escaping that area and ending up on your carpet or other flammable objects;
- Should a log roll out of place, a fireplace screen will easily catch it before it's too late;
- If you have little kids, it'll also prevent them from trying to crawl too close to the fire or even touching it.
Mom With Daughter By The Fireplace
Fireplace screens also improve heat efficiency
When picturing a screen in front of the flames, your first thought might be, 'Oh no, I'm going to miss out on heat!'
That's totally understandable, but, in reality… it's actually the opposite:
- Normally, only 10% of your firewood energy is converted into useful heat, since the rest is dispersed up the chimney. Pretty wasteful, right?
- Luckily, most fireplace screens are proven to double your fireplace efficiency as they absorb the heat and radiate it more evenly into the room.
Let's be honest: we secretly love the fact they can hide a dirty fireplace
Once the fire magic is over, any fireplace can get a bit messy, with ashes and burnt logs lying around.
A fireplace screen will conceal all that, directing both yours and your guests' attention away from it, automatically focusing on its design instead.
A fireplace screen is also highly effective at reinforcing your décor style
One of the best things when it comes to fireplace screens is that they're available in all sorts of styles and designs, so it'll be a breeze to match your interiors… as long as you know what to look for, of course!
Traditional
If you have traditional interiors, you should focus on blending elegance and coziness.
You can do so with fireplace screens that follow fairly simple or geometrical designs (especially when paneled) but with a slightly more decorative element.
Contemporary & minimalist
Whether you have contemporary or minimalist interiors, practicality is key: a bare, streamlined design is the best way to emphasize your décor with your new fireplace screen.
Single-panel models are the easiest way to achieve it. Alternatively, you can opt for paneled designs or screens with doors that still maintain a very essential vibe, without any decorative elements.
French country
For French country rooms, you want to go the opposite way: find the most decorative three-panel designs with a majestic look and plenty of details, either in iron or more colorful metal finishes.
Try and think: would this look well in Versailles or a provincial home? If the answer is oui, go for it!
Shabby chic
While not quite as over-the-top as French country interiors, shabby chic décor is still very much based around decorative shapes and details.
In this case, focus on paneled designs with harmonious lines and aesthetically pleasing pattern repetitions.
Industrial
To emphasize the rawness of this style, stick to metal and, especially, dark iron.
As for designs, you should still prioritize simplicity and practicality, such as with single panels, streamlined paneled options, or fireplace screens with doors.
Tiffany
Even though this style started out over a century ago, you can still find many beautiful fireplace screens made to match Tiffany interiors.
The most obvious choice is a paneled model made of stained glass, featuring rich decorations and a variety of colors.
Art deco
While stained glass can work wonders in art deco settings too, you can also consider other models that rely on the repetition of geometric shapes or flamboyant designs in eye-catching metal finishes.
Mid-century modern
Love the charm of the 50s and 60s? Then try and stick to a warm palette and more horizontal designs, either as a long single panel or a paneled model. Bold geometric shapes are always a big plus.
Bohemian
With a bohemian décor you have a lot more freedom.
The trick is to look for designs that showcase your eclectic approach to life and interior design: for example, exotic or unusual models that could easily be a one-of-a-kind.
Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.
Foter Magazine is a premier architecture, decoration, interiors and design website. We inspire and guide you to make your home a more attractive place.
