How To Select The Right Fireplace Screen
Trying to decide which fireplace screen to buy can seem overwhelming. There are many shapes, colors, styles and sizes available. Here is some help to select the fireplace screen that is just right for you.
Shape
Lets start with shape. This will be the easiest decision to make. Is your fireplace opening arched or standard? If your fireplace opening is arched, you will select an arched fireplace screen with a continuous arch. If it is standard, any of the others will work as long as it fits. We will get to sizing later.
Color
Lets now move on to color. You will want your fireplace screen to coordinate with the dominant colors in your room.
If your dominant colors are warm, such as red, yellow, orange, or a mix of any of these, your fireplace screen should be black, gold, rust, copper, bronze, brass, or any of the brown shades.
If your dominant colors are cool, such as green, green-blue, blue, blue-violet, or violet, your fireplace screen should be black, white, stainless steel, pewter, or any of the silver colors.
You probably noticed that a black fireplace screen works with any color scheme.
Theme
The next question would be, what look am I trying to achieve? One would be traditional. A traditional look is a "clean look" which is simple and classic in design. This look works well with any theme. These fireplace screens would include ones that have straight lines and are not real "fancy" in their design.
Another look would be an antique or a Victorian theme. This is usually rich in tapestries and very elegant. This calls for the fireplace screens with rounded corners and fancy scrolls.
Other Fireplace Screens To Consider
You may want to consider a fireplace screen with doors. These are very handy not to have to move the entire fireplace screen to tend the fire. You may also want a glass fireplace screen which is absolutely beautiful in the evening with the fire glowing behind it.
Fireplace Screen Sizing
The most important thing to consider is the size of the fireplace screen. You could find a fireplace screen that you absolutely love, but if it does not fit it simply will not work. The sizing rules are as follows:
Single panel fireplace screens should be 1-3 inches larger than the fireplace opening on all sides including the top.
Folding panel screens should be at least 10-12 inches larger than your fire box opening to allow for the bend which gives the fireplace screen stability. The fireplace screen should also be 1-3 inches taller than your fire box opening.
These are minimum size guidelines. If the fireplace screen is larger than this, that is fine. As long as it does not look out of proportion.
Whatever fireplace screen you select, make sure it is one that fits and one that you will enjoy. Every time you look at your new fireplace screen you should say, "I'm glad I got that one".
