Smokey Fireplace Screens

Archive for the ‘Types’ Category

With so many styles and sizes available, it might be hard to believe you would need to have one custom made.

But there are situations that call for one of a kind screen for aesthetic and function objectives. While all possible reasons will not be covered here, the common ones will.

You might need a custom fireplace screen if…

* The opening for your fireplace is arched or pointed at the top
* You do not have room for an external fireplace screen or you do not have a hearth, you will need an installed screen
* Your fireplace is wider than 52”
* Your fireplace is taller than 60”
* Yours is a wrap around fireplace, not a hole in a wall
* You want a monogrammed screen
* Hand forged steel or iron is your style
* You like the ultra modern decorating style and want to avoid ornamentals
* You like stained glass and don’t plan on using your screen for function, but solely for decoration
* You want to build your own out of new or recycled materials
* You have a split fireplace, separated in the middle by a wall or column
* You are looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of metallic art
* You need to match an existing screen or other pattern in the room
* The theme of the room is unique and you can’t find a stock screen that fits in
* Your fireplace is not near the ground but placed close to eye level, you will need a screen that attaches both at the top and bottom of your fireplace opening
* You want a screen that reflects a specific piece of art

If you decide you are best served by a custom fireplace screen, you will likely need a blacksmith (for metal screens) or a stained glass artist. Look in your yellow pages or online for one in your area or one who’s work you admire.

If you are contemplating getting a new fireplace screen for your hearth, you may be surprised by how many options are available to you.

Over the past few years, using your fireplace as a centerpiece in your decorating theme has come to the front and merchandisers have kept up with the demand. When choosing a fireplace screen, one of the first things you’ll need to decide upon is the shape of the screen you desire. The following information will help you to decide what is right for you.

The number of panels that a screen has will vary from one to as many as five and they may have a straight or bowed shaped to them, as well as have a door to allow you access to the fire. Single panel fireplace screens will general fit flat up against the fireplace and will have adjustable feet, allowing you to move them closer or further away from the fire. However, the curved single panel screen will be curved enough so they can stand on their own.

When you find a three or four-panel screen, you’ll see they are hinged for greater flexibility in adjusting them to fit the width of the fireplace. Regardless of whether you purchase a single panel or multi-panel fireplace screen, they’ll either come with a flat top or an arched top. With multi-panel screens, each screen may be arched by itself or they all have an arch to create a pattern.

When choosing one for your hearth, choose one that matches your décor. If your room is done in flat clear lines, adding an arch topped screen will detract from the look you are trying to create. In this case, a flat topped screen would be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you’ve created an atmosphere that requires an arch, there will be several for you to choose from, whether it is simply curved at the top or the arches lead to an elegant design. The fact is you’ll have many options in shapes and designs when choosing a screen for your fireplace.

Hinged fireplace screens, whether 3 panels or more, are all made relatively the same way.

Fireplaces provide heat and comfort to a home and can help add decoration to the room in the form of a stylish fireplace screen. Hinged fireplace screens not only come in countless designs, they add safety and easy fire maintenance advantages.

Hinged screens, whether 3 panels or more, are all made relatively the same way. Panels of metal are cut from iron, framed glass, cast aluminum, or simple screen material. Panels are then attached to one another with hinges.

Some have 3 panels while others have 4, 5 or more. Three paneled screens are most common of all hinged screens and used for fireplaces with average sized openings. Four and five paneled screens generally used for oversized fireplaces.

If you have an average sized fireplace, you have the option of a single paneled screen or a 3-panel screen. The benefits of choosing a hinged screen include:

* More stable than single panel screens, won’t tip easily
* Safer for children because the screen is not placed right next to the fire so the screen doesn’t get hot
* Safer for pets because of the barrier created away from the fire
* Many design options to accent your room
* Can be stored easily during warm months as they fold up easily and flat
* Optional door feature allows you to add firewood and rearrange fire without removing the screen entirely
* Help keep your home safe by maintaining a barrier on all sides of the fireplace and your floor

Make sure you place your hinged fireplace screen on the outside of each side of your fireplace pit, touching the façade. Your screen should not only cover all sides of the fireplace where embers may jump out, but also be at least as tall as the opening.

One would think that keeping a glass panel in front of the logs in a gas fireplace would reduce the very enjoyment and warmth that fireplace is meant to provide. But it doesn’t!

This “newfangled” feature is only for use with newer type of fireplaces on the market, referred to as direct-vent. They are actually less expensive for new home construction since chimneys aren’t required, and blend well with various marble and mantle designs. If a customer is in the market for a new fireplace and their space lends itself to this installation (check with builder or contractor), there are pros and cons of the direct-vent “screen” of a full front glass enclosure to consider,

Pros: The degree of heat felt in the room, and the speed in which it is recognized, is comparable to traditional gas fireplaces. Using the fireplace is easier overall, since there is no need to open and close mesh curtains and glass doors; simply flipping a switch turns it on. Manipulation of the glass enclosure is not necessary once it has been properly installed. Since there won’t be an occasion to forget to close the “screen”, the glass keeps toddler hands out of the fireplace when it is not being utilized. One more advantage is that the magnifying properties of a front glass enclosure will cause the flames to appear larger, which is an aesthetically appealing plus!

Cons: The glass gets very hot! Care must be taken that children stay off the hearth while the fireplace is operating. Even after shutoff, the enclosure stays quite warm, and leaning an item onto it can cause melting and/or adherence to the glass. Should access to the inside components be required, the glass must be removed in an extremely cautious manner. Even this tempered glass can scratch, and if the panel cracks or breaks, it must be replaced before using the fireplace again. Failing to operate it without the glass panel can cause serious problems. (However, should the rearrangement of logs be desired, removing and reinstalling the glass panel can be done by one person.)

Just like the glass doors on older gas fireplaces, front enclosures should be cleaned occasionally during the operating season. Direct-vent fireplace glass requires a non-ammonia and water mixture, or gas fireplace glass cleaner.

The glass front enclosure may not be a traditional gas fireplace screen, but it still offers safety, beauty and function!

From Decorative to Purely Functional There are Many Types Available

There are so many different types of fireplace screens available in today’s market, no one should have a problem finding one that meets their individual needs perfectly. Whether you are looking for decorative purposes only, or whether you need on for fire safety, the perfect one is available. The following paragraphs will discuss a few different types of fireplace screens and how they can be beneficial to fireplace owners.

Traditional fireplace screens are not necessarily designed for their looks, but rather their performance, and what they are intended to do. Traditional fireplace screens are usually black, with three panels, and made from wrought iron. While the panels on traditional fireplace screens are hinged together, they generally move independently, to best fit individual fireplaces, and fireplace needs. For example, when you need to add a log to the fire, the panels can be moved back and forth, to make the job an easier task. The panels on this type of fireplace screens are most generally constructed from fine steel.

Other type of screens for the fireplace are decorative fireplace screens. These screens come in a wide variety of shapes and styles all in themselves. Some decorative fireplace screens are made from stained glass, and others are totally hand-crafted, custom made to fit specific decor. When you do not actively use your fireplace, and are trying to achieve a certain look, a decorative fireplace screen may be your answer.

There are many other types of fireplace screens available for purchase. Before you rush out and purchase a fireplace screen, you must first know what the intended purposes of your screen will be. For example, a decorative fireplace screen may not be suitable for a frequently used fireplace. If you need a fireplace screen, you should explore all your options before making any final decision.