Part of what makes a fireplace so beautiful is the accessories which go with it. You can purchase tools which make it easier to stoke the fire, tools which make it easier to add wood when the fire is blazing, even tools which can add oxygen and make it burn hotter. Fireplace screens act as a shield to prevent damage to the room that your fireplace is in.
A fireplace screen is made up of several parts. There is a metal framework which holds a screen that prevents sparks from popping out of the fire and onto your floor or furniture. Most often, they are used with a wood burning fireplace since these are the only ones that have the risk of giving off sparks and flying cinders. You can use a fireplace screen with other types of fireplace, but these are often merely ornamental rather than functional.
You should look for a few specific features in any fireplace screen you use. The first is that you want air to be able to pass through the screen so that the fire can get the oxygen it needs in order to breathe. Fires require air in order to keep them going and a fireplace screen can help promote the proper flow of air through the fireplace and into the fire. You need to look for a fireplace screen that is made of mesh or screening rather than a solid panel.
If you like a traditional look, you should go for a screen that has three or more panels. There are single panel fireplace screens, but they are often more contemporary in their styling. With a three panel fireplace screen, there will be a wider front panel that extends along the front of the fireplace and two side panels that provide the screen with stability and allow it to stand upright.
There are fireplace screens with more than three panels. A four panel screen is the same basic shape as a three panel screen, but has had the front panel divided up into two smaller panels. There are five or even six paneled screens. There are even fan shaped screens where there are six or more panels forming the fan, which sits on a base in front of the fireplace. A good fireplace screen is not so heavily decorated that you cannot see the fire behind it.
It can be hard to access the fire with some screens. They may be too heavy to move. If you plan to be making a fire that will burn for some time, remember that you will need to be able to prod the fire. You want to think about purchasing a screen that can be drawn to the side in order to let you access the flames. Or, you may need to think about a different style of fireplace screen if you find it is too difficult to get at the fire itself.
Fireplace screens are sold in most fireplace stores. This can be a great way to make sure you have a screen which fits properly and can block the entire front of the fireplace. You can also purchase screens in home decorating stores, or have one custom built by a blacksmith. There are also many websites dedicated to selling fireplace screens and some of these can be an excellent way to get a great deal.
Jeff Bridges has always enjoyed the warmth received in front of the fire he currently runs a website where he sells fireplace screens. There they promote many differently styles, colors, and designs of fireplace screens.
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