11 Best Fireplace Screens – Affordable & for Toddlers

Chris HuntAbout the Author: Hi! I'm Chris Hunt, and I wrote this article. With years of experience as a former firefighter and knowledge of combustible materials, I have personally researched and compiled the information presented here. Please note that the content provided is solely my opinion and should not be construed as professional advice. Additionally, I do not guarantee the quality or performance of any of the products featured. Please be sure to review the website's Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions before using the site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (without additional cost or expense to you).

Best for Toddlers

Best Value for Money

‘Minuteman International’ Child Guard

Minuteman International Large 3F Screen Child Guard Stove, BlackCheck Price on Amazon

This fireplace screen is perfect for child safety. It has no easily accessible handles for a toddler to reach. Plus, it has a bracing rod that holds the screen in place to decrease the chances of it collapsing when handled.

‘Best Choice Products’ 3-Panel Simple Steel Mesh Screen

Best Choice Products 47x29in 3-Panel Simple Steel Mesh Fireplace Screen, Fire Spark Guard Grate for Living Room Home Decor w/Rustic Worn Finish - BlackCheck Price on Amazon

We like that this is a simple and affordable option. Our concern is that it doesn’t have a bracing rod-like Minuteman International. This missing piece makes it less safe for toddlers who could knock it over.

Fireplaces cause a staggering 15,000 house fires per year in the United States, according to the NFPA. Commonly, those fires spread from the fireplace to the living room via wind gusts or spitting embers. Our reviews of the best fireplace screens can help to protect your home from becoming another statistic.

A fireplace screen is an excellent way to minimize the risks of embers escaping the fireplace and starting a fire.

But fireplace screens prevent embers from spitting out of the fire. As a result, they can decrease the risks of children and pets falling into the fire.

In this article, we’ve outlined a range of the best fireplace screens available online.

Best Fireplace Screens Comparison Chart

Full Product Reviews

1. Minuteman International Child Guard – Best for Toddlers

Quick Review: We feel this is the best fireplace screen we could find for protecting children. It’s designed specifically with this purpose in mind.

Minuteman International Large 3F Screen Child Guard Stove, BlackCheck Price on Amazon

This simple three-panel fireplace screen has an excellent neutral design to fit any living space.

But the biggest drawing card is that it has specific features to help protect children and pets.

They achieve this security through the use of a brazing rod. The rod connects the two end panels to prevent the screen from collapsing accidentally.

You can adjust the rod or remove it entirely if you like, so it’s friendly and versatile.

The rod is a great additional safety feature. But someone can still pull the screen backward with force and effort. The real benefit is it’s hard to make this screen collapse inwards compared to other screens.

Overall the screen sticks out about 22 inches from your fireplace to create a friendly buffer zone to protect your children and pets from the heat of the fire. But it can help protect users from embers spitting into the living space.

Lastly, the screen does fold flat for storage which is an excellent addition. When you’re not using the fireplace (or during summer), you can fit the screen discretely in a cupboard storage space or between the couch and the wall.

Why This Fireplace Screen

Keep in Mind

Designed to Protect Children and Pets: This screen’s entire purpose is to protect kids. It achieves this security through a bracing rod that prevents it from collapsing in on itself.

Neutral Design: We like it to fit in any space as it doesn’t clash with anything.

Folds Flat for Storage: It’s great for storing it in a small place over the summer.

Mid Range Price Point: It’s not the cheapest, but it’s not the most expensive either.

2. ‘Best Choice Products’ 3-Panel Simple Steel Mesh Fire Spark Guard Gate – Best Value for Money

Quick Review: We like that this is a very affordable fireplace screen with a sturdy solid look.

Best Choice Products 47x29in 3-Panel Simple Steel Mesh Fireplace Screen, Fire Spark Guard Grate for Living Room Home Decor w/Rustic Worn Finish - BlackCheck Price on Amazon

This model is another nice minimalist screen. It doesn’t have fancy logos or designs but a simple and elegant look with steel mesh and a powder-coated finish.

But the best part about this is just how affordable it is!

The screen is foldable for simple, easy storage.

But some things make it perhaps not quite as good as others.

First, it doesn’t have a bracing rod, meaning the screen could easily fall inward and outward.

Second, there aren’t legs for the screen to stand on. So, instead, it relies on the configuration of the three panels to balance itself out.

So at the end of the day, we think this is an excellent and well-priced screen for minimizing the risks of embers causing burn marks on rugs. Still, we feel better options for protecting pets and kids from falling into the fire.

Why This Fireplace Screen

Keep in Mind

Affordable: This is the best fireplace screen for someone on a budget, in our opinion.

Elegant but straightforward: There aren’t any bold fashion statements here, but it still has a sleek look.

No Bracing Rod: We prefer bracing rods for screens if you want to protect kids or pets.

No Door: If you want to add firewood, you’ll need to move it aside and return it to its place. That can get a bit annoying at times.

3. Pleasant Hearth Fireplace Screen Guard

Quick Review: We like that this fireplace screen protects the top and sides. It appears to be a very sturdy guard!

Pleasant Hearth Fireplace Screen GuardCheck Price on Amazon

We’re impressed by this model. Most fireplace screens focus on protection on the sides only. But this one wraps around the top to seal the fireplace from the rest of the room.

First, it makes it harder for embers to spit over the fireplace screen. So you’ve got added protection from accidental fires caused by wind gusts.

Second, we feel it makes the whole screen itself much more stable. It means the screen is significantly less likely to collapse in on itself.

We like that the size is pretty versatile – it will wrap around most fireplaces of all different sizes.

We have two concerns.

First, a toddler can quickly grab the handles on the outside. As the screen is 11 lbs, there’s a chance a toddler might grasp it and move it around.

The second is some short sections to watch out for during installation. Fortunately, they’re on the inside part, so chances of a little one snagging on them are low.

Why This Fireplace Screen

Keep in Mind

Fully Encloses the Fireplace: We like that their cover goes over the top.

Impressive Price Point: We think they did an excellent job getting the price down to a reasonable figure.

Handles are Toddler Height: We don’t like that toddlers might be able to get their hands on the handles.

Some Sharp Sections: Some sharp bits are inside, so they are not within reach of most children.

4. Uniflame – Large Wrought Iron Sparkguard – Minimalist Design

Quick Review: This screen is no-nonsense and straightforward, designed for people who want a blank canvas. It doesn’t take up too much space.

Uniflame, S-1028, Large Wrought Iron SparkguardCheck Price on Amazon

Many of our readers want a simple, sturdy fireplace screen.

It’s simple and minimalist. There are no bold design features to fit in any living space. But it means that it will be very discrete and inconspicuous.

Simply pick the screen up and place it in front of the fire. It’s that easy!

This feature means the screen will sit in front of any fireplace. It’s 44 inches wide – wide enough for most fireplaces.

The handles are nice and high on the screen, so a toddler won’t access them too easily (although it’s not impossible).

This screen sits against the fireplace, with legs only on the outside face, so it doesn’t tip out into the room. This setup creates a nice flush look but means the screen won’t do quite as good a job protecting a toddler from the heat of the fire.

Why This Fireplace Screen

Keep in Mind

Discrete: We like that it’s minimalist and doesn’t stand out.

Fits Nearly Every Fireplace: It’s large enough to fit any fireplace.

Sits Flush Against Wall: We like that it sits flush, so it isn’t invading the living space too much.

The Price Point: Given this screen is minimalist. We’d expect the price to be lower.

5. Manhattan Modern – Free Standing Glass Fireplace Screen

Quick Review: This is a classy modern glass screen for a refined living space. It may not be best for a house with children.

Manhattan Modern Free Standing Glass Fireplace Screen (Clear, Stainless Steel Feet) Medium (39Check Price on Amazon

A glass screen is an alternative to your standard mesh screen for a fireplace guard.

Glass screens are entirely see-through and transparent, making them easier on the eye than mesh screens. This feature can be a good look, particularly in upscale living spaces.

The screen sits a little from the fireplace and stands on its legs. As noted earlier, we’re not the biggest fans of this style as it leaves gaps.

Glass is expensive. So expect to pay for the privilege of this sort of fireplace screen.

And of course – keep in mind, kids. While the glass may keep them away from the fireplace, you don’t want them to knock this large glass panel onto the ground or put grubby fingerprints all over it.

Why This Fireplace Screen

Keep in Mind

Classy: It has a lovely upscale feel about it.

See Through: It allows more fire visibility than a mesh screen.

Expensive: It isn’t cheap, folks!

Not Best for Kids: Dirty fingerprints on the glass and the potential for knocking the panel onto the ground make us pass on this one.

6. Amagabeli – Fireplace Screen with Doors and Tools

Quick Review: The tools with this screen are great, but they’re one extra safety hazard for a toddler.

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This Amagabeli screen comes with the whole package – doors, screen, and tools!

The doors are secured shut using a magnetic system, preventing them from randomly swinging out. In addition, you can screw handles onto the doors to help you open and close them more quickly. Still, the handles make it easier for your toddler to access the fireplace.

The doors are a little smaller than others on this list. However, we like more oversized doors for easier access to the fire. This feature is handy when rearranging the logs or adding fresh wood to the fire.

It’s nice that there are tools added to the screen. You get the usual four tools that you’d get in a fireplace toolset, including a broom, shovel, poker, and tongs. They’re not our favorite tools in terms of quality, but the arms of the tools are nice and long, and they’ll hopefully serve you well. We’d consider hanging some fireplace gloves on the tool hooks.

We are wary that you wouldn’t want a toddler around those four tools, so we don’t think this one is the best choice if you’re looking for a screen to keep toddlers safe.

Why This Fireplace Screen

Keep in Mind

Tools Included: It’s nice to have a fireplace toolset, and now you’ve got somewhere to hang them.

Doors: It’s great that this screen has doors for easy access to the fire to add logs.

Magnetic Shutters on Doors: Some magnets keep the doors in place when you shut them.

Not for Toddlers: The tools won’t be best for toddlers – you’ll protect them from the fire, but they’ll always want to play with the sharp tools instead!

7. Pleasant Hearth – Curved Screen with Tools

Quick Review: The smooth rounded shape looks great. It comes with four fireplace tools.

Pleasant Hearth FA498ST Curved Screen with Tools, BlackCheck Price on Amazon

This model is our other favorite fireplace screen that comes with tools.

We like the smooth rounded look – it’s super classy.

But there are other great features as well.

It’s extra-wide – a full 50 inches. That’s wider than most screens and fits well on most fireplaces. But unfortunately, it is 12 inches deep, which is pretty shallow for a fireplace screen.

Then there are the tools! First, you get the standard four-piece set: shovel, broom, poker, and tongs. We like that the arms of the tools are nice and long so you can get to the back of the fire without burning your fingers! (A quick note: brooms can be good for sweeping up ash. The alternative is to get a specialized ash vacuum).

The doors give easy access to the fire for placing new logs.

So, what don’t we like?

Again, we don’t think it’s great for kids or pets. Also, a child is likely to play with the tools, which could be dangerous.

The other issue is that flat screens are much easier for storage. But, on the other hand, it’s hard to fold a rounded screen flat.

Why This Fireplace Screen

Keep in Mind

Rounded Screen: We like its round rather than square look, making it unique.

Tools Included: It’s nice to have a fireplace toolset, and now you’ve got somewhere to hang them.

Doors: It’s great that this screen has doors for easy access to the fire to add logs.

Not for Toddlers: The tools won’t be best for toddlers – the screen may protect them from the fire, but they’ll always want to play with the sharp tools instead!

Won’t Fold well for Storage: The rounded edges make folding harder than a flat panel screen.

8. ‘Amagabeli’ 4 Panel Gold Fireplace Screen

Quick Review: A 4-panel option for extra flexibility and easy storage. See whether you like the gold paneling first.

Amagabeli Large Gold Fireplace Screen 4 Panel Ornate Wrought Iron Black Metal Fire Place Standing Gate Decorative Mesh Solid Steel Spark Guard Cover Outdoor Tools AccessoriesCheck Price on Amazon

There are some advantages to getting a 4-panel screen.

The middle fold lets you shorten and extend the screen to fit your hearth perfectly. Furthermore, with the middle section folded in, there’s added stability to prevent the screen from falling.

It extends to about 51 inches and stands about 32 inches tall, to give you an idea.

One thing to keep in mind is the brass accents on the top. Consider whether they will suit your home decor. Are there other brass accents in your room currently? If so, this screen might be a good option for blending the screen in with other objects in the room.

Overall we think this is a classy design, but it needs to suit the living space decor – so it’s not for everyone.

Furthermore, it comes in at a pretty decent price point.

Why This Fireplace Screen

Keep in Mind

Stability: We like that it gets pretty stable if you slightly bend the middle fold.

Versatile: We like that the middle fold gives you more flexibility to use it and its width.

Looks Great: The brass finish might look good in your house – check if it matches your existing decor.

Affordable: This one comes in at a very reasonable price.

Brass Accents must match your Decor: Make sure the brass finish matches your decor.

9. Amagabeli – 3 Panel Pewter Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen

Quick Review: A high-quality and nice-looking fireplace with an attractive leaf vine decorative pattern. It’s excellent, and the only reason we didn’t place this higher was the design might not appeal to everyone.

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This fireplace screen isn’t higher on our list because we aren’t sure if we like the floral design.

But the reputation of this screen for being stable and sturdy is outstanding. It’s designed with high-quality wrought iron and has a powder-coated finish, giving it a nice look.

The curves on the top design section will likely appeal to some people. But we thought it wouldn’t match our space. So we were a bit divided on this one.

It’s a simple three-panel design that can fold very easily for storage.

Overall, an impressive and affordable screen – especially if the top design feature appeals to you.

Why This Fireplace Screen

Keep in Mind

Very well made: It has a reputation for good quality and sturdy structure.

Folds nicely for Storage: We like how well it folds up for easy storage.

Affordable: It’s a good price point – especially for the quality.

Not Everyone’s Design Choice: Some people might find the floral design doesn’t suit their home decor.

What we Look for in the Best Fireplace Screens

Materials

Your two main options are either wrought iron or glass.

Wrought iron is the most common material because it’s cheaper. You’ll usually get a wrought iron frame with a powder-coated finish. The structure will hold a mesh barrier that catches popping embers from within the fire. It can prevent your pets and toddlers from getting too close to the fire.

Wrought iron is used for fireplaces and is the most common material in fireplace grates.

The other material is glass. It will set you back a lot more money but can look classy. Our other concern about glass is that smashed glass around your kids isn’t the ideal scenario if it falls!

Stability

Stability is essential, particularly for separating children or pets from the fire. The screen should stand up against someone or something falling on it.

There are a few factors that determine stability.

One is the use of a brazing rod. A bracing rod holds the panels in place once they are preferred.

Another is the feet of the screen. Some screens stand on feet that poke out in both directions. Others don’t have feet and simply rely on balancing on the panels. And others slightly flush against the fireplace to prevent them from falling.

Doors

A fireplace screen door allows you fast and easy access to the fire. It’ll be easier to add more logs to the fire or use your fireplace tools to rearrange it.

Tools

Some fireplace screens come with a dedicated fireplace toolset. While this is nice, remember that the toolset might not be safe for toddlers. So if you’re getting a fireplace screen specifically to protect your kids from the fire, we wouldn’t introduce that extra hazard instead!

Panels

Most fireplace screens have either three or four panels. A four-panel screen will be more versatile as you can adjust the fireplace’s centerfold to change the screen’s width and reach. But a three-panel screen often looks nicer, so it’s up to you!

Can a Fireplace Screen Protect a Toddler and Pets?

Yes. To an extent. It can act as a barrier – psychologically as much as anything – to keep your kids away from the fire. A solid and sturdy screen might even hold up to a toddler leaning on it.

But we wouldn’t feel perfectly safe because a screen is up. After all, it can fall (which happens all the time). Moreover, it will likely fall forward onto a child if playing with it.

So it’s important not to leave a child alone near a flame or hot objects – even if there’s a fireplace screen as a guard.

Final Thoughts

Our pick for the best fireplace screen for toddlers is the Minuteman International Child Guard. It comes with superb safety features for protecting toddlers.

We hope this review and buyer’s guide have been helpful as you pick out your screen for keeping your family safe from fires.