Fireplace Screens, Spark Guards & Fire Guards
Eldvarm Fireplace Screen & Fire Tools
A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Screen for Indoor & Outdoor Fireplaces
The finishing touch to a beautifully designed fireplace is often the simplest. A well-chosen fireplace screen combines safety, craftsmanship and timeless design, protecting your home while enhancing the character of your fireplace.
For centuries, the fireplace has been the heart of the home, bringing warmth, comfort and a place for family and friends to gather. While modern fireplaces are safer and more efficient than ever before, fireplace screens remain an important part of both fireplace safety and design.
Often referred to as fireplace screens, spark guards or fire guards, these accessories do much more than prevent sparks from escaping. They can soften the appearance of a fireplace, protect children and pets, and become a carefully considered architectural feature that complements the overall design of a room or outdoor living space.
At Designs for Fires, we believe every element surrounding a fireplace should be chosen with purpose. Just as you would carefully select the fireplace, hearth, mantel and cladding, the screen should enhance the design rather than feel like an afterthought.
Pilgram Summer Fireplace Screen - Brass
A Brief History of Fireplace Screens
Fireplace screens have been used for hundreds of years.
In the seventeenth century, when open fires were the primary source of heating, early fireplace screens were designed to shield people from intense radiant heat while helping prevent sparks and embers from escaping into the room. Many were beautifully crafted timber frames with embroidered fabric panels and were as much a piece of furniture as they were a practical accessory.
By the Georgian and Victorian periods, fireplace screens had become increasingly decorative. Skilled blacksmiths produced ornate wrought iron guards, while brass and cast iron became popular for their durability and craftsmanship. Decorative scrollwork and fine mesh protected the room while allowing the flames to remain visible.
Today, fireplace screens have evolved into cleaner, more architectural designs. Slim steel frames, fine woven mesh and minimalist detailing suit contemporary homes, while handcrafted wrought iron and brass continue to complement heritage properties.
Although their appearance has changed over the centuries, their purpose remains the same—to improve safety while enhancing the beauty of the fireplace.
Designer's Note
The best fireplace screens look as though they were designed with the fireplace from the beginning—not added after the project was finished.
Decorative Fireplace Screen
Fireplace Screen, Spark Guard or Fire Guard?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences.
Fireplace Screen
A general term describing any screen positioned in front of a fireplace for protection or decoration.
Spark Guard
Designed specifically for open wood fires, a spark guard incorporates fine metal mesh that helps prevent sparks and embers from escaping while still allowing heat to radiate into the room.
Fire Guard
A larger protective barrier intended to reduce the risk of children or pets coming into contact with a hot fireplace.
Many modern products combine all three functions.
Indoor & Outdoor Fireplace Screens
Indoor Fireplaces
Indoor screens are most commonly used with open wood fireplaces, heritage fireplaces and decorative fireplaces. Although many enclosed wood, gas and electric fireplaces have fixed ceramic glass and don't require spark protection, some homeowners still choose to install a decorative screen or child safety barrier.
Benefits include:
Helping contain sparks and embers.
Providing an additional safety barrier.
Protecting flooring and furnishings.
Enhancing the appearance of the fireplace throughout the year.
Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces have become a popular feature of New Zealand homes, particularly where outdoor entertaining is an extension of indoor living.
Outdoor spark guards help contain embers while protecting surrounding furniture and landscaping. Because they are exposed to rain, UV light and, in many areas, salt-laden air, material selection becomes especially important.
Jetmaster Spark Guard - Clips onto the Jetmaster firebox
Choosing the Right Material
The material you choose influences not only the appearance of the screen but also its durability, maintenance requirements and suitability for different environments.
Powder-Coated Steel
One of the most popular choices for contemporary homes, powder-coated steel offers a clean architectural appearance, excellent durability and outstanding value. Available in a wide range of colours, matt black remains the most versatile finish for modern interiors.
Ideal for: Contemporary indoor fireplaces and covered outdoor areas.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, making it an excellent choice for outdoor fireplaces.
For homes near the coast, 316 marine-grade stainless steel provides superior protection against salt air and moisture.
Ideal for: Outdoor fireplaces and coastal homes.
Wrought Iron
Handcrafted wrought iron has been used for centuries and remains one of the most timeless materials available. Its strength allows beautiful detailing while complementing heritage homes and traditional fireplaces.
Ideal for: Villas, country homes and character properties.
Brass & Bronze
Brass and bronze introduce warmth and sophistication. Both develop a natural patina over time, adding depth and character that suits traditional and luxury interiors.
Ideal for: Heritage homes and architecturally designed interiors.
Toughened Glass
Glass fireplace screens offer a clean, minimalist appearance while maintaining an uninterrupted view of the fire. Manufactured from toughened safety glass, they provide a discreet barrier that complements contemporary interiors and architecturally designed homes.
Glass screens are commonly used with open fireplaces and outdoor fireplaces where maintaining clear views of the flames is a design priority.
Ideal for: Contemporary homes, architecturally designed interiors and outdoor fireplaces.
Mesh Options
The mesh is just as important as the frame.
Common options include:
Expanded steel mesh
Woven stainless steel mesh
Fine spark mesh
Decorative perforated steel
For open wood fireplaces, fine woven or expanded mesh generally provides the best balance of visibility and spark protection.
Fireplace Screen Material Comparison
Choosing a Style to Suit Your Home
A fireplace screen should reflect the style of both the fireplace and the home.
Contemporary Homes
Slim black steel frames and fine mesh create a clean, understated look that complements plaster, natural stone and timber finishes.
Heritage Homes
Handcrafted wrought iron or brass screens enhance traditional fireplaces while respecting the home's original character.
Coastal Homes
Simple detailing with durable powder-coated or stainless steel construction complements relaxed coastal interiors.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Robust, corrosion-resistant materials with practical access doors allow safe operation while blending with the surrounding landscape.
Designer's Note
A fireplace screen should frame the fire—not become the centre of attention.
Dixneuf Fireplace Screen
How to Choose the Right Fireplace Screen
When selecting a fireplace screen, consider:
Is your fireplace open or enclosed?
Will the screen primarily provide spark protection or improve safety?
Is it for an indoor or outdoor fireplace?
Is your home located near the coast?
Does the material suit the architecture of your home?
Is the screen correctly proportioned to the fireplace opening?
Choosing the right screen is about achieving the right balance between practicality and design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all fireplaces need a fireplace screen?
No. Most modern enclosed wood, gas and electric fireplaces have fixed ceramic glass and do not require spark protection. Open wood fireplaces, however, often benefit from a spark guard.
What's the difference between a spark guard and a fire guard?
A spark guard is designed to contain sparks and embers, while a fire guard provides a larger protective barrier to help keep children and pets away from the hot fireplace.
Can I use an indoor fireplace screen outdoors?
Generally not. Outdoor fireplace screens should be manufactured from materials suitable for exposure to moisture, UV light and coastal conditions where applicable.
Is a custom-made screen worth considering?
For architecturally designed homes or unusually sized fireplaces, a bespoke screen can provide a more refined result by matching the proportions, materials and finishes of the overall fireplace design.
Antique Baroque 18th Century Fireplace Screen
Our Design Perspective
A fireplace screen is more than a safety accessory—it is part of the overall fireplace composition.
When thoughtfully selected, it enhances the fireplace without dominating it, adding another layer of craftsmanship and refinement to the space. Whether your project calls for a minimalist steel spark guard, a handcrafted wrought iron screen or a bespoke outdoor solution, the goal should always be the same: to create a fireplace that is both practical and beautifully resolved.
At Designs for Fires, we provide independent fireplace design throughout New Zealand, helping homeowners, architects and builders create fireplaces that balance performance, safety and exceptional design. From fireplace placement and product selection to materials, finishes and the finer details that complete the design, we provide advice tailored to your home and the way you live.
Planning a new fireplace or upgrading an existing one?
Whether you're restoring a heritage fireplace, designing a contemporary feature fire or creating an outdoor entertaining space, we'd be delighted to help.
Contact Designs for Fires to discuss your project and discover how thoughtful design can transform your fireplace into the true heart of your home.