Fireplace Screen Pull Chains
Mesh curtain fireplace screens with pull chains make a great choice when picking out fireplace accessories. Unlike free-standing fireplace screens, they take up almost no room, so they let the beauty of your hearth shine through.
You can buy a standard size fireplace screen, or you can custom order one for an exact fit. A standard screen should overlap the opening by a minimum of one-half inch or so on all three sides. You might need to tolerate more overlap with a standard size screen, but don’t buy one that leaves a gap between the frame and the opening. You can also order a custom fireplace screen that’s sized to fit exactly in the opening, with a precise half-inch overlap. A few screens types are designed to fit inside the opening with no overlap. Keep in mind that you’ll still see a few gaps between the frame and the mortar joints of the brick or stone if you buy an inside mount unit. This might look OK during the day, but you should consider how it will look in a dark room with the firelight shining through the gaps before you make the decision to go with an inside mount.
Freestanding fireplace screens have small legs at the bottom that support the unit. An attached fireplace screen bolts directly to the sides of the opening, so it doesn’t need legs. Either type will work, but the attached variety tends to be more attractive.
A good fireplace screen lets you open and close it with an easy pull of a chain. The better units have a pulley system with pull chains attached that open and close by pulling one chain to open and the other one to close, just like window drapes. The cheaper type have batons or wands attached to the top inside corners of the screens and are opened and closed manually by pulling each wand toward the center opening. Look for fireplace screen pull chains with a lifetime warranty.
Brass fireplace screens are the most widely available, followed by black enamel, antique copper, polished nickel, brushed nickel, pewter, and cast iron. The mesh fireplace curtain is usually black, but brass screens are an option. A high-end unit will save you a lot of maintenance costs. Look for finishes that don’t need polishing, and heavy-duty construction that will hold up under exposure to heat and occasional dings from firewood.
When you order a screen online, give the exact width and height of the opening, and specify whether you want an outside overlap or inside mount.