Is Using A Fireplace Curtain Safer Than Using A Screen? Here's What We Know

Fireplaces can transform your home into a cozy escape, but it's important to keep your house safe from fires and put the proper precautions in place to lessen your risk. Though there are several ways to help keep your home safe, fireplace curtains and fireplace screens are two popular options. Both of these options work as a barrier to prevent hot cinders from ending up in other areas and starting a fire, but determining which is safer and better for your home comes down to several factors.

Fire curtains are often designed similarly to a roll shutter that can be unfurled when its needed. Unlike window curtains, the purpose of these shields is to provide a smoke resistant seal that works to prevent the risk of death by toxic smoke. Fireplace curtains are made with fire-resistant materials that can help shield your home from smoke and flames in the event of a fire. They also tend to conserve more space than other methods because of their retractable features.

Fireplace screens are barriers typically made of metal or mesh that sit in front of an open fire to help prevent embers or logs from leaving the hearth. Screens can also prevent smoke, contain the heat of the fire better, and be used as a safety measure to help prevent children or pets from getting too close to a fireplace. Similar to a fireplace curtain, screens can reduce fire damage and prevent glass doors that might be attached to the hearth from shattering. Screens can also help you decorate your fireplace like a professional and seamlessly blend into the design of your home.

Fireplace screens and curtains serve similar purposes, but there are a few key differences to be aware of. First, fireplace curtains typically need to be replaced more often than screens because they can become damaged more easily over time. Screens also tend to be better at keeping children and pets away from the flames because they create a sturdier blockade and offer a better seal than curtains. Both methods help lower the amount of damage from fires and are important safety measures, but overall, screens are the better choice between the two.

Though fireplace barriers work to prevent fires, there are other safety measures for the area around your hearth to keep in mind when handling a fire to establish a safe setup. It's important for your fireplace to be soot-free and for you to regularly clear excess ashes, as soot above one inch tall can create more smoke and is more likely to cause a fire. Also, ensure the area is clear of hidden fire hazards like books, newspapers, and drapes, and keep an extinguisher on hand as a precaution so any tiny sparks don't turn into a serious blaze.