How to Choose a Fire Guard
A Complete Buying Guide
Are you looking to improve your current fireplace ready for the colder weather? Finding the right fire guard is an important part of the overall setup, but there are so many different fire guards on the market these days you might be wondering where to begin. Your decision will depend on a number of factors, like what type of fireplace you have, how you use it and how you want it to look. Here are the things to consider so that you can find one that's right for you.
HOW MANY PANELS DO I NEED?
The number of panels your fire guard has will affect its function as well as its appearance. The choice you make will determine how the guard sits in front of your fire, and how easily it can be positioned to suit your fireplace. The number of panels also affects how much of the hearth the fire guard will cover. Deciding how many panels you'll need is one of the first ways you can narrow down your search.
ONE PANEL
Single panel fire guards are a straightforward screen across the front of the fire, they’re a good option if you mainly want to just protect the room from sparks and embers. Single panel guards can be flat or can curve round the hearth slightly, which offer some side protection. Flat single panel fire guards can give you a more open view of the fire.
THREE PANELS
Three panel fire guards have a central panel with two hinged side panels attached that can be angled around the hearth for side coverage. Three fold fire guards are often the most stable in design (although width, weight, panel proportions and how the guard is positioned do also influence this).
FOUR PANELS
The Gillingham Extra Large Four Fold Fire Guard
Four hinged panels give you more flexibility when you’re positioning the guard around your fireplace, the extra panel meaning you can adjust the angle of each section more easily. This can be useful if you want the guard to follow the shape of your hearth, or if you need to extend further around the sides of the fire.
WHAT STYLE SHOULD I GO FOR?
A fire guard will have a big impact on how your fireplace setup looks, so it's worth taking the time to consider the style that you want. For a more contemporary look, go with simpler shapes and clean lines. Check out our fireplace styling guide if you're looking to get inspired for different aesthetics.
MODERN DESIGNS
For modern settings, simpler shapes and clean lines are key. Smooth finishes and minimal detailing give you a fresh, contemporary look. Neutral colours and modern materials like steel, glass and polished finishes can all complement this aesthetic.
TRADITIONAL DESIGNS
For more traditional or period fireplaces, ornate metalwork and traditional finishes including aged and antique effects can work well. Materials like cast iron, brass and natural wood suit more traditional interiors and help create a sense of character.
MESH OR NO MESH
Mesh screens provide a barrier between the fire and the room, which are useful for open fires where sparks and burning embers can escape. The issue with spitting fires is they can cause fires to spread, and also cause damage to your room including floors and soft furnishings, so a fire guard gives you added peace of mind. If you have a wood burning or multi fuel stove, the stove itself already provides a barrier around the fire so mesh is less important. But even without the risk of sparks, you might still want a fire guard around it for added protection for children or pets, or because you like the way it looks around your fireplace.
HOW TO CORRECTLY POSITION A FIRE GUARD?
The correct position depends on the type of fire you have and the design of your hearth. While you should always check the manufacturer's manual for your specific stove, a general rule of thumb is to place your fire guard about 75cm away from the heat source. f you don't have children or pets (and are simply using a screen to catch spitting embers) you may be able to position it closer, but make sure that there's at least 30cm of clearance so the metal guard doesn't overheat. If the guard is too hot to touch, it needs to be moved further back!
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?
If you have young children or pets, a standard fire guard might not provide you with the level of protection you're looking for. Here at Black Country Metalworks we offer specialist child and pet fire guards designed to create a physical barrier around the fireplace. These include fully enclosed guards, fixed and foldaway designs, and guards with opening doors. Some are designed to be secured to the wall, while others can be positioned around the fireplace. There are also guards certified to EN1930:2011, the standard for child safety gates.
Whatever type of guard you choose, children and pets should never be left unattended around a hot fire.
WHAT SIZE DO I NEED? HOW TO MEASURE?
Start off by measuring the width and height of the area you want the fire guard to cover, then check how much space you have in front of (and around) the fireplace. Make sure the guard provides enough coverage around the fireplace to help prevent sparks and embers escaping into the room. This means choosing a guard that is slightly wider or taller than the opening itself, depending on your fireplace and the design of the guard. When you're measuring, take note of:
Width: the overall width available across the front of your fireplace, plus a few extra centimeters
Height: the height from the hearth to the point you want the guard to reach, plus a few extra centimeters
Depth: how much space you have in front of the fire, particularly if you're choosing a folded design
WHAT IF I NEED A BESPOKE DESIGN?
Do you know exactly what you're after but can't find the right size? Perhaps your fireplace is particularly wide or tall, your hearth has an unusual shape, or you might want a completely unique design. We offer a bespoke service so you can get exactly what you're after. This gives you the opportunity to work with our team on a design that's made specifically for your fireplace. Find out more about our bespoke fire guard service here.
Ready to find the right fire guard?
