Home Improvement Pick

3 Panel Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen, 48 x 30 Inch Sanded Black

A folding screen that stands in front of an open fire and stops the sparks a burning log throws when it settles. Three panels are joined by full length piano hinges, so there is no gap between them at any height and the two outer panels swing forward to hold the whole thing upright without a stand or a fixing. The mesh is fine enough to catch popping embers while still letting you see the fire through it, which is the point of a screen rather than a solid door. It measures 48 inches across and 30 inches high, and the center panel rises into a shallow arch so it reads as furniture instead of as a safety fitting. The finish is a sanded black powder coat that wipes clean and resists rust from the heat and ash. It arrives ready to use with no assembly, and folds down flat when the fire is out for the season.

What you're getting

• Three panels joined by full length piano hinges, so there is no gap at any height
• Fine mesh catches popping embers while the fire stays visible through it
• 48 inches wide by 30 inches high, with the center panel rising into a shallow arch
• Sanded black powder coat that wipes clean and resists rust from heat and ash
• Arrives ready to use with no assembly and folds flat out of season

Why we picked it

The piano hinges are the part worth paying attention to. Most folding screens use two or three short hinges per joint, which leaves a gap that opens as the panels are angled, and a gap is exactly where an ember goes. A hinge running the full height closes the joint at every point and also carries the outer panels stiffly enough that the screen holds its own angle instead of gradually flattening out against the hearth.