Just when you think your fireplace couldnt get any more complicated and interesting, here's something that will surprise you, especially if you're a novice fireplace owner. Fireplaces have various types of accessories. And their screens, yes, those protective little walls that you place in front of them to prevent the soot and embers from getting into the rest of your house, come in different shapes, makes, and sizes.

In the past fireplace screens were characterized just by square coverings and that was just about that no frills and designs, whatsoever. However, given the advancement of interior decoration and peoples growing and developing sense of style, there are now many fireplace screen shapes available, each with a unique purpose other than as an aesthetic.

If you have no idea what is being talked about here. (Fireplace screen shapes, what?) Here is a short guide to what is available in the market right now.

The One Panel Fireplace Screen

This is the most traditional and basic of all fireplace accessories. They have adjustable feet that may be leveled with your fireplace and come in flat panel or curved panel designs. Only the flat panel fireplace screens have feet, though, as the curved panel versions can stand on their own. Curved panel fireplace screens are flat at either sides but are slightly bowed away from the opening of the fireplace.

The Three Panel Fireplace Screen

This is the perhaps the style that is most common to fireplace bearing households. The middle part is larger than the panels on either of its side and is usually found in traditional homes.

The Four Panel Fireplace Screen

Four panel screens are not very common, but they do give a unique look to your fireplace. Because they have multiple sides, they can easily be propped up on your hearth and is perfect for the fireplaces that are relatively wider than usual. To add, tending the fire is also much easier with this kind of fireplace accessory because you will only need to fold back two panels (as opposed to taking the entire screen out with other types) to do the job.

There are some fireplace screens that have tiny access doors in the front. This is usually found in the middle panel of three panel screens. This way, you will only have to open the small door to tend to your fire. Goodbye to the ashes getting into your lovely Persian carpet! Of course, if you want this job to be done thoroughly, you might also want to get a spark guard to attach to your fireplace screen for better coverage.

A spark guard is different from a fireplace screen. Not only do they prevent sparks and ember from getting into your living room, but they also protect the house from sparks that might suddenly shoot out and burn the place. You purchase spark guards that can be attached to the screen, or you can buy spark guards that stand by themselves and are designed like most screens.