Stained Glass Fireplace Screens: Beauty and Safety
/Quick answer: A stained glass fireplace screen is a decorative art glass panel, often in a sturdy frame, that sits in front of the hearth to add color and light to the room. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, designs custom fireplace screens sized to your fireplace for homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk about your hearth.
Why a Stained Glass Fireplace Screen?
The fireplace is often the focal point of a room, but a plain screen does little for it. An art glass fireplace screen gives the hearth color when the fire is out and a warm glow when it's lit.
Beauty and Safety Together
Placement Matters
Where and how a screen sits relative to the firebox makes a difference. Talk through your fireplace type and how you use it so the screen is placed sensibly.
A Sturdy Frame
A well-built frame keeps the screen stable and protects the glass edges.
Use Common Sense
Follow your fireplace manufacturer's guidance, never leave a fire unattended, and ask if you're unsure how a screen should be used with your fireplace.
Design Ideas
- Nature themes: trees, birds, mountains and wildflowers
- Grapes and vines in rich purples and greens
- Arts and Crafts and geometric patterns
- Fire-inspired colors: ambers, reds and golds
- Family crests and initials
- Three-panel and arched screens shaped to the opening
Steve combines copper foil with leaded glass, so detailed designs can look almost painted while the lead adds strength.
Custom Fireplace Screen vs. Catalog
A custom fireplace screen is built to your opening, so it fits properly instead of overhanging or leaving gaps. You also choose the glass quality, the craftsmanship and a design that suits your room rather than a generic pattern.
Coordinating With the Room
A fireplace glass panel can match cabinet inserts or built-ins on either side of the hearth, or echo a transom or window nearby. See examples in the fireplace and cabinets gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make a fireplace screen in a custom size?
Yes. Every screen is built to the measurements of your fireplace opening.
What designs work best for fireplace screens?
Nature themes, grapes and vines, geometric patterns and fire-inspired colors are all popular.
Does a stained glass screen look good when the fire is out?
Yes. Room light passing through and reflecting off the glass keeps it colorful even when the fireplace is cold.
Design Your Fireplace Screen
About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.
Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the fireplace and cabinets gallery for ideas.
