A chain mail curtain on the opening of a fireplace can prevent burning embers from popping out on your hearth or floor. This prevents damage and personal injury caused by hot coals. The chain mail curtain is easily closed when you build a fire, and it is easy to open when you need to reach inside the fireplace. These fireplace screens are not only functional, but also decorative.

1
Measure the opening of the fireplace with a tape measure. Divide the length in half to determine the center point, and mark the center of the fireplace opening on the front of the fireplace with a pencil.

2
Place an adjustable central rod holder inside the fireplace opening at the top. Align the front valance of the central rod holder with the outer edge of the opening. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.

3
Drill pilot holes on the marks for the screw holes with a 3/16-inch masonry drill bit.

4
Place the central rod holder inside the opening and secure it with screws and a screwdriver.

5
Pull the ends of the adjustable central rod holder to sit against the inner edges of the fireplace opening and mark the screw holes with a pencil.

6
Slide the ends of the adjustable central rod holder into the center, and drill pilot holes on the marks with the masonry bit.

7
Pull the ends of the adjustable central rod holder out, and secure both ends by inserting the included screws in the holes and tightening them with a screwdriver.

8
Insert one of the curtain rods through the loops on the top of one of the chain mail curtains, starting with the second loop and skipping the last loop. Repeat to put the other rod through the loops on the other curtain.

9
Face the front of the fireplace and place one of the rods inside the right side of the central rod holder. Attach the last loop on the chain mail curtain to the hook on the end of the central rod holder. Insert the other end of the rod in the rear rod holder hook in the center of the adjustable central rod holder. Insert the other end of the rod into the central rod holder, and attach the loop on the end of the curtain and place the other end in the rear holder hook in the same manner.

10
Attach screen pulls, if desired, as directed by the manufacturer.