The best fireplace cover to keep cold out depends on your fireplace frame and opening size. For a metal frame, the NABOWAN offers magnets and hook-and-loop installation; for brick or stone, the WINTACK uses adhesive-backed hook-and-loop strips. The whumsdog and UQM options are magnetic covers in different sizes, while Protalwell provides 18 magnets for a 39-by-32-inch opening. Measure the opening and check the attachment surface before choosing.
| Product | Best For | Listed Size or Feature |
|---|---|---|
| NABOWAN | Metal or brick installation options | 32 × 39 inches; magnets and hook-and-loop |
| WINTACK | Brick or stone fireplaces | 36 × 20 inches; hook-and-loop |
| whumsdog | Metal frames with a wider opening | 39 × 32 inches; 12 magnets |
| UQM | Metal frames needing a 39 × 32-inch cover | Oxford fabric, sponge filling, 12 magnets |
| Protalwell | Metal frames with a 39 × 32-inch opening | 18 magnets |
NABOWAN Fireplace Cover
Best for: Homes that need a cover adaptable to either a metal frame or a brick fireplace. This 32-by-39-inch blanket includes 16 magnets and hook-and-loop material, with installation selected to suit the fireplace surface.
The cover uses thickened flame-retardant Oxford cloth with polyester fiber filling. The listing also describes a four-layer construction, a fiberglass coating, and water-resistant properties. It can be folded for storage when not in use.
Limitation: Measure carefully and follow the stated installation method for your surface. The product must not be used over an active fire; the listing describes it as a draft-blocking cover, not a fire screen.
WINTACK Brick Fireplace Cover
Best for: Brick or stone fireplaces without a steel or iron frame. Its 36-by-20-inch cover has hook-and-loop fasteners sewn around the edges, and the package includes adhesive-backed loops for attaching to masonry.
This is a better fit than a magnetic-only blanket when there is no suitable metal frame. The listed purpose is to reduce winter heat loss and help keep cooled air from escaping in summer.
Limitation: The listed dimensions are 36 by 20 inches, so check that they cover your fireplace opening. Installation depends on the adhesive-backed strips attaching to the surface.
whumsdog 39-by-32-Inch Magnetic Cover
Best for: A metal-framed fireplace opening that suits a 39-by-32-inch cover. The blanket has 12 built-in magnets and thickened flame-retardant Oxford cloth with sponge filling. The listing says it can help limit drafts, odors, and debris.
Choose this size if it provides enough coverage around your opening and the frame attracts magnets. It is also described for seasonal use to help keep warm air inside during winter and cooled air inside during summer.
Limitation: The magnets attach only to compatible metal frames containing iron, cobalt, or nickel. The listing cautions that magnets are not heat resistant, so keep them away from prolonged high temperatures.
UQM 39-by-32-Inch Magnetic Blocker
Best for: Buyers seeking a padded magnetic cover for a compatible metal frame. The UQM measures 39 by 32 inches and is made from thickened Oxford fabric with sponge filling and 12 built-in magnets. The listing also says it can help prevent ash from blowing into the room.
Its stated installation is direct attachment to a metal fireplace frame, without additional accessories. Choose it if its dimensions suit the opening and you prefer a cover with a sewn, padded construction.
Limitation: It is for metal frames only and should be used after the fireplace’s open fire is extinguished. Do not treat it as a barrier for an operating fireplace.
Protalwell 18-Magnet Fireplace Cover
Best for: A 39-by-32-inch metal-framed fireplace where additional magnets are a priority. Protalwell lists 18 high-strength magnets that attach to a fireplace door frame. Its black finish and sewn construction are intended to give the covered opening a neat appearance.
The product is described as blocking cold air from entering and warm air from escaping in winter, with the reverse benefit of limiting cooled-air loss in summer. It is a straightforward option for shoppers who want a magnetic cover in this listed size.
Limitation: The listing specifies a fireplace door frame, so it is not the best choice for a brick opening with no compatible metal surface.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Fireplace Draft Cover
Will magnets work on your fireplace?
Magnetic covers require a compatible metal frame. Check whether magnets attach securely to the frame before buying. A brick or stone fireplace without suitable metal is better matched to a hook-and-loop design such as the WINTACK. NABOWAN lists both attachment methods, giving buyers a choice based on their fireplace surface.
What size cover do you need?
Measure the opening’s width and height, then compare those measurements with the cover dimensions. A cover that is too small may leave gaps where drafts can pass. The products here range from 36 by 20 inches to 39 by 32 inches, so the largest option is not automatically the right fit.
Which materials and features matter?
Look at the stated fabric, filling, attachment system, and storage details. Several covers use Oxford cloth with sponge or fiber filling; WINTACK relies on sewn hook-and-loop edges, while magnetic options use built-in magnets. Treat claims about energy savings as intended benefits, not a guaranteed reduction in utility bills.
When should a cover be installed?
Use a draft cover only when the fireplace is not operating and has cooled. Follow the product’s instructions, and do not place a cover over flames or hot surfaces. Magnetic models may be affected by prolonged high temperatures, as noted in the whumsdog listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do fireplace covers help keep cold air out?
They are designed to block drafts through an unused fireplace opening and can help reduce cold-air entry. The result depends on the cover fit and how well it attaches.
Can I use a magnetic fireplace cover on brick?
Not unless the fireplace has a compatible metal frame for the magnets. For bare brick or stone, choose a cover with a suitable hook-and-loop attachment system.
How do I choose the right fireplace cover size?
Measure the fireplace opening and compare both width and height with the product’s listed dimensions. Check that the cover can span the opening without leaving uncovered gaps.
Can I leave a fireplace cover on while using the fireplace?
No. These products are draft blockers for an unused fireplace, not screens for an active fire. Remove the cover before using the fireplace and allow the area to cool before reinstalling it.
Can a fireplace cover help in summer?
Product listings describe these covers as helping limit cooled-air loss and outdoor heat entry in summer. Actual results depend on fit and the fireplace setup.