Best Fireplace Draft Stoppers to Keep Warmth In

Drafty fireplaces can significantly increase heating costs, especially in winter. Choosing the right draft stopper can help maintain warmth in your home and reduce energy bills.

Fireplace Draft Stopper Comparison

Product	Best for	Size	Material	Installation Type	Magnet Strength	Price
whumsdog Magnetic Fireplace Cover 39″x32″	Best Overall	39″x32″	Flame retardant oxford cloth, sponge	Built-in twelve magnets	1.2 T per magnet	Check price
NABOWAN Magnetic Fireplace Cover 32″x39″	Best Fireproof Cover	32″x39″	Flame-retardant Oxford cloth, polyester fiber	Magnets and hook & loop	—	Check price
whumsdog Magnetic Fireplace Cover 36″x32″	Best Value Size	36″x32″	Flame retardant oxford cloth, sponge	Built-in twelve magnets	1.2 T per magnet	Check price
Beeplove Magnetic Fireplace Draft Stopper 36″x6″	Best Vent Cover	36″x6″	—	Magnetic attachment	Upgraded strong magnets	Check price
Holikme Weighted Door Draft Stopper 36″ Black	Best Versatile Door Seal	36 inch	Thickened fabric with cotton and sandbags	Adhesive fasteners	—	Check price

Top Fireplace Draft Stoppers for Energy Efficiency

1

Best Overall

whumsdog Magnetic Fireplace Cover 39″x32″

Best for: Most homeowners needing a secure, easy-to-install draft stopper

• Size39″x32″
• MaterialFlame retardant oxford cloth, sponge filling
• Installation TypeBuilt-in twelve magnets
• Magnet Strength1.2 T per magnet

Check price on Amazon

This magnetic cover has twelve strong magnets with 1.2 T suction each, ensuring a tight seal on metal fireplace frames. Its thick flame retardant oxford cloth and sponge filling block drafts and heat loss effectively. Installation is simple: just place it on the fireplace frame and the magnets hold it firmly in place. It’s ideal for those who want reliable energy savings without complicated setup.

Pros

• Strong magnet hold prevents slipping
• Flame retardant and thick insulation
• Easy to install and remove
• Multiple size options for fit

Cons

• Only fits fireplaces with a metal frame
• Requires measuring fireplace inner diameter for best fit

Skip it if: Skip if your fireplace frame is not metal or you need a custom size.

2

Best Fireproof Cover

NABOWAN Magnetic Fireplace Cover 32″x39″

Best for: Homes needing fireproof and waterproof protection with quick install options

• Size32″x39″
• MaterialFlame-retardant Oxford cloth, polyester fiber filling
• Installation TypeMagnets and full frame hook & loop
• Magnet Strength—

Check price on Amazon

This cover features upgraded flame-retardant Oxford cloth and polyester fiber filling, stronger for heat insulation. The side touching the fireplace is fire-resistant and coated with fiberglass fabric to protect floors from sparks. It offers two installation methods: magnets for metal frames or hook & loop for brick fireplaces. This versatility suits users wanting added fire safety and flexible mounting.

Pros

• Fireproof and waterproof coating
• Two installation methods: magnets or hook & loop
• Thick, effective insulation
• Foldable for storage

Cons

• Only one size provided
• Magnets and hook & loop may be confusing for some users

Skip it if: Skip if you want a wider range of sizes or only magnetic installation.

3

Best Value Size

whumsdog Magnetic Fireplace Cover 36″x32″

Best for: Users with fireplaces around 36″x32″ wanting the same reliable magnetic seal as larger sizes

• Size36″x32″
• MaterialFlame retardant oxford cloth, sponge filling
• Installation TypeBuilt-in twelve magnets
• Magnet Strength1.2 T per magnet

Check price on Amazon

This model shares the same build as the 39″x32″ version with twelve powerful magnets and thick flame retardant fabric. It blocks drafts and odors while reducing heating costs. Its slightly smaller size fits different fireplace dimensions, making it a strong choice for homes with medium-sized fireplaces needing secure magnetic attachment.

Pros

• Strong magnet hold
• Thick flame retardant fabric
• Helps reduce heating bills
• Easy installation

Cons

• Limited to metal fireplace frames
• Requires accurate measuring

Skip it if: Skip if your fireplace is larger or smaller than this size range.

4

Best Vent Cover

Beeplove Magnetic Fireplace Draft Stopper 36″x6″

Best for: Fireplaces with metal vent openings needing narrow magnetic draft blockers

• Size36″x6″
• Material—
• Installation TypeMagnetic attachment
• Magnet StrengthUpgraded strong magnets

Check price on Amazon

This set includes two magnetic vent covers sized 36″x6″, designed to fit fireplace vents that attract magnets. The magnets are upgraded for strong adhesion. It blocks cold air, dust, and pests from entering through the vent. The covers are easy to clean and durable, ideal for those wanting a vent-specific draft stopper rather than a full fireplace cover.

Pros

• Upgraded strong magnets
• Keeps out dust and pests
• Easy to clean and reuse
• Two covers included

Cons

• Only covers narrow vent openings
• Not suitable for sealing full fireplace openings

Skip it if: Skip if you need a full fireplace draft stopper, not just a vent cover.

5

Best Versatile Door Seal

Holikme Weighted Door Draft Stopper 36″ Black

Best for: Sealing gaps under doors, windows, and fireplace glass to block drafts

• Size36 inch
• MaterialThickened fabric with cotton and sandbags
• Installation TypeAdhesive fasteners
• Magnet Strength—

Check price on Amazon

This draft stopper uses heavy-duty fabric filled with cotton and weighted sandbags to stay firmly against floors and surfaces. It glides smoothly with doors thanks to adhesive fasteners and fits all floor types. Its versatility lets users block drafts not only from fireplaces but also from doors, windows, and sliding tracks. The washable cover and hanging loops make maintenance and storage easy.

Pros

• Weighted to stay put
• Fits all floor types
• Adhesive fasteners prevent shifting
• Washable cover and storage loops

Cons

• Not magnetic, so no attachment to metal frames
• Not a full fireplace cover

Skip it if: Skip if you want a magnetic fireplace-specific draft stopper.

How to Choose the Best Fireplace Draft Stopper

A draft stopper blocks cold air from entering through an unused fireplace. The right one depends on what your fireplace frame is made of and how much draft you need to stop.

Magnetic covers attach to metal fireplace frames and create an airtight seal. They use industrial-strength magnets along all edges to pull tight against the frame, leaving no gaps for air. Weighted fabric stoppers sit inside the firebox opening and use their own weight to stay in place. They work on any frame material but rely on bulk rather than adhesion, so they leave small gaps around the edges.

Measure the width and height of your fireplace opening at the frame, not the firebox. A cover that is even half an inch too small allows cold air to bypass the seal. One that is too large bunches or folds, breaking the seal at the creases.

Check your frame material before buying. Tap the surface around the opening: metal rings, brick and stone do not. Magnetic covers need metal. If your frame is brick or stone, choose a weighted stopper or a tension rod model that braces inside the opening.

For unused fireplaces you plan to seal long-term, insulating an unused fireplace with rigid foam board inside the flue stops more heat loss than a front cover alone. A draft stopper handles seasonal sealing when you want to open the fireplace again in a few months.

1. Measure the Opening
   Measure width and height at the frame where the stopper will contact. Round up to the next whole inch if between sizes.
2. Identify Frame Material
   Tap the frame to confirm metal, or inspect for brick or stone. Magnetic covers require metal; other materials need weighted or tension rod stoppers.
3. Select the Stopper Type
   Buy a magnetic cover if you have a metal frame and want the tightest seal. Choose a weighted fabric stopper for non-metal frames or for quick seasonal installation.
4. Check Magnet Strength
   For magnetic models, confirm the product lists magnet strength or holding power. Covers with thin flexible magnets sag on large openings or painted frames.

Sizing and Heat Output Considerations

Measure the width and height of your fireplace opening before buying. A draft stopper that is too small leaves gaps at the edges where cold air enters and warm air escapes. One that is too large bunches or fails to seal flat against the surround.

Most magnetic covers are sold in standard sizes: 32×32 inches, 36×36 inches, and 42×42 inches. If your opening falls between sizes, choose the next size up and trim the excess with scissors. Fabric stoppers with adjustable closures can stretch or compress by a few inches to fit openings within their range.

For irregular openings or those with uneven brick edges, a keyhole draft stopper wraps around the contour and seals more completely than a flat panel. The flexible fabric adapts to variations in the surround without leaving air pockets.

Insulating an unused fireplace requires more than a draft stopper alone if you want to stop all heat loss. A draft stopper blocks airflow through the opening, but the chimney flue above it remains a thermal bridge. Close the damper first, then install the draft stopper over the opening. For a fireplace you will never use again, add a chimney balloon or flue plug above the damper to seal the flue itself.

Safety and Certification for Fireplace Draft Stoppers

Fireplace draft stoppers come mainly in two types: magnetic covers and weighted fabric barriers. Magnetic covers seal the fireplace opening with magnets for a tight fit. Weighted fabric stoppers rely on heavy materials to block drafts at the base of the opening.

Safety starts with the material. Look for flame-retardant fabrics or metals rated for high temperatures. This prevents damage or fire risk if the stopper accidentally touches residual heat from the fireplace.

Check for safety certifications such as UL or ETL listings. These certifications confirm the product meets industry standards for flame resistance and electrical safety if it has any electronic parts. Certified products reduce the risk of fire and malfunction.

Ease of installation matters for safety too. A stopper that is hard to install or remove can lead to improper placement, leaving gaps or creating trip hazards. Magnetic covers like the Magnetic Fireplace Cover 39″x32″ provide a secure fit without tools, minimizing installation errors.

Avoid draft stoppers that require adhesives or complicated fasteners, which may damage your fireplace surround or fail to hold securely. Choose stoppers designed for your fireplace type and size to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Common Mistakes When Using Draft Stoppers

Not measuring the fireplace before buying a draft stopper is the most common error. A stopper too small leaves gaps for cold air. Too large, and it won’t fit properly or could be a fire hazard.

A snug fit is essential. Gaps around the edges let drafts in and reduce the stopper’s effectiveness. Magnetic covers seal tightly around the opening, while weighted fabric stoppers must cover the full width and length without gaps.

Ignoring maintenance leads to reduced efficiency and safety risks. Dust and soot buildup on fabric stoppers can degrade flame retardancy. Magnetic covers can lose their grip if the surface or magnets get dirty. Clean your stopper regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Never leave a draft stopper in place when the fireplace is in use. They are designed to block cold air when the fireplace is off. Using them with a burning fire risks melting, burning, or trapping smoke inside your home.

If you are unsure about the right fit or product type, consult a buying guide or professional advice. Proper selection and use prevent wasted money and enhance your home’s warmth efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions