What Insect Screen is Best? Standard vs Pleated

When the warm weather arrives, so do the bugs. Whether you’re trying to keep your home cool, enjoy fresh air, or simply avoid unwanted insects, a quality fly screen is an investment in everyday comfort. But when it comes to choosing the best fly screen, one question we’re often asked is ‘What insect screen is best – standard or pleated?’.

Each has unique advantages depending on your doors, windows, and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the key differences between standard and pleated fly screens and explain which option may be best for your home.

What are standard fly screens?

Standard fly screens are made with flat mesh that rolls into a cassette when not in use. At Phantom Screens, our Legacy door screen and Serene window screen both use this technology. They’re sleek, virtually invisible when retracted, and are ideal for everyday use on single or double doors, and most window types.

When in use, a standard screen pulls smoothly across the opening, latching securely into place. When you’re done, it glides gently back into its housing with a soft-close mechanism – no slamming, no tugging, and no visual impact on your room.

Why choose a standard screen?

Thanks to their minimalist design and ease of use, standard insect screens are often considered the best insect screen option for traditional doors and windows. They’re especially well-suited for smaller openings or where a clean, discreet finish is important.

Benefits of standard fly screens:

• Designed for standard-sized single or double doors
• Suitable for most windows including casement, sash, tilt-and-turn, and Velux
• Made-to-measure up to:
  • Single doors: 1.22m wide x 3m high
  • Double doors: 2.44m wide x 3m high
  • Windows: 2m wide x 2m high
• Provides a nearly invisible finish – perfect if you want minimal visual impact
• Great for doors that are used frequently, such as kitchen or utility room exits
• Available in any RAL colour (plus woodgrain options) to blend with your décor

What are pleated fly screens?

Pleated fly screens use a folded mesh that expands and contracts like a concertina. This mesh doesn’t roll away but folds neatly into the side housing when not in use. The pleats provide strength and structure, allowing the screen to span wider openings without sagging or warping.

For homeowners who prefer a manual option over our renowned power screens, pleated screens are the go-to choice. It’s a sophisticated option with premium performance, especially popular for large-format doors such as bifolds, sliding doors, and even French doors.

Why choose a pleated screen?

The pleated design is perfect for very wide or tall doorways, where a traditional roller screen might not be practical. It’s also highly durable and provides a subtle design statement – especially when used in contemporary or minimalist homes.

Benefits of pleated screens:

• Designed for wide openings such as bifold doors, French doors, and patio sliders
• Made-to-measure up to:
  • Single doors: 2m wide x 2.6m high
  • Double doors: 9m wide x 2.6m high
• Easy for nipping in and out as they can stop anywhere along the monorail track
• Makes a visual statement while remaining discreet when retracted
• Great for wheelchair users with its ultra-low-profile monorail track (3mm) sitting flush to the floor
• Available in any RAL colour to match your existing frames

If you’re looking for the best bifold door screens or wondering ‘what fly screen is best for French doors’, the answer will almost always point to pleated insect screens.

What insect screen is best for your home?

Now that you know the difference, how do you decide which is the best insect screen for your home?

Consider your openings

If you’re screening standard-sized doors or windows, a standard retractable screen may offer everything you need – discreet, effective and user-friendly. But if you have large or irregular openings (such as bifold doors, French doors, or oversized patio doors), a pleated fly screen will be the best fit.

Think about frequency of use

For heavily used doors such as a back kitchen door or sliding garden doors, choose a screen that offers smooth, reliable operation and durability. Phantom Screens are designed to be used daily, and our pleated and standard options are both robust enough to stand the test of time.

Factor in design preferences

Some customers prefer the clean, flat look of a roll-away screen, while others enjoy the subtle texture that pleats can add to a space. Both styles can be colour-matched to your frames, so whichever you choose, you can be confident it will suit your home’s style.

Still wondering what insect screen is best?

If you’re still unsure which screen is right for you, our friendly team is here to help. We’ll talk you through your options, recommend the best fly screen for your property, and provide a no-obligation quote. Get in touch today to book your free home survey and discover the perfect fly screen solution.