Bath shower screens are one of those small but impactful bathroom elements that are worth considering for your current bathroom or new bathroom installation project. Seen as the better alternative to shower curtains, coming in a wide variety of types, and being easy to maintain, there’s no wonder that bath shower screens are a common theme with new bathrooms.
With the ability to match multiple bathroom décor styles, there’s no reason why bath shower screens shouldn’t be on your bathroom remodel wish list. As one of the most popular modern bathroom refit ideas, take a closer look at this simple yet timeless bathroom feature and find out how you can use it to improve the look and function of your bathroom.
Bath Shower Screens vs. Shower Curtains
If you want to create a sleek and modern bathroom, bath shower screens should be a go-to choice. Offering several clear advantages over curtains, bath shower screens are more durable, more sophisticated, and cleaner.
Let’s look at durability first. Unlike shower curtains that can rip, fade and quickly diminish in quality, bath shower screens are made from tough and durable materials – most commonly glass or tough acrylic – that are made to last. This high level of durability ensures they can fulfil their purpose but also keep the bathroom looking fresh for years to come.
In terms of sophistication, tidy and clear bath shower screens offer a more appealing visual than messy, dangling curtains, especially if they have faded and gotten dirty over the years. So, if you’re striving for a contemporary, striking look, like a modern black bathroom, bath shower screens are the way to go for minimising a cluttered environment. Perhaps the most important difference is the level of cleanliness screens have over curtains – they’re easier to keep clean and therefore more resilient to encouraging mould or mildew in the bathroom.
Types of Bath Shower Screens
Bath shower screens come in various designs, which is great news for you as you can pick the type of shower screen you want based on style and practicality, creating a bathroom experience that is completely tailored to you.
Find a variety of bath shower screens in our Brochure >
Fixed Bath Shower Screen
A fixed screen is a simple, stationary panel that doesn’t move. It’s an ideal space-saving shower screen that is great for walk-in showers or bath areas where space is at a premium, as it avoids having to swing the screen open and closed. Its minimalistic design offers a sleek, modern look and is easy to clean due to the lack of moving parts. This is a really neat option for modern bathrooms, providing that translucent, almost futuristic look.
Sliding Space-Saving Shower Screen
A sliding shower screen is another good option for a space-saving shower screen, making it perfect for compact bathrooms. Unlike a fixed screen, it allows you to slide the screen open and close without needing extra space for the door to swing. Instead, it slides out of the way, often into the shower enclosure itself, which makes it a popular shower renovation feature. This makes it an ideal choice for small bathrooms where maximising space is key.
Hinged Bath Shower Screen
Hinged screens swing open, either inward or outward, providing easy access to the bath or shower, which can be handy for a no-fuss way of getting in and out, which may be ideal for those who require a more accessible bathroom. They offer a more traditional look and are great for larger bathrooms with enough clearance for the door to move freely.
Folding/Bi-Fold Screen
These bath shower screens are similar to sliding screens and operate on the same principle – they can be opened or closed without the need for a swinging door. Folding or bi-fold screens fold in on themselves, making them excellent for tight spaces. They collapse inward, requiring little clearance, making them perfect for small bathroom fitting projects where every inch of space counts. These screens also look great, which can make your shower area look more attractive.
Choosing the Right Material and Finish for Your Screen
Not only are there different types of bath shower screens to choose from, but you can customise screens further by selecting various materials and finishes, with each choice affecting the look and feel of the bathroom.
Material Options for Bath Shower Screens
Clear Glass: Transparent glass that enhances light to create the visual effect of making the room seem larger. To keep it looking modern and clear, clean frequently to keep water spots at bay.
Frosted Glass: With a blurred tint, this bath shower screen is great for privacy and calmness during bathing. Though the frost effect can feel more “closed-off” than clear glass and will not enhance light as well as glass, so it could make the room feel smaller.
Tinted Glass: Glass with colour shades like grey, bronze, or blue adds a stylish, unique touch while also offering privacy. However, this can darken the room and only works well with a select few bathroom styles.
Textured Glass: Featuring decorative patterns or textures on the glass, this material combines privacy with a unique style. These bath shower screens can be more difficult to clean due to the textured surface.
Acrylic: This is a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass that’s more affordable and durable, making it ideal for budget bathroom renovations, yet it lacks the elegance of glass and could turn yellow over time.
Different Finishes to Choose From
Frameless Design: With no visible frame, you receive a sleek, modern and minimalist look, giving the bathroom a seamless appearance. With the need for professional bathroom shower screen installation, this option can be more costly. Adding this feature to a full new shower installation may be more cost-effective.
Framed Shower Screen: A sturdier option than the frameless, it comes with visible framing and is available in finishes like chrome, matte black or gun metal. With added durability and customisation, it’s a nice touch.
Semi-Frameless Design: Combining the above gives you a semi-frameless finish for your bath shower screen which is sleeker than framed but also more affordable than fully frameless. Be sure to clean the edges which can still collect grime.
Space-Saving Showers Screens for Small Bathrooms
We’ve briefly touched on how bath shower screens are ideal for smaller bathrooms throughout this guide, so let’s expand on that. With many homeowners feeling limited by the space they have available in their bathroom, space-saving bath shower screens can maximise space and help the room feel more expansive.
Options like clear glass or frameless bath shower screens can create the illusion of a larger, more open space by allowing natural light to flow freely throughout the room – with more light being reflected the room will feel more open and spacious. Whereas a darker room will affect your perception of depth. This is especially important for small bathrooms where every inch counts. This is just one example of why bathroom lighting is so important.
Additionally, space-saving bath shower screens, such as sliding and folding screens, are designed specifically for smaller spaces by eliminating the need for space when opening and closing a screen. Lastly, as we mentioned before, screens are better than curtains because curtains can make a bathroom look messy and cluttered, which is one of the biggest challenges to overcome with a small bathroom.
How to Clean Glass Shower Screens
Glass bath shower screens are the most popular form of screen, but to maintain the pristine look, you must keep on top of your cleaning and do so properly. One of the main concerns with glass is the buildup of water spots, soap scum, and limescale, all of which will dull the shine of the glass over time.
Keeping the glass clean is simple, just regularly clean your glass with a vinegar-water solution or mild glass cleaner that you can buy from the supermarket. There are also a variety of water-repellent coatings that can help reduce the frequency of cleaning.
Another way to further help keep your glass spotless is to wipe down the screen after showering to stop water splashes from turning into water spots.
Framed bath shower screens are also predominantly used for new bathrooms, so it’s good practice to pay attention to the seals and joints where mould can develop if left unchecked.
Ensure Proper Shower Screen Installation by a Professional
While you certainly can fit a bath shower screen yourself, we recommend investing in expert bathroom shower screen installation. Any local handyman or bathroom fitter should be able to help you out, which saves the risk of mistakes, which could lead to an unnecessary expense to fix. Or, include a bath shower screen in a completely new bathroom and use an expert fitter for a stress-free easy bathroom installation.
If you want to include a bath shower screen in your bathroom renovation project, The Bathroom Place can come up with the design for you, supply the screen you want along with the rest of your bathroom products, and install everything for you. Reach out to our team for assistance today.
