Bath Shower Screens Vs. Shower Curtains: Which Is Best?

A shower over a bath is a popular solution for smaller bathrooms where there is not enough space to install a separate shower cubicle and a bathtub, but you want the benefits of both. Although the majority of Brits tend to prefer the convenience of a shower, a bath is very useful for young families.

It’s also beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, because soaking in warm water can be therapeutic and ease aches and pains. Therefore a shower installation, usually at one end of the bath, is an ideal compromise. An L-shaped or P-shaped bath tub will allow for extra space than a traditional straight design. 

One issue that does need to be addressed with this setup is how to prevent water splashing over the side of the bath during a shower, which can cause a slip hazard, drench towels and clothing, and generally increase the risk of mould and damp growing on the walls, flooring, and in the grouting between bathroom fixtures. 

The choice will generally be down to whether to install a shower screen or a shower curtain. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each method. 

Over the bath shower screens

A shower screen is typically made from toughened safety glass or laminated glass, and may be fixed to the wall or side of the bath with a U channel. It can be a static screen that is not designed to be moved; or it can be a hinged design that opens out for ease of access and to make cleaning easier. 

Larger baths may have a screen that is made of two separate glass panels, with one fixed to the wall and one hinged to allow access. The screen may also have a concertina design that can be fully folded back, and extends fully or partially along the side of the bathtub when opened. 

If your bath has a P-shaped curve at one end, it may be possible to install a curved glass shower screen. This provides a softer line and can enhance the overall flow and harmony of the room.

Pros of bath shower screens

Best protection against leaks: A bath shower screen will either be fixed to the side of the bath with a waterproof seal, or have a close-fitting seal installed along the bottom edge. This means that it is unlikely to leak during a shower. Shower curtains are more flexible and can move under pressure or billow.

Elegant clean design: Clear glass shower screens allow for uninterrupted flow of light around the bathroom, helping it to appear more spacious and creating clean lines. It shows off more of the tilework and the bath taps and shower head, which may be a consideration if these are designed to coordinate with the rest of the bathroom.

It’s also possible to use tinted or frosted glass if you want extra privacy.

Durability: Shower screens that are properly installed and well maintained can last indefinitely, unlike shower curtains, which tend to need replacing from time to time. 

Cons of shower screens

Limited size: Shower screens generally extend no more than halfway across the bath, and during a long shower where you may be washing your hair, it’s possible that some water may be splashed over the sides. This can be a nuisance in smaller bathrooms, where fixtures such as the basin or toilet are near this side of the bath. 

May not be suitable for all baths: It’s important to consider the size and model of the bath, because they need to have enough of an edge for the screen to sit on, and may be designed to only fit certain brands of shower screen. Older models may have rounded edges or narrow edges for example, and would only be suitable for a wall-mounted hinged screen. 

Prone to limescale buildup: If you live in an area with hard water (water that contains high deposits of minerals such as magnesium and calcium due to the geology of the area, most often in south east England), then you may notice deposits building up on the shower screen. These will need to be regularly cleaned off to avoid unsightly streaks.

May break: There are strict regulations about the type and thickness of glass that is used for shower screens, and it is designed to withstand impacts. However, they are not unbreakable, so this may be a consideration if you have children or less mobile household members. 

Shower curtains

A shower curtain is a length of waterproof material that is hung from a railing fitted above the bath, and is pulled across the length of the bath when showering to prevent splashes. 

Pros of shower curtains

Flexible size: A curtain offers more flexibility of size, so you can extend it all the way to the end of the bath if required. 

A wide choice of designs: Shower curtains are available in a huge variety of colours, patterns, and even textures, so it’s easy to find something that suits your taste and the style of your bathroom. You could even drape two curtains together, with a heavier waterproof inner lining, and a more decorative outer curtain. 

Cheap to replace: should your curtain become damaged or worn, they are cheap and easy to replace. 

Cons of shower curtains

Prone to mould: It’s difficult to fully dry off a shower curtain directly after use, and they can be prone to developing mould and mildew. This can spread to the grouting around the tiles and bath, and be tricky to get rid of.

Can leak or billow: Thinner curtains can be difficult to keep in place, and are prone to leaking or clinging to you as you shower. 

So, there you have it. Your choice may be influenced by the type of bath you have, your budget, and the overall aesthetics of your bathroom.