The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Shower Screen

Glass shower screens are the perfect solution for a practical and elegant bathroom or wetroom. There are various types and styles available that can influence the look and functionality of your bathroom, so if you are renovating then it’s important to give the matter careful consideration. Here’s a useful guide to help you make a well informed choice.

Assess your space

First of all, consider where the shower screen will be placed. There are a range of options that are available to suit different bathroom dimensions and layouts. For example, curved glass screens can be fitted into a corner and will save space. If you have a larger bathroom, then a rectangular walk-in shower may be an ideal solution.

Understand different types of glass

The glass must meet safety requirements to ensure that it is strong enough to withstand the purpose. Shower screen glass is usually between 6mm to 10mm thick, and is toughened via intense heating and cooling methods. Laminated glass has a PVB layer inserted between two panes of glass to hold it together even after a forceful impact.

Toughened glass should be adequate for most shower screens, but large frameless designs may require laminated glass.

Design and aesthetics

One of the biggest factors that will influence the overall look of your bathroom is whether you choose a framed or a frameless design. Frameless screens provide a sleek and contemporary look, so if you have a modern bathroom with a clean minimalist design this could work very well.

Frameless screens provide an uninterrupted flow of the dimensions and style features of the room, making it feel more spacious and harmonious. They are also easier to keep clean because there are fewer joins where mould and dirt can gather. However, they can be more expensive because the glass needs to meet more stringent safety standards.

Framed or semi-framed screens are more robust and can work well with more traditional bathroom designs. The colour and material of the frame can be coordinated with other bathroom fittings for a pleasingly stylish effect. Framed glass shower screens are usually more affordable and can be made with thinner and lighter glass than frameless screens. 

There is a range of glass styles available, including clear low-iron glass which may suit frameless screens; frosted or tinted glass that can coordinate with the style of your bathroom and add privacy; or patterned or textured glass that adds interest and also affords a degree of privacy. 

Functionality

Besides how the screen will fit in with the size and style of your bathroom, consider the functional aspects of the screen. For example, hinged doors will require adequate clearance space to open comfortably, either inwards or outwards. Sliding doors take up less space, so this may be a consideration if you have a small bathroom.

Shower door handles should be ergonomic to make them easy to manipulate with wet hands, although they can also be used to add a touch of luxury and style to your bathroom. You may want to consider choosing a material or colour that coordinates with other bathroom fittings such as taps, shower rails, mirror frames, and so on. 

Accessibility

Consider who will be using the bathroom; if it will be used by older or less mobile people, then a screen that has no door or a walk-in shower with no tray or raised access may be desirable. Some people choose to future-proof their homes by installing wet rooms. 

This involves tanking the entire walls and ceiling so they are fully waterproof, and angling the floor drainage so that the shower water flows into it without the need for a tray. However, many people still choose to install a shower screen if the wet room contains a basin or toilet, or simply to prevent towels and clothing from being splashed while the shower is in use. 

Maintenance

Shower screens are fairly easy to maintain; they simply require a wipe down with a mild detergent to remove soap scum and prevent the build up of unsightly mould and mildew. Very clear low iron glass requires more careful cleaning than frosted or coloured glass, because streaks and stains will show up more easily. 

Installation

Professional installation is recommended to ensure the safety of your shower screen. However, if you are very confident and experienced with DIY projects, there is no reason why you can't do the work yourself.