The Ultimate Bath Screen Buying Guide
Not all bathrooms have the luxury of having a separate bath and shower. Those on the smaller side often only have room for a shower and forgo a bath. But this isn’t always ideal, especially for growing families. If you’re in the position where you can’t expend your bathroom space but need a shower and bath, then a combined shower and bath is really your only option.
Adding a shower over your bath is a great way to make your bathroom more functional. You’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a shower bath combination without consuming extra space, and this is vital for smaller bathrooms!
However, a shower/bath combo has been looked down on as an inferior solution in the past. The disdain was partly due to water splashing about the bathroom while showering and partly due to daggy shower curtains, which were the only solution to this problem.
Thankfully, times have changed. Now, there’s a new solution to keep water at bay while showering, with modern bath screens! Bath screens transform a daggy shower/bath combo into a stylish solution that will complement the most modernistic bathroom designs.
If you’re looking to upgrade your shower curtain or looking to renovate your small bathroom to include a shower/bath combo, then you’ll need a bath screen. But, before you rush into purchasing a bath screen in Perth, there are a few things to consider.
Today, we’ll take a look at some of these things so you can choose the right bath screen for your design needs and personal preferences.
Types of bath screens
Fixed bath screens
Fixed bath screens are the most common type of bath screens in Perth; they are standard and come in the widest variety of designs and styles. They’re also the most economical option due to their simplicity. Unlike hinged bath screens, a fixed bath screen cannot swivel. It is fixed to the wall by a U-channel and the bath rim with a seal strip. They are a permanent feature whose sole purpose is to contain water and prevent it from splashing about the bathroom during showering.
In terms of designs, options are plentiful. Fixed bath screens can be frameless or framed, and if frameless, you will find design options such as square, curved, and sail, which is the shape of the glass.
Hinged bath screens / Swing bath screens
Hinged bath screens, also known as swing bath screens, are a practical and functional option for those seeking bath screens in Perth. A hinged glass panel defines them, which connects to a fixed panel and rotates 180 degrees—90 degrees into the bath and 90 degrees away from the bath. This functionality aids easy access without compromising design.
Hinged bath screens come in various designs, including square bath screens, sail bath screens, and curved bath screens.
Framed bath screens
Framed bath screens may not be as modern as their frameless counterparts, but there is a place for them in the market. As the glass is fully framed in aluminium, they offer higher stability and robustness, which can be important when boisterous young kids are bathing.
While framed bath screens don’t offer sail and curved variants, they do come in various panel options in terms of design. Options include framed double-panel screens, framed triple-panel screens, framed four-panel screens, and framed bi-fold screens, which are a safe and functional option for kids’ bath time.
Frameless bath screens
Frameless bath screens are by far the preferred option today and perceived as standard. There is no frame to restrict the design, so possibilities are endless. The glass panel seamlessly blends into a bathroom without distraction and can be sculpted in contemporary shapes such as curved and sails to soften the look. In fact, all designs mentioned below are frameless screens. They are much more modern in design and are much easier to clean and maintain than framed screens.
You will also find frameless bath screens in Perth to offer the most variances, including towel rail and double panel options such as those offered in our bath screen range.
Folding bath screens / Bi-fold bath screens
Folding bath screens, often referred to as bi-fold bath screens, are another not-so-common option to consider for your shower/bath combo. Such screens maximise the space available in your bathroom as they do not open inwards or outwards and can fold back to expose the bath almost in its entirety. Such screens look stylish, and they’re also very practical.
Bath Screen Designs
Today, bath screens are available in various designs to suit multiple design styles and personal tastes. The most popular bath screen designs in Perth include square, sail, and curved bath screens. But design options are not limited to just these few.
Below, I’ll outline these bath screen designs for you to consider for your shower/bath combo.
Square bath screens
Square bath screens are the most common type of bath screen in Perth. They can also be referred to as panel bath screens because they are simply one frameless glass panel that gets fixed to the wall with a U-channel. They’re modern and stylish and suitable for all bathrooms, regardless of style. Crisp, clean lines define this square-edged design.
The Square Panel Bath Screen offered by Ross’s Discount Home Centre is the perfect example of such bath screens. This particular screen is on sale for $120.00, but there are other options available, such as the Alpine Fixed Square Bath Screen, and the Alpine Pivot Square Bath Screen.
Square bath screens in Perth come in plenty of sizes, and you’re sure to find something to meet your budget and requirements with ease.
Sail bath screens
Sail bath screens offer a little more design flair than square bath screens. Like square screens, they get their name from their shape, which is just like the sail of a ship—they’re curved at the top and straight at the bottom. The sail shape helps to soften the look of the glass, which enables it to blend with the surroundings better. Such screens look very sleek, and they are suitable for contemporary bathrooms.
An excellent example of a sail bath screen is the Kensington bath screen and the Sculpted Bath Screen, which we currently have in stock. The Kensington model is a budget-friendly option at just $280.00, while the Sculpted Bath Screen is the more lavish, higher-quality option, starting at $380.00. The Sculpted Bath Screen also comes with various variations, such as the Sculpted Bath Screen with Towel Rail, Sculpted Double Panel Bath Screen, and the Sculpted Double Panel Bath Screen with Towel Rail.
Sail bath screens in Perth come in an array of options, so you’re sure to find one to meet your budget and requirement needs.
Curved bath screens
Curved bath screens are another great option. They are very similar to sail bath screens in that the glass is curved, but the curve isn’t as significant—it is radial to the top corner rather than the entire length of the panel. As such, these screens sit in between square and sail bath screens and look great in just about any bathroom design style.
The Alpine Fixed Curved Bath Screen is a modern curved bath screen for just $280.00 and provides excellent value for money. The Alpine Pivot Curved Bath Screen is an alternative option for those looking for easy access from their screen. With its pivot hinges, it can swing open so you don’t have to manoeuvre around it as you enter your bath. It too is just $280 (hardware sold separately).
You will find curved bath screens in Perth in various sizes to meet your budget and requirements with ease.
Buying Considerations
While the size and space in your bathroom may play a role, choosing the right bath screen ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. Modern bath screens in Perth, like those from Ross’ Discount Home Centre, fit into most insert baths and back-to-wall baths but are unsuitable for freestanding baths. And while they offer many benefits, they also come with some drawbacks, which you can learn about in our article about the pros and cons of bath screens.
Here are a few more considerations to make to help you select the perfect bath screen.
- Consider whether you want a fixed bath screen or a hinged bath screen. Hinged or pivot screens offer easier access but can be more expensive than fixed bath screens due to the more advanced hardware required.
- Select between frameless or framed bath screens. Frameless screens look more contemporary, but a framed screen may be a safer option if you have younger children.
- Consider the bath screen design and which will look best or work best in your space. If you opt for a frameless screen, options will include square, sail, and curved shower screens. Framed screens only offer a square design but do have panel variations.
- Consider cleaning requirements. Framed bath screens are the most challenging to clean, and our Lakes Bathrooms and Alpine bath screens, coated with AllClear and EasyCLEAN coatings, are the easiest to clean, practically cleaning themselves.
- Not all bath screens are of the same quality. Some may only last a few years; others a lifetime. Consider how long you want your screen to last. If it’s a permanent fixture, opt for a Lakes Bathrooms shower screen that offers a lifetime warranty.
- Lastly, consider whether you want accessories with your bath screen. Some models include accessories such as towel rails or towel rings. These accessories will enhance your bathing or showering experience, so do consider whether you want them.
Quality Bath Screens in Perth
For the best quality bath screens in Perth, look no further than Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s range. Our bath screens are manufactured with toughened glass and meet Australian standards of safety.
The majority of bath screens in our range are Lakes Bathrooms bath screens and come with a unique AllClear coating and an unmatched lifetime warranty! AllClear is a unique, state-of-the-art coating that prevents the glass from getting dirty—it is specially formulated to repel water, soap scum, and limescale to reduce all nearly cleaning requirements. They offer easy maintenance, and they come in a range of styles for you to choose from to meet all personal preferences.
Lakes Bathrooms is one of the world’s leading shower screen and bathroom manufacturers, winning the 2018 BMJ Industry Award for Best Bathroom Brand. You cannot go wrong with one of our Lakes Bathrooms bath screens.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing bath screens in Perth, there are some factors you should consider. Bath screens are available in various types and designs, including fixed bath screens, hinged bath screens, frameless bath screens, framed bath screens, square bath screens, sail bath screens, and curved bath screens, among others.
Deciding on the type and design is the first step in buying a bath screen. You also have to consider its function. For example, if you have young children, you may opt for a framed bath screen over a frameless one. Likewise, if you’re looking to create a contemporary space, then a modern frameless bath screen would be a better choice.
It’s also important to consider whether accessories like a towel rail or added functionality like an additional glass panel are important to you.
Bath screens are affordable and range in price depending on their quality. If you’re looking for a bath screen to withstand the lifespan of your bathroom, then choosing one from Lakes Bathrooms will ensure this. The Lakes Bathrooms screens come with an unbelievable lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured they won’t let you down.
When you’re ready to shop for bath screens in Perth, choose Ross’s Discount Home Centre. You can view our range of quality bath screens in our online store or see them in person by visiting our showroom, located at 57 James Street, Guildford, Perth.