Pros and Cons of Corner Shower Screens
If you’re considering upgrading your bathroom, corner shower screens are a practical and stylish option. These space-saving shower enclosures tuck neatly into the corner of your bathroom, offering a sleek and functional design that works well in small and large spaces. Corner shower screens are popular in Australian bathrooms, thanks to their ability to maximise space while providing a clean, modern look.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a wide variety of shower screens for corners, including corner entry screens—a design with doors opening from the corner, perfect for bathrooms with limited access space. Later in this guide, I’ll highlight the pros and cons of corner shower screens and help you decide if they’re the right choice for your home. Whether you’re curious about the different styles available or asking yourself, “Are corner shower screens good?”, I’ll share the key insights to ensure you’re informed and confident in your decision.
From their sleek shower enclosure designs to their role in optimising bathroom design layouts, shower screens for bathroom corners offer a range of benefits to suit various needs. Stay tuned as we explore their different types and provide an honest look at their advantages and drawbacks.
Types of Corner Shower Screens
Corner shower screens are an excellent option to make the most of your bathroom space. Offering a range of styles and configurations, these screens suit various preferences and layouts. Understanding the key types can help highlight their pros and cons.
- Neo-angle showers feature a space-saving design with a door that pivots on a 45-degree angle, making them ideal for small bathrooms. They can be paired with frameless, semi-frameless, or framed shower screens for added flexibility in design.
- Quadrant showers, also known as curved showers, maximise internal space with their rounded front and sleek appearance, making them an excellent option for contemporary bathroom styles.
- Square or rectangular showers provide a more traditional look and are well-suited to larger bathrooms where space isn’t as limited. These designs cater to all preferences, offering frameless, semi-frameless, or framed variants.
- Corner entry showers are perfect for homes with limited access space. Doors that open directly from the corner allow maximum entry convenience without eating into the rest of the bathroom.
By choosing the right corner shower screen type, you can enjoy the functionality and aesthetic appeal these shower screen designs offer, tailored to your bathroom’s size, layout, and style.
Pros of Corner Shower Screens
Corner shower screens offer several advantages, making them popular for Australian bathrooms. From optimising space to their modern look, they provide practical and aesthetic benefits for various bathroom layouts.
Space Efficiency
One of the most notable corner shower screen advantages is their space-saving design. They fit neatly into bathroom corners, freeing up valuable floor space for other features like vanities or storage. Whether you have a cosy ensuite or a spacious main bathroom, this efficient layout maximises your available area without compromising comfort or usability.
For small bathrooms, corner entry shower screens like our Alpine Square Corner Entry Silver model are an excellent choice thanks to their central opening. This smart design maximises space by eliminating the need for outward swinging doors, making it ideal for tight layouts. It’s a design that blends convenience with efficiency, ensuring that even the smallest spaces can be stylish and functional.
Aesthetic Appeal
Corner showers boast modern aesthetics that can elevate any bathroom. Available in frameless, semi-frameless, and framed styles, they cater to various tastes. Pair these with door options like hinged, sliding, or pivot designs and frame options in silver or black to create a contemporary look. Clear glass panels allow light to flow freely, maintaining a bright and open feel—a key feature of modern bathroom design.
Design Versatility
The benefits of corner shower screens extend to their versatility. Available in various shapes, sizes, and configurations, they cater to multiple layouts. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a wide range of sizes, from 900mm x 900mm to 1200mm x 1200mm. You can even customise with different panel dimensions, like combining a 900mm panel with a 1200mm one, and enjoy 70-100mm adjustability for a perfect fit. With this flexibility, you’ll find a solution for even the trickiest bathroom layouts.
Improved Functionality
Beyond style, corner shower screens excel in practicality. Their enclosed design works with tiled floors and shower bases, offering better water containment than conventional shower curtains. This keeps your bathroom dry and reduces mess and slips, making them safer for families.
Enhanced Perception of Space
Glass enclosures like corner showers amplify the sense of space in your bathroom. By eliminating visual barriers, they make the room appear larger and more open. This benefit is especially notable in smaller bathrooms, where creating an airy, uncluttered vibe can make all the difference.
With their combination of space optimisation, aesthetics, and functionality, shower screen for corners offer an all-in-one solution for Australian homeowners. They’re a clever choice for those looking to balance practicality with sleek, modern design.
Cons of Corner Shower Screens
While there are numerous advantages of corner shower screens, it’s important to be aware of their potential drawbacks. Below, I’ve outlined the common disadvantages of corner shower screens and provided some professional insights to help you decide whether they meet your needs.
Complex Design and Installation
One of the main drawbacks of corner shower screens is the installation process, particularly in irregularly shaped bathrooms. Unique or customised designs may require precise measurements and professional assistance, which can drive up the costs. However, we address this concern at Ross’s Discount Home Centre by offering screens designed for easy DIY installation. These screens have flexible design options to simplify the process, even for novice renovators.
Maintenance Needs
Glass surfaces on shower screens can require frequent cleaning to keep them free from watermarks, soap scum, and grime. This is especially true for frameless models where every smudge is visible. However, at Ross’s, every glass shower screen includes EASYClean nano glass coating as standard across the range to combat high maintenance needs. This innovative feature repels water and reduces the build-up of dirt, making cleaning quicker and easier.
Cost Factors
Custom or frameless corner showers are known for their sleek designs but can carry a higher price tag than standard options. While the initial investment may seem steep, the durability and aesthetic appeal they bring to your bathroom are worth noting. This may be the case with custom solutions, but with Ross’s stock shower screens, you can enjoy a lower price tag, flexible configuration options, and a much longer warranty—15 years. Whether you opt for budget-friendly or high-end screens, our range includes affordable options starting from just $760.00 to cater to different budgets without compromising quality.
Accessibility Concerns
Certain corner shower screens may not be the best option for people with mobility challenges. Enclosures with fixed panels or narrow openings could make entry and exit difficult. It’s important to consider accessible shower designs if mobility is a concern to ensure functionality for all family members.
Limited Entry Space
Some models, particularly smaller standard-sized enclosures, can have restricted entryways that may feel cramped or uncomfortable. Fixed designs, such as those with sliding doors, might slightly reduce the ease of movement. To address this, we offer a variety of shower screen sizes and configurations, so you can opt for wider screens that better suit your needs.
Potential for Leakage
Another drawback reported by some users is water escaping where sliding doors meet, especially in frameless models. Poor installation or design flaws can exacerbate this issue. To prevent leakage, be sure to properly align the screens during installation. Our shower screens have detailed guides to ensure precise fitting and optimal water containment.
By understanding potential corner shower screen drawbacks, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed choice. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we help you overcome these challenges with practical solutions and high-quality products.
Considerations for Western Australian Homeowners
When choosing shower screens for corners, it pays to consider a few factors unique to Australian homes. Below, I’ve outlined the key considerations to help Western Australian homeowners make an informed choice.
Bathroom Size and Layout
The size and layout of your bathroom play a significant role in determining whether a corner shower screen is suitable. For smaller spaces, sleek and space-efficient designs like sliding or curved doors can make a world of difference, freeing up valuable floor area. On the other hand, larger bathrooms might benefit from pivot or hinged doors that offer wider access and a more open feel. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our range includes versatile screens that cater to both small and spacious bathrooms, allowing you to find the perfect fit regardless of your layout.
Budget Constraints
When budgeting for a shower screen, it’s essential to factor in both the upfront cost and potential maintenance expenses. While frameless or custom screens may carry a higher price tag, their longevity and aesthetic value make them a worthwhile investment. That said, we offer cost-effective options to suit various budgets, all without compromising on quality. Plus, with our EASYClean nano glass coating as standard in every screen, you can save on future cleaning and upkeep costs.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial in any bathroom to prevent moisture buildup and issues like mould and mildew. This is especially important if your shower screen will be installed in a compact or enclosed space. Ensure your bathroom has adequate airflow through windows, an exhaust fan, or a ventilation system. A well-ventilated area doesn’t just protect your health—it also extends the lifespan of your shower screen and surrounding fixtures.
Regulations
Ensuring your shower screen complies with Australian Standards is vital. Grade A toughened glass or Grade B wired glass is mandatory under AS/NZS 1288 and AS/NZS 2208 regulations to ensure safety and durability. All shower screens at Ross’s Discount Home Centre meet these strict standards, giving you peace of mind that your investment adheres to Australian safety requirements.
Should You Choose a Corner Shower Screen?
So, the question remains. Are corner shower screens any good, and should you choose one? Choosing the right shower screen depends on your bathroom’s layout and your preferences. Corner shower screens are an excellent option for many Western Australian homes, particularly if you want to balance space efficiency with modern style. Here are some scenarios where corner shower screens truly shine:
- If saving space is your top priority, corner shower screens, especially corner entry models, are one of the best shower screens for small bathrooms. Their clever design takes advantage of unused corners, leaving more room for other fixtures and creating a more open feel in compact bathrooms.
- If you prefer a wider entryway, pivot door corner shower screens offer spacious access. These are especially useful in medium to large bathrooms, where ease of entry and comfort are essential.
- If low maintenance is a concern, semi-frameless or framed corner shower screens are designed to minimise the risk of water leaks while providing a sturdy structure. Plus, our screens come with EASYClean nano glass coating as standard, making cleaning a breeze and cutting down on upkeep time.
Conclusion
Corner shower screens are a fantastic choice for many bathrooms, offering a blend of practicality and style. Their space-saving design makes them one of the best options for smaller bathrooms, while their modern aesthetics add a touch of sophistication to any home. With an array of configurations, from framed to frameless models, they are highly versatile and adaptable to various layouts and personal preferences.
However, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks. Installation challenges may arise in unique spaces, but Ross’s easy DIY installation kits can help you overcome this. Maintenance needs, such as keeping the glass spotless, can be a concern, yet our EASYClean nano glass coating simplifies upkeep. Lastly, cost considerations can come into play, particularly with custom or frameless designs. Thankfully, Ross’s extensive range includes affordable, high-quality options that don’t compromise durability or style.
Ultimately, corner showers offer a practical solution for those looking to maximise space and elevate their bathroom’s look.
Explore our extensive range of high-quality corner shower screens online to find the perfect fit for your home. With affordable prices, durable materials, and sizes to fit every bathroom, we’re confident you’ll find the right design for your space!
