The Pros and Cons of Pivot Shower Screens

If you’ve been wondering, “What is a pivot shower door?”—you’re not alone. Pivot shower screens are a popular choice for modern bathrooms, offering both style and practicality. Simply put, they are glass shower screens equipped with a hinged pivot mechanism that allows the door to swing outward and, in some cases, inward. This design offers easy access and a sleek finish, making it a standout choice for homeowners.
Our innovative models at Ross’s Discount Home Centre elevate pivot shower screens to new heights. Our standard pivot shower screens include a single pivot door. Our double pivot shower screens and double pivot shower doors solve space issues in small bathrooms. These designs reduce the door’s swing clearance with two half-width doors, making them ideal for small spaces.
When comparing options, pivot shower doors are a fantastic alternative to sliding shower doors. Sliding doors may not work in every layout, especially in tighter spaces. Pivot screens offer a full opening that allows greater accessibility and flexibility—qualities that make them a favourite among homeowners. Whether you need better usability or a stylish, modern glass shower screen, our pivot designs provide the perfect solution.
Pros of Pivot Shower Screens
Pivot shower screens offer practicality, style, and excellent functionality to enhance any bathroom. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our designs, including the innovative double pivot shower screens, bring these benefits to the forefront—perfect for both standard and compact spaces.
Space-Saving Innovation for Small Bathrooms
Traditional pivot shower doors swing outward, requiring significant clearance, which can be problematic in small bathrooms. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’ve addressed this issue with our double pivot shower screens and double pivot shower doors. By splitting the door into two half-width sections, this innovative design reduces the swing clearance, making it an ideal solution for compact bathrooms where sliding doors may not be suitable.
To highlight the impact of this design, we turned to Monica Schneiderwind, co-founder of AlpineKB, the manufacturer behind our shower screens. Monica states, “One of the biggest challenges in small bathroom design is balancing functionality with space efficiency. Our Double Pivot Shower Screens solve this problem by reducing the door’s swing clearance by half, making them an excellent alternative where sliding doors aren’t suitable.”
By minimising how much space the doors take up when opened, our double pivot shower screens offer a space-saving alternative without compromising accessibility or style.
Affordable Compared to Other Types of Shower Screens
When it comes to renovating a bathroom, cost is often one of the biggest considerations. Pivot shower screens deliver outstanding value by combining practicality with affordability. Compared to other types of shower screens, their price range is highly competitive while still offering superb functionality and style.
Let’s look at how the shower screens price stacks up across different styles:
Shower Screen Type | Price Range |
Pivot Shower Screens | $940.00 – $1,380.00 |
Sliding Shower Screens | $960.00 – $1,560.00 |
Corner Entry Shower Screens | $840.00 – $1,240.00 |
Quadrant Shower Screens | $920.00 – $1,120.00 |
Silver shower screen prices are quoted above, but each is available in black also.
This makes pivot screens both budget-friendly and effective, particularly when functionality is a key concern.
Modern, Minimalist Design
Our semi frameless pivot shower screens feature sleek, minimalist designs, adding an elegant touch to any bathroom. With glass finishes available in clear, frosted, or patterned options, you can customise your shower screen to match your style while enjoying a clean and streamlined aesthetic.
Wider Shower Entry Than Sliding & Corner Entry Screens
Accessibility is a key advantage of pivot shower door designs. Unlike sliding screens, which have overlapping sections, or corner-entry models with narrow openings, pivot doors swing open fully. This wider entry and exit make it far easier to use, particularly for those who prioritise convenience.
Easy to Clean
Pivot shower screens stand out for their straightforward maintenance. Without tracks to trap dirt or grime, like sliding doors often have, they are easy to wipe clean. The simple combination of a single glass pane and a pivot hinge makes them a practical choice for households seeking low-maintenance solutions.
Read our expert tips on maintaining your shower screen to keep your shower looking great.
Cons of Pivot Shower Screens
While pivot shower screens have several benefits, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks to make an informed decision. Fortunately, many of these issues can be mitigated with Ross’s innovative double pivot shower doors and shower screens.
Traditional Pivot Doors Take Up More Bathroom Space
Standard pivot doors need extra clearance to swing outward, which can be challenging in smaller bathrooms. To counter this, our double pivot shower doors and screens reduce the door swing by half, offering a practical alternative that works in tighter spaces.
Not Ideal for Ultra-Small Bathrooms
For extremely compact bathrooms, even reduced swing clearance may not be suitable. Sliding doors or corner-entry screens might better suit these spaces. However, if a pivot screen is what you prefer, our double pivot showers remain the best option for optimising small areas.
Requires a Level Floor for a Proper Seal
Uneven bathroom floors can lead to water leakage with pivot shower doors. A level floor is key to ensuring a proper seal. We recommend working with a professional installer to adjust seals and hinges for a watertight fit, preserving the functionality of your glass shower screen.
Not as Fully Enclosed as Quadrant or Corner Entry Screens
Pivot shower screens aren’t as enclosed as corner-entry or quadrant designs, meaning there’s a chance of water splashing. However, placing your showerhead thoughtfully and using a properly fitted door seal can help contain excess water effectively.
Slightly More Expensive Than Corner Entry Screens
Pivot shower screens generally cost a little more than corner entry screens but remain more affordable than sliding doors. When factoring in the accessibility and modern design they offer, many find the slightly higher shower screens price to be worth the investment.
Read our guide, How Much Does a Shower Screen Cost?, for a more detailed cost comparison.
Final Thoughts: Is a Pivot Shower Screen Right for You?
Choosing the right shower screen for your bathroom can make a big difference in both functionality and style. Pivot shower screens offer several standout benefits that make them an excellent choice for many homeowners. With their full opening design, they provide great accessibility compared to sliding doors, which often limit entry and exit space. Additionally, pivot shower doors stand out as a cost-effective option, delivering value without compromising on quality or appearance. Their sleek, semi-frameless pivot shower screen design enhances the look of any bathroom while keeping things modern and minimalist.
Ross’s double pivot shower enclosures further elevate these advantages. They effectively address space restrictions by reducing door swing clearance, making them an excellent option for smaller bathrooms where sliding doors or full-width pivot screens are unsuitable. However, if your bathroom is extremely tight, corner-entry or quadrant screens may prove to be a better alternative, both of which you’ll find at an affordable shower screens price at Ross’s.
To validate these benefits, we once again turned to Monica for her expert insights:
“Pivot shower screens continue to be one of the most practical and stylish choices for modern bathrooms. Their full opening access, easy maintenance, and sleek frameless design make them a long-term investment in both functionality and aesthetics.”
Ultimately, pivot models meet all your needs, whether you’re looking for a space-saving solution or a stylish glass shower screen. With options that offer flexibility, practicality, and an affordable shower screen price range, pivot shower screens remain a versatile and smart investment for homeowners.
Find Your Perfect Shower Screen Today
Are you ready to upgrade your bathroom with the best shower doors pivot designs? At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a wide range of high-quality shower screens that combine style, functionality, and value. Whether you’re looking to shop pivot shower screens or buy a sleek glass shower screen, we’ve got options to fit every bathroom layout and budget.
Explore our selection of pivot shower doors and screens online or visit our Perth showroom to see the range in person. Our team is here to help you find the ideal solution for your space. Don’t settle for less—choose Ross’s Discount Home Centre, the Bathroom warehouse you can trust!