Sliding vs. Hinged vs. Pivot Shower Screens: Which is Best for Your Bathroom?

Sliding vs. Hinged vs. Pivot Shower Screens

Choosing the right shower screen can significantly impact the functionality, aesthetics, and maintenance of your bathroom. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer an extensive range of shower screens in Perth, including sliding door, hinged door, and pivot door options, each with their own unique benefits and considerations.

Today, we’ll guide you through a detailed comparison of these three popular types of shower screens. We’ll explore how each option fares in terms of space availability, shower placement, accessibility, design, water containment, and price. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision that perfectly suits your bathroom renovation needs. So, let’s dive in and find out which shower screen is the best fit for your home.

Comparison of Sliding, Hinged, and Pivot Shower Screens

CategorySliding Shower ScreensHinged Shower ScreensPivot Shower Screens
Space Efficiency10/10: Excellent for small bathrooms; no swing space required.6/10: Requires ample clearance to swing open.8/10: Needs less clearance than hinged screens.
Shower Placement9/10: Ideal for wall-to-wall, alcove, and corner setups.7/10: Best for wall-to-wall and alcoves; unsuitable for corners.8/10: Versatile; fits corner, alcove, and wall-to-wall layouts.
Accessibility9/10: Wide entry; smooth sliding for ease of use.8/10: Wide entry but requires effort to operate.10/10: Dual-direction opening ensures maximum accessibility.
Design Options10/10: Versatile; sleek finishes and multiple configurations.7/10: Classic and elegant; frameless or semi-frameless options.8/10: Modern and functional; available in sleek finishes.
Water Containment9/10: Tracks create a tight seal to prevent leaks.7/10: Good containment but gaps can allow minor leaks.8/10: Reliable containment with proper sealing.
Price Considerations8/10: Wide price range; suits most budgets.7/10: Premium materials increase costs.8/10: Mid-range; balance of affordability and style.

So, which is best for your bathroom?

Sliding shower screens are the top choice for small bathrooms, offering a perfect combination of space-saving design and modern aesthetics. Their track mechanism provides excellent water containment and accessibility, though regular maintenance is required to keep the tracks clean and functional.

Hinged shower screens excel in spacious bathrooms, where their wide access and elegant style can be fully appreciated. They are ideal for wall-to-wall and alcove setups but require ample clearance space, making them less suitable for tight layouts.

Pivot shower screens strike a versatile balance between style and practicality. With their dual-direction opening and reliable water containment, they suit a variety of bathroom layouts, including medium-sized and corner installations. They require minimal maintenance, adding to their appeal for many homeowners.

Ready to find out which is best for your space? Let’s explore each in detail!

Overview of Shower Screen Types

Choosing the right shower screen depends on your bathroom’s layout, design, and functional needs. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer three common types of shower screens: sliding, hinged, and pivot. Here’s a quick introduction to these three main types:

  • Sliding Shower Screens: Perfect for small bathrooms, sliding screens save space with their track-based design. They are versatile, fitting seamlessly into wall-to-wall, alcove, or corner layouts.
  • Hinged Shower Screens: A classic option, hinged screens add elegance and offer wide access. However, they require more clearance space, making them better suited for larger bathrooms.
  • Pivot Shower Screens: Known for their flexibility, pivot screens can open inward or outward, adapting well to medium-sized bathrooms or spaces with varied layouts.

As we’ll explore in detail, each type has unique strengths, making it easier to find the best fit for your bathroom.

Space Efficiency

Choosing the right shower screen for your bathroom involves considering the available space and how the screen’s design will fit into your layout. Let’s explore how sliding, hinged, and pivot shower screens can optimise space in different bathroom sizes.

Sliding Shower Screens

Score: 10/10

Sliding shower screens are the top choice for small bathrooms. Their track-based mechanism eliminates the need for clearance space, making them perfect for tight layouts. This feature is especially useful in maximising usable bathroom floor space, a critical consideration for small homes or apartments.

Ross’s Discount Home Centre offers a range of space-saving sliding door shower screens that are perfect for compact bathrooms. Our Torquay Square Slider Shower and Alpine Curved Corner Entry Silver are among the most popular choices. These models are designed to fit snugly into corners, maximising the usable area in your bathroom.

Hinged Shower Screens

Score: 6/10

Hinged shower screens, while elegant and classic, do require ample clearance space to swing open. This means they are best suited for larger bathrooms where there is sufficient room for the door to operate without obstruction. The swinging mechanism of hinged doors necessitates that you plan for extra space around the shower entry, which may not be ideal for very small bathrooms.

However, for those with the luxury of space, hinged door shower screens can add a touch of sophistication and ease of access. At Ross’s, our stylish Frameless Shower Door & Return is a popular choice, offering a sleek and modern look that’s perfect for spacious bathrooms.

Pivot Shower Screens

Score: 8/10

Pivot shower screens strike a balance between the space requirements of sliding and hinged doors. Pivot doors rotate on a central axis, meaning they require less clearance than hinged doors but slightly more than sliding doors. This makes them an excellent choice for medium-sized bathrooms where space is a consideration but there is still room to accommodate a swinging door.

For smaller bathrooms, our double pivot shower screens are a standout solution. These innovative designs feature two narrow doors, each half the width of a standard pivot door. This unique configuration significantly reduces the clearance space needed to open the doors, making them a practical and stylish option for compact bathrooms. Their sleek design also enhances the overall functionality and aesthetic of tighter spaces.

Our versatile pivot door shower screens are designed to fit a variety of bathroom layouts. The Alpine Pivot Door & Return Silver and our new double pivot designs are particularly popular, providing functional and elegant solutions for bathrooms where space efficiency and style are priorities.

Best Shower Screens for Space Efficiency

Alpine Curved Corner Entry Silver
Alpine Curved Corner Entry Silver

With a score of 10/10, Sliding Shower Screens are the clear winner for space efficiency. Their track-based design eliminates the need for clearance, making them ideal for small bathrooms or tight layouts. If you’re short on space, sliding screens like the Alpine Curved Corner Entry Silver are your best bet for maximising functionality without compromising style.

Shower Placement

Along with the space availability in your bathroom, the placement of your shower can also impact your choice of a shower screen. Let’s look at how each type of shower screen suits different shower placements.

Sliding Shower Screens

Score: 9/10

Sliding screens excel in versatile placement. They are ideal for wall-to-wall and alcove installations, where their sliding mechanism makes entry and exit smooth without encroaching on other areas of the bathroom. In corner placements, sliding screens like the Matte Black Alpine Square Corner Entry shower make efficient use of space, offering easy access while keeping the design streamlined.

Hinged Shower Screens

Score: 7/10

Hinged shower screens are also suitable for alcove and wall-to-wall installations. Their classic design and ease of access make them a popular choice for these locations. However, it’s important to note that hinged doors need ample clearance space to swing open. This makes them less suitable for spaces such as tight corners or narrow bathrooms.

Given the space requirements, hinged door shower screens are ideal for larger bathrooms where their elegant design can be fully appreciated without compromising on functionality.

Pivot Shower Screens

Score: 8/10

Pivot shower screens offer remarkable flexibility in terms of placement. They can be effectively installed in corner, alcove, and wall-to-wall setups, thanks to their unique mechanism. Pivot doors rotate on a central axis, allowing them to open either inward or outward. This provides more placement options and makes them suitable for a variety of bathroom layouts.

For medium-sized bathrooms, pivot shower screens like our Brighton Shower Door & Return are an excellent choice. Their ability to adapt to different spaces while providing easy access makes them a versatile and stylish option.

Best Shower Screens for Shower Placement

Matte Black Alpine Square Corner Entry shower
Matte Black Alpine Square Corner Entry shower

Sliding Shower Screens take the lead again with a score of 9/10. Their versatility in wall-to-wall, alcove, and corner installations makes them the most adaptable option for a variety of bathroom layouts. For maximum placement flexibility, consider the Matte Black Alpine Square Corner Entry shower.

Accessibility

Accessibility is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a shower screen, as it ensures ease of use for all members of your household, including those with mobility issues. Let’s explore the accessibility benefits of sliding, hinged, and pivot shower screens.

Sliding Shower Screens

Score: 9/10

Sliding shower screens offer excellent accessibility benefits due to their design. One of the key features is the wide entryway they provide, which makes them particularly suitable for individuals with mobility issues. The sliding mechanism allows the door to open without any obstruction, ensuring smooth and easy access to the shower area.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we pride ourselves on offering sliding shower screens that cater to accessibility needs. The doors glide effortlessly along their tracks, making them ideal for all family members, from children to elderly relatives. Their user-friendly design ensures that everyone can enjoy a hassle-free shower experience.

Hinged Shower Screens

Score: 8/10

Hinged shower screens also boast several accessibility features. Their design typically allows for a wide and unobstructed entryway, providing ample space for easy access. This makes them a practical choice for those who need a bit more room to manoeuvre.

However, it’s worth noting that hinged doors may require more effort to open and close compared to sliding doors. This can be a consideration for individuals with limited strength or dexterity. Nonetheless, our user-friendly hinged shower screens are designed to minimise this effort while maintaining an elegant and accessible design.

Pivot Shower Screens

Score: 10/10

Pivot shower screens excel in accessibility thanks to their central pivot design. This unique mechanism allows the door to open either inwards or outwards, providing flexible entry and exit options. The ability to open in both directions makes pivot screens incredibly versatile and user-friendly.

This adaptability ensures that pivot shower screens are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. They offer ease of access and can accommodate various accessibility needs, making them a popular choice for many households.

Best Shower Screens for Accessibility

Alpine Pivot Door & Return Matte Black
Alpine Pivot Door & Return Matte Black

With a perfect score of 10/10, Pivot Shower Screens are the best choice for accessibility. Their inward and outward opening mechanism ensures effortless entry and exit, accommodating users of all ages and abilities.

Design Options

Finding the right shower screen is not just about functionality; it’s also about ensuring it complements your bathroom’s design style. Whether you’re looking for specific frame colours and configurations or a frameless or semi-frameless solution, there are plenty of options available. Let’s explore the design versatility of sliding, hinged, and pivot shower screens available at Ross’s Discount Home Centre.

Sliding Shower Screens

Score: 10/10

Our range of sliding shower screens offers exceptional design versatility to fit various bathroom styles. We pride ourselves on providing a wide range of configurations to meet your needs. These include:

  • Two-Panel Sliding Doors: Simple and sleek, perfect for straightforward alcove installations.
  • Three-Panel Sliding Doors: Ideal for larger openings, providing broader access for wall-to-wall installations.
  • Traditional Sliding Shower Screens: Classic designs that suit a variety of aesthetics.
  • Corner Entry Sliding Shower Screens: Efficient use of space with easy access from the corner.
  • Quadrant Shower Screens: Curved models that add a touch of elegance while maximising space in smaller bathrooms.

Sliding door shower screens come in various finishes, including matte black and silver, allowing you to match your shower screen to your existing fixtures and fittings seamlessly.

Hinged Shower Screens

Score: 7/10

Hinged door shower screens bring an element of elegance and classic charm to any bathroom. Our range is designed to enhance both the look and functionality of your space. Our selection includes:

  • Semi-Frameless Hinged Doors: Combining modern aesthetics with sturdy construction for a clean look.
  • Frameless Hinged Doors: Offering a minimalist and sophisticated appearance that makes any bathroom feel more spacious.

These hinged options are available in various sizes, giving you the flexibility to choose the best fit for your bathroom.

Pivot Shower Screens

Score: 8/10

Pivot door showers are known for their modern and functional design, making them a popular choice for contemporary bathrooms. Our range is designed to be both stylish and practical. Key features include:

  • Modern Design: Sleek lines and innovative pivot mechanisms provide a streamlined look.
  • Versatile Finishes: Available in matte black and silver to complement your bathroom’s aesthetic.
  • Flexible Configurations: Suitable for various layouts, including alcove, wall-to-wall and corner installations, offering the ability to open inwards or outwards.

By choosing a pivot door shower screen, you can enjoy a blend of modern design and functional flexibility that enhances your bathroom experience.

Best Shower Screens for Design Options

Alpine Sliding Door & Return Silver
Alpine Sliding Door & Return Silver

With a score of 10/10, Sliding Shower Screens are the best choice for design options. Their versatility shines through with configurations like two-panel, three-panel, quadrant, and corner entry designs. Combined with finishes such as matte black and silver, they seamlessly fit into modern, minimalist, or classic bathroom aesthetics. For stylish design flexibility, consider options like the Alpine Square Corner Entry Silver.

Water Containment

Along with the design, accessibility, placement, and space availability, it’s also essential to consider water containment when selecting a shower screen. Ensuring that your shower screen effectively prevents water leakage can help maintain a clean, dry bathroom environment. Let’s explore how these shower screens perform in terms of water containment.

Sliding Shower Screens

Score: 9/10

Sliding door shower screens are highly effective at containing water, thanks to their design. The sliding mechanism creates a tight seal along the tracks, which helps to prevent water from escaping the shower area. This makes them an excellent choice for busy bathrooms where water containment is crucial.

Hinged Shower Screens

Score: 7/10

Hinged screens offer good water containment but may allow slight leakage at the edges where the door meets the frame. Frameless hinged designs are less watertight, making them better suited for bathrooms with excellent drainage systems. Despite this, their sleek and elegant appearance often outweighs minor water containment issues for homeowners.

Pivot Shower Screens

Score: 8/10

Pivot screens provide reliable water containment through their sturdy construction and secure sealing. While slight gaps at pivot points may allow minimal leakage, proper installation and sealing can reduce this significantly. They are an excellent choice for medium to large bathrooms where water containment is important but not as restrictive as in compact spaces.

Best Shower Screens for Water Containment

Alpine Sliding Shower Door Silver
Alpine Sliding Shower Door Silver

Sliding Shower Screens dominate this category with a score of 9/10. Their tightly sealed tracks effectively prevent water leakage, keeping your bathroom dry and clean. For superior water containment, the Aspen Sliding Shower Door is a standout option.

Price Considerations

Finding a shower screen that meets your budget is just as important as selecting one that fits your style and functional needs. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a variety of options to suit different budgets without compromising on quality. Continue reading as we compare shower screen costs to discover which offers the best value for money.

Sliding Shower Screens

Score: 8/10

Shower screens with sliding doors come in a range of prices, influenced by factors such as materials, design, and installation complexity. At Ross’s, we pride ourselves on offering both budget-friendly and premium options to accommodate various financial plans.

For those looking for a cost-effective solution, our Aspen Shower Door starts at just $560. This model delivers reliable performance and style without breaking the bank. On the other end of the spectrum, our Rolling Door & Return Shower in Stainless Steel Brushed Finish or Stainless Steel Black offers luxury and elegance for $1,260.00. These options ensure that you can find a sliding shower screen that fits your budget and enhances your bathroom space.

Hinged Shower Screens

Score: 7/10

Shower screens with hinged doors also vary in price based on materials, design intricacies, and installation requirements. At Ross’s, we provide a broad range of hinged shower screens to cater to different financial considerations.

For an economical option, consider the Walk-In Glass Shower Door, priced at $300.00 (please note that hardware is sold separately). This model offers simplicity and functionality at an affordable price. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, our Frameless Shower Door & Return starts at $860. It combines high-end design with robust construction, making it a worthy investment for those seeking elegance and durability.

Pivot Shower Screens

Score: 8/10

Shower screens with pivot doors are priced according to factors like materials and design complexity. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we have pivot shower screens available across a wide price range to suit various budgets.

The stand-alone Pivot Door is a great budget-friendly choice at $480, providing modern style and practicality. For a more premium option, the Alpine Pivot Door & Return in Matte Black is available for $1,160. This model offers sleek design and superior functionality, making it perfect for those willing to invest a little more in their bathroom upgrade.

Read our article, How Much Does A Shower Screen Cost, for a more in-depth look at pricing.

Best Shower Screens for Price

Alpine Pivot Shower Door Matte Black
Alpine Pivot Shower Door Matte Black

Both Sliding and Pivot Shower Screens score 8/10 for price considerations, offering excellent affordability and a wide range of options. If budget is a key factor, sliding screens like the Aspen Shower Door or pivot screens like the Pivot Door are fantastic choices that balance style and functionality.

Best Overall Shower Screens

Alpine Sliding Shower Door Silver
Alpine Sliding Shower Door Silver

Based on the combined scores across all categories, Sliding Shower Screens emerge as the best overall choice. Scoring highly in space availability, water containment, and design versatility, they offer a winning combination of practicality, functionality, and style. Their ability to fit into various layouts, along with affordable options for different budgets, makes them an excellent all-around option for any bathroom.

If you’re looking for a shower screen that balances design, efficiency, and affordability, sliding shower screens like the Alpine Square Corner Entry Silver shower or Aspen Sliding Shower Door are unbeatable.

Conclusion

Selecting the right shower screen for your bathroom is a critical decision that impacts both functionality and design. Throughout this article, we’ve explored the various aspects of sliding, hinged, and pivot shower screens, including their placement, accessibility, design options, water containment, and pricing. Sliding screens offer versatility and space efficiency; hinged screens provide classic elegance with a need for more clearance; and pivot screens deliver flexible placement options with modern appeal.

When choosing the perfect shower screen, consider your bathroom layout, accessibility needs, design preferences, and budget. Each type of shower screen has its unique benefits and considerations.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a diverse range of high-quality shower screens in Perth to suit every requirement and style. Ready to transform your bathroom? Explore our selection and find the ideal shower screen to elevate your space.

View our Shower Screen range

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