Types of Shower Screens: A Basic Overview of Styles and Configurations
Are you struggling to find the perfect shower screen for your bathroom? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. As the Head of Purchasing for Ross’s Discount Home Centre for the last 20 years, I’m here to guide you through the various types of shower screens, helping you understand their functionality, benefits, and best applications.
Today, I’ll provide a straightforward overview of the different types of shower screens available, categorised by functionality and frame types. Whether you’re looking to maximise space in a small bathroom or add a touch of modern elegance, this guide will help you choose the right shower screen to meet your needs. Let’s dive into the basics and discover the ideal shower screen for your bathroom!
Shower Screens By Functionality/Configuration
When it comes to choosing a shower screen, how it fits into your bathroom and works within the space can make all the difference. This section will break down the types of shower screens based on their functionality and configuration, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your bathroom’s layout and your lifestyle.
To ensure you find the best type for your space, read our article on How to Measure a Shower Screen.
Corner Shower Screens
Corner shower screens are a space-saving solution for bathrooms. They’re a smart way to make the most of your space, fitting neatly into the corner to create a dedicated shower area and keep the rest of your bathroom dry. Corner-entry screens are a wonderful option for smaller bathrooms with limited space, giving you a practical solution without compromising style or functionality.
Best Applications for Corner Shower Screens
Corner shower screens are perfect for small or medium-sized bathrooms. They work great in ensuites or family bathrooms where space is tight. Want to save space and still have a modern shower? A corner entry shower screen is the way to go.
Sliding Shower Screens
Sliding shower screens are a practical and stylish solution for modern bathrooms, especially when space is tight. These screens feature doors that glide smoothly along a track, offering easy access without the need for additional clearance. Unlike traditional hinged doors, sliding screens don’t swing outward, making them perfect for compact spaces. Their sleek lines and contemporary design add a touch of elegance to any bathroom.
Best Applications for Sliding Shower Screens
Sliding shower screens work best in narrow bathrooms or areas where space is limited. They’re ideal for layouts that prioritise functionality without sacrificing style, making them a favourite for homeowners who appreciate minimalist and modern designs. If you’re looking for a stylish way to maximise space in a small bathroom, sliding screens are an excellent choice.
Want to learn more? Check out these helpful guides:
Pivot Shower Screens
Pivot shower screens are all about ease and accessibility. The doors rotate on a pivot hinge, creating a smooth swinging motion. This makes getting in and out of the shower simple. They also offer a larger opening than sliding doors, giving you more room to move. Plus, they’re easy to use and maintain—no tricky tracks or rollers to deal with.
Best Applications for Pivot Shower Screens
Pivot door shower screens are best suited for larger bathrooms where you have ample space for the door to swing open. They’re ideal for family bathrooms or anyone looking for a shower solution that’s both stylish and accessible. If you’ve got the space and want a blend of elegance and practicality, pivot shower screens are a fantastic choice.
Wondering if a pivot shower screen is right for you? Read our comparison article on Pivot Shower Door Vs. Hinged Shower Door.
Walk-In Shower Screens
Walk-in shower screens, or shower panels, are the epitome of minimalist chic. These sleek glass panels create an open, barrier-free shower area that feels airy and expansive. With no doors to swing or slide, they offer a modern look that’s incredibly easy to clean—no moving parts or tricky mechanisms here. They’re also perfect for DIY shower installation. The simplicity of walk-in panels means they blend seamlessly into any bathroom design, providing both functionality and a touch of luxury.
Best Applications for Walk-In Showers
Walk-in showers are perfect for large bathrooms or wet room layouts. They’re a popular choice in luxury spaces and great for easy accessibility. Seniors and people with mobility concerns can benefit from them. If you want a modern, low-maintenance shower, walk-in panels are a great option. Check out our best shower panels to get some ideas flowing.
Not sure if a walk-in shower is the best choice? Read our article, Walk-in Showers vs Shower Enclosures, to see which is the better option for your bathroom.
Shower Doors
Shower doors are the versatile all-rounders of the shower screen world. Available in various styles like hinged (as pictured above), sliding, and pivot, they can be tailored to fit a wide range of bathroom layouts, such as shower alcoves. Shower doors provide a complete enclosure, effectively containing water and adding a polished, finished look to your shower area. Whether aiming for a modern or traditional aesthetic, there’s a shower door style to match. Not sure which type of shower door best fits your bathroom layout? Check out our guide to Shower Screen Door Types.
Best Applications for Shower Doors
Shower doors are suitable for most bathroom sizes, depending on the type of door you choose. Hinged doors work well in larger spaces, while sliding and pivot options are perfect for more compact bathrooms. They fit seamlessly into traditional and modern designs, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their bathroom with a functional and stylish shower solution.
Bath Shower Screens
Bath shower screens are the multitaskers of the shower screen family. Designed for shower-over-bath setups, these screens act as a protective barrier, keeping water from splashing all over your bathroom floor while still allowing easy access to the bath. They’re a practical and space-saving solution, ideal for those who love the flexibility of having both a bath and a shower in one compact setup. Ours are available with a range of fixings, including U-shape and F-shape bracket mounts, shower wall channels, floor seal rails, and horizontal bracing support arms, so you can choose the perfect fit for your bathroom.
Best Applications for Bath Screens
Bath screens are a great solution for small bathrooms. They work well for spaces where a shower and bath are combined. They’re perfect for family or guest bathrooms. If you want to save space without losing functionality, a bath screen is a smart choice.
Looking to purchase a bath screen? Then, make sure to check out our articles Bath Screen Buying Guide and Bath Screens: Love or Loathe? to ensure you make the best design for your space.
Shower Screens by Frame Type
When looking at types of shower screens, we also have to look at them by frame type. The frame type can significantly impact your bathroom’s look and functionality.
Frameless Shower Screens
Frameless shower screens are the epitome of modern bathroom design, providing a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that works beautifully in a variety of spaces. Built with toughened safety glass and supported by discreet hardware, frameless shower screens eliminate the need for bulky frames, offering a clean and seamless look that enhances the sense of openness.
These screens are not only visually appealing but also practical. Their frameless design reduces areas where dirt and moisture can collect, making them easier to clean and maintain. Additionally, the toughened glass construction ensures exceptional durability, capable of withstanding the demands of everyday use.
Best Applications for Frameless Shower Screens
Frameless shower screens are an excellent choice for bathrooms of all sizes. They are particularly well-suited for modern and contemporary spaces where clean lines and minimalism are key. In compact bathrooms, frameless screens can make the room feel larger and more open by eliminating visual barriers. In larger bathrooms, they enhance the feeling of luxury, creating a spa-like ambience.
These versatile screens are ideal for walk-in showers, fixed panels, or corner enclosures. Their customisable nature allows them to fit seamlessly into unique layouts, making them a practical and stylish solution for almost any bathroom design.
Framed Shower Screens
Framed shower screens are the tried-and-true classics. Featuring a full frame around the glass panels, these screens provide maximum support and durability. They’re typically more affordable than their frameless counterparts, making them a budget-friendly option. Their strong structural integrity offers a reliable and robust solution for your shower needs.
Drawbacks of Frames Shower Screens
Full frames can be a hassle to maintain. Over time, they accumulate dirt and grime, which can be difficult to clean. Plus, their heavy look doesn’t suit modern bathroom designs. That’s why you won’t find fully framed shower screens at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. We keep things sleek and stylish instead!
Semi-Frameless Shower Screens
Semi-frameless shower screens give you the best of both worlds. They are framed around the edges but leave the door mostly unframed. This design combines the strength of framed screens with the modern style of frameless ones. They also help keep water contained better than fully frameless screens. No surprise they’re so popular! You can find a huge range at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. With over 50 models in finishes like silver and black, there’s a semi-frameless screen to suit every taste and bathroom style. The Alpine Pivot Door & Return Silver, pictured above, is our most popular model.
Drawbacks of Semi-Frameless Shower Screens
While semi-frameless screens are pretty low-maintenance and offer plenty of benefits, their minimal framing might still need a bit of cleaning now and then, as any shower does. They might not offer the sleek look that fully frameless designs boast, but they come pretty close! For tips on keeping your shower screen sparkling, check out our “How to maintain a shower screen” article.
While this only scratches the surface on semi-frameless shower screens, our article, Semi-Frameless Shower Screens 101: Everything You Need to Know, offers an in-depth look at these popular bathroom fixtures.
Quadrant/Curved Shower Screens
Quadrant or curved shower screens, like our Alpine Curved Corner Entry Silver model, are the ultimate space-savers with style. Designed for corner installation, these screens feature a curved front that maximises space while offering a chic, contemporary touch. They’re perfect for small bathrooms, providing a functional shower area without cramming the room.
Drawbacks of Curved Shower Screens
Curved glass does come with its own set of challenges. It’s generally more expensive and can be a bit trickier to replace if damaged. Additionally, these screens might offer less interior space compared to their rectangular counterparts. But quadrant shower screens are a fantastic choice if you’re short on space and big on style.
Conclusion
We’ve explored the varied landscape of shower screens, from compact corner units to sophisticated semi-frameless options, each offering unique benefits to fit different bathroom layouts and design preferences. The right choice depends on your bathroom’s size, layout, and style. Frameless screens offer a sleek, modern look. Semi-frameless options provide a mix of style and function. Whatever your space, there’s a design that fits perfectly.
Ross’s Discount Home Centre has an extensive selection of high-quality shower screens to suit every style and budget. If you’re still unsure which type best suits your needs, consider checking out our tips to choose the perfect shower screen to make an informed decision. Visit our Guildford showroom or contact us for personalised advice and unbeatable prices on shower screens that can truly transform your bathroom.