a shower screen
Keep shower-time splashes at bay with a practical and chic glass screen
Choose a chic glass panel for your bathroom
Agreat choice for busy family bathrooms, a glass shower screen looks great and will provide a sense of light and space in even the smallest of rooms.
QWhat is a glass shower screen? An alternative to a fabric or plastic shower curtain hanging from a rail, a glass screen is fixed securely to the wall and sits on top of the bath’s edge with a rubber seal at the bottom to prevent splashes soaking your bathroom floor.
QIs there one to suit my style? Available in a variety of shapes, sizes and panel formations, you can choose from a single fully-framed fixed panel, folding screens that can be concertinaed back to the wall, sleek frameless models and decorative printed and etched designs. Oblong designs with a curved top edge or sail-shaped panels look softer.
QHow safe is it? All good quality glass shower screens should be made from toughened safety glass that won’t shatter if broken – essential in a family space. Most will be at least 4mm to 8mm thick and all exposed edges will be bevelled to create a smooth surround.
QWhat should I look for? Check that the screen has a tight, robust seal where it meets the bath to prevent leaks. Well-made, durable trimming and fittings are advisable, especially if you’re choosing a bifold model that will be regularly pushed back to allow access to the bath. screens with integral towel rails are a good option while models with fixings that allow them to be fitted either left- or right- handed allow flexibility.
QHow much does it cost? Prices depend on the style and thickness of the screen you choose and the quality. Half-panel straight-edged models with 4mm glass and no easy-clean coating start from as little as £50, while 6 or 8mm bifold, trifold and shaped designs with easy-clean surfaces will cost upwards of £200. Don’t forget to add fitting costs.
QIs it easy to keep clean? A quick wipe after each shower with an appropriate cleaner should keep it sparkling. Opting for a special wipe-clean or anti-calcium surface will keep it looking better for longer. This is a see-through coating over the top of the glass that helps to reduce water spots from limescale and mineral deposits and helps to prevent bacteria and mould growth.
‘Make sure your glass panel is long enough to contain spray properly, especially if you’re installing a powerful shower’ Sam Ball, Utopia Bathrooms