TYPES OF SHOWER SCREENS AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHOWER SCREEN
A shower screen can add style and sophistication to your bathroom. However, choosing the right type of shower screen can be confusing as there is a wide range of options and designs.
The choice to take a shower instead of a bath is becoming more and more common. The main reasons include the fact that showering is more environmentally friendly, as it saves water; that having a shower requires less space than having a bath; and, in the case of people with reduced mobility, it is the most popular choice.
Alongside this trend, shower curtains are also giving way to shower enclosures as they are more efficient, more hygienic and durable.
In this post, we will go through the different types available on the market and help you choose the best one for your bathroom.
TYPES OF SHOWER SCREENS
Shower enclosures come in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern with a focus on functionality and practicality. Some of the most popular types of shower enclosures are accordion style shower screen, sliding shower screens, folding shower screens, pivoting shower screens, and shower screens without profiles.
SLIDING SHOWER DOORS
Sliding shower doors are a popular choice for many owners. This type of enclosure usually consists of two glass or acrylic panels, one fixed and one sliding, which slide from side to side when opened.
FOLDING SHOWER SCREENS
Folding shower screens are the type of shower enclosure. They usually consist of two glass panels, one fixed and one movable. They open like an accordion, but instead of folding to one side, they fold inwards.
FRAMELESS SHOWER SCREENS
Frameless screens are designed to give your bathroom an modern look. They are currently the most demanded for their simplicity and easy cleaning. They are made up of individual panels of tempered glass that are held together by special hinges and brackets.
FOLDING SHOWER DOORS
Shower screens with hinged doors are those that have a rotating door, they do not usually have profiles but hinges. They are more accessible and easier to clean.
PIVOT SHOWER DOOR
Pivot door screens are reinforced with a profile frame and come in various shapes, such as circular, semi-circular or rectangular. The door pivots around its pivot point, usually at the corner of two walls.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SHOWER SCREEN
In order to choose the type of shower screen that best suits your bathroom, there are several things to consider.
Firstly, you need to decide what kind of look you want for your bathroom. Different types of shower enclosures have different appearances and will help you create the overall appearance you are looking for.
The size of your bathroom is also important when choosing a shower screen. An accordion shower enclosure may be the most suitable option for smaller bathrooms but for larger bathrooms, there will be a wider choice.
The shape of the shower tray we have, as well as the space where it is located, will also determine the choice of the shower enclosure, above all, to see what type of opening is the most suitable.
For shallow bathrooms, sliding screens are a very good option, as a door would take up too much space.
Folding screens are ideal for people with reduced mobility as they are safer and make it easier to get into the shower.
Folding or sliding screens are recommended for small bathrooms or bathrooms with reduced access.
ACRYLIC OR GLASS SCREENS?
Acrylic shower screens are more economical, weigh less, are easy to open and have less risk of being broken.
Glass shower enclosures are more resistant to water and the passage of time. They are made of tempered glass (4 times more resistant than normal glass and in case of breakage, it would be in small pieces with rounded edges which minimizes the danger of cutting). If you choose glass, the appropriate thickness is between 6 and 8 mm.
STYLES AND DESIGNS
Nowadays, the variety of decorative patterns and styles for shower doors and shower enclosures is very wide. It is even possible to print directly onto the glass to create the desired pattern, image or colour – all kinds of styles to suit the customer’s wishes!
ANTI-LIMESCALE TREATMENT
Ideally, glass screens should be fitted with an anti-limescale system that repels water and prevents dirt and limescale build-up. These treatments facilitate cleaning, evidently making it more effective and long-lasting over time.
SHOWER SCREEN PROFILES
The strength and durability of the shower enclosure is also determined by the profiles. The most commonly used materials are aluminium and stainless steel. We should know that aluminium profiles are much lighter than stainless steel profiles, but stainless steel is more durable, resistant and of higher quality, which explains the difference in price. Shower screen profiles are very varied in terms of their finish, which can be gloss, matt, metallic or brushed, as well as the wide range of colours available.
CONCLUSION
The strength and durability of the shower enclosure is also determined by the profiles. The most commonly used materials are aluminium and stainless steel. We should know that aluminium profiles are much lighter than stainless steel profiles, but stainless steel is more durable, resistant and of higher quality, which explains the difference in price. Shower screen profiles are very varied in terms of their finish, which can be gloss, matt, metallic or brushed, as well as the wide range of colours available.