Shower screens are available in several options, and choosing the right one can take some thought. The perfect shower screen can make a world of difference to your bathroom, so it's important to do your research before choosing one.
Frameless, semi-frameless and fully-framed shower screens
Today shower screens are available in a frameless design, semi-frameless, or fully-framed. A frameless shower screen means that no framing or rubber seals are contained in the shower screen or door, resulting in fewer places for dirt and grime to build up in. A frameless shower screen is more expensive than other shower screen types, but its clean, clear glass will open up your bathroom to make it look larger and more modern.
A semi-frameless shower screen is braced around the perimeter of the screen (usually at the top and the bottom) but is not braced around every panel like a fully-framed shower screen. Semi-frameless shower screens are cheaper than frameless shower screens, but still look more sophisticated and contemporary than a fully-framed shower screen. This can be a good option if you are after a more modern looking bathroom but you're conscious of your budget.
Fully-framed shower screens are braced around each panel of glass. Although they are more affordable than frameless shower screens and semi-frameless shower screens, fully-framed shower screens are rarely used these days as they are less aesthetically pleasing, more difficult to clean, and mould can build up between the track and the tiles.
Shower screen door types
When choosing a new shower screen, it's also important to consider what type of door will best suit your bathroom. A pivot door provides a smooth two-way operation for those bathrooms with more room to open, while a sliding door can help you save on space. A fixed panel is an unmoving pane of glass fixed to the wall to provide a walk-in style shower with no door, whereas a fixed and swing panel will swing out to allow access. Finally, a corner unit is where two or more panels are used to create an enclosed square.
Shower screen glass options
Most shower screens in Australia are manufactured using toughened safety glass. You can choose to have a shower screen of clear, frosted or tinted glass. Clear glass can help you achieve a minimalist look in your bathroom, and it's easy to clean. Frosted and tinted glass shower screens can offer more privacy, but they often make your bathroom look smaller as they disrupt the visual flow of the room, and they may show soap scum more than a clear glass shower screen.
Alternatively, you can also get frameless shower screens in imported starfire glass. This glass is clear without a green tinge, but is more expensive.
So there you have it, everything you need to know to choose the perfect shower screen. If you need some professional guidance, our designers can help you choose a shower screen as part of your new bathroom design. To find out more about shower screens, simply give us a call on (02) 99 675 675.
