As we spend more time at home, interior improvements – from the bathroom to the bedroom and beyond – are becoming top of mind. For an easy bathroom upgrade, why not turn your attention to the shower screen.
Beyond function, a shower screen can affect your bathroom’s aesthetic, usage and upkeep. However, most people are unsure how to select one for both style and practicality such as size, ease of maintenance and physical design.
For new builds, rebuilds and renovations, here are the seven S’s of selecting the perfect shower screen, according to Stegbar.
1. Style
Frameless shower screens are comprised of unobstructed thick glass secured by subtle metal clamps or a slimline aluminium frame for low visual impact. Increasingly popular with interior designers, this style enables the eye to focus on the space’s aesthetics, vignettes and material choices.
Alternatively, semi-framed screens can be used for a more defined, structured look. This option offers the best of both worlds – minimally intrusive screens and a wider glass area for a more spacious feeling with reinforced structural support.
2. Shape
Innovative design has re-shaped shower screens. Instead of the standard sharp angles, consider curved edges for forward-thinking style. Rounded frameless shower screens provide a subliminal softness and flowing feeling, as well as a distinct, couture look.
3. Space
Space is often at a premium in bathrooms. A more effectively designed shower screen can help regain room without requiring a costly remodel. While hinge and pivot shower door styles require empty space to accommodate their trajectory, sliding and stacking doors move parallel and give you more room to move.
4. Supplementary styling
Shower screen hardware and accessories are often an afterthought when doing a bathroom refresh. But because of the shower’s visual prominence, it’s an important detail for creating cohesion within the space. When carefully chosen, the hinges and handles of frameless shower screens and the structure of partially framed screens can serve to define the room’s overall look.
Depending how they’re used, black handles and hinges are timeless and can either blend into or stand out in bathroom designs. If you’re after the lighter look of an airy beach house or French Provincial style, try chrome or nickel-plated hardware.
5. Seal
Shower leakage may result from low volume drainage, improper tiling, faulty shower design or having kids who love to splash about. The damage from leaks can be both immediate, and critical long-term, as consistent exposure to moisture can cause structural discolouration, mould and rot.
To best minimise leakage, choose a shower screen with an overlapping door and a seal on the opening edge of the door. The overlap will create a barrier that prevents water from spilling out. The seal helps reduce water leakage between the door and the closing panel or jamb.
6. Savings
Bathroom renovations can become extremely expensive, so it’s important to understand where you can make savings without compromising on style. Semi frameless shower screens are increasingly popular as they give a clean, streamlined look without the expense associated with a fully frameless option.
7. Stress-free maintenance and durability
While it creates a unique look, frosted glass is often more difficult to clean than clear options. It’s also more likely to showcase soap scum, making it an option for homeowners with more time on their hands.
Across all glazing options, applying a protective coating will reduce the amount of effort required to keep screens looking fresh. It’s also important to consider the longevity of your shower screens.
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