Considerations When Installing a Glass Shower

Posted on: 23 June 2021

When you install a glass shower screen, you need to make numerous decisions about the framing, glass and enclosure shape. The following is an outline of some alternatives you'll need to consider.

Framing

Some decisions regarding the enclosure are about aesthetics rather than practicality. For example, do you prefer the look of shower screens largely devoid of metal, or would you like panels with metal edging around the sides? At times, the framing is crucial to the overall room design. For example, suppose your bathroom features matte black metal in light fixtures or tapware. In that case, you could install shower screens rimmed with a similar black finish. Alternatively, if you crave a minimalist zen look, install frameless screens that only require discreet hinges and brackets for support.

Swinging Doors

Swinging shower doors rotate outwards over the floor area. Depending on the bathroom layout, the door could knock against other elements such as the vanity or storage cupboards. For this reason, outward swing doors work better in ample bathrooms where they won't cause congestion. On the other hand, you could consider a sliding door in a compact bathroom, as these doors roll sideways without taking up extra room.

Privacy

While transparent shower screens are popular, you have other options that will make your shower more private if you prefer. For example, you could install frosted screens to produce a secluded shower. Frosting offers different transparencies ranging from quite opaque to almost see-through, so you can choose the level of privacy you favour. However, one drawback of frosting is that it separates the shower and makes the bathroom seem less open and spacious. Conversely, transparent screens free the bathroom by allowing you to see into all corners. Thus, a transparent screen is ideal for expanding a small bathroom.

Shower Shape

Glass shower screens come in different configurations: they can be square, rectangle, hexagon or round. Frameless models can be cut in unique proportions to fit your bathroom. Though custom screens add to the cost, you can minimise expenses by choosing standard-size panels which your installer can fit together. Otherwise, you can select from framed enclosures in various shapes and sizes.

Thus, you need to consider various options when installing a shower screen. First, decide whether you'd prefer a frameless or framed design, which can heighten the overall bathroom aesthetic. Think about the space of your bathroom and whether it can accommodate an outward swinging door. Additionally, do you want a private shower, or would you rather the bathroom appear larger with transparent rather than frosted screens? Finally, decide whether you want a custom or premade enclosure.

Share