Over the years we’ve shared many ideas on how you can uplift your bathroom for less, including simple cosmetic changes. One upgrade we can make that goes beyond aesthetics is a new bathroom shower screen — merging both function with a contemporary look. From fluted glass to on-trend arch shapes, we’re going to delve into how you can update a bathroom using shower screens.
If you have a bulky shower (especially those with a yellowed-beige frame!) or a flimsy shower curtain, a modern solution has many advantages. From enhancing comfort and aesthetics, and increasing the value of your home, let’s talk all things shower screens for modern homes!
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Select a shower screen to enhance your design
When we think about bringing our bathroom design to life, typically we think of luxe tapware or statement tiles… but what about your shower screen?
One of the strongest arguments for shower screens is their ability to transform a bathroom’s appearance. Glass screens have come a long way and now contribute to modern, swoon-worthy bathroom designs. They allow natural and artificial light to move freely through the space, creating a brighter and more inviting environment. Here are some of the most popular designs on the market.
Curved, fixed panel shower screen
Affordable and stylish, these shower screens embody modern minimalism. Its clean line and transparent design integrates seamlessly with many design themes, including coastal, contemporary and minimalist bathrooms. Whether a bathroom is decorated with bold tiles or neutral tones, a curved glass screen complements the decor without overwhelming it.
Frameless shower with hinged door
Shower screens can be tailored to suit different interior preferences and for some people a shower door is a must! This is where a frameless shower with hinged door is a great option as it provides that uninterrupted look, visually opening up your bathroom. There are also semi-frameless and framed models for traditional appeal. This flexibility means that every homeowner can find a style that enhances their bathroom.
Barn style sliding shower door with black hardware
One design we don’t often see in bathrooms is a barn style shower door, and there are many reasons why this design works! It offers the functional benefits of a fixed panel walk-in shower (as in not needing to allow clearance for a swinging door) with the practical benefits of a closed shower (no soggy bath mats!).
Modern barn style shower doors feature matte black hardware to complement other black accents in your bathroom. This can be a pricier option but it signals to potential buyers modernity and attention to detail, which translates to higher property value and faster rental interest. Trusted suppliers such as ASW has a great selection of these designs.
Fluted glass shower screen
People upgrading traditional style homes or simply wanting to create that ultra-luxe look will be drawn to the ever-popular fluted glass shower screens (also called reeded glass or ribbed glass). These are available in frameless (shown below) and framed designs, with hardware available in every type of metallic to complement your tapware and other fixtures.
Black framed shower screen
While frameless shower screens are dominating bathroom designs, there’ll always be a place for framed shower screens. It’s just about putting a modern spin on them. And right now, using a black framed shower screen is the way to go. You can find these in simple fixed panel designs as well as swinging door options. The benefit of a frame isn’t just practical (minimising water splashes), it can also be a design feature. In design, we say black is like visual punctuation, adding definition and meaning to a space.
Pros and cons of fixed panel
Without a doubt, the most popular style of shower screens at the moment are fixed panel. These can be simple rectangular glass, curved glass or the reeded glass version pictured above. Some people sit firmly in the camp of LOVING fixed panel showers while others wouldn’t go near them with a 10 foot pole. So let’s delve into the pros and cons of this option.
Flexible layouts especially in small bathrooms
Compared to traditional layouts, a fixed panel shower screen with a walk-in shower can allow you to make better use of floor space, improving flow and movement. For example, you can install a larger vanity next to a fixed shower screen as you do not need to allow clearance for the shower door to swing open. Designing the best layout for your bathroom can take a little work, but a walk-in shower is a popular solution for small, boxy bathrooms. In urban apartments where bathrooms are often small, this efficiency is a game-changer.
Visually opens the space
Frameless showers eliminate the visual barrier between your shower and the rest of your bathroom, creating a modern and open feel. The most minimalist shower design uses a fixed panel of glass as it requires no hardware. So if your priority is to create the illusion of a spacious bathroom, a fixed panel shower screen is a good choice.
Design needs to be considered to avoid water splashes
Now to the pitfalls of fixed panel shower screens and the most common issue people mention is water splashes. Naturally, if you have an open shower, there’s a chance the water will splash outside your dedicated shower area. This can be uncomfortable because no one wants to step out of a shower and into a puddle of water. And in poorly designed bathrooms, the pooling of water can cause long-term water damage.
This is why it’s so important to hire quality tradespeople who understand how to create the right fall in your shower. We always recommend using a strip drain in walk-in shower designs. Water can also be contained with the right type of fixed panel shower. For example, while fixed panels generally come in 900mm size, we suggest using larger 1200mm width panels to better enclose the shower space.
Practicality and durability
Shower screens are not only about appearance, they are designed for everyday convenience. Before deciding on the right type of shower screen for your bathroom, think about how your bathroom will be used and your long-term goals. Are you designing your forever home or looking to do an affordable upgrade before selling or renting?
Fixed glass is the most affordable type of shower screen but if you have a large family and worry about wet bathroom floors, it’s a good idea to invest in a shower design with a swinging or sliding door that can better contain splashes.
Cleaning is another important consideration. Glass is much easier to clean than shower curtains that can collect mould and mildew. However the more fixtures your shower design has, the more opportunity soap scum can get caught. High-quality glass is resistant to scratches and stains, ensuring the bathroom looks fresh for years. For families with children or busy schedules, this durability reduces maintenance work and costs. You can also pay additional to get a protective coating added to your shower screen that will repel water and oils so soap scum doesn’t adhere as much.
Practical benefits also extend to installation. Shower screens can be custom-fitted to unusual bathroom shapes, ensuring a perfect match. Strong fittings and hinges further enhance reliability, making them a safe and long-lasting choice.
Trusted providers such as ASW emphasise these qualities by supplying durable materials that stand up to daily use. Their shower screens, like their wardrobe products, are designed with longevity in mind.
Step-by-step guide to choosing bathroom furniture
Of course your shower screen is only one piece of your bathroom puzzle. Selecting the right combination of bathroom furniture and shower screens may feel overwhelming, but following a clear process can simplify the task:
- Define your needs. Start by assessing the available space and identifying what furniture items are essential. A basin and shower are always must-haves, but other inclusions you may want to consider are extra storage (such as a towel cupboard) or larger vanity.
- Choose the style. Decide on an overall design direction — minimalist, traditional, or bold. This will guide both your furniture and shower screen choices.
- Select durable materials. Look for water-resistant woods, electroplated metals, and tempered glass to ensure longevity in a humid environment.
- Match colours and finishes. Coordinate the tones of your vanity, shelving, and glass to create a harmonious look. Neutral palettes are timeless, while accent colours add personality. Personally, we prefer not to use metallic hardware in a shower unless it’s a simple wall bracket. Generally, we use matte white shower hardware to complement metallic tapware or matte black to tie in with other black fixtures.
- Pick the right shower glass. Frameless glass works for a seamless appearance, semi-frameless offers balance, and framed screens provide durability for busy households.
- Test practical features. Ensure that doors slide smoothly, hinges feel strong, and furniture drawers open without obstruction.
- Finalise with accessories. Add mirrors, lighting, and handles that complement both your chosen furniture and shower screen style.
By following these steps, you can confidently select pieces that not only function well but also contribute to a cohesive and modern bathroom design.
Do you have any questions about shower screens we haven’t covered? Pop it in the comments below and we’ll get back to you asap.
