By Kerry Hale

Shower Curtain or Shower Bath Screen: which is better?

  • Friday 31 July 2020
  • 4 Minutes Read

When choosing between a shower curtain and a glass shower bath screen, the decision depends largely on the size and layout of your bathroom and your own personal taste. The main goal is to keep your bathroom dry without compromising on style. Here we have explored the benefits of each, as well as the best type of shower screen for your bathroom.

When choosing between a shower curtain and a glass shower bath screen, the decision depends largely on the size and layout of your bathroom and your own personal taste. The main goal is to keep your bathroom dry without compromising on style. Here we have explored the benefits of each, as well as the best type of shower screen for your bathroom.

Benefits of a shower curtain

  • Low upfront cost and easy to purchase
    Shower curtains can be purchased at many homeware shops.
  • Easy to change
    They’re a quick and easy way to add a new colour or pattern to your bathroom.
  • Good for families with small children
    It’s easy to pull a shower curtain to one side so that you can lean into the bath when bathing small children.

On the other hand, shower curtains are hard to clean as they have to be removed and washed. Mold and mildew builds up quickly on shower curtains, meaning they have to be replaced frequently. There is also extra cost associated with having to replace them.

Shower curtains can also make your bathroom look smaller and darker than it is, and it’s easier for water to splatter out of the bath or shower as there isn’t a tight seal.

Benefits of a shower screen for your bath

  • Makes your bathroom feel bigger and brighter
    The transparency of shower glass can make your bathroom feel both bigger and brighter, which is particularly beneficial if you have a small bathroom.
  • It's customisable
    You can customise your shower screen according to your needs and tastes, including the size and shape of the screen, the finish on the glass and the material and colour of the frame.
  • Adds value to your home
    While the initial cost may be more than for a shower curtain, a glass shower screen will add value to your home as it’s a desirable feature for many homeowners.
  • Keeps water inside the shower
    Glass shower screens have rubber seals that prevent water from leaking out and splashing on to the bathroom floor.
  • Easy to clean
    Shower glass is easy to clean using a squeegee. Using the squeegee after every shower keeps the glass clean and prevents hard water from forming watermarks on the glass.

The disadvantages of glass shower screens are that they have a higher upfront cost, and there are rare reports of spontaneous glass breakage. That said, shower glass is made from tempered glass, which is a type of safety glass that has been heated to make it stronger and is specifically designed for use in your home. These rare reports should not prevent you from having a glass shower screen installed in your home.

Which type of shower bath screen should you choose for your bathroom?

There are a variety of shower bath screens to choose from depending on your requirements and your taste. The most common options are static (fixed screens that don’t move), hinged (which swing in and out on hinges for easy access to the bath), and folding (which concertina so that you can fold them flat against the wall).

Mira’s shower bath screens are available in three sizes, with rubber seals designed to prevent water leakage for the best possible showering experience.

Mini shower bath screens

Our mini screen is fixed and is a slimline and discreet option when space is at a premium. These screens provide a minimalist finish and are easy to keep clean.

Single shower bath screens

Our single screens are hinged and available in square, sail or curved panels. Single screens tend to be the most common choice.

Twin shower bath screens

Our twin screen has one short fixed panel and a larger hinged panel. The extra length means these screens provide extra protection against splashing.

So there you have it, the benefits of a shower screen vs the benefits of a shower curtain. Installing a shower screen is relatively straightforward – find out how to in our guide to fitting a shower screen.