Find out which option is the ideal partner for your shower-bath combo.
If you don’t have the space (or budget) for a separate shower enclosure and bath, you’ve probably decided on a combined shower-bath. But should you go with a shower curtain, or choose a glass shower door or panels to enclose it? Some of us might gravitate toward the softer look of a colorful piece of waterproof fabric that can be changed at will, while others might love the no-nonsense efficiency of a sheer pane of glass.
To help point you in the right direction, here are five benefits each of shower curtains and glass doors.
Shower Curtains
They soften surfaces. Great swaths of fabric (waterproofed or backed with a water-resistant liner) can temper the overall aesthetic of a bathroom. Make sure your curtain — or at least the outer fabric section — can be washed at home, so any hint of mildew or staining can be nipped in the bud.
They change a tub into a shower-tub. Claw-foot tubs baths with a shower above can be difficult to pull off — particularly when it comes to dealing with water spills and splashes. Glass panels are generally a no-no where curves and awkwardly shaped tubs are concerned, unless you go for something custom, so your best bet is to install a robust ceiling-mounted rail and finish with a heavy-duty, waterproof shower curtain that can be swept all the way around the inside the tub.
Glass Doors and Panels
They give you full enclosure. There’s no fear of water escaping from this bath, as the sliding doors fully enclose the tub. Sliding panels of glass are also a good option where space is at a premium, as they don’t need to hinge or pivot outward.
They help you utilize tricky spaces. A bath can be placed rather neatly in an unused alcove or nook in a converted attic, but how to cope with the sloping ceilings if you want a shower too?
One option is a custom shower panel, which can accommodate tricky recesses and angles as well as nonstandard heights. You might pay extra for this item, but for a neat, splash-proof solution, it’s worth considering.
They keep it simple. If you have a lot going on in terms of decor in the rest of the bathroom — think colored and graphic tiles, paneled furniture and fancy sink fixtures — then perhaps plain no-frills glass is the best solution.
Look for glass that has been finished with a special coating so dirt and limescale won’t accumulate and make it hard to keep clean. It might bump up the overall price of the screen, but it will save you cleaning time.
They add personality. Simply put, shower curtains can instantly inject a blast of color, print and personality with the minimum of fuss, expense and effort. And even better, when you’re tired of the look, the curtain can be replaced with one in a different style.
Be bold with color in the bathroom and remember, you don’t have to stick with top-to-bottom white for a fresh feel.