8 types of shower screens in Australia: pros, cons and more

If you're planning a full bathroom renovation, upgrading your shower, or merely seeking to replace an existing shower screen, it's beneficial to understand the variety of shower screens available. Each type has distinct characteristics and is suited for different bathroom sizes and styles.

Fully framed shower screens feature a robust metal frame and a glass panel which offers excellent structural integrity with glass panels supported. Ideal for family bathrooms or high-use settings, the strong frame can withstand the rigours of daily use, making this shower screen a durable, long-lasting choice. Their sealed design makes them highly efficient at preventing water leakage.

They suit a wide range of bathroom styles, particularly traditional or classic designs. However, the frames require regular cleaning to prevent build-up of residue and gunk in the corners. Framed shower screens are an affordable option for budget conscious homeowners.

Pros:

• Durability: Framed shower screens are sturdy and reliable, making them a great long-term choice.
• Cost-effective: They are generally less expensive than frameless or semi-frameless screens.
• Variety of styles: Available in a range of styles and finishes, they can match most bathroom decors.

Cons:

• Cleaning challenges: The frames can collect water and soap scum, making them harder to clean.
• Aesthetic limitations: They might not provide the same sleek, modern look as frameless screens.
• Whole unit replacement: If the glass or frame becomes damaged, the whole unit often needs to be replaced.

Frameless shower screens are the go-to choice for a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Crafted from thicker, tempered safety glass that can stand without a full-frame, these screens offer an unobstructed, clean view, creating an illusion of space. 

Ideal for smaller bathrooms or those with a modern, minimalist design, they are also easier to clean due to the lack of a frame. However, they can be more expensive and require careful installation to ensure stability. Despite the potential additional cost, their high-end look and practical benefits make frameless shower screens a popular option for many homeowners.

Pros:

• Modern look: Frameless screens provide a clean, sleek look that can make your bathroom feel larger.
• Easy to clean: Without frames to collect soap scum or mildew, these screens are relatively easy to clean.
• Customisable: These screens can be custom fit a variety of bathroom spaces.

Cons:

• Higher cost: Frameless screens are usually more expensive than framed or semi-framed options.
• Precise installation required: They require accurate installation, as improper fitting can lead to leaks.
• Potential fragility: While made of strong tempered glass, they are not as sturdy as framed screens and can be prone to chipping at the edges.

Offering a balance between the clean lines of frameless designs and the robustness of framed screens, semi frameless shower screens feature minimal framing, often only around the outer edge. They are a great choice for those who prefer the stability of frames but want to maintain a contemporary aesthetic and a seamless look. They are often more affordable than frameless screens and offer a similarly easy-to-clean surface.

Pros:

• Blend of features: Semi-frameless screens offer the best of both worlds: the modern aesthetics of frameless screens and the stability of framed screens.
• More affordable: They are typically more affordable than fully frameless screens.
• Adaptable: Suitable for most bathroom sizes and styles, these screens can be a versatile choice.

Cons:

• Intermediate cleaning needs: While they have fewer frames, they can still collect some gunk and mildew.
• Not completely frameless: They don't provide the entirely sleek and modern look of a fully frameless screen.
• Installation needs: They also require careful installation to prevent water leaks.

Perfect for enclosed shower spaces, sliding door shower screens feature doors that slide along a track, eliminating the need for additional room to open a swinging or pivoting door. They offer a practical solution for compact bathrooms or ensuites, and can often also be used as a functional bath sliding door and their efficient use of space can provide a high level of convenience with day-to-day usage.

Pros:

• Space efficient: They don't require extra space for doors to swing open, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms.
• Convenient access: Easy to enter and exit without any obstructions.
• Low maintenance: Generally, these screens have fewer moving parts and hence require less maintenance.

Cons:

• Cleaning difficulty: The tracks of sliding doors can collect water and other detritus, making them harder to clean.
• Limited access width: The opening might be narrower than that of a pivot or hinged door, making access a bit more difficult.
• Mechanical issues: If the sliding mechanism fails, repairs or replacements can be complex and costly.

These screens, with their door that swings outwards from a pivot point and employs a straightforward opening mechanism, are a tasteful addition to a variety of bathroom designs. They are especially ideal for large bathrooms as they necessitate additional space for the door to open. 

Offering easy access, pivot door screens are suitable for individuals of all ages. The uncomplicated and efficient operation of these screens not only adds functionality but also contributes to the bathroom décor and overall aesthetic.

Pros:

• Unrestricted access: They offer a wide opening, making them easily accessible.
• Aesthetic appeal: Pivot doors provide a stylish and elegant look.
• Flexible installation: The doors can either swing inward or outward, depending on the design.

Cons

• Requires more space: They require more space to open compared to sliding or bi-fold doors.
• Water containment: If not properly sealed, they can allow water to splash out of the shower.
• Hinge maintenance: The pivot hinges may require periodic maintenance or replacement.

These shower screens feature a door that folds in half, offering a broader opening without the space demand of a standard swinging door. Perfect for medium-sized bathrooms where saving space is a priority, these screens are more than just functional. Their folding action not only ensures easy access, especially for those with mobility issues, but it also adds an element of modern sophistication to your bathroom.

Pros:

• Compact design: Bi-fold doors fold into the shower area, providing a neat, compact design that's ideal for smaller bathrooms.
• Wide access: Despite their compact design, they offer wide access.
• Versatility: They work well with most shower styles and bathroom layouts.

Cons:

• Cleaning intricacies: Cleaning can be difficult due to the folding mechanism and tracks.
• Potential mechanical failure: Over time, the folding mechanism may wear out and need to be replaced.
• Style preference: Some people may not find the bi-fold design as attractive as other options.

Fixed panel shower screens consist of a single, fixed panel of glass without a door. Embodying stylish designs, they are often used in walk-in bathrooms, wet-room settings or with standalone tubs. They offer a contemporary, open aesthetic and are an excellent choice for spacious bathrooms looking to incorporate a modern design.

These screens provide unobstructed views and easy cleaning, but they require a well-designed drainage system to prevent water from splashing into the rest of the bathroom, and their use can depend on the amount of space needed to install one. Their sleek simplicity enhances the appeal of any modern bathroom.

Pros:

• Minimalist design: With their simple, clean lines, fixed panel screens are perfect for modern bathrooms.
• Easy maintenance: With no moving parts, these screens require very little maintenance.
• Versatility: They can be used in wet room setups or combined with a shower curtain for flexibility.

Cons:

• Restricted access: Without a door, access can be more limited than with other types of screens.
• Water splash potential: Without a door to contain water, there can be more water splash in the bathroom.
• Privacy concerns: Without a door, there may be less privacy compared to other types of screens.

Related article: Walk-in shower dimensions, costs and other FAQs

Named for their quarter-circle shape, quadrant shower screens are a stylish shower screen and a bit more of a luxurious option, they are designed to fit neatly into a corner. They often feature sliding or pivot doors, maximising space efficiency. These screens are perfect for compact bathrooms or awkward spaces, giving them a functional yet stylish solution.

Pros:

• Ideal for small spaces: Their compact design is ideal for small bathrooms or corner installations.
• Unique aesthetic: The curved glass can add a unique, elegant touch to the bathroom.
• Wide access: Despite their compact design, they still offer wide access.

Cons:

• Limited shower area: The curved design may limit shower space compared to square or rectangular designs.
• Cleaning curve complexity: The curved glass can be more difficult to clean than straight glass.
• Replacement issues: Custom-shaped screens can be more expensive and harder to replace if damaged.

As you can see, there's a variety of different shower screens available. When you're making a section, consider how each option aligns with your bathroom's size, reflects your style preferences, and integrates with the existing layout. This selection process will lead you to a shower screen that serves practical purposes and matches your bathroom's interior style.

Related article: Shower screen sizes: a dimensions guide