Showerscreens used to be much of a muchness. These days, they can really make a statement in your bathroom. Whether for a new build, rebuild or renovation, here are the seven Ss of selecting the perfect showerscreen!
Showerscreens are commonly the biggest structure in the bathroom. Beyond function, they affect the space’s aesthetic, usage and upkeep. Choosing the most appropriate showerscreen means balancing broader stylistic elements with practical aspects such as size, ease of maintenance and physical design.
Style
Frameless showerscreens are comprised of unobstructed thick glass secured by subtle metal clamps or a slimline aluminium frame for low visual impact. They are increasingly popular with interior designers, as they enable the eye to focus on the space’s aesthetics, vignettes and material choices.
“In this case, less is truly more. Stegbar’s frameless, floor to ceiling showerscreens allowed me to emphasise the bathroom’s important stand out elements,” says interior designer Nina Maya of her recent home and bathroom renovations.
Alternatively, semi-framed screens can be used for a more defined, structured look. This option offers the best of both worlds – minimally intrusive screens and a wider glass area for a more spacious feeling with reinforced structural support. Stegbar’s Grange collection features slim perimeter frame with crisp defining lines in a modern and minimalist matte black.
Shape
Innovative design has re-shaped showerscreens. Instead of the standard sharp angles, consider curved edges for forward thinking style. Rounded frameless showerscreens provide a subliminal softness and flowing feeling, as well as a distinct, couture look.
“Rounded shapes were a necessity,” says interior designer Melissa Bonney of the bathroom in her latest project, The Barefoot Bay Villa in Byron Bay. She worked with Stegbar to create custom frameless showerscreens that would mirror the surrounding landscape. “The subtlety of the glass screens allows the lines to subconsciously evoke the shoreline. This is balanced with tiles reflecting the green eucalyptus and terracotta rock of the bushland.”
Space
Space is often at a premium in bathrooms. Stegbar’s Grange slider showerscreens are uniquely designed for spatial efficacy and striking modern style. These frameless doors are designed with minimal visible screw fittings and a corner slider to better utilise space in small rooms. Available made to measure to the exact specifications of your unique bathroom.
Supplementary styling
Showerscreen hardware and accessories are often an afterthought when doing a bathroom re-fresh, but because of the shower’s visual prominence, it’s an important detail for creating cohesion within the space. When purposefully selected, the hinges and handles of frameless showerscreens and the structure of partially framed screens can serve to define the overall look of the room.
On the other end of the spectrum, chrome or nickel-plated hardware can be applied to get the lighter look of airy beach house style, or a final touch of French Provincial finesse.
The Pivot 2000 semi-framed showerscreen has a pivoting door system and features innovative Dri-Guard water seal and magnetic door strips to ensure a secure close, offering a perfect blend of innovation and aesthetics.
Incorporating black hardware in shower handles or wall hinges adds impact and streamlined style,” says Christal Fysentzou, co-founder of Brisbane-based building and design firm Zou Build.
Black handles and hinges are timeless and can both bend into or stand out of bathroom designs depending on their usage. Stegbar’s Jett hardware can complete the look of contemporary or chic industrial style bathrooms.
Seal
Shower leakage may result from low volume drainage, improper tiling, faulty shower design or having kids who love to splash about. The damage from leaks can be both immediate, and critical long-term, as consistent exposure to moisture can cause structural discolouration, mould and rot.
To best minimise leakage, chose a showerscreen with an overlapping door and a seal on the opening edge of the door. The overlap will create a barrier that prevents water from spilling out. The seal helps reduce water leakage between the door and the closing panel or jamb. Stegbar has developed overlap showscreens with pivot doors as part of its Grange collection. These semi-frameless structures offer well-constructed framing systems for stability, strength, easy access and elegant style. This pivot design is available with up to 2500mm wide openings, and is ideally suited to larger, more opulent designs.
Savings
Bathroom renovations can become extremely expensive, so it’s important to understand where you can make savings without compromising on style. Semi-frameless shower screens are becoming extremely popular as they give a clean, streamlined look without the expense that is associated with a fully frameless option.
Stress-Free Maintenance and durability
While it creates a unique look, frosted glass is often more difficult to clean than clear options, and is more likely to showcase soap scum, making it an option for the style conscious homeowner with more time on their hands.
Across all glazing options, applying a protective coating will reduce the amount of effort required to keep screens looking fresh. Stegbar’s Nanoclean technology reduces cleaning time by up to 90% and decreases the necessity for harsh chemicals. The coating prevents glass corrosion, lime deposit build-up and is abrasion resistant so it won’t wear down or rub off. It also chemical resistant, repelling both oil-based and water-based substances.
It’s also important to consider the longevity of your showerscreens so look into the warranty yours comes with.
While showerscreens may not be the first consideration in bathroom design, they can completely change or dictate the look of the space and how it ages over time. Finding the right option can mean the difference between creating a soothing space or more maddening maintenance.
For more information on choosing showerscreens.
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