Latest Trends: The Shower Screen, with How-To Videos
A guide to shower screens
If you’re in the process of updating your bathroom, you have literally hundreds of options and combinations of options from which to choose. Modern homeowners are paying more and more attention to tubs and showers, and many are replacing older traditional fixtures with exciting new units. One popular contemporary update to the old shower door or shower curtain is the shower screen. To learn lots more about shower screens, visit Plumbing Point dot com.
What is a shower screen?
A shower screen is a device that encloses a shower or bathtub, much like shower doors or a shower curtain. Unlike these two older devices, the shower screen retracts back into the wall, into a canister or pocket. Another type of shower screen folds into a small space, while yet another opens outward via hinges.
Why is a shower screen better than shower doors?
A shower screen allows full access to the bathtub or shower, making it much easier to clean and to enter and exit. Also, as it slides back into its canister, it cleans itself. This means no more soap scum and mildew in the shower door track! As the screen slides, the canister serves as a squeegee, removing soap, shampoo, and water. Other types of screens have no track at all!
Another advantage a shower screen has over shower doors is that it makes the entire shower or bathtub visible. Because it “opens up” the space, it will make your bathroom appear larger, also.
What are shower screens made of?
Shower screens are usually made of either glass or a special polyester material that’s impervious to moisture. The screens are available in frameless, framed, and semi-frameless models.
What kinds of different styles are available?
Shower screens can be clear, frosted, or opaque. One popular style is the slumped glass decorative shower screen. These have a textured three-dimensional finish that does a great job of hiding fingerprints. They’re available in geometrical patterns and more elaborate designs.
Etched glass shower screens are comprised of glass in which a permanent design has been made by acid etching. Unlike the slumped glass screens, this style has a smooth finish.
Another option available for homeowners is the use of vinyl decals. These are easily applied to glass shower screens and come in a wide variety of patterns and motifs. This is a great inexpensive option for those who want to change the look of their shower and tub occasionally.
What about folding shower screens and hinged screens?
Folding shower screens are made up of sections that fold up into two or more panels. A bi-fold shower door contains two panels, but other styles have several panels. Some of the screens fold accordion style, while others fold up inside the shower itself. Some screens are completely removable, making full access to the bathtub-shower possible.
Glass shower screens that swing open are another option. These are fitted with a sturdy handle and have no bottom track, making getting in and out of the bathtub-shower a breeze. And with the absence of a track, keeping the bathroom fixture clean is a snap! Some of these screens are available with a gently curved edge instead of a hard straight edge.
A scalloped glass shower screen is a beautiful option for bathtubs and walk-in showers. These gracefully curved doors open outward for entry and are fitted with two knobs or handles.
Shower screens have been popular for years in Europe, and now they’re catching on in the United States. Many are moderately priced, and all of them will make your bathroom look bigger and will make bathing and showering easier and more enjoyable.
How to install a shower screen
If you're a do-it-yourself type homeowner, you'll probably want to install a shower screen yourself. You can save a substantial amount of money by doing so. By watching the videos below, you'll get step-by-step instructions on how to install a shower screen.
More tips for homeowners:
- Small Bathroom Remodel - Small Bathroom Ideas
Do you have a small bathroom in your home that needs a remodeling facelift? Maybe you always feel like you're in a closet when you're in your small bathroom, and you want it to appear larger without... - Bathroom Remodeling: Corner Bathtubs
I honestly cant think of a single person who doesn't feel better after a warm bath. Being immersed in the caressing water soothes sore muscles, relieves stress, and rejuvenates the spirit. If you're... - An Overview of Fireplace Tools
Most people who have a fireplace in their home also have a set of tools, usually placed on the hearth. The fireplace tools arent just functional; they're also very attractive and give the fireplace an... - All About Toilet Parts
One of mans most wonderful inventions just has to be the modern toilet! Lets face it this is something all of us use several times a day, but we really never give it a thought until it fails to... - Latest Trends: The Vessel Sink
According to realtors, the best home remodeling jobs that can increase the value of your property are those done in the bathroom and kitchen. Modern consumers expect these two important rooms to be... - Vessel Sink Faucets
If you're building a home or remodeling an existing one and have made the decision to use a vessel sink in your bathroom or kitchen, you've made an excellent choice! Your investment will more than pay for... - Latest Trends: Copper Sinks
Many of today's bathrooms and kitchens are absolutely stunning. Once just thought of as functional and necessary rooms, modern homeowners are placing more emphasis on the design and artistic appeal of these... - Latest Trends: Small Bathtubs
Small bathtubs are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners. Just about everyone enjoys a relaxing soak in a warm bath, but space requirements for a tradition tub often limit choices. A standard bathtub... - Latest Trends: Frameless Shower Doors
Bathrooms are no longer just an afterthought for modern homeowners. Today's bathrooms are often beautiful, with user-friendly sinks, bathtubs, and showers. Outdated and obsolete bathroom fixtures are being... - How to Turn Old Paneling into Beautiful Faux "Old World" Stucco: Do It Yourself
My house has a den with dark paneling that was done when the house was built, in 1961. It was of good quality, but it made the room very dark, and it had gone out of style years ago. I thought a long time... - All About Toxic Black Mold, with How-To Videos
You've seen mold, also referred to as mildew, before. Leave a damp article of clothing wadded up so that its not exposed to sunlight or other drying conditions, and in a few days, you'll have a nice... - Wireless Security Home System
If you watch or read the news, I dont have to tell you about crime. Home burglaries are on the rise, most likely due to the depressed economy. Many people are desperate for money, so they're trying their... - Flooring Options: Pros and Cons of Each
If you're building a new home or remodeling an existing one, or just some home repairs or home improvement, youll be faced with numerous decisions. One area of mind-boggling decisions you'll have to... - Choosing the Right Shower Tray
Nowadays, homeowners and prospective homeowners usually place much emphasis on their bathrooms. They often spend much thought and a lot of money on things like frameless shower doors, quarried tile, vessel... - Homeowners' Liability: Dangers Around the Home, with Informative Videos
Most homeowners realize if someone is injured on their property, a lawsuit might well follow. You can be sued and found liable, even if the person was not an invited guest. Many homeowners, however, are under...