Help & advice
Choosing the right size and type of over bath shower screen
The size of your bath shower screen depends on two key factors: the dimensions of your bath and how much space you need to comfortably access it.
When it comes to installing an over-bath shower screen, size is everything. Too small, and you'll end up with a soggy bathroom floor; too large, and you'll struggle to get in and out of the bath and reach to turn the shower on and off. Here's how to nail the perfect fit for your bathroom.
Decide what size over-bath shower screen you need
Measure the width of your bath
This is the starting point for determining how much screen you can fit.
Allow space for entry
At a bare minimum you'll need 600mm for easy access to the bath, however 800mm will feel much more comfortable, particularly if your screen is fixed. Deduct this from the total bath width to calculate the available space for your screen.
Measure the height of your bath
Ensure the bath screen height aligns with your showerhead for effective splash protection and a seamless look.
Make sure you contain the water
A key consideration when choosing your screen is how well it keeps water where it belongs-inside the bath. The minimum is a screen that's 600-700mm wide, however for powerful showers (or messy shower-ers) opt for a screen that's at least 800mm wide and consider adding a return panel for extra protection.
Return panels are smaller glass panels attached at a 90-degree angle to the main screen. Fixed or hinged, they're a game-changer for keeping water contained without sacrificing access.
Standard sizes
Fixed bath shower screens start from around 500mm wide but can go up to over a metre for larger baths and are usually between 1400-1500mm tall. In terms of thickness, screens range from around 4mm to 10mm thick. Thicker screens (6mm and above) feel sturdier and look more luxurious. The larger the sheet of glass, the more likely it is to come with a support bar.
Pro tips for choosing the perfect bath shower screen
- Match the screen to your bath shape - if you've got a P-shaped bath, curved screens are a natural fit. For L-shaped baths, look for short or angular designs
- Factor in your shower style - if you are going for a high pressure shower, or have messy kids / partners(!) go big on the screen width or add a return panel
- Single screens - these are ideal for larger baths (1800mm or longer) where access space isn't a concern. Fixed or hinged, they're sleek and easy to clean, less plastic or rubber components that can get worn down over time
- Folding or sliding screens - perfect for smaller baths, and a way to get some additional width without compromising access
Choose a shower screen with little or no plastic. Glass and metal are 100% recyclable and can be recycled over and over forever, whereas plastic ends up in landfill.
Choosing between fixed, hinged, folding or sliding
1. Fixed bath screens
Fixed panels that don't move. Ideal for modern, minimalist bathrooms, but they can limit access if your bath is small, and may make cleaning harder.
Pros:
- No additional plastic or rubber seal strip to worry about - these can gather dirt and mould and generally tend to compromise the aesthetics of a screen
- Fixed panels tend to use thicker glass which looks and feels good quality
Cons:
- Limited access to the bath compared to hinged, folding or sliding screens (and limited options on width considering the space available)
- Can be tricky to clean around, depending on the width of the screen and length of your arms, you might have to get into the bath to clean it properly
Fixed panel screens, better for older children and adults and a high quality aesthetic.
2. Hinged bath screens
Swing in and / or out on hinges, making them perfect for easy access and versatile in both small and large bathrooms.
Pros:
- Being able to move the screen is handy for families as you can move the screen to reach taps, turn on the shower and bath children all from outside of the bath
- The movable screen can provide easier access for cleaning
Cons:
- Require sufficient clearance space for the door swing (you may also need to consider the positioning of your bath taps if you want to be able to push the screen all the way in over the bath)
- Not always ideal for smaller bathrooms with limited space, especially with screens that open outwards
- Require a plastic / rubber seal strip which needs a greater level of cleaning and maintenance / may need to be replaced every so often
Hinged door screens, best for those with young children and more spacious bathrooms.
3. Folding or sliding bath screens
Folding screens consist of multiple panels that fold in on themselves, neatly saving space. Sliding door screens open by sliding along a track, saving space in smaller bathrooms. Great for tight spaces where every millimetre counts.
Pros:
- Suitable for compact bathrooms
- Can mean you’ll have a wider screen for less splashing when fully extended
Cons:
- Tracks, hinges and folding mechanisms may require a greater level of cleaning and maintenance to prevent sticking and build up of dirt
- Folding and sliding screens tend to be more expensive than hinged or fixed shower screens
Sliding panel screens, best for those with young children and smaller bathrooms.
Choosing the right bath shower screen size comes down to balancing aesthetics, practicality, and functionality. With the right measurements and a clear idea of your needs, you can find a screen that fits your bath and your lifestyle perfectly. Whether you're all about a minimalist vibe or need maximum splash protection, there's a screen out there for you.
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