You’re knee deep in a bathroom renovation, scrolling through endless options online, when suddenly you realise even the “simple” choices aren’t so simple anymore. Take shower screens versus curtains, in what seems like a straightforward decision actually involves juggling aesthetics, practicality, budget and whether you’ll still love your choice in 5 years time. Both options have their devoted fans and for good reason, but the trick is figuring out which camp you belong in based on your bathroom’s size, your household’s needs and how long you’re planning to call this place home.
Making Small Bathrooms Feel Bigger
If you’re tight on space, then glass shower screens work like magic for opening up cramped bathrooms. Frameless or semi-frameless options let light flow freely through the room, instantly making everything feel less claustrophobic. It’s amazing how removing that visual barrier can transform the entire feel of your space.
Curtains can work in small areas too, but they come with trade offs. For instance, when they drawn they block light and make the room feel more enclosed. They do win points for flexibility though, such as if you have an awkward corner shower or unusual layout, then a curtain can adapt where a fixed screen might struggle.
Think about your daily routine too as screens with sliding or swinging doors take up minimal floor space, while curtains need room to be pulled wide open each time you step in or out.
The Real Talk on Cleaning (Because Nobody’s Excited About It)
Let’s address the elephant in the room which is maintenance. Glass screens will show every water spot and soap streak, which means they need regular attention and while that may seem like more work, a quick squeegee after each shower keeps them looking pristine with minimal effort.
And because screens contain water so well, there’s less humidity floating around your bathroom, which means fewer battles with mould and mildew in those hard to reach corners.
Curtains present a different challenge altogether due to that lower portion where moisture loves to collect. It’s practically an open invitation for mould to move in and make itself comfortable. You’ll either be washing curtains regularly or replacing them every couple of years, and while they’re inexpensive, that ongoing cycle gets tedious.
Built to Last vs Budget Friendly Quick Fixes
Glass screens are the marathon runners of bathroom fixtures as they are made from tempered safety glass and properly installed, they’ll serve you faithfully for years with nothing more than occasional resealing or hinge adjustments. They’re tough enough to handle daily use in busy households without showing their age.
Curtains are more like sprinters as they do their job well initially, but daily use takes its toll. Tears, stains and general wear are inevitable, especially in high traffic bathrooms.
Glass screens are an investment that pays dividends over time and while the initial cost is higher, they offer:
- Durability that outlasts multiple curtain replacements
- Lower maintenance once you establish a routine
- Potential property value improvement
- Energy savings from better heat retention
If you’re planning to stay put for several years, the numbers often work in favour of screens when you factor in replacement costs and energy savings.
Making the Right Choice for Your Space
Both shower screens and curtains earn their place in Australian bathrooms, but for different reasons. Screens shine when you’re thinking long term as they look great, function brilliantly and stand up to years of daily use. Curtains make perfect sense when budget is tight or you need flexibility.
Choose screens if you want:
- Long-term value and durability
- Better water containment and heat retention
- A more open, spacious feel
- Lower ongoing maintenance
- Potential property value improvement
Choose curtains if you need:
- An immediate budget-friendly solution
- Flexibility for unusual shower layouts
- Easy replacement and style changes
- Temporary or rental property solutions
Planning a bathroom update soon? We can help you weigh all the options and help your create a beautiful, functional bathroom you’ll love for years to come. Just contact us to discuss your plans.
