Shower glass or curtain rail ?

7 years ago

I've been advised by my decorator to go for a quality curtain rail over the bath. it's a 1500 mm length bath so quite short. I'm torn between the the options.

Curtain would give me more creativity on look right ?

And If going for a curtain rail any recommendations ?

so many thanks

Joseph

Featured Answer

catriona2

7 years ago

I've had many many curtains and I've hated every one of them. They get in the way. They stick to your legs and they ALWAYS end up black spotted and mouldy no matter how fastidious you are about washing them. My recently revamped bathroom looks very much like yours (including the fittings actually - Crosswater by any chance?) and I have a short bath as well mine is 1400 mm I think. I'm attaching a picture of the shower screen I went for this time. I was really lucky to find one which almost comes to the end of the bath so much better than shorter models for splashing. If you like the look let me know and I'll send you a link to the site where I bought it. It was very reasonable as well. good luck with whatever you choose!

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Comments (28)

PRO
Dale Loth Architects
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Each option has attractions and drawbacks. A shower curtain would be cheaper than a good quality glass screen, but in this case would probably need to have an intrusive-looking L-shaped rail, best with a rod or wire suspended from the ceiling to stop normal sagging at the angle of the L. Shower curtains also have trouble sealing against water escape at the tap-end of the bath, especially if water from the shower head isn't directed away from the ledge the taps are set into. If you decide on a curtain, I'd think carefully before using it as a design statement, since it could make an already small space feel congested. A design statement would probably be better around the edges of the room to make it feel bigger.

A folding glass screen would give a better water seal at the tap-end of the bath, but then there's the issue of stowing when you want it out of the way. In your case, a glass screen starting with a fixed panel at the wall and with the remainder stowing inwards could avoid hitting the taps and allow water to drain off into the bath after your shower. Check that the screen height would clear the shower head and that screen would extend far enough to stop most splashing further along the bath.
Carolina
7 years ago
I would go for a glass screen
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The bath is 74 cm wide, so ideally it would be no bigger than that, and smaller still if I'm to avoid it clashing with the light fitting. I'd originally hoped to have something quite small with the curtain draping over the outside of the bath, but the builder has said this floor will get too wet. I've spent a lot of time on ebay, and have bought something, but it's too big really. The spider shower is a great idea, I've not seen these before, but unfortunately, because the bath is freestanding I need something that goes the whole way around as water can go down the back of the bath. Thanks for the idea though!
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You should factor in the cost of replacing the curtain frequently. A screen would cost about £50 on Amazon, and a curtain much less. But, you'll get mould on the curtain often, and the cost of replacements would soon add up. you might also want to think about visual space. The room will look larger with a glass screen as you can see through it to the back wall. An opaque curtain would create a visual block. Having said all that, there are advantages to a curtain. You could pull it all the way back when bathing children. (Check you see whether you have enough space to open the shower screen all the way. If so, there would be no difference; if not, the curtain would offer more flexibility).
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Carolina
7 years ago
Something like this? http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/aqualux-radius-bath-screen---whiteclear-188845
Carolina
7 years ago
Just the general idea of that, with the clear glass, maybe not that particular one.
A B
7 years ago
I can see exactly what your decorator means, but i think a glass screen could still work and is better in a small space imo.

http://www.bathroomvillage.com/burlington-bath-screen.html?gclid=CIeW4cD-984CFUQz0wodCBoB7w
pdando
7 years ago
I. Notice the bath looks wider than the normal sized bath. Is it.....and where was this purchased from please?
temple274
7 years ago
Go for a curtain from a ceiling hung pole just along the length of the bath. Drape the curtain back when not in use, as you would a window curtain. For the curtain itself use a double curtain, waterproof to hang inside the bath when in use and fabric to hang outside all the time. I had one for a shower with a lace fabric and it looked so much better than a standard shower curtain. Just make sure the fabric is washable or that you preshrink before sewing. Choose a striking print with colours you can pick up in your bathroom accessories and it will look stunning. Make the fabric curtain so it finishes just above the floor. Short would look as though you had to economise.
mcpeeple
7 years ago
A 4-fold shower screen would work well here, as its really discreet when folded back & not in use. I bought this one last year for my 1500cm bath & small bathroom & it looks great http://aicabathrooms.co.uk/4-Fold-800-x-1400mm-Folding-Shower-Glass-Bath-Screen-p-2168.html?gclid=CIHEy9PR-M4CFdQ_Gwod9egDRw
Joseph Mawle thanked mcpeeple
mudsi
7 years ago
I would also suggest a folding shower screen
PRO
BigBathroomShop
7 years ago
A glass shower screen would work well in your bathroom and help to make it feel more spacious. We have a range of bath screens here http://www.bigbathroomshop.co.uk/Baths/Bath_Screens/ca8035.html
Jacqueline Whitehouse
7 years ago
I had a bath very like yours and chose a glass screen which I could push back to make it easier to clean the bath. Shower curtains, urgh, one of my pet hates.
maryrose2
7 years ago
This bathroom looks quite narrow. A shower scene would divide the space even further whereas a shower curtain when not in use and pulled right back would open up the narrow space. We've had shower curtains in 2 previous bathrooms that have worked really really well. Also you don't have to clean the glass every time you have a bath or shower. Pull the curtain back and when it starts to look a bit dingy throw it in the washing machine, hang immediately and it will look as good as new.

I would recommend a white shower curtain in this space. Not only would it look better but also much much cheaper and saves cleaning time !
angelboyman
7 years ago
Shower curtains remind me of student digs or rented houses - because they're the cheap option. I've seen too many with awful mood on the bottom and every time you have a shower they get stick to your legs! Nope, a glass screen is the best option it think. Get a fixed frameless glass screen.
maryrose2
7 years ago
They don't billow in and stick to your legs if it's a quality curtain (you can sew weights into the hem if necessary) and are hung properly. I too have experienced cheap shower curtains in B and B's years ago.
Chris Winks
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
If you are not going to be using it every day and want clean lines have a look at this link, it is a fold away shower curtain. We have fitted one of these in our family bathroom to give the option of using as a shower but it will be folded away the majority of the time. We have been very impressed with it. There is a video on the website. www.outasight-vb.com/
headers13
7 years ago
Glass screen definitely not a curtain.
Jane Bateman
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
After trying screens and having to clean all the fiddly bits, I'd always have a curtain. You can just lob them in the washing machine!

It's not a big room and any screen would impose even more on the room.

A copper pipe would look great hung from the ceiling and complement your sink.
rzanuk
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
A white shower curtain, if good quality, would work ok. I had a weighted Spirella fabric one and it didn't get mouldy. I dunked the bottom in a bucket of Milton occasionally and it stayed spotlessly clean. I think I washed it twice in 3 years. I also used Croydex white plastic button rings which although cheap were much better than metal and made it very easy to remove the curtain for washing.
Lorraine Wilson-Brown
7 years ago
I would go for a folding glass shower screen. They look smarter, fold right back out of the way when not in use, are longer so prevent more splashes and don't have the many disadvantages of a curtain.
Simon R
7 years ago
Glass looks better but my two teenage lads seem to get water on the floor way past a glass panel!
Dundrum 16
7 years ago
You're addressing the wrong problem. Train the boys to use the shower carefully. If it's their job to clear up after themselves, they'll soon learn.
Sonia
7 years ago
I've had both and I would say definitely a glass shower screen. Looks smarter, easy to clean and does the job. I bought mine from Wickes and it wasn't too pricey and it's nice and sturdy. The folding ones do get mucky and can be awkward to clean especially if you are in a hard water area.
Jess w
7 years ago
I like how your bathroom is looking so far and the traditional style. I would go for a high quality, shower curtain in a gorgeous pattern. I love the ones from anthropologie for example. It'll bring some colour or pattern into the room too and fit with a traditional look. cleaning screens can sometimes be a nightmare!

http://www.anthropologie.com/uk/en/search/search.jsp?searchPhrase=shower+curtain#/
PRO
Pamela Langbridge Curtains and Upholstery
7 years ago
Glass screen. Shower curtains get mildew. Look shabby quickly. Water gets onto flooring. Yuck
PRO
J&G Design Studio Ltd
7 years ago
A foldable glass screen is very effective and gives the room a better quality finish
PRO
Persona Abode
7 years ago
It depends of the look you're trying to achieve.
- A 4 or 5 fold glass screen is a great space saving option whilst keeping a high quality finish to your bathroom.
- The shower curtain option would section off the space and be more invasion whilst not necessary keeping water from escaping.
PRO
Pat Oliver Interior Design
7 years ago
Your bathroom is not very large and will look even smaller when the sink is added in. A glass shower screen is sleeker and will keep the room visually uncluttered. If you want pattern, put it on the walls or the window.

Shower glass or curtain rail ?

catriona2

Comments (28)

Dale Loth Architects

Carolina

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