A soggy curtain clinging to your legs mid-shower is nobody's idea of a good start to the day. Bath screens have long replaced the humble shower curtain as the go-to solution for keeping your bathroom dry, clean, and looking sharp — and for good reason. Glass doesn't trap mould, won't billow inward, and lets natural light flood through the room rather than cutting it off.
But with so many styles, glass thicknesses, and configurations on the market, finding the right bath screen takes a little know-how. This guide from Asturias Bathrooms covers everything: the practical benefits, the different types available, how to read glass thickness specifications, and how to keep your screen looking spotless for years to come.
Why a Bath Screen Is Worth the Investment
The case for upgrading from a curtain to a glass bath screen comes down to three things: hygiene, durability, and light.
Glass is far more resistant to mould and bacteria than fabric. A quick squeegee after each shower is all it takes to prevent limescale build-up, whereas a fabric curtain requires regular washing and still deteriorates over time. Bath screens are also made from toughened safety glass — more on that shortly — which means they are built to last through years of daily use.
Then there is the light factor. A clear glass screen keeps the bathroom feeling open and spacious. Curtains close off the shower area and make even large bathrooms feel smaller. Swap one for a glass screen and the difference is immediately noticeable.
Some screens come with additional practical touches, such as integrated towel rails or adjustable-height fittings that allow a more precise installation.
Choosing Your Bath Screen Style
The most common decision you will make when shopping for a bath screen is choosing the style of opening (or fixed panel) that best suits your bathroom.
Single Panel Screens
A single hinged or pivoting panel is the most straightforward option. Clean, minimal, and easy to install, a single screen works well in most straight-bathed bathrooms. The Ajax Matt Black Single Straight 6mm Bath Screen is a strong example — it pivots on a 180° axis, stands at a generous 1,500mm height, and features a bold square black profile with easy-clean glass that reduces soap and limescale build-up.
Folding Screens
Two or more glass panels connected by hinges that fold flat against the wall when not in use. Folding screens are ideal for smaller bathrooms because they open up almost the full bath rim for easy access and take up no additional floor space when folded away. The Merlyn 3 Panel 8mm Hinged Folding Bath Screen is a standout in this category.
Inward Folding Screens
Similar in principle to a folding screen, but the panels fold inward over the bath rather than back to the wall. The Roman Haven6 Over Width Inward Folding Bath Screen in Black is a great example of this style done well — at 975mm wide and 1500mm tall, it offers a generous shower area and is power shower approved. Its Ultra Care glass protection actively reduces limescale and bacteria build-up for easy, low-effort maintenance.
Sliding Screens
One or more glass panels glide along a slim rail, enclosing the bath from one end. Sliding screens, such as the Beaufort Type 3 Sliding Door Bath Screen in Chrome, save floor space, effectively contain spray, and suit minimalist or hotel-style bathrooms particularly well. They do require regular track cleaning to prevent grime from building up along the rail.
Fixed Straight Screens
For a truly minimalist look with no moving parts, a fixed, straight screen is hard to beat. The Beaufort 6mm Straight 300 x 1400mm Designer Bath Screen shows just how sleek this style can be — fully concealed fittings, a 180° barrel hinge for effortless entry and exit, and a slimline 300mm profile that suits modern and classic spaces alike. Available in both Polished Chrome and Matt Black.
Specialised Shapes: P-Shaped, L-Shaped, and Black Frame Designs
Not all baths are rectangular, and not all bathrooms suit a straight screen. Specialised bath screens are designed to work with shaped baths and deliver a precise, leak-free fit.
L-Shaped Bath Screens
Designed specifically for L-shaped shower baths, these screens follow the wider showering end of the bath to provide maximum splash protection. The Beaufort L Shape Left Hand Bath Screen — available in Chrome, Matt Black, and Brushed Brass — pairs a frameless design with 6mm clear safety glass and an easy-clean coating. At 1,400mm tall and 835mm long, it fits left-handed shower baths with a clean, frameless finish that works across a wide range of bathroom styles.
Curved and C-Shaped Screens for P-Shaped Baths
If your bath has a curved or P-shaped profile, a curved screen is the right match. These screens follow the contour of the bath rim for a seamless, watertight seal. The Beaufort Chrome C Shape 6mm Curved Easy Clean Bath Screen is designed precisely for this purpose — it stands at 1,500mm tall, features reversible fitment for left- or right-hand installation, and offers a 760–780mm adjustment range for a tailored fit to your P-shaped bath.
Black Frame (Crittall-Style) Screens
Matt or gloss-black framing adds a bold, architectural quality to any bathroom. The dark profile creates a defined shower zone and pairs brilliantly with black taps, fittings, or industrial-inspired tiles. If this look appeals, look out for screens with square or grid-style black profiles across the ranges we stock.
Glass Thickness and Safety: What You Need to Know
All bath screens sold in the UK must be made from toughened safety glass, compliant with BS EN 12150 — the recognised standard for thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass. Under UK Building Regulations, bath and shower screens fall within 'Critical Locations', meaning safety glazing is mandatory. Toughened glass is significantly stronger than standard annealed glass and, in the unlikely event of breakage, shatters into small, blunt fragments rather than sharp shards, greatly reducing the risk of injury.
Glass thickness affects both the feel of the screen and its suitability for different shower types:
- 4mm — Lightweight and budget-friendly. Suitable for guest bathrooms or occasional use.
- 6mm — The most popular choice for everyday family bathrooms. Solid, reliable, and available across a wide range of styles. The vast majority of screens in our range use 6mm toughened safety glass.
- 8mm — Premium-weight glass that feels noticeably more substantial. Recommended for power showers and larger, heavier screen formats. The Merlyn 2 Panel 8mm Hinged Folding Bath Screen is a prime example — crafted from 8mm toughened safety glass with Merlyn's Mershield StayClear anti-limescale coating, and backed by a lifetime manufacturer's guarantee.
As a general rule, 6mm is the right starting point for most households. If you have a power shower or a larger, heavier screen format, 8mm offers added rigidity and a noticeably higher-quality feel.
Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Bath Screen Clean
A well-maintained bath screen should look just as good in five years as it did on the day it was installed. The good news is that keeping it clean is straightforward.
After every shower: Use a rubber squeegee to wipe down the glass. This single habit does more to prevent limescale build-up than anything else.
Weekly: Clean with a mild, non-abrasive bathroom cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or scouring pads — these can scratch the glass surface and, on coated glass, strip the protective anti-limescale layer.
Anti-limescale coatings: Many of the screens we stock come with factory-applied easy-clean coatings — such as Merlyn's Mershield StayClear or Roman's Ultra Care protection — that actively repel limescale and soap residue. These coatings significantly reduce the frequency of deep cleaning.
Hinges, tracks, and seals: If you have a folding or sliding screen, pay particular attention to the hinges and track channels where grime can accumulate. A toothbrush and mild cleaner work well for these areas. Bottom rubber seals on hinged screens can wear over time — in hard-water areas, budget for replacement every 18–24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a bath screen myself?
Many bath screens are designed for DIY installation and come with full fitting instructions. Products in our range — including the Beaufort and Ajax screens — include installation PDFs, and most require only basic tools such as a drill, spirit level, and sealant gun. That said, we always recommend professional installation if you are uncertain, particularly for folding or multi-panel screens, which require perfectly plumb walls and precise silicone sealing to prevent leaks.
Can you fit a shower screen to any bath?
Most standard straight baths will accept a wall-mounted bath screen without issue. However, shaped baths — such as L-, P-, or B-shaped shower baths — require screens designed specifically for that bath profile. Fitting a straight screen to a shaped bath will leave gaps, allowing water to escape. Always check that the screen you are considering is listed as compatible with your bath type before purchasing.
Should I get a 4mm or 6mm shower screen?
For most households, 6mm is the better choice. It is noticeably more solid than 4mm, offers a wider range of style options, and is suitable for daily use in a busy family bathroom. 4mm screens are perfectly functional but are better suited to guest bathrooms or spaces that see lighter use. If you have a power shower, consider stepping up to 8mm glass for added rigidity.
Are bath screens a standard size?
Bath screens are not a single standard size, but most are designed around common bath dimensions. The most typical heights are between 1,400mm and 1,500mm. Widths vary considerably depending on screen style — single panels often range from 700mm to 850mm, while screens designed for shaped baths can be 975mm or wider. Always measure your bath and check the product specifications carefully before ordering. Many screens also feature a degree of adjustability (typically 20–25mm) to account for walls that are not perfectly plumb.
Finding the Right Screen for Your Bathroom
The right bath screen comes down to three practical questions: What shape is your bath? How much space do you have? And how powerful is your shower?
A straight bath with a standard overhead shower is suitable for a single-hinged or pivoting screen in 6mm glass. A compact bathroom benefits from a folding screen that packs away fully when not in use. A P-shaped or L-shaped shower bath needs a screen matched to that specific profile. And a powerful walk-in style shower overhead calls for 8mm glass and a full-length seal.
Once you have those answers, the rest is about style — chrome or black profile, frameless or framed, minimal or statement. Browse our full range of bath screens at Asturias Bathrooms.
