Let’s face it – there comes a time every so often when we’re utterly bored with the décor in our bathrooms. However, many of us aren’t in a position to redecorate on a whim. So, we need to think of other ways to freshen up our spaces, such as installing new waterproof bathroom wall panels.

One of the easiest ways to update your bathroom is the replace your shower curtain. Particularly for people with shower-bath combos, a shower curtain is a necessary bathroom accessory, as it prevents the floor from being soaked every time someone has a shower - just as our shower wall panel kits prevent your walls from becoming damp.

Nowadays, you can opt for a traditional shower curtain or a modern shower screen. Both benefit a bathroom in different ways, and it can be difficult to work out which one is best for your bathroom. So, we’re here to give you the pros and cons of curtains and screens to help you make the decision.

Shower curtains

Shower curtains are a timeless bathroom accessory and have been around for decades. They never truly go out of style because they come in such a wide range of different fabrics, as well as in many colours and patterns. Shower curtains are often made from waterproof fabric or plastic or a classic fabric lined with plastic backing.

Pros

Shower curtains are a great way to soften your bathroom décor. Bathrooms can tend to look rigid and cold depending on the colour scheme chosen and the textures used, so utilising a softer fabric can take the edge off the room.

As well as this, they are a great way to insert some of your personality into your bathroom, alongside your shower wall panels. As we’ve already mentioned, shower curtains come in a vast range of colours and patterns and can be changed as little or as frequently as you’d like. Shower curtains can also be incredibly luxurious depending on the materials; their large swathes of material fall from the ceiling to the floor and run the entire length of the bath.

If you have a freestanding tub with a shower installed above it, a shower curtain may even be your only option as shower screens aren’t often curved. You could install a ceiling-mounted rail and finish with a heavy-duty curtain that will sweep right around your tub.

Aside from these practical benefits, shower curtains have a low up-front cost, and you can find them in any high street shop with a home furnishings section. If you have children, a shower curtain may be the best choice for your space, as they can be easily moved (or removed) for bath time, giving you easier access to the tub.

Because of these reasons, shower curtains are amongst some of the most versatile bathroom accessories.

Cons

Whilst shower curtains are undeniably versatile; they can be difficult to clean. Mould and mildew can quickly grow on a shower curtain that isn’t left to dry properly, and to clean them, you have to take them down and wash them in a machine. Additionally, no matter how well you look after shower curtains, they do need to be replaced.

Shower curtains perform well in relation to keeping water inside the shower, but they are not watertight; this could leave you with spillages on the bathroom floor, potentially causing an accident. Aside from this, we can all admit that at one time or another, we’ve forgotten to tuck the shower curtain into the bath – essentially rendering it useless.

In addition, if you have a smaller bathroom, a shower curtain can block the passage of light, making it look smaller and darker. So, this is something to bear in mind if you struggle with space.

Shower screens

These are a modernised version of the fabric shower curtain. They replicate the enclosure of a standalone shower for a shower-bath.

Shower screens are glass panels that are installed on your shower-bath to prevent water from escaping.

Pros

Unlike shower curtains, shower screens are fitted to the bath and surrounding wall and are therefore much sturdier. This makes them more effective at keeping water inside the shower; they are essentially watertight.

Shower screens are made almost entirely from glass and can either be framed or frameless. Therefore, you can still inject some personality into it. The glass design can really enhance the space in your room, reflecting light and making everything in your bathroom seem bigger and brighter.

As well as making your room look bigger, they are basic in design and can keep things in your bathroom simple. They don’t have to match anything because they are made of glass; alternatively, you can choose a coloured or textured frame to complement your theme. And, due to their glass composition, they’re considerably more durable than a shower curtain which could rip or tear.

The modernity of a shower screen also makes them an asset to the value of your home, as they are an increasingly desirable feature. They are also a great option for smaller bathrooms, as the glass screen usually slides back to allow access to the bath, meaning they don’t require a lot of room to operate.

Additionally, if you have an awkward space, such as an ensuite installed in a loft, you can have a shower screen customised to fit the space. In some spaces with an angular roof, for example, a shower curtain may not even be an option.

Cons

Shower screens are easy to clean, but they can be irritating to maintain. To keep the glass spotless, you need to squeegee it down after every use. The benefits of cleaning frequently are obvious, and your shower-bath will always look spotless, but it can feel like a full-time job.

Whilst there are many different frames and finishes available, it can be difficult to find a shower screen that adds to your bathroom in the same way a curtain does. They tend to be a practical addition as opposed to a way to inject your personality.

Bathrooms with shower screens can still be beautiful, but they can have an almost sterile edge to them that you might need to soften with other accessories. However, this is down to personal preference, and you may love the spick-and-span effect a shower screen can bring.

Shower screens also have a significantly higher up-front cost and will need to be installed by a professional; they can’t be easily removed, either.