Guide to Buying Bath Screens: Everything You Need to Know for Irish Bathrooms

Introduction: Why Bath Screens Are Essential

In Irish homes, the bathroom is more than just a practical space it's a sanctuary for comfort, style, and function. Bath screens have rapidly replaced shower curtains as the go-to choice for homeowners seeking to combine elegance with practicality. A well-chosen bath screen not only keeps water contained within the bath but also enhances the feeling of openness, making even compact Irish bathrooms feel more spacious.

Whether you're refreshing a classic townhouse bathroom in Galway or updating a contemporary space in Dublin, understanding your options and choosing the right screen is a decision that can affect your bathroom's appearance and usability for years to come.

Types of Bath Screens: Know What You're Choosing

When shopping for a bath screen, the two main distinctions to consider are frame type and movement style. Both will impact the look, functionality, and suitability for your space.

Framed Bath Screens Framed screens use a visible metal frame around the glass panel for additional support and structure. Available in finishes like chrome, matte black, brushed gold, or brass, they blend in seamlessly with most modern fixtures. Framed screens are a reliable and budget-friendly option.

They are particularly well-suited to family homes where water containment and durability are top priorities. Thanks to their frame, they can accommodate slightly thinner glass (usually 6mm), helping to reduce cost without compromising performance.

Frameless Bath Screens Frameless options are the minimalist’s dream. These are made of thicker glass (8–10mm) and use subtle brackets or hinges for a seamless appearance. Frameless bath screens create an airy, luxurious aesthetic and are perfect for contemporary bathroom renovations.

While they do come at a higher price point, the visual impact is significant particularly in smaller Irish bathrooms where maximising natural light is key.

Semi-Frameless Bath Screens These provide a middle ground, with some framing for support but clean glass edges on exposed sides for a sleek look. Ideal for homeowners who want the best of both worlds in terms of appearance and structural reassurance.

Movement Styles: How Your Screen Operates

Fixed Screens These are simple panels that remain stationary. Fixed screens are low-maintenance and unobtrusive, making them ideal for en-suites or smaller bathrooms where you don’t need full access to the bath.

Hinged Screens A hinged screen opens outward, allowing for easy access to the bath. This makes cleaning simpler and offers additional flexibility particularly helpful for households with children or elderly family members who may need extra room to manoeuvre.

Folding Screens Made up of two or more panels that fold against each other, folding screens are ideal for compact bathrooms. They fold away neatly when not in use and are a great option if multiple people use the same bathroom.

Sliding Screens Sliding options work similarly to sliding shower doors and are useful in larger bathrooms. They provide full coverage and glide effortlessly across a track, offering robust water protection.

Design Shapes: Matching Your Bath and Space

Square and Straight-Edged Screens These offer a clean, geometric look and are suitable for modern bathrooms where symmetry is preferred.

Curved Screens With their elegant arc, curved screens soften the bathroom’s visual lines and provide extra room around the upper body while showering—particularly useful in narrow bath spaces.

L-Shaped Bath Screens For homes with L-shaped shower baths, these purpose-built screens follow the bath's contours, ensuring watertight performance and visual cohesion.

Sail Screens Stylised with a wider top and tapered base, sail screens offer flair while increasing elbow room in the shower area. A designer favourite, they pair especially well with spa-inspired interiors.

Glass Thickness and Safety Standards

Every bath screen sold in Ireland must use toughened safety glass that complies with EN12150 standards. This ensures safety in the event of breakage, as the glass shatters into small blunt pieces.

Thickness varies based on design and style:

• 4mm is best for lightweight framed screens in guest bathrooms

• 5mm offers a basic but durable option for rental properties

• 6mm is the Irish standard, combining strength with cost-effectiveness

• 8mm and 10mm are ideal for frameless, high-end installations and provide extra stability and noise dampening

Standard Dimensions for Irish Homes

Width typically ranges from 600mm to 1000mm:

• 600–700mm: Best for splash protection

• 800mm: Standard width, suitable for most homes

• 900–1000mm: Ideal for full coverage in busy family bathrooms

Height is usually either:

• 1400mm: Adequate for most bath setups

• 1500mm: Preferred for better splash protection, particularly for tall users or higher water pressure systems

Choosing the Right Screen for Your Needs

For Smaller Bathrooms Folding or curved screens provide compact solutions while maximising movement space. Opt for 6mm glass with a chrome or white finish for light reflection and visual space.

For Busy Family Bathrooms Durability and safety are key. Choose framed or semi-frameless hinged screens with 6–8mm glass. Consider options with built-in towel bars or soft-close hinges for daily convenience.

For Designer or Luxury Homes Invest in a frameless 8–10mm screen with premium finishes such as brushed brass or matte black. Anti-limescale coatings and minimalist hardware create a polished, contemporary aesthetic.

For Traditional or Period Properties Framed screens in classic finishes like chrome or gold help preserve your bathroom’s character. Curved or sail shapes add softness and blend seamlessly into older interiors.

Care and Maintenance

Maintaining a bath screen is easy with regular cleaning and proper ventilation. Daily rinsing after showers and wiping with a squeegee prevents mineral buildup. Weekly cleaning with a vinegar solution or mild soap keeps glass sparkling.

Opt for screens with easy-clean coatings, especially in hard water areas like Dublin or Limerick. These coatings reduce watermarks and make cleaning faster and less frequent.

Installation Advice for Irish Homes

While experienced DIYers may manage simpler installations, professional fitting is recommended for:

• Frameless or heavier 8–10mm screens

• Plasterboard or tiled walls that require reinforcing

• Ensuring waterproof sealing

Installation typically costs between €85 and €145 depending on screen type and bathroom structure.

Conclusion: Find the Perfect Fit with Bathroom Warehouse

At Bathroom Warehouse, we believe that a bath screen should be more than just a splash barrier. It should elevate your bathroom design, provide daily practicality, and stand the test of time. Whether you're renovating on a budget or upgrading to something sleek and stylish, we stock a full range of bath screens to suit every need and taste.