A glass shower screen can open up a small bathroom and make it seem bigger and brighter. Glass can reflect and bounce around light, so even a dark and cramped bathroom can look larger and more spacious with a shower screen versus a curtain. When you are ready to get a shower screen for your bath, note a few quick tips to help you make your choice. This will ensure your bathroom space looks its best and you're happy with that glass shower screen for years to come.

Framed versus frameless

A shower screen might be frameless or come with a frame; the two options are self-explanatory, as the frameless model just has small hinges that are attached to the wall. The framed screen has a frame around the side of the glass next to the bathroom wall, if not around the entire screen itself. For the smallest of bathroom spaces, choose the frameless model. This will make the glass look even bigger and brighter and allow it to reflect maximum light. 

For larger bathrooms, you might choose a framed model to have the shower screen anchored in the space and look larger and more eye-catching. However, note that a frame can easily look cumbersome and bulky. If you're not sure the size of the frame you should choose, opt for something small and sleek so it doesn't make the bathroom seem busy and crowded.

Soft close hinges

Soft close hinges refer to hinges that don't allow the door to swing too freely; they slow down the movement of a shower screen so it can't slam into place. This can be a good option to choose if you have children who might not be careful with a hinged shower door. The soft close hinge will keep the glass screen from literally hitting them as they enter or exit the shower and don't think to hold the door securely behind them.

Safety glass

Typically shower screens need to be made with a certain type of toughened, thick safety glass that keeps them from shattering if they close too quickly, or if a person should fall against them. However, you might opt for something even thicker and safer than minimum requirements, if you have children or someone in the home with balance issues. A 3/8-inch thick glass is often standard for shower screens, but a 1/2-inch glass is even thicker and can offer more protection in the event of an accident. This glass might even have a more substantial look and feel to it, making it more visually appealing.