A glass shower screen or enclosure is a great choice for a small bathroom where a curtain might seem too large and billowy, as well as for a dark bathroom, as the glass can reflect light and make the space seem brighter. When you do shop for a glass shower screen for the bath, you might be surprised at the options you have, so note a few factors to consider and some terms you might encounter when shopping so you know you get the right choice for your space.

Sliding versus hinged

A sliding door can be your only option if the bathroom is so small that there is no room outside the shower for a hinged door, but otherwise, note that the trench or channel for the door can hold water and, in turn, allow mould and mildew to form. Sliding doors may then need more consistent cleaning than a door on a hinge.

Showers with no lip or edge

If your shower area has no lip or edge, such as those meant for use with a wheelchair, consider a door with a sweep. This is a folded edge at the floor of the shower door that provides a more watertight seal when the door is closed. This can prevent leaks into the rest of the bathroom area without getting in the way of wheelchairs or creating a lip or edge around the shower area itself.

Transom

If you want a shower screen that goes all the way up to the ceiling, it can be good to consider a transom. This is a separate section of glass that hangs from the ceiling to the shower screen or door, and which is on a separate hinge. This allows you to tilt this section of glass outward when you're in the shower to let out some steam. This also allows in air after a shower, so there is less moisture that clings to the shower walls and less mould and mildew that may form.

Decorative glass

Clear glass can be good for most bathrooms, but it's not your only option. A glass with an iron tint will have a slight bronze colour, which can be good if you have earth tones in the bathroom decor. Rainwater glass will be slightly beveled so the view through the glass is blurred; this adds visual interest to the space and can offer privacy to someone in the shower.