Open-concept home designs are all the rage right now. City life is on the rise and for some of us in Melbourne space can be limited.

In order to make a space appear larger, Nordic influences with simple designs, hard surfaces, lots of light, and open spaces are very in.

When it comes to bathroom designs, the trends are the same! The addition of a frameless shower screens to a bathroom allows the room to be open, airy, and bright – no matter how large the shower is.

What is a Frameless Shower Screens?

A typical, frameless shower screens is made of thicker glass than a framed shower because the glass needs to support itself, rather than depending on a frame for support.

Frameless showers are generally made with clear glass instead of textured glass. Rather than having metal around the edges of the entire shower (like a frame), the glass is only lined where it’s connected to a wall, floor, or ceiling.

This may be along an entire edge, or only at specific intervals, depending on how the shower screen is installed.

How Can a Frameless Shower Screens Open Up the Bathroom?

There are many different kinds of showers that you can choose to install in your bathroom: a freestanding tub with a curtain, a built-in tub with a curtain or a glass door, a framed shower, a frameless shower… and most of these can be made with a frameless shower screens if that’s what you choose.

Whether you have a freestanding shower or a shower built into the wall. Adding frameless shower screens eliminates the division between shower and bathroom. So it looks almost as if there is no door at all.

A typical frameless shower screen is made of glass, meaning that it doesn’t appear to make a division or to take up space in your bathroom, because everything in and around it is visible through the glass.

It allows light to pass through while containing water, and it makes the bathroom seem bigger from the outside. And the shower seems bigger from the inside.

Frameless Shower Screens and Accessories

Another major trend in today’s bathroom design, specific to the shower, is to make it a spa shower!

You might include a steamer, an adjustable showerhead, and an overhead shower. All of these take up space, but with a frameless shower, no matter how big your shower is. It won’t appear to take up extra room in your bathroom.

How did you design the interior of your shower?

Today in the Western suburbs of Melbourne modern showers are elegant. And meant to be seen, and not just when you’re showering.

A frameless screen is one way to enjoy the beauty of your shower. Both while you’re showering and while you’re not.

Keeping a Frameless Shower Screens Clean

One of the many benefits of a frameless shower screen is how easy it is to keep clean!

Doors that swing both ways are easy to leave open, allowing the shower to dry out quickly so that retained moisture doesn’t lead to mould.

One of the hottest trends in bathroom design in and around Werribee at the moment is frameless sliding shower screens – and for good reason.

Sliding shower screens can be advantageous in a small bathroom where you don’t have a lot of room for a hinged door to open out.

Plus, frameless sliding shower screens look stylish and luxurious and make your bathroom feel very spa-like.

With the right tiles, accessories, and lighting you can really create a sophisticated decor. Your bathroom will have a feeling of openness and flow rather than closed, defined spaces.

The best thing about a frameless shower screen is that you barely notice it – it becomes invisible and makes your bathroom feel larger and more spacious.

It can be a challenge to maximize the illusion of height and space if you have a small bathroom, but a great technique is to use floor-to-ceiling tiles in order to create a seamless look and elongate the space. If you use light-colored, glossy tiles they will reflect the light and make the room feel larger.

Plus, the glass door means that you will be able to see the beautiful decorative wall tiles you have chosen – even when you are not in the shower.

Another advantage of this style of shower door is that it doesn’t have any tracks, which means that there are fewer spaces for mold to grow and the shower is easier to keep clean.

The shower door fits within a wall channel, which covers the entire side of the shower screen and attaches to the floor, ceiling, or wall. These types of doors are usually made from thick glass, which makes them durable.

Two Beautiful Options for Frameless Sliding Shower Screens Doors

So, let’s take a look at three great choices for sliding shower screens that will look modern and chic in any home.

Both of these stylish frameless glass sliding shower screens door have a very sleek and modern look – with minimal hardware connecting the panels.

They are easy to install and they will last for many years. Of course, these are not the only options for frameless sliding shower doors; there are many available to choose from.

Opto Frameless Sliding Shower Screens

This sliding door design has a unique appeal with exposed stainless steel as a primary feature of its construction.

It has a very sleek, modern, industrial look and it is available in either polished or brushed stainless steel. The Opto sliding screen is also very easy to clean. It offers the latest in waterproofing techniques and it requires no framework or channels.

The Opto Shower can be installed to open from left or right, depending on the design of your bathroom. It is a great solution for small bathrooms as it will not take up a lot of space. Due to the high-quality stainless steel materials used, the shower door will look as good as new for a long time if it kept well maintained.

Euro-Glide Slider Shower Screen

The Euro-Glide Slider shower door has a very sleek design that is simple and easy to use. It self-supported system with fixed tempered glass panels that attached with low-profile frameless glass clamps.

The specially designed roller bearings seamlessly glide across the stability bar along the top of the shower. It is a very simple and elegant design – ideal for giving your bathroom that spa-like feeling.

The design of this shower door makes it feel like it is floating in space as you open it. When you shut the door, it gently closes against the cushion of a clear polycarbonate stop along the tile wall. It is smooth, quiet, and easy to operate, making your showering experience feel so much more luxurious.

Choosing a Frameless Screen for Your Shower

These are just a few of the top sliding shower screens that you can install in your bathroom – there are countless other designs out there to choose from.

Each design has its unique features and advantages and disadvantages.

What is right for you depends on which the best fit for your bathroom.

Ecotech Glass can install any of these and more while providing the advice you need to ensure the perfect option for your bathroom. Don’t hesitate to get in touch so that you can design your dream bathroom. 

A frameless shower is one of the most beautiful options for your bathroom. This style of a shower is sleek and minimalist and lacks the frame and hinges that traditional styles of showers have. It feels spacious and modern and will make a small bathroom feel even bigger.

Electroplating different metal finishes can allow you to create a truly elegant and beautiful custom frameless shower finish in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne that looks luxurious and unique.

When you pay attention to the little details such as the finish of the metal in your shower design, you will give your bathroom more of a special touch. The versatility of a frameless shower means that here at Economy Glass we can create nearly any design with any style of finish you can imagine.

So what are some of the most beautiful metal plating finishes that you can choose for your frameless shower?

Burnished Nickel

This subtle and sophisticated finish would look great in a bathroom with a lot of natural materials such as stones and wood. It is made via a tumbling process, which gives it a unique texture unlike satin nickel or bright nickel. It’s tumbled finish makes it perfect for using in small parts of your shower frame.

Silk Sapphire

This is a very modern style finish with a lovely glossy appearance. If you choose this style of finish you will enjoy the enhanced durability of a chrome top coating.

Standard Rich Gold

If you are really looking to create a luxurious feel in your bathroom, why not consider using a finish made with 23-carat hard gold. It is hard wearing and durable, yet looks opulent and beautiful.

Brass Gold

A different option for those who like gold. This finish is made with 22-carat gold with a colour that is closer to that of brass. This is the ideal finish for those who love the look of brass but don’t want to have to polish it every day.

Rose Gold

Rose Gold has been a very hot trend in the world of jewellery and fashion recently. So, why not carry that trend through to your shower frame as well? A rose gold finish will look similar to light copper, but it is actually an alloy of gold with a small amount of copper. This finish is not as hard-wearing as standard gold, so it is recommended that you add a clear lacquer to the top to make it more durable.

Matte Gold

Sometimes you want to use gold in your design, but you don’t want it to be too shiny. A matte gold look will give the warm colour of gold but with a subtle, matte tone.

Black Chrome

You could opt for the typical bright chrome style, but why not consider an unconventional black chrome finish? This type of finish is usually seen in tapware and automotive settings. But, it can also look very stylish and modern in a shower door.

Silver

Silver is very popular in jewellery, but why not use it in your frameless shower screen? It will add a unique glimmer that will bring glitz and glamour to your bathroom. In order to prevent oxidization, add an anti-tarnish solution.

Antique Copper

If you are going for a vintage look in your bathroom, consider using metals in your frameless shower design that look like they are already aged and antique. An antique copper finish is oxidized in a special solution. And then is rubbed back in order to highlight the edges.

These are just a few of the custom metal finishes that are possible for your frameless shower in Melbourne. The metal finish you choose will depend on your personal taste as well as the overall look of your shower. There are many other types of metal plating finishes available, so take a look to determine which option is best for you.

With any home building or renovation project in Melbourne, one of the most common questions and concerns relates to price.

This holds especially true with glass fittings – particularly when it comes to frameless shower screen price.

The truth is, as you probably expected, a customised frameless glass sliding door or screen is higher in price than a prefabricated one. But, as any savvy custom home builder knows, price isn’t everything.

Sure, you want to maximise your budget and complete your projects as quickly and inexpensively as possible, but a considered approach is necessary.

Trying to save a little bit of money with a factory size shower screen will likely cost you more time and energy in the long run.

To learn more about what this means for your own project, check out the answers to a few of the most common questions about glass doors and screens.

Question: What is the difference in custom and factory-issued frameless shower screen prices?

To put it simply, you will spend more to have a custom fit-out compared to a standard factory shower screen. However, it is important to understand the expense.

A few questions you should ask yourself include the following:

• What are the exact dimensions of your bathroom (walls, tub/shower space)?
• Are other installations also standard factory models?
• Are there any variations in your bathroom like slight unevenness?

In nearly every glass shower door installation, you will inevitably run into complications with measurements and fittings.

A prefabricated model has no wiggle room in cases where everything does not match up directly. However, customising the project will ensure a perfect fit for your bathroom.

Question: Why is the cost for a custom frameless shower screen so much higher than a factory model?

When you opt for a factory model, here’s what you get:

• Frameless Shower Screen

You won’t receive anything other than the product itself. While you may have an installer on-hand or be equipped to do it yourself, are you ready for any complications or problems during the process?

When you choose a custom frameless glass sliding door, here’s what you get:

• On-Site Measurements
• Advice on the Best Glass Options
• Custom Manufacturing of Glass Screen
• Professional-Grade Installation of Frameless Shower Screen
• Frameless Shower Screen

This illustrates precisely why the cost of a frameless shower screen is higher when you opt for the custom installation option. The value is derived from the comprehensive care and service you experience alongside a high-quality product.

Question: What is the difference in quality between custom and pre-fabbed frameless sliding shower screens?

Quality counts – both in the glass itself and in the installation. Customised frameless glass shower screen installations showcase better quality in the following ways:

• Better Fit with More Precise Measurements
• Expert Installation from Experienced Professionals
• Custom Glass and Glaziers Based on Your Exact Space

For instance, imagine you are installing a shower screen in your bathroom. Everything is going smoothly, but then you notice a 35mm discrepancy in the measurements.

This may not seem like a significant difference, but it it is. Over time, this gap can cause water seepage, mould, and damage to the shower screen itself or to the existing bathroom fittings.

A custom installation, on the other hand, will be measured on-site to directly match your wall – gaps and unevenness included.

So, although you have to pay a higher price, you are saving yourself a lot of trouble down the road.

Question: What if you have a uniquely shaped wall or bathroom layout?

No two bathrooms are alike, which makes this custom glass shower screen installation question a common one.

Many custom home projects also include custom designs in bathroom layouts, wall dimensions, and other factors.

How can you hope to install a factory shower screen in these situations? You have two options to consider:

1. Reconfigure your bathroom walls and layout to accommodate the factory-issued sliding glass screen.
2. Have a custom screen installed that perfectly fits the space.

Despite the higher price to have a frameless shower screen custom-installed, think about this from a practical standpoint. In all likelihood, you’ll face more of a time commitment (and sometimes a higher cost in the long run) by opting for the cheaper factory alternative. In the case of a unique or unusual space, a custom screen is a necessity.

For example, take this curved shower door:

A curved glass door may not fit the way you envision it if you opt to use factory-issued screens. However, custom measurements taken on-site alongside a specifically manufactured door will ensure a perfect fit.

For many home builders, the peace of mind comes in the form of quality over price. Paying a higher premium now ensures consistent quality and a screen that’s built to last a lifetime.

When you choose a frameless glass shower screen for your shower, you are choosing quality and ambiance. As well as being aesthetically stunning, they are easy to clean and are perfect for any size bath or shower room.

In Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Point Cook, and the surrounding areas before you go ahead and order your glass shower screen, take a look at the different types of glass available so you are best placed to choose the glass that perfectly suits you and your family.

Standard Clear Glass Shower Screen

One of the most widely used options, toughened or tempered glass shower screens allow for the passage of light, optimize available space, visually open up the bathroom, and make even smaller bathrooms feel bigger. Clear glass has a slight green tinge in natural light.

The Building Code of Australia requires glass shower screens and shower doors to comply with specific requirements in regard to materials, selection, installation, and safety, which is reassuring if you have a young family.

The glass used in shower screens is glazed in Grade A, toughened and laminated, safety glass, and must be a minimum of 4 mm thick (framed) or 6 mm (partly framed and frameless). Standard clear glass is the perfect option for a practical yet sophisticated glass shower screen.

Starphire Glass

You might have noticed that clear glass has a slightly green or blue tint to it. This is because standard clear glass contains some iron particles.

Now, however, manufacturers have devised a way to remove most of those iron particles so the glass you get is even more clear, sparkling, and pure. Called Starphire, this type of glass shower screen will allow you to showcase a stunning shower area at its absolute best.

If you have a vivid color scheme, marble surfaces, clean, crisp shades, or magnificent tiles, choose Starphire glass for your glass shower screen. The results will be outstanding for years to come.

Acid Edged Glass

Acid etched glass is the perfect solution if you want to retain an element of privacy in your shower. Whilst still allowing for as much light and translucency as possible.

Silhouettes will show up in certain light but a clear view is obscured by a satin, velour, or opaque finish. Acid etched glass shower screens can be patterned. With your own bespoke design if you wish to be creative, arty, or achieve something exceptional.

Acid etching is a specialized technique that you will need to leave to the experts. And the effects it produces are stunning. Acid etched glass is low maintenance and less likely to leave fingerprint marks.

Sandblasted Glass

Sandblasting is the process of blasting the surface of the glass, which creates a frosted look. With sandblast glass etching and acid etched glass, you can choose the level of opaqueness you want.

With sandblasting, many detailed designs are readily available for you to choose from and the impressive results are of high quality. You can choose zero opacity (or obscurity) for complete privacy, whilst still allowing light to penetrate the glass.

Textured Glass Shower Screen

Textured glass is exactly that; glass with a surface you can feel when you run your fingers over it. A specific design or pattern is impressed into the surface of the glass. The result is decorative and you can achieve the level of obscurity you want.

The texture can be further enhanced when water is running down it. And the light can create all sorts of interesting visual effects.

An extensive range of designs and finishes are available with textured glass. Your shower screen can replicate a certain finish such as tiles, bricks or wood. Or feel like an indulgent spa or a misty rainforest. Textured glass shower screens obscure fingerprints and watermarks, as well as providing privacy.