Frameless Glass Shower Screens

Why You’ll (Probably) Want a Frameless Glass Shower Screen

Are you renovating your bathroom or building a new home? Starting to look at your options for fixtures and features? If you’re big on style and love the clean, modern look, you’ll definitely want to read more about frameless glass shower screens.

I’ll run you through what to expect, the pros and cons, and then how to look after your shower screens so they stay looking brand new and fresh for years to come.

What’s a frameless glass shower screen?

A frameless shower screen is a panel of glass installed next to your shower to reduce the amount of water that ends up on the floor. Unlike other types of shower screens, the edges are unframed, and consist of smooth, rounded glass.

With these types of screens, you can choose either a fixed panel shower screen, or you can choose from a range of door styles and sizes, with different pivot types and angles to suit your space.

Usually, the glass itself is 10ml thick to ensure it’s strong enough to withstand regular usage and avoid shattering, but not too heavy. And fixings are kept minimal, usually with sleek metal fixtures to hold the glass in place, depending on the type of shower screen you choose.

If you go with a fixed panel shower screen, most shower screen installers will use silicone to connect it to your bathroom wall. But we prefer a different method. Instead of silicon, we usually use a 10ml wall channel to hold the glass in place. The reason we use this method is because we’re not really fans of using anywhere from 5-7l of silicon to edge your shower screens… it’s not the most attractive finish.

Instead, we find the wall channel gives you a sleeker, more high-end finish, and neatly bridges the 5-6mm gap between your fixed panel shower screen and the wall.

4 benefits of frameless shower screens…

There’s a lot to love about frameless glass shower screens! Here are four reasons why so many of our clients prefer them:

1. They’re really customisable

Frameless shower screens can be made to fit just about any space, small or large, bath or shower. And you can choose from a range of different door types… or no door at all, with a simple fixed glass panel.

2. They’re simple and understated

It’s tricky to predict what bathroom trends will come and go over the next 5-10 years, but simple and classic are always a safe option to future-proof your bathroom design. Frameless glass shower screens are a great minimalist look that allows other features in your bathroom to shine. Literally shine, if you’ve invested in some swanky shower heads and fittings. Or if you’ve got some amazing feature tiles you want to show off, you can let them take centre stage.

3. They’re super spacious

Clear, uninterrupted glass can make your bathroom feel more spacious and airy, with nothing to block the light or draw the eye. And nothing feels more luxurious and high-end than a big, spacious bathroom.

4. They’re easy to clean

When there’s no frame to collect soap scum or breed mould, you’ll probably get away with cleaning your shower screen less frequently. And since there are literally only two surfaces to clean, it’s an absolute breeze… a quick wipe and you’re done!

Are there any problems with frameless shower screens?

We’re HUGE fans of frameless shower screens (obviously), but they do have one potential downside. They usually cost around 50% more than their framed and semi-framed counterparts. The fact is, they’re a premium product with a premium price tag. They’re definitely not for everyone.

Frameless glass shower screens are undoubtedly the most visually stunning option for your bathroom. But if you’re on a budget, semi-frameless shower screens can make a great alternative. They cost less, while still offering a minimalist look.

How to look after your frameless glass shower screen

Keep your frameless glass shower screen looking like new (so clean it’s like there’s nothing there at all!) with these tips:

• Do a quick wipe over once a week with a sponge or squeegee (do it after you take a shower, while the glass still has condensation on it)
• You don’t need to buy special shower cleaning spray – just use a mixture of warm vinegar and dishwashing detergent
• Spray on your cleaning solution, then use a sponge to gently scrub away soap scum
• Don’t leave it too long between cleaning, as marks can dull the glass and get harder to clean off over time
• If you get some stubborn marks, don’t reach straight for harsh chemicals (especially if you’ve got kids around), instead, try using a magic eraser to wipe away the spots

If you’d like more tips, read our article on how to clean soap scum from your shower screen.

Over to you…

Do you have a frameless glass shower screen in your bathroom? If so, let me know your experience… what do you like about it? Let’s continue the discussion below.

And if you’re on the fence about the type of shower screen to choose for your new home or renovation, feel free to pop a comment below with your question or give me a call (08 6555 8370) and I’ll see if I can help.

Cheers,

Allan

Digitally printed glass splashbacks – top 2018 trend for kitchen renovators

What are digitally printed glass splashbacks?

Digitally printed glass splashbacks are splashbacks with a custom digital image printed on them. This could be any photo, a piece of art, a pattern, or something else. If you can print it, it can become your new kitchen or bathroom splashback.

Printed splashbacks are one of the most exciting trends for kitchen renovators and homeowners right now. It’s an opportunity to personalise the look of your space and create something that’s totally unique to your style, your experiences, and your passions.

We’re only just starting to see this trend appear in kitchens around Australia – it seems to be more prevalent overseas (particularly in UK). But we expect to see a lot more of it in the future, especially as Australian splashback providers start offering it as a core service.

Why they’re a growing trend in 2018

Like other types of glass splashbacks,glass splashbacks digitally printed ones are low maintenance and easy to keep clean. But they take things to another level because:

• The glass makes the image look extremely vibrant and lifelike
• You can really make a statement about who you are (or what sort of home you’ve created)
• You can choose an image that’s the perfect fit for your space and colour palette (you’re not limited to single block colours)
• You can use your own image that’s meaningful and personal to you

You can bring the outside in with local nature-inspired photos and designs

The process

Step 1: Choose your picture

If you want to order a digitally printed glass splashback, you need to start by selecting your photo or image. This image must be high resolution because it’ll be printed on a large scale and will likely need some resizing to fit the space.

Think about what kind of image will work in your space long-term. Unlike a picture frame, you can’t just swap your glass splashbacks in and out as you please! Good places to find pictures could be on high quality stock image websites, or you might use a favourite photo you’ve taken yourself. Or you might engage a local photographer or artist to take an amazing shot or create a special artwork just for you.

Step 2: Choose a local glass splashback specialist

Not everyone in your local area will offer this service, so you might need to ask around. Other names to mention when you’re looking for digitally printed glass splashbacks include:

• Photo splashbacks
• Printed glass splashbacks
• Custom printed glass splashbacks
• Graphic glass splashbacks

Looking for a Perth contractorPerth contractor to do your digitally printed glass splashbacks? That’s us! Take a look at our info on glass splashbacks or call us for a chat on (08) 6555 8370.

Step 3: Measurement

After you book in, you’ll need your space measured up. We always do a free measure and quote in our clients’ homes, where we create a template so we know the exact dimensions you need for your glass splashbacks. That way, each piece we order in and cut to size is the perfect fit.

Step 4: Production

You give us a digital copy of your chosen photo or artwork for your digitally printed glass splashbacks. Then we source and high quality 6mm toughened glass from our trusted suppliers. Finally, we arrange printing to the appropriate scale onto your glass splashback.

Step 5: Installation

At the installation, we make sure everything fits perfectly (and it usually does, thanks to

our template). Then we clean up our mess and leave you to admire your brand new printed glass splashbacks.

Popular ideas for custom printed glass splashbacks

You can get as creative as you like here (as long as you don’t mind your visitors judging your taste!), but here are a few popular ideas to help you start thinking about what your glass splashback might have printed on it…

• Cityscapes – perfect for a city apartment with a gorgeous view outside… bring the view inside too!
• Beaches – nothing says holiday home (or surfer den) like a beautiful big picture of your local beach running along the back of your kitchen benchtops
• Your local stadium – yes, this has been done by dedicated football fans… football teams, badges, and all
• Outback – we reckon Uluru with its burnt red tones would make an incredible splashback feature
• Macro photography – show your artsy side with a close up of a bee or a flower
• Food – after all, it is a kitchen… so why not feature a picture of your favourite food or beverage?
• Cool patterns – if you’re not into putting a photo on your kitchen wall, but you want something a little more interesting than a single colour glass splashback, this one’s for you

Abstract art – add a vibrant splash of colour to inspire you in your kitchen as you cook and create

Over to you…

Would you ever consider getting a digitally printed glass splashback for your kitchen or bathroom? If so, what image would you choose?

Leave me a comment below!

Cheers,

Allan