Fixed vs Hinged Shower Screens

The humble glass shower screen is a mainstay in many homes, hotels, and private bathrooms in all kinds of buildings. With their combination of waterproof splash protection and transparency, glass shower screens keep bathrooms dry and tidy without blocking the light.

However, there are many different types of shower screens to choose from, with some being more suitable for certain bathroom styles and personal needs than others.

The most common types are fixed shower screens and hinged shower screens – but which of these would be best for your bathroom?

If you’re trying to decide on a shower screen for your home, this blog explains the differences between these shower screens and their pros and cons to help you choose.

What is a fixed shower screen?

Fixed shower screens are static panels that are secured in place so they don’t move. They’re typically fixed to the wall on one side and the bath edge or shower enclosure floor along the bottom to keep them stationary and form a seal.

The toughened glass panel can be held in position with a metal frame or a metal profile for a more slimline look. This structure should cover enough of the bathing area to keep splashes contained, without closing it off entirely.

What is a hinged shower screen?

Also known as swing bath screens or pivot bath screens, hinged bath screens are attached to the wall at the side with metal hinges. The glass panel pivots on the hinges and allows you to swing the screen open or closed according to your needs.

Pivot shower screens can also be secured to the wall using profile fittings, but whether you use traditional hinges or a profile channel style, you can customise the mechanism by choosing the colour of the fittings (e.g. silver chrome, golden brass, or powder-coated black).

Which type of shower screen is better?

When evaluating the advantages and drawbacks of each type of glass shower screen and their suitability for your bathroom, some of the major factors you should look into include:

Appearance

Fixed shower screens can provide a clean and simplistic look if you go for a frameless style, whereas framed versions may dominate the bathroom décor and can sometimes lead to the showering area feeling cramped.

Hinged shower screens can have a somewhat mechanical look, depending on the size and style of the fittings, but the moveable clear panel can still provide a streamlined and spacious aesthetic with a more open and airy vibe.

Splash Protection

As fixed shower screens are completely secured in place on two or more sides, they can achieve a much better seal around the edges. This provides an optimal level of splash protection, with no cracks for water to escape through.

Meanwhile, hinged or pivot shower screens must be able to move inwards and outwards freely, so they don’t have a permanent seal along the bottom. You must ensure there is a robust silicone seal for a secure fit – magnetic seals can help with this.

Accessibility

Since a fixed screen can’t be moved, this unfortunately limits accessibility, as it can be difficult to access the fixtures for bathing purposes and when cleaning the area. There will be less room to move around if you need assistance while washing.

One of the best features of hinged shower screens is that they improve accessibility, because you can move the glass panel inwards or out of the way as needed. Getting into and out of the bath or shower, using the fixtures, and cleaning are much easier.

Installation

Fixed shower screens are simpler to install as there are fewer calculations and less labour required. All you need is the correct measurements and equipment to fit the screen fairly quickly, where it should stay firmly in place for a long time to come.

On the other hand, hinged shower screens may require professional installation to get the calibration right, as the positioning and alignment need to be exact for the panel to move smoothly and safely. The hinges may also require occasional lubrication.

Price Point

Less hardware and no moving parts make fixed glass shower screens more cost-effective to manufacture and install. This means they’re a great budget-friendly option for keeping bathrooms splash-free if price is a big concern.

As hinged or pivot shower screens involve more engineering and complicated parts, they do tend to be more expensive than fixed designs. However, the improved accessibility and ventilation are worth the higher price for many people.

How to choose the right glass shower screen

Making a decision between a fixed shower screen and a hinged shower screen will depend on the spatial constraints of your bathroom and your personal needs and design preferences.

For example, if you have a small bathroom with no room to swing the glass partition open, and are looking to spend less, then a fixed screen could be the best option. Whereas if you have more space and require a greater level of accessibility, a hinged screen would be ideal.

You also have to think about which look you prefer – framed or frameless, profile or hinges?

When you’ve settled on the features you like the most, you can make things easier by ordering a glass shower screen kit that comes with a glass panel cut to size and the fittings you need to install it – all in one helpful package.