Glass partitions for the shower appeared not so long ago and very quickly became quite popular. We will talk about what types of glass partitions for bathrooms are and how to choose them, in today's article.
Features, pros and cons
To create a protective screen for the bathroom, one of the modern and stylish options will be glass paintings. The purpose of this design is to to create a space for water procedures, to make it aesthetic and functional. One of the main features of such fences is their versatility. Such a decor element will fit into any bathroom, especially if made to order, given the size of the room and the unevenness of the floor and walls.
In the described construction there are no frame parts, connecting strips and frame parts, which makes it visually very light. Only high-quality glass is used in production. This is due to the fact that such a material has high characteristics in terms of heat resistance and strength.
It is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature.
The appearance of a mirror partition requires special attention. A sheet of glass, as mentioned above, does not have a frame or partitions. Fixing accessories are fixed directly to the glass, and its reverse side - to the wall. This type of glazing is called "frameless." But it is not always possible to use this option. In some cases, a special reinforcing profile of aluminum or steel coated with chrome is used. It serves as a frame for the entire structure.
The main advantage of such a construction made of glass is that it protects the room and the things and objects inside it from accidental splashes as much as possible. In addition, the positive aspects include:
- aesthetic appearance;
- glass strength;
- the presence of another protection against chips and cracks;
- tightness, which is achieved thanks to the seals around the perimeter;
- the ability to create a fence of any shape.
Glass shower partitions have some nuances that you need to know about in advance:
- the height of the finished structure is limited, and if you want to install a higher structure, then in this case you need to equip the product with additional reinforcing racks, which will affect the cost;
- the type of glass directly affects the final price of the entire structure, since triplex is much more expensive, but also as much safer;
- in areas adjacent to the glass, dirt accumulates, which is not so easy to remove;
- in case of damage to the chromium coating, rust may appear, which will be detrimental to the entire structure.
As in any well-known design, glass bathroom partitions have their drawbacks:
- high price - if the manufacturer makes its products from high quality materials, then the price of such goods will be appropriate;
- the need for a neat attitude - even though the glass is durable, it can still be broken if desired, and broken glass on the tiled floor is likely to cause injury;
- care features - it is believed that glass partitions require a minimum of care, but this is not entirely true, since after wiping even window cleaners there are stains that simply cannot be removed without the help of strong cleaning agents;
- too clean - it’s also bad, it just concerns the glass partitions, this is due to the fact that you can’t just not see the too clean part, and most injuries associated with this element of bathrooms arise precisely because of this.
Varieties
All glass partitions are divided into 2 main types:
- with pallet - glass paintings that are designed to be fixed to the shower tray;
- without a pallet - stylish options, they look easy, airy, do not make the situation cluttered, easy to use, installed on the floor.
They differ in a number of main criteria.
By appointment
Partitions intended for bathrooms are used in situations when it is necessary to divide a room without compromising space. The second option is the equipment of a full-sized shower cabin. Partitions made of glass are suitable for both cases, because they can solve 2 problems at once: functionality and design.
Such partitions are used to delimit the space in the bathroom of any size, while their main functions do not change. Glass barriers are used for:
- protect the room from splashes;
- visual shelter, which allows you to hide a person taking a shower from possible prying eyes.
By material
The described partitions are made from a number of special ideally suitable materials.
- Triplex. It is a multilayer base, between the layers of which a film is located. This technology allows you to achieve greater strength from the material. With a strong impact, cracks may appear, but the structure itself will remain intact.
- Tempered glass. Such designs are characterized by increased strength. When breaking this type of glass, it completely breaks up into small fragments.
- Plastic. Its distinguishing feature is its low cost.
Very often, such partitions are made of plexiglass.
Such models are easily scratched and therefore not considered durable.
Glass blocks can be used to differentiate the bathroom. Such designs look quite original.A large number of shades are presented on the market, which allows you to create unusual compositions. Blocks come in several shapes: semicircular, square and rectangular.
Light transmission
Glass for fencing can be with a different degree of transparency.
- Completely transparent. The most popular and most common option, allowing you to create a classic style in the bathroom. This version of the shower fits perfectly into any setting and interior. Such products have high light transmission and 100% transparency, so they do not darken the room. Visually, they are almost invisible. You can distinguish a bathroom with transparent glass blocks, but their light transmission is much lower than that of glass. Glass blocks can be filled with decorative material that simulates seashells, marine life, coral reefs.
- Frosted. This version of the shower allows you to create a comfortable privacy inside the cabin without loss of light. Similar products can be white and colored. Color options are presented on the market in a huge variety, for every taste and design solution.
However, the darker the color, the less light it transmits, so additional lighting must be installed in such booths.
- With patterns. To create a pattern on glass, the method of engraving or sandblasting is used. Such drawings look very impressive, because it seems that they soar in the air.
- Tinted. Popular and tinted options. A special tint film glued to the glass can change the whole look of both the shower and the bathroom. This option can be applied if there is a desire to update the bathroom a little, but there is no desire to make a complete repair.
Tint film is a quick and cheap way to upgrade a shower.
- Stained glass. Thanks to stained glass products, you can create unique decorations in the bathroom. Such shower doors and partitions are available on special orders. The drawing is the key to the design of the entire shower. The cost of products depends on the complexity and detail of the picture.
The smaller the details in the picture, the more expensive the final result will be.
By mobility
For installation in the bathroom, there are the following product options.
- Fixed partitions. Suitable for large rooms and small rooms. The most common models are angular. With this method of fastening, the glass is fixed on the walls and on the floor. For normal use of the shower, its dimensions should not be less than 90 cm.
- There is another type of similar partition, which tightly closes the front half of the shower, and the rest remains open. This design serves as a distinction rather than splash protection.
- Transformer Model. This device can be moved or completely removed if necessary. If the design is equipped with rollers, then in use it will be much more convenient, especially in comparison with the options that are inserted into the grooves.
By way of opening
Partitions for the shower come in various modifications. They differ not only in material and design, but also in the method of opening. Often you can find paintings that do not need to be opened / closed, since you can get into the shower by going from the side.
If the size of the bathroom allows you to place the shower room parallel to the wall, then the front part is completely closed. The passage to the shower remains on the side. Glass is fixed with special fasteners to the floor and walls. The number of fasteners depends on the size of the glass sheet. This design is not equipped with moving parts (doors).
For the comfortable use of such a device, a washing zone depth of at least 90 cm is required. The width of a partition without an opening mechanism depends on the room’s quadrature, usually this value is at least 120 cm.
The next version of the partitions is characterized by the presence of a door. The design of the doors may be as follows.
- Retractable. The screen can be located on rollers that move along the guides. This is the easiest and most reliable way to mount the moving part. It is important to choose only high-quality materials for the movable parts of the glass partition, since they are operated in a room with high humidity.
Poor quality fittings can damage the entire structure.
- Folding. This method combines 2 types of opening - folding and swing. A screen consists of 2 or more parts interconnected by hinges and fixed on one side on rollers with rails. This method of opening is most often used for large partitions in which the opening element must be reduced.
- Swing. The door is hinged to the fixed part of the shower and opens out. For such methods of opening, space is needed for the door itself, so that when opening it does not break it on furniture or stairs.
Dimensions
The dimensions and dimensions of the glass partitions depend on the type of construction and the glass used. For example, elements with a thickness of 10 mm are most often produced with a width of 500-1250 mm. Each square meter of such a product can reach a weight of 27-35 kg. 12 mm glass partitions have the same width. Such a solid construction will weigh more - within 35-50 kg.
On sale most often there are the most "running" sizes of partitions, which are:
- 90x90 cm;
- 70 per 100 cm;
- 80x100 cm;
- 90x90 cm;
- 1200x800 cm.
Top manufacturers
One of the best manufacturers of glass partitions is the German company Huppe. When a fundamentally new version of the shower cabin appeared in 1966, a new segment appeared on the market. The company has existed for 120 years and continues to conduct development in its areas. Its main difference is the highest quality of goods and mass production in Germany. German products are in great demand and widely distributed throughout the world.
But this is not the only glass shower partition company that exists today. Such companies as are successful and conduct their development in this area, such as:
- Atlantic-ST - the company was founded in 2001, owns a modern factory of a huge area, on which high-quality glass partitions are made;
- Petroprofil - A well-known company that produces partitions not only for showers and plumbing, but also for the office (it also offers installation).
Selection rules
When choosing a partition for the shower, it is better to give preference to a well-known brand with a long brilliant reputation. Such a manufacturer gives an extended warranty on their goods.
Before buying, you need to make sure the size of the allocated area for the shower. If there are doubts about the correctness or accuracy of measurements, it is better to contact the measurers from the store where the purchase is planned, because in case of an error in the dimensions, the store will be responsible and it will be forced to replace the goods that did not fit.
Particular attention should be paid to functionality. The ready-made shower room should be easy to use, and the entrance and exit from it should be unobstructed and safe.
When choosing an important factor is the fittings. It is desirable that all components are made of quality materials, such as stainless steel. Such parts will not be destroyed by moisture, and the guide profiles will work properly for many years.
On the surface of the paintings there should be no defects (scratches, chips, cracks).
Damaged partitions should not be taken.
Partitions in bathroom design
Let's look at some good design examples of using glass partitions for showers.
- Glass partitions are successfully combined with the floor and walls, designed in dark colors with imitation of brickwork. It is very aesthetically pleasing when a large washing space is tightly closed by a swing door.
- For large bathrooms, a glass partition with irregular shapes is well suited. Beige tones of the room are successfully combined with a light glass structure. The size of such a shower allows you to make it open without fear for splatter.
- Glass partitions are not only suitable for large bathrooms. Such designs can be placed in a small room. In this case, the partition serves as the demarcation of the combined bathroom. Wall tiles in blue tones behind glass and a glass sink harmoniously complement each other.
You can learn more about how to install a glass shower partition.