What are these different sliding shower curtains

Now it is almost impossible to imagine a modern, bathroom or shower without an obligatory screen that protects from water droplets. There are lots of offers on the market and each of them is attractive in its own way. But the largest assortment can only boast sliding shower curtains.

Such designs are available for every taste and wallet.

What is on the market now?

In fact, there are three main directions. You can install a hard fixed screen, but the convenience and mobility of such shields leave much to be desired. You can install hinged doors, but this requires more space (see also the article How to install semi-circular shower cubicles).

It turns out that the best solution is sliding shower partitions. And in order to make it easier to navigate, we did a little excursion.

Important: in this direction there are two types of screens. The first is soft cloths and the second is hard, stationary sliding curtains for a shower cabin or bath.

Soft cloth

In this case, we mean the classic curtain, resembling a window, but adapted for use in the bathroom. For how many years nobody knows such a device, in all likelihood they appeared simultaneously with the invention of the bathroom in its modern sense.

And although many consider this option obsolete, it still reigns in a good half of the bathrooms of our country.

In such devices there are both their undeniable advantages and disadvantages.

• The first and almost the main advantage of these sliding sheets is really affordable price.. Once installed, hanging bar or pulling the string, the cloth itself can be changed at least every month.
• The range of material is impressive in its diversity. Starting from the order of annoying polyethylene and ending with elegant fabrics, soaked in water-repellent solution. Here you can add the largest selection of colors and ornaments.
• To fix such a structure with their own hands everyone is able. The instruction is ridiculously simple. Most often, the bar is installed against the two walls and is held by means of a spring or screw sliding mechanism. On its installation no more than 2 - 3 minutes leave.

• The obvious disadvantage of these curtains is that they get dirty too quickly, hard water and detergents leave little chance. But on the other hand, fabric models can be washed in a typewriter, and plastic screens cost a penny and are easier to buy than wash.
• Much worse is that on these screens fungus is regularly started. If it is not constantly straightened to dry, then in a couple of months a dark patina below is provided.
• And finally, now it is considered not fashionable.. The owners who follow the latest trends in the design of premises will not even look in this direction.

Accordion screen

The name of this type speaks for itself, the principle of disclosure is the same as that of the famous musical instrument. The idea itself can hardly be called new, but in spite of this, such barriers look quite impressive and are popular.

In the past, such models were made entirely of wood, it is beautiful, but not practical. Even if the wood is soaked in an appropriate way, it will not last long, constant contact with water and a wet room will do its job. Modern specimens are made of plastic or glass.

This design is permanently attached to one of the walls. It can move, as soon as on the top guide, or both at the same time. Accordions fit well into rooms with small dimensions, because when folded, near the wall, they occupy a minimum of space.

The weak point of such products is the abundance of moving structural elements. Even the most high-quality models often skew and seize. Although at the same time, multi-sectional sliding curtains for a shower without a pallet are perfectly suited.

Glass shields

Sliding glass curtains for the shower, at the moment are almost the perfect solution. Any such glass product bears a slight touch of sophistication and nobility. After all, there are plenty of options for decor.

A glass sheet can be even and transparent, a corrugated monophonic ornament can be applied to it, there is an option to stick a tinted film, make the glass opaque, or decorate an exclusive ornament with fusing of multicolored fragments. For the appearance and variety, modern designers simply adore this material.

This material has a fairly high degree of strength. Concerns about the possibility of injury, from broken glass are absolutely groundless.

For the manufacture of such structures used laminated multilayer sheet. From a similar material made windows in cars. Even if you really try to break it, the glass just cracks.

Tip: crystal clear, clear glass looks good in the cabin plumbing or on a computer monitor. In real home conditions, you need to take care of him much more than a matte or grooved option. After all, every drop or drip of water instantly appears on it.

Plastic option

Sliding plastic shower curtains, in terms of installation, are not much different from glass analogues. But their undoubted advantage is considered to be low weight, due to which such structures have practically no restrictions on installation.

In addition, plastic has a much wider color gamut and can often emit almost any material. From clear glass to elite wood.

Although it would not be superfluous to notice that even the highest quality plastic panels, in comparison with glass, lose an attractive appearance much faster. But on their side is a lower price, which sometimes becomes a decisive factor when choosing.

Semicircular and angular designs

Semicircular sliding shower curtains can be produced as for a pallet, with a complete imitation of a shower cabin. So it is for a wide corner bath with a semicircular board and hydromassage. The difference, however, will be only in the size of the panels.

A distinctive feature here is a fairly high price. It is caused by the need to make curved sheets.

As for the angular structures, as a rule, they have one fixed wall, to which the sliding shutter adjoins. It is this option that is used if it is necessary to cut off a part of the standard bath, turning it into an improvised shower.

Although sometimes installed 2 sliding curtains, opening from the central angle to the walls.

A few installation tips

Installation of such things with their own hands often does not cause difficulties. At once we will say that it is not worth to design sliding shower partitions yourself. It will not be possible to save a lot, but at the same time, it will be as beautiful as the factory will most likely fail.

As a rule, all such structures consist of a rigid frame equipped with one or two guides and the moving panels themselves. Most often, the frame rests on two side racks and rests on the edge of the bath or shower tray. Side racks are rigidly fixed on the walls with anchors.

For any sliding curtains necessarily attached instructions, according to which everything is connected. You should only carefully consider sealing the gaps between the frame, walls and bathroom. The easiest way to do this is with ordinary silicone (see also the article Using sealant for shower cabins).

The video in this article contains additional information on the topic.

Conclusion

Actually assemble and install with your own hands any of the above-described structures under the power of every good owner. The main problem here is the right choice.

It cannot be said that some options are better or worse, it all depends on the style of the room and personal preferences.