Many Australian homes present challenges when it comes to bathroom layouts and installing functional showers, especially in heritage properties, compact apartments, and spaces with angled ceilings. The irregular shapes and sizes of these bathrooms often make it difficult to install off-the-shelf shower enclosures that maximize space and provide an aesthetically pleasing solution.
Custom shower screens offer homeowners a tailored solution for these tricky bathroom layouts. Made-to-measure frames, glass panels and doors can be designed specifically for the unique dimensions and angles of the bathroom.
As a versatile and stylish option, custom screens allow homeowners to work around existing pipes, sloped ceilings, and tight spaces to create a shower that looks fabulous and functions seamlessly. This article will explore custom shower enclosures as the ideal solution for the quirks of heritage homes, apartments, and attic bathrooms with angled walls and ceilings.
What are Custom Shower Screens?
Unlike prefabricated shower screens that come in standard sizes, custom shower screens are made-to-order enclosures designed specifically for a home’s unique bathroom layout and dimensions. Known also as semi-frameless or frameless showers, they consist of glass panels, metal trim pieces, and doors that perfectly fit the given shower space. Rather than settling for an ill-suited stock piece, homeowners work with skilled glaziers to create tailored screens for even the most irregularly shaped stall.
The key benefit of custom enclosure is the perfect and seamless fit, transforming an awkward niche into a beautifully functional wet room. The frameless glass design also provides a clean, sleek look to enhance aesthetics. Without large metal frames, the transparency of glass is maximized.
Homeowners can select from clear, frosted, patterned and tinted glass to control privacy and match décor. Frameless showers also offer superior water containment over curtain alternatives, keeping more moisture inside the stall. As high-end bathroom upgrades, they also boost property resale value.
Custom means not having to compromise style or function. Shower screen specialists first complete a site measure of the bathroom to design fully customized metal and glass framework, doors, and leak-proof seals adhering even to angled walls and ceilings. The result is a shower oasis flawlessly tailored for the space.
Compact Apartments: Maximising Space with Custom Shower Screens
Compact apartments present some of the most challenging spaces for installing functional showers. With tiny footprints and awkward layouts full of sloped ceilings, pipes, and storage nooks, bathrooms demand clever solutions. Custom shower screens provide apartment dwellers the perfect tool to transform cramped corners into glistening wet rooms.
Made-to-order enclosures can be designed for even the smallest of niches, allowing homeowners to make full use of every inch. Space-saving pivot doors or sliding screens hug the walls neatly when open. Frameless glass models with narrow hinges and handles also prevent intrusions into the showering area. Homeowners can select from clear, frosted, or patterned glass to give the perception of a larger stall. Illuminated with the right lighting, a well-designed custom screen helps a compact bathroom feel bright and airy rather than closed-off.
Creative custom screening also enables efficient multi-functionality. Narrow floor spaces adjoining the shower can be covered with glass panels to keep splashes contained while still allowing access. Shelving, benches, and storage cubbies can be built directly into screens to hold toiletries and bath items. Homeowners gain both organization and additional standing or sitting room by using the full vertical expanse of the space.
For one compact apartment project, shower screen specialists developed triangular swinging doors to perfectly fit into a sloped ceiling corner. The frameless design features two wide glass panels, creating an illusion of expanded space. Pull-out shelves built into the door framing provide storage without eating into the small footprint. Thanks to creative customization, the once-cramped bathroom feels cleanly tailored and surprisingly spacious. Getting an exact fit makes all the difference in a compact apartment layout.
The Process of Getting a Custom Shower Screen in Australia
Installing a made-to-order shower enclosure in Australia involves careful planning and partnerships between homeowners and experienced suppliers. The process demands precision at every step.
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
It starts with an initial bathroom assessment and site measure. A glazier or designer will evaluate the shower niche space, map out the exact dimensions, note any quirks like uneven tiles or walls, and take photos from multiple angles. A 1-3mm discrepancy in the measuring stage can result in an ill-fitting screen that leaks, so it is crucial the assessor uses lasers and other smart technologies for ultimate accuracy.
Step 2 – Design Phase
Next, the client reviews glass samples, profiles brochures of hardware pieces, and 3D renderings or drawings to select their preferred style. Choices need to align with budget, aesthetics, and practical factors like ease of cleaning. Popular options include frameless, semi-frameless, and quadrant screens, with combinations of clear, frosted, or patterned glass. Features like integrated shelving, specialty hinges, and mouldings can also be incorporated per individual specifications.
Step 3 – Manufacturing
Australian shower screen workshops then precisely cut the glass panels and construct made-to-measure metal framework for the screens per the order paperwork. Professional glaziers allow approximately 3-4 weeks fabrication time to assure care and quality control at each step.
Step 4 – Installation
Finally, the installers arrive onsite to fit the bespoke screens perfectly into place, sealing any joints or gaps. They also install hardware like handles and will generally cart away excess materials or debris.
Working with well-reviewed local glaziers who specialize in custom shower screen design ensures homeowners ultimately get an eye-catching, leakproof fixture tailored to their unique space.
Material and Design Options for Custom Shower Screens
One of the perks of installing a made-to-measure shower enclosure is the ability to completely customize the look and functionality using different glass types, frames, hardware, and specialty features. Homeowners should consider their bathroom layout, dimensions, lighting, and decor style when selecting design components.
Type of Glass
Glass is the foundational fixture, and owners can pick from clear panels for an airy aesthetic, frosted or textured glass for obscuring views, tinted coatings like grey or bronze which alter the ambience, or bold patterned motifs for making a statement.
Any glass can be further customized with specialty finishes like easy-clean membranes to repel mineral buildup or safety tempering for durability. Those wanting a more bespoke designer look can even opt for custom etched patterns or logos burned into glass panels.
Frame Options
Framed models feature full aluminum casing around glass panels while semi-frameless have more minimalist trim for a neater appearance. Fully-frameless screens with narrow hinges and wall mounts provide the most contemporary, floating visual. Owners seeking to illuminate a dark, enclosed bathroom should consider transparent glass with slim metallic framework to maximize light.
Hardware Finishes
The hardware finish choices like chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and matte black should coordinate with other fixtures in the space. Additional functional hardware like articulated hinges, roller systems for smooth-gliding doors, or handles with built-in storage shelves enable further customization.
Additional Features
With an endless array of permutations, custom shower screens give Australian homeowners the creative license to construct their dream wet room vision. An expert supplier will translate desires into a marble-and-metal masterpiece markered to the exact millimeter.
Cost Considerations for Custom Shower Screens in Australia
Given their tailored design and quality construction, custom shower screens fall on the premium end of bathroom installation projects. Prices vary based on the complexity of the job. Basic frameless screens for a standard 2000x900mm niche may cost between $800-$1500 supplied and installed. More intricate designs with features like glass brick walls, specialty pivoting doors, and built-in shelving can range from $3000 up to $10,000+ for luxury bespoke installations.
Savvy homeowners should get quotes from 3-4 suppliers before proceeding to compare pricing. Be sure to ask what is included - some shops quote glass panels only while others do full supply and install. Consider overall value for money too - cheaper basic screens likely won’t solve layout challenges as artfully. Investing a bit more for the perfect fit ensures your odd space is transformed into a functional and fabulous wet room.
Work with designers to balance aesthetics, functionality and budget. Timeless frameless glass choices also mean not having to replace outdated styling years later. While not cheap, a custom shower screen done right adds convenience, beauty and value to Australian homes for the long run.
Maintenance and Care for Your Custom Shower Screen
Investing in a quality custom shower enclosure means enjoying it for the long haul with proper care. Frameless screens are designed for durability, though the glass still demands gentle cleaning practices to prevent etching or corrosion over time. Use microfiber cloths or soft sponges with warm water and mild detergent for regular washing. Avoid abrasive pads or powders that can scratch.
For glass treated with easy-clean or other water-repellent coatings, maintain efficacy means using the company’s preferred products. Generally, this involves frequent spraying with nanotech solutions after showering to keep glass clear of residue and prevent mineral buildup.
Have any liquid pouches reapplied every 2 years per manufacturer instructions. With periodic cleaning and nanotech re-coating, homeowners can expect a near-perfect custom glass enclosure for over a decade before seals or metal trim need replacement. Treat the investment with care and it will deliver lasting returns in bathroom elegance and performance.
Conclusion: Transform Your Bathroom with Custom Shower Screens
Australian homes seeking to turn an awkward, cramped bathroom into a gleaming oasis need look no further than custom shower screens. With precision site measures, tailored design, and flawless installation, made-to-measure enclosures provide the perfect solution for heritage homes, apartments, or attics.
No layout is beyond transformation with the right glazier partnership. Whether you need to work around tricky pipes, odd angles, or maximize every inch, a frameless glass screen etched for your unique space makes all the difference. Visit Elegant Shower AU Online Shop to explore custom options or book a professional consultant for your bathroom’s next stunning chapter.
