Sliding plastic shower curtains transparent, glass, accordion curtains

In addition to their aesthetic beauty, shower curtains also have a practical use: they prevent water from flowing onto the floor. The most common materials used to make shower curtains are glass and plastic. The most popular design involves using an accordion-style product, similar to blinds. Further in the article, all types of shower curtains will be considered, including sliding shower curtains.

Small bathroom design with curtain — A sliding curtain turns an ordinary bathtub into a comfortable shower cabin

Sliding partition in a compact combined type bathroom — Sliding curtains are ideal for small bathrooms

Content

Plastic shower curtains
Glass shower curtains
Accordion curtains
Using shower curtains in different interiors
Video on how to install a plastic frame curtain
Photo: Sliding curtains in the bathroom interior

Plastic shower curtains

This material has several advantages over similar products made of glass. First of all, it is worth noting their strength and reliability: even with strong physical impact, the curtains will remain intact. In addition, plastic can retain heat for a longer time. In terms of design, it looks much more natural when used in a non-European interior. Let's delve a little deeper into the topic.

Upper crossbar of plastic sliding curtain — Plastic sliding curtains are several times cheaper than glass analogues

Strength

Uninformed laymen may claim that plastic is not a durable material: any awkward movement and it cracks, which cannot be repaired unnoticed. But there are a wide variety of plastics that are much more impact resistant than glass. The material used to make shower curtains is one of the strongest types of plastic, capable of withstanding the weight of an adult man.

Plastic curtain with two sliding sections — The number of sliding doors affects the cost and reliability of the system. The optimal option for a standard bathtub is two fixed partitions on the sides and two sliding doors in the center.

Design

There are not so many options for installing plastic curtains, which limits the variety of functionality of their use. But this drawback is easily covered by the color options of the products. A huge range of colors that can be used to cover the material will allow the curtain to fit organically into any of all possible interiors. A transparent curtain for the bathroom is also available for purchase, which can suit a bathroom made in a modern design.

Plastic sliding curtain in a modern bathroom — Transparent sliding curtain made of plastic

Sliding plastic partition in a fashionable bathroom — Sliding curtain with matte surface

A sliding curtain made of plastic with a simple pattern on the surface — Sliding plastic curtain with a pattern

Profile options

Plastic shower curtains can be hard and soft. The former are more reminiscent of glass, while the latter imitate a fabric base. Accordingly, they are attached in different ways. Hard curtains most often use a hinged profile, reminiscent of room doors. Sliding plastic shower curtains, consisting of two segments, are also used. Folding shower curtains are used together with a soft type of product, otherwise they are called accordion.

When choosing a model, it is better to give preference to products with an aluminum profile, plastic guides quickly wear out and begin to “stick”

Glass shower curtains

This material also has many advantages that plastic does not have. When glass is covered with a special film, it becomes much stronger than plastic, protecting the product from all kinds of damage. In addition, glass is much easier to clean from dirt using chemical detergents. Plastic can simply be damaged by them. After installing glass curtains, your bathtub actually turns into a large comfortable shower. Let's take a closer look at this material.

A good curtain has glass edges covered with slats – plastic or aluminum. The latter are more expensive, but they last longer.

Strength

As already mentioned, glass curtains can be covered with a film that increases their wear resistance. But what if the film is not glued? In this case, the material becomes highly susceptible to physical damage, especially scratches, and with a strong impact it can even break.

Frosted surface of glass curtain panels in the bathroom — High-quality models are produced with a protective film made of tempered glass, called “triplex”

Chrome handles on glass doors of sliding partition — High-quality fittings with chrome plating are another sign of quality products.

Design

There are few color options for glass curtains, and it should be taken into account that all colors will only be a kind of color filter, and the product will remain transparent. It is possible to make a curtain that does not let in light only by gluing a protective film, so to include such a curtain in the interior of the bathroom you will have to tinker a lot.

Frosted glass sliding curtain — Glass curtains often have a matte finish.

Profile options

Here, all the variety is limited to the same set of types as plastic curtains. The only difference is folding curtains, which in this version are more reminiscent of window blinds. Otherwise, there are no differences.

Rollers at the top of the sliding glass curtain — Roller sliding system is the most reliable for glass curtains

It is better if the curtain frame is made of aluminum profiles.

Accordion curtains

This type of curtains spread throughout the country back in the days of the USSR, so it would be appropriate to consider this type of construction. It differs from all the others by its low price (it is worth considering that this only applies to soft plastic curtains) and ease of installation.

Four glass sections of accordion curtain — Frameless glass accordion curtain

Multi-section folding shower curtain in the bathroom — Glass curtain with aluminum frame

The mechanism of action of folding curtains is incredibly simple in its plastic version. The canvas is attached to the cornice installed above the bathtub and is used in the same way as window curtains.

Plastic accordion curtain on a corner bath — Lightweight folding plastic partition

With glass it is a bit more complicated, the principle of operation here copies horizontal blinds. The design is quite complex and is prone to breakage if handled carelessly.

Glass accordion curtain with metal loops — An accordion curtain is often used for a non-standard shaped bathtub.

In general, this type of curtains is not distinguished by its durability, but this drawback is easily compensated by its low cost.

Using shower curtains in different interiors

Different variations of curtains are suitable only for certain types of interiors. Considering the similarity of rigid plastic curtains to glass ones and their low cost, it would be more appropriate to analyze interior options specifically for plastic products.

Transparent curtains are the best choice for a modern, strict bathroom interior. They will blend in seamlessly with the surrounding design of the room, without standing out from the general background.
Modern bathroom design combines beauty, practicality and comfort
A more vibrant design option might include soft curtains with a special pattern that complements the space of the room.
The design on the curtain should fit into the overall interior; you can order the printing of your own image
If your bathroom is done in Asian style, then it is worth trying to use a colored curtain frame, made in an authentic, strict style. Most often, the color bronze is used for these purposes.
Wooden bathtubs are typical for the oriental style.

If you don't know what kind of curtains to choose, you can consult a designer or search for similar ones for your bathrooms on the Internet. There is a huge range of different design options, so don't be afraid to experiment and create something new.