The glass bathtub combines a unique design that will appeal to any connoisseur of everything unusual. And, despite its fragility, exotic lovers will only be delighted with the variety of forms.
Despite their extravagance, glass bathtubs, no matter how futuristic they look, in addition to their appearance, you need to deal with their practicality. First, we need to balance the concept of aesthetics and practice. And, before going to the nearest store, let's look at all the pros and cons.
Why is a curtain better than a screen?
The open space under the bathroom looks sloppy and spoils the appearance of the room - it is better to close it. Sometimes this is done using tiles, sometimes a special panel is used. But instead of a screen (solid design), a curtain is often used.
This invention has its advantages:
- Installing a screen is a task that even a person without professional skills can handle.
- The curtain fits any plumbing configuration.
- A movable screen provides instant access to plumbing fixtures. If a problem arises with the drain, pipes or other elements, the damper can be quickly moved away, while the screen or panel must be removed and then reinstalled.
- The cost of the screen is much lower. You can make it yourself.
- The curtain will look good in the design of rooms where textile materials were used.
As for the disadvantages, fabric loses its appearance much faster than glass or plastic. But for some housewives this is good news - the low cost of products makes it possible to frequently change products, while simultaneously placing accents in the design of the bathroom.
Installation of glass curtain
Despite the fact that the design of the screen is quite cumbersome, you can install it yourself, and it’s not difficult to do. There are different models of glass screens, but they are all installed in the same way. The installation of different types differs only in the number of fastening points.
For example, a standard glass curtain is attached to one wall, and a bath screen is attached to opposite walls. There are also installation rules, following which you can install the curtain yourself.
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Screen installation
This process is divided into several stages:
Roller blinds for windows
The popularity of roller blinds has recently been gaining momentum; they got their name because of the twisting mechanism, as a result of which they turn into rolls, due to which they take up very little space in the house, it is very practical, see for yourself:
- Screen assembly. Parts of the future curtain are delivered disassembled, since transporting them in assembled condition is impractical. All parts are packaged separately to prevent damage. Assembly is recommended using the diagram and instructions.
- It is advisable to install the door itself last, since you will have to install the entire system first. Then the curtain door is installed on the fastenings themselves;
- Installation of fastenings. This stage includes installing the screen itself and marking the point for drilling holes. You will need a tape measure and a measuring level to determine the correspondence of the vertical and horizontal planes. Need to drill holes for installation;
- Installation and installation of fasteners. It is necessary to treat with silicone along the contour of the installed fasteners. Right now it is necessary to check the tightness of the structure, because at the moment this is the easiest thing to do;
- Using fasteners, the product is installed, fixed and left until the silicone dries completely. Afterwards the screen door itself is installed. This completes the installation.
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Curtain shapes
To make the screen look impressive and appropriate, you will have to match it to the features of the bath. The size of the curtain under the bathtub is also important - when ordering, indicate the dimensions according to which it is produced. In addition, you need to choose the color and design of the screen. You can save money and customize the screen to fit your bath yourself.
Varieties of design
A damper is a good option for closing off the space under the bathtub. Housewives use this place to store things, including household chemicals, powders, and bath accessories (the curtain provides instant access to such a “pantry”).
The standard model is a curtain made of polymer or textile materials.
Sometimes it is advisable to install glass curtains that form a cabinet with doors. This design looks more elegant, but will cost more. If the size of the space under the bathtub is non-standard, the panel will have to be made to order. Installation of the model is more complicated, because you will first have to install the frame.
The panel is also made of plastic - this design is cheaper than glass, and you don’t have to worry about the curtain breaking if you move it carelessly.
Dampers and panels also differ in the method of fastening.
If you are going to install the damper yourself, then you should choose the installation method:
- The string method is considered the simplest. A wire is attached under the side of the bathtub or frame (you can take a thick fishing line or rope), onto which the curtain is pulled. But this is only possible if the bathtub has sides.
- You can attach the curtain to baguettes with nuts. Such fasteners are considered simple and reliable. The finished structure is sold in building materials stores.
- It is possible to use a metal frame. In this case, you just need to attach a metal cornice (the structures have different shapes and sizes). The rod must first be treated with a special anti-corrosion compound to protect the material from moisture.
Sliding glass partitions
These caps serve to protect the fastening components of the glass screen from water getting on them and causing rust. Bearing rollers help the screen glass move freely and quietly on the frame. Such partitions make the appearance of the bath neater.
Glass does not need to be cleaned or washed with special products - it only needs regular wiping. Glass should not be cleaned with abrasives; only mild cleaning agents will do. Plexiglas glass protects bathroom walls well and prevents water from getting on cleaning products and furniture.
Curtains in the interior
If you are choosing ready-made curtains, we recommend that you look at the entire section of our catalog:
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Advantages and disadvantages of screens
Bathroom screens are in many ways superior to other types of curtains, as they will not bend and will never allow moisture to pass through. Main advantages of screens:
- A bath curtain made of plexiglass is more reliable in terms of protection from water than an oilcloth curtain;
- Beautiful and stylish appearance that enhances the bathroom;
- The glass curtain for the bathtub is durable, it will not tear or fade, like its oilcloth counterpart;
- Plexiglas is safe for external exposure. After the impact, the fragments collect inside the frame and do not fall on the floor and bathtub;
- Often glass screens have a beautiful design. They are covered with a special protective film that protects the glass and protects it from small impacts;
- A wide range of curtains or screens: there are swing, sliding and even folding ones on sale.
Important! To prevent the development of fungi and microorganisms (since the bathroom has a high level of humidity, bacteria multiply in it especially quickly), you need to buy a screen with antibacterial coating.
The photo shows a bath curtain with a plexiglass screen
A plexiglass bath curtain is more than five times stronger than ordinary glass. It can also withstand very high temperatures - up to 1800˚C. This is due to the mechanical reliability of modern glass. All this is necessary so that the screen can withstand temperature changes and high overheating.
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Disadvantages of curtains
In addition to a large number of advantages, bathroom screens have several disadvantages, for example:
- Glass may collect limescale deposits. They appear in the form of streaks after the water that has fallen on the glass has dried;
- High price. The screen is not cheap, as any other bathroom curtain can't even compare to it.
As you can see from the list, the shortcomings are easily smoothed out. They do not turn curtain care into a problem; minor disadvantages simply disappear against the background of advantages.
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Types and features of screens
Bathroom screens are divided into several types. They differ in their design and operating features.
Photo curtains
Curtains with photo printing will be an interesting element of room decor; they are more difficult to match to the interior, because in most cases they are not monochrome, but have a colored pattern:
| Sliding screens | Folding screens | Hinged screens |
| This type is considered the most convenient, because it is suitable for both large and small baths. The special design of the doors helps save space. Sliding screens are also divided into two types: with a roller system and a door moving in a groove. The first option is more convenient, especially if the rollers are located above and below. | This curtain can be folded if necessary, which makes it very convenient to use. Suitable for any bathroom, can be quickly unfolded and folded back. A folding curtain is also called an accordion. This bath curtain does not take up much space. It is very easy to install. | These screens can only be installed in spacious bathrooms. Curtains can be compared to ordinary doors. To open them, you need to open the curtain like a door. This design is not popular and is installed very rarely. |
For this type of bathtub, only two types of screens can be installed. To solve this problem, you can purchase a curtain for your bathroom that is designed specifically for the size of the bathtub. There is a second option to solve this problem - buying an accordion curtain.
Frame models are standard curtains, not suitable only for corner baths. A standard guide is made for them, which you will have to redo yourself.
The best option for corner baths is frameless models. They can be made to order, which means that you do not have to adjust the guide to the dimensions of the bathtub. This curtain is ideal for a corner bath and will protect the floor from splashes and other contaminants.
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What materials are they made from?
Curtains are made from different fabrics, but the following materials are considered the most popular:
- Polyester is available and cheap. It comes in different colors, with interesting designs and patterns. But this material quickly deteriorates from mechanical stress and will have to be changed frequently.
- The cost of polyvinyl chloride is higher, but it is more durable and beautiful, and is easy to care for. Curtains made from these materials are available in different shades, which gives scope for bringing your fantasies to life.
- Vinyl is another durable synthetic material. Despite the high cost, the material is in demand. It retains its attractive appearance for many years and is almost resistant to mechanical stress.
Minuses
To summarize, the disadvantages of a transparent bathtub include its high cost, as well as the need for this piece of furniture in a large space. Among other things, not every style direction can withstand such a design find. Although all these disadvantages are relative.
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Important selection criteria
When choosing a partition, the quality of the material is important:
- The fabric must be moisture resistant. Even if the bathroom is equipped with a powerful ventilation system, the level of humidity in the room will always be higher than in the rest of the house. Therefore, it is better to choose polymer materials. Textile fabric looks more elegant, but it will constantly absorb moisture, and such an environment promotes the growth of fungus and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
- In order for the curtain to last a long time, it is better to give preference to durable material.
- Light resistance is important if the bathroom has a large window. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, the fabric may fade, which will spoil the appearance of the structure.
All the pros and cons
Glass for a bathtub is highly durable.
A glass bathtub is striking in its unusualness and rather unusual appearance. But even this extravagance is justified if you prioritize practicality, durability and beauty of the interior. So, what advantages does a transparent plexiglass bathtub hide:
- Glass only looks like a fragile material that can break with one touch. But manufacturers use high-strength material for their masterpieces, additionally hardening them using modern equipment.
Important! Glass for the bathroom is not inferior in strength to acrylic, metal and other materials.
- A glass bathtub withstands temperature changes well and is not subject to deformation from long-term use;
- A glass bathroom will never rust. This surface is not susceptible to dirt and chips, which are common for other materials.
- The environmental friendliness of glass is another advantage of bathtubs. This bowl is absolutely safe for people and does not emit any dangerous fumes into the air.
- The high ability to maintain the desired temperature, as well as ease of maintenance, made the accessory truly indispensable for use in bathrooms.
Advice! When purchasing plumbing fixtures, it is important to look: every bathroom with glass or glass must have a quality certificate.
Each model must have a quality certificate
Despite all the undeniable advantages, the accessory has some disadvantages:
- Installation location. A bathtub with glass should not be placed close to the wall, so it is important to calculate the area.
Advice! The dimensions of glass bathtubs differ from standard ones in a larger direction. And such bowls are not placed in small rooms.
- The price of the product is extremely high. Even a standard bathtub with a glass insert is the same in cost as wooden bowls.
How to make it yourself
The damper is easy to make yourself.
For this you will need:
- textile;
- cornice, fishing line or wire for fixing the curtain;
- sewing machine;
- roulette.
The decoration manufacturing scheme is as follows:
- First, take your measurements using a tape measure - it is important to determine the right size.
- Transfer the measurements to the material. You should take extra fabric - the curtain looks better if it is folded.
- Now you can start cutting.
- You need to sew loops onto the upper edge of the flap, with which the product will be fixed. The distance between them should be about 1.5-2 cm.
- Attach special bolts to the walls on both sides of the bathtub.
- The loops need to be pulled onto fishing line or wire.
- The string together with the screen is attached to the bolts.
If the bathtub has sides, then you can hang the structure using a cornice (the same one used for window curtains).
Accommodation
It is recommended to place such an independent piece of furniture in the center of an organized space. Obviously, such an extravagant detail is not suitable for a small bathroom.
If the area of the space to be filled is less than 8-10 sq.m., it is worth taking a closer look at alternative options. These include combined baths.
Decoration of curtains for the bath
You can decorate a simple fabric or plastic door yourself. The easiest way is to trim the edges of the fabric with a beautiful border. There are also more complex methods.
Application
The curtain can be decorated with appliqués using both fabrics and synthetic materials. You need to come up with a shape for the decoration, cut it out and glue it to the curtain (if the curtain is made of textiles, then the applique can be sewn on). Many craft stores sell ready-made fabric patches with glue - to attach them to the fabric, just run an iron over them.
As decoration you can use threads (silk, knitting), lace, beautiful buttons - it all depends on your imagination. Figures and patterns are made from textile materials. Plastic decorations can be attached to the plastic panel of the screen.
Original design: beaker bath
Some designers manage to embody their controversial humanistic ideas in this vital piece of furniture. For example, the beaker bathtub by the Belgian designer Flore de Crombrugghe, which is still in the concept stage. The idea of this bathtub is that it has special markings on it. It indicates the amount of water to fill the bathtub, but not in liters, but in bottles. For example, a graduated scale marked 10 means there are 10 plastic water bottles included. This concept, according to the designer, will draw humanity’s attention to the wasteful abuse of fresh water, the reserves of which are too small on the planet.
Bathtub care depends on its material. Read about caring for glass bathtubs in another article.
In any case, taking water procedures in an aesthetically correctly organized bathroom space is always much more pleasant and fun!
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Acrylic bathtub production process
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The resulting blank, thin and fragile, is strengthened using a special mixture of synthetic resin, hardener and fiberglass. |
The reinforcement is applied with an industrial sprayer, after which the bath is sent to the oven, where at a temperature of 40 ° C it dries evenly and turns into hard and durable fiberglass. The next stage in the manufacture of acrylic bathtubs is mechanical processing of the product - the edges of the workpiece are cut off, holes are drilled for drainage, overflow and hydromassage. |
Then the surface is sanded so that the bathroom is level. And then, for the stability of the structure, a metal frame is mounted, as well as other components: handles, nozzles for massage, aromatherapy and disinfection, lighting. |
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Completes the production process by testing the product for visual defects, leaks and possible malfunctions of basic and additional functions. After this, the acrylic baths are packaged in bubble wrap and wood and sent to the finished goods warehouse, from where they are delivered to stores. |
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Molds for manufacturing at the factory...
Acrylic sheet, which will later turn into a beautiful and functional bathroom.
The Bravax online store carries out wholesale and retail sales of acrylic bathtubs from different brands, both retail and wholesale. In our catalog you will find only high-quality acrylic bathtubs at reasonable prices - we work directly with manufacturers, so our prices are an order of magnitude lower than in other plumbing stores. Our specialists involved in servicing and installation of plumbing fixtures are trained directly at the factories that produce acrylic bathtubs, which ensures a high level of services provided.
Glass partitions for the bath: photo
By tradition, at the end of the article we invite you to see how glass partitions can transform the interior of the most ordinary bathrooms.
A clear example when a glass partition serves as a disguise for a washing machine:
