Shower screens are tempered safety glass enclosures that isolate the shower tray from the rest of the bathroom to prevent splashing. They are classified by their shape (frontal, corner, or fixed panel) and their type of opening (sliding, hinged, folding, or fixed). They are chosen by measuring the opening, the height, and the entry side.
Choosing a shower screen seems simple until you start measuring: the opening is not straight, the door hits the vanity, the chosen glass shows all the joints, or the profile does not match the fixtures. This guide organizes your decisions in the right order—shape, opening, measurements, glass, and profile—so you get it right the first time. All technical data is taken from the actual product sheets in the Merkimarket shower screen catalog, featuring models from manufacturers like GME and Kassandra.
Key facts about shower screens
- Types by shape: frontal (wall-to-wall), corner (two walls in a corner), and fixed panel or walk-in.
- Types of opening: sliding, hinged, folding, and fixed, each with its own space requirements.
- Glass: tempered safety glass, usually 6 mm thick; high-end ranges go up to 8 mm.
- Profiles: aluminum in white, black, chrome, or nickel finishes; also minimalist models with reduced profiles.
- Key measurements: width of the opening, total height (usually around 185-195 cm), and opening side.
- Glass finish: transparent, decorative (screen-printed), or frosted, with optional anti-limescale treatment.
- Warranty: statutory minimum of three years for consumers in Spain, plus the seller's commercial warranty.
With this, you have the roadmap; from here on, we break down each decision so you can choose with confidence.
Types of shower screens by shape
The shape is dictated by your bathroom, not the catalog: it depends on how many walls surround the shower tray. These are the three main groups.
Frontal shower screen. This is the solution when the tray is fitted between two walls and you only need to close the front. It covers the majority of Spanish bathrooms and supports all opening types. In our catalog, it is represented by series like GME's BASIC or PRESTIGE, with one or two sliding leaves depending on the width of the opening.
Corner shower screen. Designed for trays located in a corner, with two open sides that must be closed to form an angle. Models like the VETRUM or the AKTUAL resolve this layout with one or two sliding leaves that save space by not invading the bathroom when opened.
Fixed panel or walk-in. A single fixed glass pane, without a door, that leaves a free lateral access. It is the cleanest and most contemporary option, ideal for large custom-built showers; the SCREEN series by GME is a good example of this minimalist language. In exchange for its aesthetics, it provides slightly less splash protection than a full enclosure.
Types of opening: sliding, hinged, folding, or fixed
Once the shape is chosen, the second filter is how it opens. Here the criteria is not taste, but the free space in front of the shower.
Sliding. The leaves slide on tracks and do not invade the bathroom when opened. It is the most versatile opening and the most common for medium and wide openings. Perfect if you have a vanity, a toilet, or a wall in front.
Hinged. A door with a hinge that opens outward, like GME's OPEN model. It offers very wide access and easy cleaning, but requires free space in front for the door swing.
Folding. The leaf folds onto itself when opened, reducing the space it occupies. It is the solution for very tight bathrooms where neither sliding nor hinged doors fit well.
Fixed. No moving parts, characteristic of walk-in panels. Maximum simplicity and minimum maintenance, in exchange for giving up a total closure.
Quick comparison by shower screen type
| Type | Where it fits | Space when opening | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontal sliding | Tray between two walls | Does not invade the bathroom | Classic and versatile |
| Frontal hinged | Narrow openings with space in front | Requires door swing space | Wide access |
| Corner sliding | Tray in a corner | Does not invade the bathroom | Makes use of corners |
| Fixed panel (walk-in) | Large custom-built showers | Free access, no door | Minimalist and current |
| Folding | Very small bathrooms | Occupies minimal space | Functional |
How to measure the opening before buying
The number one cause of a returned shower screen is hasty measurement. Spend five minutes doing it right:
- Measure the width at three points. Top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Walls are rarely perfect; always record the smallest measurement, as that is what dictates whether the screen will fit.
- Check the adjustment range. Most screens incorporate an adjustable profile of about 2-4 cm that absorbs unevenness. Verify that your measurement falls within the model's range.
- Take the height. From the edge of the tray to the ceiling. Screens usually measure between 185 and 195 cm; ensure there is enough clearance.
- Decide the opening side. Look at where you want the entrance to be and what is in front (vanity, toilet, wall) to avoid blocking the path.
- Confirm what it rests on. Installing on a shower tray with a rim is not the same as installing flush with the floor; it affects the bottom profile.
If you are in the middle of a renovation, this step should be coordinated with the rest of the project; our guide on common bathroom renovation mistakes will help you.
Glass and profiles: what to look for in quality
Two screens can look identical in a photo and behave very differently over the years. The difference lies in the glass and the profile.
Tempered safety glass. It is the mandatory standard: upon impact, it shatters into small pieces without sharp edges, rather than breaking into blades. The usual thickness is 6 mm, sufficient for domestic use; higher ranges reach 8 mm, with a greater feeling of solidity. You can choose transparent for spaciousness, decorative or screen-printed for privacy, or frosted.
Anti-limescale treatment. Many models offer a water-repellent layer that makes water bead up and carry away limescale, so the glass gets dirtier less quickly and is easier to clean. It is one of the features most appreciated in hard water areas.
Profiles and hardware. Aluminum is the benchmark material due to its resistance to humidity; the finish (white, chrome, black, or nickel) should be chosen to match the fixtures for a cohesive look. In sliding models, look at the bearings: high-quality wheels are what keep the sliding motion smooth for years.
How to choose your shower screen in 4 steps
- Start with the shape of your tray. Is it between two walls (frontal) or in a corner (corner)? This narrows the catalog instantly.
- Choose the opening based on free space. If there is something in front, choose sliding or fixed; if you have space and want wide access, choose hinged; if the bathroom is tiny, choose folding.
- Adjust to your real measurements. With the minimum width and height noted, verify they fall within the adjustable range of the model.
- Finalize glass, finish, and treatment. Transparent or decorative, 6 or 8 mm, profile matching the fixtures, and anti-limescale if your water is hard.
With those four points clear, you can go directly to the product. For frontal openings between walls, the PRESTIGE 2-sliding door frontal screen by GME is a very effective option; if you are looking for the walk-in aesthetic, take a look at the SCREEN minimalist fixed panel by GME.
Maintenance: make it last like the first day
A well-chosen screen requires little, but consistency is key. Use a squeegee or wiper after every shower to wipe away water before limescale dries on the glass; it is the most rewarding habit. Avoid scourers and abrasive products, which scratch both the glass and the aluminum profile. Also, check the seals once a year, and in sliding models, the bearings: these are inexpensive replacement parts that restore the original sliding and closing motion without having to replace the entire screen. If you are looking for inspiration for the whole bathroom, you will like our review of bathroom trends.
Frequently asked questions about shower screens
What glass thickness is best for a shower screen?
For domestic use, 6 mm tempered safety glass is the standard and works perfectly. 8 mm provides a greater sense of solidity and stability, and is reserved for higher ranges or large fixed panels.
How do I know what size shower screen I need?
Measure the width of the opening at three heights (top, middle, and bottom) and use the smallest measurement; then check that it fits within the model's adjustable range, which usually absorbs between 2 and 4 cm of wall unevenness.
Is a sliding or hinged screen better?
It depends on the space. The sliding screen does not invade the bathroom when opened and is ideal if you have furniture or a toilet in front; the hinged one offers wider access and comfortable cleaning, but needs free space in front for the door swing.
Do screens come with anti-limescale treatment?
Many models include it as an option: it is a water-repellent layer that makes water slide off and reduces limescale buildup, highly recommended in hard water areas because it facilitates daily cleaning.
And if you are changing your fixtures along with the screen, take a look at our guide on shower columns to get the right mechanism and finish.
Article written by the Merkimarket editorial team. Technical data (types, openings, glass, and profiles) taken from the product sheets of the Merkimarket shower screen catalog. Measurements and availability may vary by model; consult each product sheet for current information in Spain.
