Your Guide to Shower Screens & Shower Screen Trim
16/10/2025Whether you’re installing a complete bathroom refit or replacing a leaky shower seal, shower screens and shower screen trims play a crucial role – both functionally and aesthetically. After all, the smallest detail can make the biggest impact.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the different types of shower screens for wet rooms and bathrooms, as well as compatible shower screen trims. In addition, we will highlight core features and key considerations when selecting the right shower screens and shower trims.
Why Shower Screens and Shower Trims Matter
Although they may not be considered the main feature of a bathroom, the right shower bath screen and shower trim can enhance the end look and function of your bathroom. Along with complementing your interior design, they have four main functions:
Water Containment: Shower screens and trims are there to keep water inside the shower area, preventing leaks and water splashing out. Poorly fitted shower screens or missing trims can lead to drips over your shower tray or bath panel, onto your floor. If untreated, this can result in floor warping, grout damage, and mould issues.
Structural Support: Shower trims help anchor your glass shower panel in place. It also provides a secure seal between the glass and adjacent surfaces, such as walls, floors, tiles, or screens, providing a tight, durable connection. Trims are available in various sizes (8mm, 10mm, 11mm, or 12.5mm), colours (beige, black, or silver), materials (aluminium or stainless steel), and finishes (anodised, brushed, matt, or powder-coated) to match the size of your shower screen and style preference.
Protection & Longevity: The correct pairing of shower screen and shower trim reduces wear on glass edges and shower units. Along with containing water effectively, trims protect shower panels from chipping or water seeping behind tiles.
Aesthetic Finish: A well-fitted shower screen and trim provide a neat and clean look to your bathroom, en-suite, or wet room. When installed properly, they create a seamless transition from wall to shower unit, making a fantastic statement piece.
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What Type of Glass is Used for Shower Screens?
The type of glass influences the look and functionality of your shower screen. It also determines the size and type of shower screen trim you need. When choosing the right kind of glass for your shower screen, consider:
Tempered Safety Glass – This is a ‘toughened’ glass material that is standard in modern shower screens. If broken, it shatters into small, dull pieces.
Glass Thickness – Naturally, thicker glass offers a sturdier shower panel and is less prone to flexing. But it can be more expensive. Glass thicknesses include 6mm, 8mm, 10mm or 12mm.
Glass Finishes – For a bespoke shower screen, you can look for various finishes such as clear, frosted, patterned, fluted, ribbed or tinted.
The Different Types of Shower Screens
When we talk about shower screens, we often refer to the glass panel installed around your bath or shower tray. Here are some of the popular types of shower screens available:
Shower Screen Type | Features | Pros & Cons |
Framed Shower Screens | A glass panel with a trim that encloses the top, bottom, and side profiles. Standard shower screen panels range in width from 900mm to 1500mm and in height from 1900mm to 2200mm. | Typically less expensive. It offers full structural support, but there are more parts to clean, and it can look bulkier. |
Semi-Framed Shower Screens | Also known as half-frameless screens, these are glass panels with only certain sides trimmed. | Offers a sleeker look, but with fewer trims, there is less structural support. |
Frameless Shower Screens | These are built from thick tempered glass for structural integrity. They hold their own with minimal clips or hinges. | A contemporary look and finish, and easier to clean. They do require precise installation and high-quality trim/sealing. |
Fixed Shower Screens | Suited to walk-in showers, these are single panels with no side panel or door. These typically have a width of 900mm and a height of 1800mm x 1000 mm. | Offers a minimalist look for modern bathrooms and wet rooms. Must be installed correctly for structural security. |
Sliding Shower Screens | As the name suggests, these slide or fold to open and close your shower unit. These typically have a width of 600-800mm+. | Ideal for small or tight bathrooms where space is limited. You also need to check the full opening width to match your shower unit. |
The Different Types of Shower Trim
Shower trims are available in a range of materials and finishes. This not only supports the needs of your bathroom and glass shower screen, but it also influences the look and feel of your bathroom. Shower trims hold different profiles to support the type of shower screen you’re fitting, and where you’re fitting it.
Shower Trim Type | Features | Image | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
U-Shaped Shower Trims | U-shaped trims, such as the Schuter DECO-SG Anodised Aluminium 12mm, allow the glass to slide into or rest on the trim. |  | Easily fixed to the wall, floor, or shower tray, typically with a silicone sealant. They can accommodate small wall irregularities and tolerances, but can trap water if not installed properly. |
Wall Profile Shower Trims | These trims sit against a tile or wall to support the edge of the shower screen. |  | Provides a neat and seamless transition from wall to glass. They do add a thin, visible frame, which reduces a frameless look. |
Left & Right Facing Shower Trims | As the name suggests, these are designed for use with left- or right-sided shower panels. Popular products include the Dural SHOWER-GK GLASS FLOOR Stainless Steel Left Facing Glass Carrier and the Dural SHOWER-GK GLASS FLOOR Stainless Steel Right Facing Glass Carrier. |  | Available in a range of sizes and essential for watertight performance. Poorly fitted trims can leak, so it's essential to ensure you have the correct facing profile. |
Shower Screen Trim vs Shower Panel Trim
We’re often asked: What’s the difference between a shower screen and shower panel trim? It all comes down to the material being used for the walls of your shower unit. Shower screen trim (also known as ‘Shadow Joints’) refers to trims suited to fit glass shower screens. Whereas shower panel trims are used with wet wall panels. It’s important that you use the correct trim for your shower panel or screen to ensure a secure fit and zero leakage.
What to Consider When Choosing Shower Screens & Trims
To ensure you pick the right combination, keep these factors in mind:
Bathroom Size & Layout: Smaller bathrooms may benefit from single or sliding shower screens, while larger rooms can accommodate frameless or walk-in shower designs.
Top Tip: If you have a shower tray, measure the tray's length from front to back and from wall to wall to ensure your screen overhangs correctly.
Pairing Screens & Trims: Once you’ve picked your preferred shower screen, match the trim to the glass thickness, gap tolerances, and complementary finishes.
Wall & Floor Tolerances: Old walls aren’t always flush. Look for good-quality trims that can be adjusted to fit irregular surfaces and spaces.
Material & Finish: Although you’ll prefer a trim that complements your style, avoid cheap options, which can corrode. Instead, invest in anodised, aluminium, powder-coated or stainless steel.
Cleaning & Maintenance: Complex shower screens and trims come with more parts and joints, which can catch dirt. For easier cleaning, pick slimline or minimal trim options.
Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always look at the manufacturer’s guidance for installation and maintenance. Also, check the warranty for glass panels and trims.
Budget: Remember that shower screens and trims are a long-term investment. Purchasing high-quality products can ensure durability and maintain a better appearance.
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Looking for the right shower screen and shower trim? Check out our wide selection of products. If you have any questions on which options are right for your type of bathroom or shower room, get in touch with our friendly team today.