Rating of the best bath screens for 2020

Often, in order to reduce the cost of production of plumbing equipment, its manufacturer produces goods with a minimum set of devices and devices, thereby allowing the buyer to independently decide on the issue of their additional purchase. This circumstance is especially clearly seen on the example of screens for the bathroom. Indeed, it is unlikely that every buyer will like models from the very material that the manufacturer will offer in the kit, when there are a huge variety of them.

Construction and configuration properties of screens

The screen itself is a decorative element that is designed to be installed under the bath bowl, and it usually consists of a frame (made in the form of a frame or two guides) and a front panel. This element can be made in the form of sliding / hinged doors, can be angular, solid or straight, or even consist of several elements.

Here it is necessary to distinguish between the concepts of "screen" and "panel" - the latter carries rather a decorative function and is designed to hide the unaesthetic appearance of the outer part of the bowl. The panel simply covers this part, it usually comes immediately with the bathroom and ideally fits it in all sizes. The screen has a slightly different design and it carries some functionality - for example, it can be made at an angle or vertically, it can be retractable with shelves (for storing household chemicals there) or it can have a special ladder for legs. Both the screen and the panel have their advantages and disadvantages: an oversized screen with a set of shelves and recesses is ideal for storing various toiletries, but then it will have to be installed at an acute angle, which will make it difficult to mop the bathroom. The panel, in turn, will not take up much space, but it will not have any effect other than aesthetic.

Standard screens that are offered on the modern market, as a rule, have the following widths:

• 75 cm;
• 85 cm;
• 90 cm;
• 102 cm;
• 120 cm.

Their height varies from 40 to 60 centimeters. However, if none of the options is suitable, then you can always make a product to order with the required dimensions.

Screen accessories are standardly equipped with 2-3 legs, the lower part of which is protected by a special anti-slip gasket. The height of the legs can be adjusted using a telescopic mechanism - this is not difficult to do, and besides, most baths have a reference height. These legs ensure a stable integration of the swivel screen under the bowl, thereby limiting the access of water.

When installing a screen product, you should pay attention to the quality of the materials used. The fittings of the frame, handles, guide stops must be resistant to corrosion. Otherwise, it may happen that the device itself will last a long time, but it will also delight the consumer for a long time with the "shabby" appearance of its individual parts.

Manufacturing materials for different screen models

The main purpose of the display device is not just to create a harmonious look for the entire bathroom, but also to protect the space under the bowl from moisture getting there. Therefore, the material of manufacture must be completely moisture resistant and not deform under the influence of hot steam or water. The materials used in the currently existing samples, in the overwhelming majority, meet these requirements, but there are also such models whose properties do not meet practical needs.

MDF screen: aesthetics at the expense of practicality

Such fine particle size (MDF) fixtures are usually manufactured in sliding / hinged door format. Inside they often have a shelf. The general appearance of the entire structure looks much more beautiful than the plastic version, all the more so if the room itself already contains elements of furniture in wood colors, then it is not so difficult to choose a similar color scheme.

However, MDF is extremely poorly resistant to high humidity conditions. This can be expressed in the fact that with a long stay in such an environment, MDF swells, and the outer coating begins to flake off. The same problems arise with a frame made of chipboard or wood. According to customer reviews, such problems begin to appear within five to six months after installation.

Another problem with MDF screens is that they are difficult to cut. If the design does not fit in length and needs to be adjusted in size, then doing it yourself will be very problematic. When using a household jigsaw or a regular hacksaw, the material will crumble, and the edges will be torn. Fitting is best done on the factory tool, using a cutter with a large number of turns, so as not to spoil the appearance of the entire device.

Aluminum screen: variety and reliability

They are, first of all, distinguished by the frame made of aluminum. But the front part can be made in the form of panels of their plexiglass, PVC or even MDF profile. The current market offers a huge range of similar products, a wide variety of their design, however, the cost of aluminum structures is not designed for every wallet. However, the increased price will always pay off with the durability of the product - a frame made of such a metal perfectly tolerates increased mechanical loads, almost does not deform under the influence of moisture, and is weakly susceptible to corrosive processes.

Plastic screens: advantages and disadvantages

These devices are made of cellular plastic, which is installed in an aluminum or PVC profile body. The most popular and budget models are made from standard PVC compounds and are white. More expensive options contain special ingredients that affect the strength of the product, and they can also be completed with self-adhesive film of various colors (up to three-dimensional patterns).

Plastic samples are popular because of a number of their advantages:

• Uncomplicated installation, the ability to independently adjust the dimensions with improvised tools;
• Low price in relation to other materials;
• A wide range of sizes, shapes, designs, colors, ornaments;
• Absolute insensitivity to high humidity and readiness for direct and prolonged contact with moisture directly;
• Extended service life - from ten to thirty years.

Their only drawbacks are two things: fragility and susceptibility to oxidizing agents. In the first case, plastic structures should be carefully protected from excessive mechanical stress, and in the second, when cleaning them, do not use caustic abrasive agents.

Glass screens: seeming fragility in the service of longevity

In such products, tempered glass is used, which has all the necessary qualities for installation in the bathroom: moisture resistance, strength, durability, low susceptibility to scratches, resistance to plaque formation. In addition, glass, unlike plastic, lends itself well to cleaning with abrasive agents.

Glass panels can be with sliding or hinged doors, or made on a solid base. The frame on which they are fixed is made of aluminum alloys, and which is subsequently covered with a special powder enamel.

Some manufacturers may also offer mirror options that will visually increase the space in the bathroom. But, as a rule, such models are extremely fragile and cost a lot. Among other things, they are very difficult to care for: they constantly fog up, splashes from water are perfectly visible on the surface and, after drying, leave clearly distinguishable marks. As a result, mirrored surfaces require constant wiping.

Traditional quality - tile mosaic

One of the methods known to domestic finishers since Soviet times is traditional finishing with ceramic tiles. As a rule, the frame for such a structure is made using simple brickwork, on top of which tiles or mosaics are glued. Such a home-made screen proved to be excellent: it reliably protects the space under the bathroom from moisture penetration and allows more often to easily survive until the next major overhaul of the apartment.

At the same time, if the bowl in the bathroom has non-standard shapes, then the brick frame is unlikely to fit it. In this case, you should consider options from expanded polystyrene plates or moisture-resistant cardboard. At the same time, there is a super unreliable option for the lazy - made of wooden blocks.

The main advantage of tiling is the ability to independently develop all structural elements as a whole, without focusing on the dimensions set by the manufacturer.

Natural materials for bathroom decoration

The tendencies existing in modern society "to use everything natural in all branches of life" led to the fact that bath screens began to be made of wood. It would seem that you cannot find a worse material, because it is prone to delamination, the formation of fungus, and does not resist moisture well. However, with the help of special chemical compositions, the wood base can be processed in such a way that the above negative conditions cannot have any effect. It's just worth mentioning that such screen devices are made only to order, and their price is very, very considerable.

Less common bathroom decoration with natural stone. In this case, such a decorative element can be considered as an excellent alternative to ceramic tiles, especially since stone is a durable material. And with sufficient design skill in the bath, you can generally create an exclusive masterpiece. Unfortunately, again, this option is most often made to order.

Some features of screen selection

First of all, it is necessary to measure both the room itself and the bathroom of the bowl.It should be noted that a screen on telescopic legs is better suited for self-assembly. Despite the variety of models, most of the samples have standard dimensions - 50-60 cm in height and 150-180 cm in length. Less often, a shorter length comes across - about 100-120 cm.

It is worth remembering that the standard height of MDF structures is 56 cm. If this parameter is high, then this element must be trimmed using professional equipment, after which it is better to varnish the sections. With plastic structures, everything is much simpler: their dimensions are very easy to adjust using retractable legs, which are present in almost any model. The only thing is to adjust the extension of the legs so that the installed screen does not restrict access to the bathroom itself. During the final installation, the location of the communication pipes under the bowl should also be taken into account - they should not interfere with the installed structure.

Special attention should be paid to the hardware handles. In order to extend their service life, they must be made of galvanized steel or other stainless steel.

If the screen has sliding / hinged doors, then the installation of the entire structure should be done in such a way that additional efforts are not required to open / close the doors. At the same time, the hinges (or roller mechanism) will also require close attention - they must move freely.

Typically, the native display fixture (which comes with the bowl) installs quickly and seamlessly. If even the telescopic legs are not enough to cover the space under the bowl, then instead of the standard bolts, you can always use longer ones.

In general, most professional fitters prefer to install homemade designs rather than using the manufacturer's options.

Rating of the best bath screens for 2020

Sliding

3rd place: "Kvart" (trade mark "MetaKam")

This sliding sample is a budget proposal from a Russian manufacturer. Despite the fact that the model is suitable for the economy class level, its material is based on a special PVC composition based on the principle of 4 chambers (the same is used in plastic windows). There is a possibility of drawing pictures on a self-adhesive film.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Russia
Manufacturing material	Pvc
Number of doors	2
Warranty, years	2
Weight in kg	1.7
Price, rubles	790

• Use of innovative technologies;
• The ability to apply drawings;
• Possibility of installing telescopic legs inside.

Weakly tolerant to mechanical stress.

2nd place: "COMFORT MARBLE"

This model is suitable for almost any bathroom: both where the communications are installed under the bowl, and where they are brought out. The shielding element is equipped with screw support legs, all fittings (handles, plugs) are made of a rigid plastic profile. Free air circulation effectively extinguishes the formation of mold and mildew.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Russia
Manufacturing material	Pvc
Number of doors	3
Weight in kg	2.5
Warranty, years	3
Price, rubles	1300

• Versatility and multifunctionality;
• There is an additional door;
• The construction uses hard plastic.

• Supplied pre-assembled.

1st place: "Santa Rhodes"

This model is a representative of the business class segment. The material of the screen elements is MDF. The handles are made of galvanized metal and painted with a special anti-corrosion compound. The screen will not be difficult to install, however, it has clear dimensions.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Russia
Manufacturing material	MDF
Number of doors	2
Weight in kg	3.5
Warranty, years	2
Price, rubles	4500

• Strong MDF base;
• Extended warranty period;
• Galvanized fittings.

• Problems with dimensional modification may occur.

Swing

3rd place: "Lyra 1.5 (bleached oak)"

This fixture is intended for use in bathrooms with high humidity levels. The structure of MDF is additionally reinforced with a moisture-resistant laminate that successfully resists excessively humid air. Fittings (handles, telescopic legs) are made of chrome-plated metal.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Russia
Manufacturing material	MDF-reinforced
Number of doors	4
Weight in kg	4
Warranty, years	2
Price, rubles	3200

• Reinforced MDF formula;
• Chrome fittings;
• Excellent value for money.

• Not found.

2nd place: "Soft Alavann"

The aesthetics of this model will perfectly fit into the design of a high-tech apartment. The doors have an adjustable opening angle - from 45 to 90 degrees. The structure of the front surface is made in the "gloss" style.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Russia
Manufacturing material	MDF-reinforced
Number of doors	3
Weight in kg	3.5
Warranty, years	2
Price, rubles	6100

• Aesthetic glossy surface;
• Unique design;
• Galvanized fittings.

• High price.

1st place: "Francesca Imperium Venge"

Stylish sample made in classic style. The used material is MDF, painted with moisture-resistant paint according to the European technology "Kronospan". The frame is made of laminated chipboard. To increase the service life, the entire surface is additionally protected with a PVC film. The lineup provides at least 5 colors - from monophonic to patterned.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	France
Manufacturing material	MDF-reinforced
Number of doors	4
Weight in kg	4
Warranty, years	3
Price, rubles	6500

• Application of ecological European technologies;
• Availability of Russian production (hence the extended warranty);
• Variability of the choice of colors.

• The minimum choice in size in height (53-54 cm).

With pull-out block

2nd place: "MetaKam 170"

A multifunctional piece that combines two options for using storage space - it has both hinged compartments and a pull-out drawer at the bottom. The model uses space as efficiently as possible. Extremely convenient for storing household chemicals and other cleaning supplies.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Russia
Manufacturing material	MDF- "Standard +"
Number of doors	3
Weight in kg	4.6
Warranty, years	2
Price, rubles	6100

• Convenient storage options for cleaning supplies;
• A special impregnation of the MDF structure is used;
• Reinforced fittings.

• Not identified (for its segment).

1st place: "Screen for a bathtub with a drawer 170 cm color white" from "Leroy Merlin"

Another device with variable storage methods. It is an exclusive model from the French company "Leroy Merlin". Supplied exclusively assembled. The standard MDF base is compacted with special moisture-resistant ingredients.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country	Russia
Manufacturing material	MDF-reinforced
Number of doors	4
Weight in kg	4.2
Warranty, years	1.5
Price, rubles	7200

• The innovative technology of moisture protection is applied;
• Exclusive model;
• Extended version.

• Overcharge.

Instead of an epilogue

Even a cursory review of the Russian market for bath screens will show that the Russian consumer is quite satisfied with the domestic manufacturer. There are very few products from abroad in this market. You can purchase the necessary designs both directly at retail and through Internet sites, since the product itself does not have a large number of details in which it is possible to allow a marriage. At the same time, you should always ask for a certificate for the material of manufacture in order to be sure of its strength.