Showers and Bathtubs
Shower curtain or screen: comparison for bath and shower
A curtain is a cheap and quick solution, while a screen keeps water in the bath more reliably and is easier to clean. It depends on how often you shower in the bath, how much space is around, and whether you want to drill into the tiles. Comparison, types of rails and screens, and examples of prices.
Illustrative image: bathtub with a glass screen and a bathtub with a shower curtain next to each other
Those who shower in the bath consider what to place between the bath and the bathroom. We focus in detail on bath screens – types, sizes, and installation – in the article Bath with shower screen. Here we compare curtains and screens as two options and show when each is suitable.
Comparison in a table
| Shower curtain | Bath screen | |
|---|---|---|
| water outside the bath | more, especially with a strong flow | little, if the screen is wide enough |
| when showering | the curtain sticks to the body | fixed wall, more space |
| maintenance | washing or cleaning, replacement over time | squeegee after showering, silicone and seals |
| hygiene | a damp curtain can mould | glass can be easily cleaned |
| installation | rail or track, tensioned without drilling | anchoring to the wall, silicone on the edge of the bath |
| appearance | fabric, can be changed according to mood | clear glass, the bathroom appears larger |
| entry into the bath | entire length of the bath free | with a fixed screen, part of the bath is covered |
| price | lower | higher |
Shower curtain: what to look for
- Material – a polyester fabric curtain can be washed, while a plastic one is cleaned. Follow the label when washing.
- Length – the bottom edge should end in the bath, not on its edge or outside. Otherwise, water will run down the curtain onto the floor.
- Width – the curtain should be wider than the rail so that it can be drawn without a gap at the wall.
- Hem and weight – a heavier bottom hem or magnets help keep the curtain from flapping and sticking to the body.
- Drying – after showering, spread the curtain to dry. If folded in dampness, mould will develop; more in the article Mould in the bathroom.
Curtain rail: straight, curved, or corner
| Rod | When it suits | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| straight tension rod | bathtub between two walls, rental flat | no drilling, but supports less and may shift |
| straight screwed | bathtub between walls, permanent solution | drilling into wall tiles, sturdier |
| curved | you want more space when showering | the curtain is further from the body |
| corner (L-shaped) | bathtub or shower in the corner, one side free | for longer rods, ceiling support |
On vkupelni.sk, for example, there is the Deante Lehnen shower rod 1200 mm for €295.73 and the universal Deante Lehnen shower curtain 150 cm for €124.99 (as of November 2026). You can find more in the category Shower Curtains and Rods.
Bath Screen: types and prices
| Type | How it works | Example from vkupelni.sk (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| fixed one-piece | one glass at the shower, the rest of the bathtub free | Mereo 70 cm, 700 × 1450 mm – 157,00 € |
| fixed with width adjustment | profile compensates for wall differences | Aquatek ROYAL VF1 70–80 – from 134,30 € |
| wall panel | fixed glass anchored to the wall | Deante Jasmin 80 × 140 cm – 159,13 € |
| sliding the full length of the bathtub | doors slide, bathtub is enclosed | Aquatek ROYAL V2 160–180 – from 267,75 € |
In the category Bath Screens, there are over 90 models to choose from. The width and height of the screen should be determined by the position of the showerhead, which we describe in the article Bathtub with Shower Screen.
Curtain at a level-access shower
A curtain is also suitable for a level-access shower, for example in a small bathroom where glass would narrow the space. However, water does not have the edge of a tray to stop it – the fall of the floor and the position of the drain are decisive. The curtain should reach almost to the floor, and the fall must direct water from the door to the drain. When a shower works completely without doors, we discuss in the article Walk-in or Shower Enclosure, and ideas for small spaces in the article Small Bathrooms.
How to decide
- How often do you shower in the bathtub? Daily – screen. Occasionally, otherwise you bathe – curtain.
- Where is the showerhead? With the head in the middle of the bathtub or with a handheld shower without a holder, more water sprays out – curtain or wider, possibly sliding screen.
- Is the bathroom small? Clear glass visually enlarges the space, a curtain closes it off.
- Are you allowed to drill? In a rental or on fresh tiles, a tension rod helps.
- Who will clean? A screen needs a squeegee after showering, a curtain needs washing and drying.
Maintenance: curtain and screen
After each shower, spread the curtain and let it dry, ventilate the bathroom. Wash fabric according to the label, clean plastic – if mould appears that won't come off, replace it. After showering, use a squeegee on the screen to prevent water spots from drying on the glass. Occasionally check the silicone around the bathtub and the seals on the glass. Glass with a protective coating is easier to clean – what to look for is described in the article Protective Coatings for Shower Glass.
Common mistakes
- Curtain ending outside the bathtub – water runs onto the floor.
- Too narrow screen with the head in the middle of the bathtub – water sprays over the edge.
- Tension rod with a heavy curtain – it will slip.
- Wet folded curtain – will quickly mould.
- Screen without silicone at the edge of the bathtub or with damaged seals.
Sources: offer from vkupelni.sk (Aquatek, Mereo and Deante bath screens, Deante Lehnen shower curtains and rods, November 2026); our articles Bathtub with Shower Screen, Walk-in or Shower Enclosure and Mould in the Bathroom.
Terms in the glossary: Bath Screen · Sanitary Silicone · Shower Tray · Fall · Linear Shower Drain · Walk-in Shower
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a shower curtain or screen better?
If you shower daily in the bath, a screen will keep the bathroom drier and is easier to clean. A curtain is cheaper and suitable for occasional showers, or as a temporary solution.
Why does the shower curtain stick to the body?
The water flow stirs the air in the bath and the curtain is drawn in. A heavier bottom hem or magnets, an arc rail that keeps the curtain away from the body, or a screen can help.
How to prevent mould on the curtain?
After showering, spread the curtain to dry and ventilate the bathroom. Wash the fabric curtain according to the label, clean the plastic one. Replace an old curtain with mould.
Can a screen be installed without drilling?
A bath screen is anchored to the wall according to the manufacturer's instructions; it cannot be safely installed without drilling. A tension rod for the curtain can be installed without drilling.
How much does a bath screen cost?
On vkupelni.sk, for example, a fixed screen Aquatek ROYAL VF1 70–80 from €134.30, Mereo 70 cm for €157.00, and sliding ROYAL V2 160–180 from €267.75 (as of November 2026, including VAT, excluding installation).
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