Shower Curtains Vs Shower Doors
Real EstateThe benefits and disadvantages of shower curtains or doors go beyond their outward appearance. While they contribute greatly to the overall look of your bathroom, they will also have an effect on function. Some of the factors to consider are your personal maintenance preferences, budget, and long-term plans.
Shower curtains are affordable and easy to replace. They are available in almost every department store and in many other places. They come in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles. If you are looking to change the theme of your bathroom, the right curtain can definitely contribute to the look you want. You can even customize your own curtain to match the style of your bathroom fixtures.
If you want your bathroom to look neater when guests visit, the shower curtain can be closed to hide the tub or left open to show off the brilliantly gleaming porcelain. Unfortunately, curtains must be carefully maintained to prevent mold and mildew from growing on their surface.
When left out of the tub inadvertently, the curtains can also drip onto the floor and make a mess. They are also not considered as innovative or as fashionable in a modern bathroom as shower doors.
Studies also show that vinyl curtains containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) contain chemicals that are extremely harmful to human health and the environment. New vinyl shades release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), DEHP (a suspected carcinogen), and organotin into the air. These toxins can cause headaches, nausea, breathing problems, and damage to the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. Young developing children are especially sensitive to these chemicals.
While many major retailers have stopped selling PVC shades entirely, some still stock them alongside PVC-free alternatives. It’s best to check the label or ask an employee before buying a shower curtain at any store.
PVC-free curtains can be made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which is healthier, but is still made from polycarbonate-based plastic and is bad for the environment. Fabric curtains are an even better material. They are machine washable, so maintenance is quite easy. Hemp is an ideal material for fabric shower curtains as it is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Glass doors are also a good alternative to PVC curtains.
Although not seen often, glass doors can still be used in combination bathtubs. There are many advantages associated with shower doors. They are usually made of extremely strong glass and do not need to be replaced for several years.
This offsets the cost and tedium of replacing glass doors. They are also easy to clean and don’t attract as much mold as curtains. When they get dirty, the shower doors can be cleaned with a little glass cleaner and a rag. While doors are not as colorful or as versatile as curtains, there are still different types and styles available depending on your needs and tastes.
It is strongly recommended that you use a full enclosure if you have a steam shower instead of a regular one, as the heat and humidity from a steam shower can ruin paint jobs and wallpaper.
The main disadvantage of doors is that they tend to accumulate slag around the tracks and edges when they are not properly maintained. This build-up looks poor and is very difficult to remove. Shower doors also tend to wear out with time and use, making old doors extremely inconvenient. However, they still last much longer than shower curtains.