Front & Full Return

A front and full return shower screen is generally used when the shower sits in a corner, with two tiled walls and two exposed sides that need to be enclosed. The front section normally contains the door, while the full return panel closes the open side. If your shower is positioned between three walls, a wall-to-wall shower screen may suit the layout better. If you prefer a more open shower without a door, compare walk-in shower screens or browse the complete shower screen collection.

Measure the shower after tiling is completed wherever possible. Check the finished front width and return depth separately, and measure at more than one point because tiled walls may not be perfectly straight. Also confirm the required screen height, return-panel side and available door-opening clearance. Nearby vanities, toilets and bathroom doors can affect which configuration will work. If the measurements fall outside standard sizes, you can also review custom shower screen options. For comparison with other layouts, browse the full shower screen range.

Choose the door according to the clearance outside the shower as well as the shower opening itself. A sliding shower screen does not require an outward door swing, making it useful where a vanity, toilet or doorway sits close to the shower. Pivot or hinged doors can provide a generous entry but require enough clearance to open comfortably. Corner-entry sliding designs can also suit bathrooms where entering from the corner makes better use of the available space. Check the doorway position and nearby fixtures before choosing the final configuration.

A full framed shower screen provides more perimeter framing and adjustment, making it practical for many family bathrooms. A semi-frameless shower screen reduces visible framing while retaining wall channels and support where required. A frameless shower screen creates a cleaner, more minimal appearance but usually depends more on accurate measurements and suitable installation conditions. The best option depends on your wall condition, preferred appearance, budget and how much adjustment your finished opening may require.

Small variations are common after tiling. Some full framed shower screens and semi-frameless shower screens use adjustable wall channels that can accommodate a limited amount of variation, but the adjustment range differs between models. Do not assume that a nominal 900mm screen will automatically suit every 900mm opening. Measure the front and return sides at several points and compare the results with the individual product specification. If the opening is significantly out of square or outside standard adjustment ranges, consider custom shower screen options.

A fully enclosed front-and-return layout generally provides better splash containment than an open walk-in design, but no shower screen should be expected to make the shower completely watertight. Water containment also depends on the door gaps, shower-head position, spray direction, floor fall, drainage and the overall shower size. If keeping splash inside the shower is a high priority, compare an enclosed design with a more open walk-in shower screen. You can also compare other enclosure styles in the main shower screen collection.

Before ordering, confirm the finished front width, return depth, screen height, return-panel side, door type, opening direction and hardware finish. Check that the door will not interfere with the toilet, vanity, towel rail or bathroom door. Also confirm whether the screen will be installed on a tiled floor, shower base or hob, as the suitable configuration can vary between products. If space is limited, compare front and half return shower screens. You can also review wall-to-wall screens or the complete shower screen range before finalising the layout.