Shower curtains can be quite a hassle, so that makes a bath screen look all the more appealing. Cats love to climb on shower curtains, and shred them into uselessness, but a screen is sturdy and will last a long time. Even if your shower curtains aren't a target for pet play, they get dirty easily and they can form mildew if you don't clean them all the time. If you aren't careful about curtain placement, they can also allow water to drip all over the floor.
If you think there must be a better way than using shower curtains, you're exactly right. Bath screens are generally made from plastic or glass, and they fit onto the shower enclosure to block the water more effectively than a curtain can. They are easier to use, though, and they are much easier to keep clean. They tend to work better than curtains, especially if you have a shower spray that is very strong.
There are various choices in bath screens, and you'll want to be sure to choose the one that will work the best for your bathroom. One type will enclose the full bathtub, and this type is somewhat similar to a sliding shower door, with the exception that it goes around the whole bathtub. These screens are easy to clean, and they keep water from getting through better than a curtain could. If your bathtub is not enclosed on the other three sides by walls, or if you have flooring that should not get wet, this is the type of screen you should choose.
If you don't want a bulky frame for your bath screen, look at over-bath frameless screens. This type is made specifically for showers that have walls on three sides. They are able to cover half of the open side, and they are more appealing visually than the original types of screens, since they don't have metal frames. These screens may not keep all the water from splashing out around through or outside spaces between the tub and the screen. These screens work the best for bathrooms that have a type of flooring like tiles, that can get wet without being damaged. You can select frameless screens that are fixed, or screens that have a hinge so they can be opened or closed. These screens usually work better in large bathrooms, since they may take up some space. If your bathroom is smaller, you might want to look at a multi-panel folding screen.
In selecting bath screens, you can choose from many sizes and shapes to show off your bathroom design. If you've resisted installing a shower in your bath due to a lack of space, a bath screen will allow you to have that shower you have always wanted. Bath screens that are fixed are ideal for bathrooms where showers happen daily, and where there is no bathtub for bathing. You might also wish to look at a bi-folding bath screen, that will compress inwards and rest flat against the wall.