If you’re renovating a bathroom and stuck deciding between a fully frameless screen or a cheaper pivot door unit, there’s a third option that gives you the best of both worlds: the semi-frameless shower screen.

At Glass House AU, we’ve installed and supplied hundreds of these systems for homes across Australia — and they’re one of the most popular choices for a reason.

Let’s break down what a semi-frameless screen is, why people choose them, and whether it’s the right fit for your next bathroom upgrade.

What Is a Semi-Frameless Shower Screen?

A semi-frameless shower screen uses strong aluminium or stainless steel framing around the outer edges only, while leaving the door and centre panels free from intrusive frames.

You get a clean, minimal look — without going fully frameless.

Key features:

• Perimeter frame for added strength

• Frameless or lightly framed pivot door

• 6mm or 8mm toughened safety glass

• Sleek, modern appearance with fewer visual lines than fully framed units

Think of it as the balance point between structure and style.

Why Choose Semi-Frameless?

There are three big reasons people love this option:

1. It Looks More Premium Than a Framed Screen

The lack of vertical framing means your bathroom feels larger, lighter, and more modern — even without knocking out walls.

2. It’s More Affordable Than Frameless

Fully frameless screens need precise installation, expensive hardware, and often custom-cut panels. Semi-frameless gives you the look for less.

3. It’s More Forgiving in Older Bathrooms

Frameless requires perfectly square walls. Semi-frameless systems use a perimeter frame that’s easier to adjust, making it great for renovations and DIY.

Where Do Semi-Frameless Shower Screens Work Best?

• Standard alcove or corner showers

• Small bathrooms where space is tight

• Budget-conscious bathroom upgrades

• Rental property renovations

• Older homes where walls aren’t perfectly straight

They’re especially great in family homes where durability matters, but you still want a sharp finish.

How Do They Compare to Other Shower Screen Types?

What Styles and Finishes Are Available?

At Glass House AU, we stock semi-frameless screens in:

• Sliding or pivot door systems

• Wall-to-wall, corner, or inline configurations

• Matte black, satin chrome, and white finishes

• Custom sizes for tricky bathrooms

We use 6mm or 8mm toughened safety glass, with options for:

• Clear

• Frosted/obscured

• Low-iron ultra-clear

Want to match your tapware, mirror frames, or towel rails? Our matte black and satin trims make it easy to tie the whole bathroom together.

Is It Easy to Clean?

Yes — especially compared to fully framed units.

With fewer vertical frame lines and flat interior surfaces, semi-frameless screens:

• Collect less grime and soap scum

• Are quicker to squeegee down

• Require less deep cleaning around seals and joints

We recommend:

• A squeegee after every shower

• Weekly wipe with vinegar and water

• Occasional check of silicone and hinges

DIY-Friendly or Not?

Many of our customers install their semi-frameless screens themselves.

If you:

• Are confident measuring accurately

• Have a power drill, level and silicone gun

• Can lift and align glass safely with a second person

…you can absolutely DIY this with one of our kits.

If you’re unsure — we can recommend a local installer to help.

Final Word: Smart Design. Clean Finish. Great Value.

If you want a modern bathroom without blowing the budget… and you don’t love the boxed-in look of old-school framed screens… a semi-frameless shower screen is the smart choice.

At Glass House AU, we stock and ship high-quality semi-frameless systems across Australia. We make it easy to find the size, finish, and layout that suits your space — with a clean, minimal look that lasts.

👉 Browse the full range now or message the team for expert help.