This guide explains where to buy fixed glass shower panels online in the UK, including trusted retailers, price ranges, frameless options, and expert tips to help homeowners choose the right shower screen.
Introduction: The Rise of Fixed Glass Shower Panels in UK Bathrooms
Walk into almost any newly renovated bathroom in the UK and you will likely spot one defining feature: a sleek, minimalist fixed glass shower panel. Over the past decade, this style of shower screening has quietly overtaken traditional curtains and bulky enclosures as the go-to choice for homeowners who want their bathroom to feel spacious, modern, and easy to live with.
Fixed glass shower panels — sometimes called walk-in shower screens or wet room glass panels — are exactly what they sound like. A single or double pane of toughened safety glass, mounted securely to the wall or floor, that creates a partial barrier around the shower area without the need for doors, hinges, or complicated enclosure systems. The result is a clean, open aesthetic that suits everything from compact city flats to sprawling countryside homes.
Their popularity in UK bathrooms is no accident. British homeowners have increasingly gravitated towards continental European bathroom design, where open shower spaces and glass screening are standard. Combine this with the practical realities of UK bathrooms — often compact, poorly ventilated, and prone to feeling cramped — and it becomes clear why a frameless shower panel that visually opens up the room has such wide appeal.
Beyond aesthetics, fixed panels are genuinely low maintenance. There are no door tracks to collect soap scum, no hinges to seize up, and no seals to perish. A quick wipe down after each use is usually all that is needed to keep them looking pristine. They are also robust. Manufactured from toughened or tempered safety glass, a quality fixed shower panel will last decades without warping, cracking, or deteriorating in the way that plastic shower curtains or cheaper enclosures do.
This guide is written specifically for UK buyers who want to understand where to find the best fixed glass shower panels online, what to look for before purchasing, and how to avoid the costly mistakes that catch out first-time buyers.
What Are Fixed Glass Shower Panels?
Definition and How They Work
A fixed glass shower panel is a stationary pane of toughened safety glass used to screen a shower area. Unlike a traditional shower enclosure, there is no door — you simply walk in around the edge of the panel or through a designated open entry point. The panel redirects water spray and prevents splashing from soaking the rest of the bathroom.
They are most commonly used in walk-in shower configurations and wet room designs, where the floor is level throughout and the shower area is defined by the glass itself rather than a tray or threshold.
How They Differ from Shower Doors and Enclosures
The distinction matters when you are shopping online, because these products are often confused.
A shower enclosure surrounds the shower on multiple sides and typically incorporates a hinged or sliding door. It is a self-contained unit. A shower panel, by contrast, is a single screen — it provides coverage on one or two sides and relies on the surrounding walls to contain the rest.
Shower doors are components of an enclosure. A fixed panel replaces the door concept entirely by removing the need for an entry mechanism. This means fewer parts, fewer failure points, and a genuinely simpler product.
Types of Fixed Glass Shower Panels Available in the UK
The UK market offers several configurations:
- Single fixed panels — the most common type, consisting of one upright pane mounted directly to the floor or wall. These are ideal for corner showers or alcove installations.
- L-shaped or double panels — two panels arranged at a right angle, providing coverage on two open sides. Suited to showers positioned in the middle of a room or offset from walls.
- Return panels — a smaller secondary panel attached at 90 degrees to the main screen. Helps reduce water escape around the entry side.
- Wet room glass panels — designed for fully tanked wet rooms, often featuring wider formats and taller heights to cope with open-plan shower areas.
Glass options include clear, frosted, smoked, and printed designs, and frames can be fully frameless, semi-frameless, or framed in chrome, brushed brass, matt black, or nickel finishes.
Benefits of Buying Fixed Glass Shower Panels Online in the UK
Better Pricing
Online retailers consistently undercut high street showrooms, often by a significant margin. Without the overhead of a physical showroom and sales staff, bathroom e-commerce businesses pass savings directly to customers. It is not unusual to find the same product available online for 20 to 40 per cent less than in a bricks-and-mortar store.
Far Greater Variety
No physical showroom can stock every size, glass type, finish, and configuration. Online, you have access to thousands of products across dozens of brands simultaneously. This is particularly important for fixed shower panels, where dimensions vary enormously and finding the precise size for your recess or alcove is essential.
Convenience and Comparison
Shopping online allows you to compare specifications, warranties, and customer reviews side by side at your own pace. You can bookmark products, request samples, and revisit decisions without feeling pressured by in-store sales conversations.
Genuine Customer Reviews
Online retailers typically host verified buyer reviews that provide real-world insight into ease of installation, glass clarity, and long-term durability. For a product you will live with for years, this kind of unfiltered feedback is invaluable.
Where to Buy Fixed Glass Shower Panels Online in the UK
Understanding the different types of online sellers helps you make a smarter buying decision. Each category has genuine advantages and trade-offs worth knowing before you commit.
Specialist UK Bathroom Retailers
These are dedicated bathroom e-commerce businesses that stock nothing but bathroom and shower products. They typically offer the deepest product ranges, knowledgeable customer service teams, and detailed technical specifications.
Victorian Plumbing (victorianplumbing.co.uk) is arguably the UK’s largest online bathroom retailer and an excellent starting point for fixed shower panels. Their range covers entry-level frameless panels through to premium wetroom glass, with detailed filtering by size, finish, and glass thickness. Delivery is generally reliable, and their customer service team can advise on compatibility with existing shower trays and wall profiles. Pricing is competitive, and they regularly run promotions that bring premium products into more accessible price brackets.
Plumbworld (plumbworld.co.uk) offers a solid selection of shower screens and fixed panels with a focus on value for money. Their product pages are well structured and include specification tables that make it straightforward to match a panel to your installation. They stock several own-brand ranges alongside established manufacturers.
Bathstore has moved primarily online in recent years and continues to carry a curated range of shower screens and walk-in panels. While their range is narrower than Victorian Plumbing, the products they do stock are well chosen and backed by reasonable warranty terms.
Drench (drench.co.uk) is particularly strong on contemporary frameless shower panels and wetroom glass. Their editorial content and buying guides are genuinely useful, and product photography gives a realistic sense of how panels will look in situ.
Pros of specialist retailers: Deep product knowledge, wide range, reliable warranties, good return policies.
Cons: Delivery lead times can vary; some premium ranges require longer waits.
Large Online Home Improvement Stores
Retailers like B&Q (diy.com) and Wickes (wickes.co.uk) carry bathroom product ranges that include fixed shower panels, particularly mid-range frameless and framed options. These retailers are useful if you need to collect quickly or want the reassurance of a household name brand.
However, product depth is limited. If you have non-standard dimensions or want a specific finish, you are unlikely to find it here. Pricing is generally mid-market rather than particularly competitive.
Screwfix and Toolstation focus primarily on installation materials and accessories rather than shower panels themselves, though they occasionally stock basic framed screens.
Pros: Click and collect available, trusted brand names, straightforward returns.
Cons: Limited variety, fewer frameless and premium options.
Manufacturer Direct Websites
Several glass and bathroom brands sell directly to consumers through their own websites. Brands like Lakes Bathrooms, Merlyn, and Matki operate direct or semi-direct sales channels and offer products with strong quality credentials.
Buying direct can mean better warranty support and access to full product ranges, but pricing is not always lower than buying through a retailer. Some manufacturers also maintain minimum advertised pricing across their distribution channels.
Pros: Direct warranty support, access to full product range, technical expertise.
Cons: Less competitive pricing, fewer promotions, smaller selection compared to multi-brand retailers.
Online Marketplaces
Amazon UK lists hundreds of shower panels from a mixture of established brands and lesser-known suppliers, often at attractive prices. However, the shower panel category on Amazon suffers from inconsistent quality control. Glass thickness, safety certifications, and delivery care vary widely.
eBay UK includes both new and ex-display shower panels, which can represent genuine savings. Ex-display items from reputable bathroom showrooms are often in excellent condition. However, returns can be complicated and buyers should verify safety glass certification before purchasing.
Pros: Competitive pricing, fast delivery on some products, ex-display bargains.
Cons: Variable quality, limited after-sales support, certification inconsistencies.
Top UK Websites to Buy Fixed Glass Shower Panels — Detailed Overview
| Retailer | Price Range | Glass Quality | Warranty | Delivery | Customer Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victorian Plumbing | £80–£600+ | Excellent | 2–5 years | 3–7 days | Strong |
| Plumbworld | £70–£400 | Good | 1–2 years | 5–10 days | Good |
| Drench | £100–£700+ | Excellent | 2–5 years | 3–7 days | Strong |
| Bathstore | £90–£500 | Good | 1–2 years | 5–7 days | Moderate |
| B&Q | £80–£350 | Moderate–Good | 1 year | 3–5 days | Moderate |
| Amazon UK | £50–£400 | Variable | Variable | 1–5 days | Variable |
Price Guide for Fixed Glass Shower Panels in the UK
Understanding typical costs prevents both overspending and the temptation to buy products that are priced too low to be trustworthy.
- Budget range (£60–£150): Entry-level framed or semi-framed panels, typically 4–6mm glass, basic chrome finish. Suitable for rental properties or low-use bathrooms. Quality varies significantly at this price point.
- Mid-range (£150–£350): 6–8mm toughened glass, frameless or minimal frame options, available in chrome and matt black finishes. This is the sweet spot for most UK homeowners. Brands like Roman, Kudos, and Coram occupy this range.
- Premium (£350–£800+): 10mm thick glass, fully frameless, anti-limescale coating as standard, bespoke sizing available. Brands like Matki, Merlyn, and Lakes sit here. Expect superior clarity, weight, and longevity.
Factors affecting price include glass thickness, frame material and finish, brand reputation, panel height (standard is 1850–2000mm), and whether an anti-scale coating is included.
How to Choose the Right Fixed Glass Shower Panel
Glass Thickness
This is the single most important specification to get right. For a fixed panel in a domestic bathroom, 8mm is the practical minimum for a quality installation. 6mm panels are acceptable but feel lighter and are more prone to vibration. 10mm glass has a premium feel and exceptional rigidity.
Size and Dimensions
Measure your shower space carefully before ordering. Fixed panels are typically available in widths ranging from 700mm to 1400mm, with heights from 1800mm to 2000mm. For walk-in configurations, a minimum panel width of 900mm is generally recommended to provide adequate water containment.
Safety Standards
In the UK, all shower glass should conform to BS EN 12150 for toughened safety glass. Any reputable retailer selling into the UK market should be able to confirm this certification. If a product listing does not mention it, ask before you buy.
Framed vs Frameless
Frameless panels offer the cleanest aesthetic and are easiest to keep clean. However, they require precise installation and are less forgiving of uneven walls or floors. Semi-framed panels (a minimal top or side bar) provide additional rigidity and are more tolerant of installation imperfections.
Glass Coating and Durability
Many quality panels come with a factory-applied hydrophobic coating — sometimes called EasyClean or SteelShield depending on the brand. This causes water to bead and roll off the glass, dramatically reducing limescale build-up. It is worth paying extra for this feature given the ongoing maintenance savings.
Installation Considerations
DIY vs Professional
A straightforward single fixed panel with floor or wall mounting profiles is genuinely within the capabilities of a confident DIYer with basic tiling and drilling experience. However, for anything involving wet room tanking, bespoke sizing, or wall channelling, a professional installation is strongly advisable.
UK Installation Costs
A professional shower installer or bathroom fitter will typically charge between £150 and £400 to install a fixed shower panel, depending on location and complexity. London and South East rates tend to be higher. This does not include any associated tiling, plumbing, or wet room preparation work.
Compatibility
Before purchasing, confirm that the panel you are considering is compatible with your existing shower tray profile, wall type (stud walls require specialist fixings), and floor surface. Most specialist retailers offer telephone support for compatibility queries, which is worth using.
Maintenance Tips for Fixed Glass Shower Panels
Keeping a glass shower panel in pristine condition is straightforward if you build a few simple habits.
After every shower, use a squeegee to remove water from the glass surface. This single habit will dramatically reduce limescale and soap residue build-up. A good quality squeegee costs a few pounds and takes fifteen seconds to use.
For weekly cleaning, a diluted white vinegar solution or a dedicated glass shower cleaner works well. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemical sprays, which can damage both the glass surface and any protective coating.
If limescale does build up, a paste of bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar applied gently with a soft cloth will dissolve deposits without scratching. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Inspect seals and fixings every six months. Silicon sealant around the base of the panel should remain intact and free of mould. If it darkens or lifts, regrout with fresh bathroom-grade silicone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Fixed Glass Shower Panels Online
- Buying on price alone. A £60 shower panel may seem appealing, but thin glass, poor fixings, and absent safety certification are common at this price point. False economy in the bathroom is rarely worth it.
- Ignoring delivery packaging quality. Glass panels are heavy and fragile. Before purchasing, check reviews specifically for delivery damage. Reputable retailers pack panels with care; marketplace sellers sometimes do not.
- Not checking the return policy. If the panel arrives damaged or does not fit as expected, you need a straightforward return path. Check that the retailer accepts returns of large glass items before you buy.
- Overlooking installation requirements. Some premium frameless panels require channelled floor profiles that must be set in the screed before tiling. Not checking this in advance can cause expensive delays on a renovation project.
- Forgetting about the finish. Chrome looks beautiful initially but shows water marks more readily than brushed nickel or matt black in hard water areas. Match your finish choice to your local water hardness and cleaning habits.
Conclusion: Buying Fixed Glass Shower Panels Online in the UK
The UK market for fixed glass shower panels is genuinely well served by online retailers, and buying online is the smartest approach for most homeowners. You will access better pricing, more variety, and the ability to research properly before committing.
For most buyers, starting with a specialist UK bathroom retailer — particularly Victorian Plumbing or Drench — will yield the best combination of product quality, warranty support, and delivery reliability. If you are on a tighter budget, Plumbworld offers solid value. For premium projects, going direct to manufacturers like Merlyn or Matki is worth considering.
Prioritise 8mm or 10mm toughened glass with BS EN 12150 certification, an EasyClean coating, and a finish that suits your bathroom’s water hardness. Take careful measurements before ordering, use the squeegee every day, and you will have a shower panel that looks and performs beautifully for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to buy fixed glass shower panels in the UK?
For most buyers, specialist online bathroom retailers offer the best overall experience. Victorian Plumbing is widely regarded as the UK’s leading online bathroom retailer and offers an extensive range of fixed shower panels across all price points. Drench is an excellent alternative, particularly for contemporary frameless designs. Both offer detailed product specifications, genuine customer reviews, and reliable delivery.
How much do fixed glass shower panels cost in the UK?
Prices range from around £60 for basic entry-level panels to over £800 for premium frameless designs with thick glass and factory coatings. For a quality panel that will last and look good long term, expect to spend between £150 and £400. Installation adds approximately £150 to £400 on top, depending on complexity and your location.
Are fixed shower panels better than shower doors?
For many UK bathrooms, yes. Fixed panels offer a cleaner aesthetic, require less maintenance (no hinges, no door seals), and are easier to clean. They also make small bathrooms feel more open and spacious. The trade-off is that walk-in configurations require slightly more floor space for a comfortable entry angle, and some water may escape around the open side if the panel is undersized.
What thickness glass is best for a shower panel?
8mm is the practical sweet spot for domestic use — thick enough to feel solid and reduce vibration, without being unnecessarily heavy. 10mm glass feels premium and is excellent in larger walk-in formats. Avoid 4mm or 5mm panels for fixed installations as they lack adequate rigidity.
Can I install a fixed glass shower panel myself?
A straightforward single fixed panel with standard wall or floor mounting can be a manageable DIY project for a competent home improver. Most come with detailed installation instructions and the necessary fixings. However, wet room configurations, bespoke sizing, or installations involving solid screed floors should be handled by a professional to ensure correct levelling and waterproofing.
Are fixed glass shower panels safe?
Yes, providing they carry the appropriate safety certification. In the UK, shower glass should conform to BS EN 12150 for toughened safety glass. Toughened glass, when broken under extreme force, fractures into small blunt fragments rather than sharp shards, significantly reducing the risk of injury. Always verify this certification before purchasing.
Do fixed glass shower panels leak water?
A correctly sized and properly installed fixed shower panel will not cause problematic water leakage under normal use. However, because there is no door, some water spray can escape around the entry side of the panel — this is by design in walk-in configurations. The solution is to ensure the panel is adequately wide (at least 900mm for a standard shower), that the showerhead is angled correctly, and that a return panel is considered for particularly open configurations.
What is the difference between a shower panel and a wet room glass panel?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically a wet room panel is designed for use in a fully tanked wet room where the entire floor is waterproofed and drains freely. These panels tend to be taller and wider than standard shower panels and are designed to work without a shower tray. Standard shower panels are typically used alongside a shower tray and do not require full wet room tanking.
Do fixed glass shower panels need sealing?
The base and any wall contact points of a fixed panel should be sealed with bathroom-grade silicone upon installation. This prevents water ingress at the fixing points and along the floor line. The silicone should be inspected every six months and replaced if it shows signs of deterioration, cracking, or mould that cannot be cleaned.
What finish should I choose for my shower panel?
Chrome is the most popular finish in UK bathrooms and suits traditional and transitional design styles. Matt black has grown significantly in popularity and suits contemporary and industrial aesthetics. Brushed brass and brushed nickel are premium choices that work well in luxury bathroom schemes. In hard water areas like London and the South East, matte finishes tend to show water spots less obviously than polished chrome.
How long do fixed glass shower panels last?
A quality toughened glass panel will not deteriorate over time in the way that plastic, acrylic, or composite materials do. The glass itself can last indefinitely. The limiting factors are typically the quality of the fixings and frame, the integrity of the silicone sealant, and the condition of any protective coating. With proper maintenance, a good quality panel should remain in excellent condition for 15 to 25 years or more.
Are frameless shower panels difficult to keep clean?
No — frameless panels are actually easier to clean than framed equivalents because there are no tracks, channels, or frame profiles to accumulate soap scum and limescale. A daily squeegee and weekly wipe with a mild glass cleaner is all that most panels require. Panels with an applied hydrophobic coating require even less effort, as water beads and rolls off the surface naturally.
