Ditch Traditional Shower Curtains For A Retro Solution

For many of us, our bathroom is our sanctuary. It is a place to rest, relax, and wash away the stress and dirt of the long day we have just had. Because of this, it is essential to consider how we feel about the space and its design, and this may mean ditching the shower curtain. A staple in many homes, shower curtains definitely scream function over beauty. Although they can be cleaned, it is easy to neglect them, allowing dirt, mold, and soap scum to build up (ew). How can we find our zen during a deep cleanse shower when the surroundings make us feel a bit yucky? 

One fantastic shower curtain alternative is perfect if you are a lover of anything retro: glass blocks. These blocks, which were everywhere in the 1980s, are having a comeback. Functional and beautiful, they look elegant while also providing privacy, bringing a wall of light and texture into your shower room. They obscure what is on the other side while diffusing light, with a range of designs and opacities available that offer different degrees of privacy. Furthermore, the furniture designer Sophie Collé told Martha Stewart that "our generation is very nostalgic — even for things we have not experienced," and this is influencing their comeback. Things that feel retro give us a little bit of comfort.

Although glass blocks are an iconic '80s home decor trend, they actually appeared long before the decade of permed hair and bright legwarmers arrived. They were widely used in the 1930s, often seen in Streamline Moderne architecture, covering whole walls or long curves. This perhaps amplifies their nostalgic attraction. When we bring glass blocks into our bathroom, we are celebrating the architectural trends of both the '80s and the '30s.

As glass blocks are pretty versatile, there are a few different ways you can add them to your shower room. A curved shower enclosure adds a real art deco touch to your space, while straight walls made out of glass blocks feel more modern. You should consider the style of the glass blocks, and which will fit the vibe of your bathroom the best. "For projects that emphasize natural light and openness, clear or lightly textured blocks work best," Romain Freychet, artistic director of Trone, explained to Living Etc. However, "when privacy is a priority, frosted or highly textured blocks are ideal." The color of the blocks should also be considered. Do you want to keep things neutral, or go all-out '80s with some bold color drenching? By considering the lighting and color in your bathroom, you can pick the best glass blocks and get rid of that dull shower curtain at last. 

When it comes to installation, there are a few different options to consider, and it all depends on how handy you are. You can install these glass blocks yourself, purchasing panels of glass blocks that stack together. However, if DIY is not your strong suit, there are companies that will install it for you! But, of course, glass blocks are not for everyone. These are large structures, and you will need to make sure your shower area actually fits within them. If you are not looking for a total bathroom makeover, it may be hard to fit a glass block wall in. Plus, they aren't as cheap as a shower curtain, with glass block wall options usually costing around $1,000 to $3,000, so bear this in mind when planning your upgrade.