A bathroom shower can mean the difference between luxury and austerity in the bathroom. Choosing everything from the tile on the walls to the glass door changes the way your bathroom looks and feels.

For a frameless glass door shower install, there are many factors to consider when deciding on door type. Are you considering a frosted or clear glass door? Do you want to take the minimalist approach or turn up the wow factor with something more opulent? Whatever the case, it’s important to take your time when selecting.

At Glass Showers & More, our experienced team sees a wide variety of frameless glass door shower installations. We’ve seen the difference one door makes over another, and the ability showers must tie together an entire bathroom setting.

If you’re considering making updates to your bathroom but aren’t sure which shower door is right for you, we can help. Here are a few options to consider and why they might be the right pick for your bathroom remodel.

Getting Started with a Glass Shower Door Install

Measurements are a crucial component of selecting a glass door, especially if you’ve got a custom shower setup. Getting exact dimensions — including the space between fixtures — is the first step to selecting the doors you’ll install. If you’re using a shower door company to remove old doors and install new ones, they may take these measurements for you.

We don’t recommend making glass door installation a DIY project. As tempting as it is, many things could go wrong, including broken glass and injury. You can find a specialist in your area through recommendations and doing a bit of online research. Shower door businesses’ with great online reviews and plenty of experience are your best choice for a successful installation.

What are the benefits of a glass shower door?

Frameless shower doors use an extremely sturdy glass, which is tempered and around ½” thick. Due to the durability and thickness of this product, the glass doesn’t require the same metal enclosure for support.

This provides a unique aesthetic with contemporary clean lines that you just can’t achieve with gaudy metal edging. Without the opaque surroundings, the clear glass appears larger, creating the illusion of a larger shower.

By excluding a frame on your shower, you can highlight other fabulous features in your bathroom. From updated hardware to bespoke stonework, your washroom can really shine. The price of a frameless glass shower door vs. a basic framed door is more, but the quality and longevity of these pieces far outweigh the extra money spent on them.

Styles of Glass Shower Doors

Now that you know a bit more about frameless glass shower doors, it’s time to consider the different options for style and utility. Here are some of the most common types of glass doors affiliated with the frameless concept.

Glass Enclosures for the Bathtub

If your bathroom doesn’t have a stand-up shower, but rather a tub and shower combo, you could opt to go with a bathtub enclosure. This provides the same feel like a shower stall, with a sleeker look than the average shower curtain.

The same thick glass used in frameless glass shower door installs is used for glass enclosures. Thick, durable, and treated with a protective outer coating. Most tub enclosures run on a track and wheel system made with stainless steel.

Semi-Frameless Options

There are also semi-frameless glass door models to choose from if the fully frameless doors aren’t within your budget. These look very close to a frameless installation but have tiny bonded hinges or clips which hold the glass in place. The 3/8” glass is tempered and coated, with handles matching other metal used on the frame.

Sliding Frameless Glass Doors

Finally, getting into the traditional frameless glass doors, sliding door option is the most common. The practicality of these doors works best for narrow bathrooms, where space becomes an issue for pivoting doors. The doors slide seamlessly on metal runners, making it easy to get in and out of your shower.

Bi-Fold Door Options

As the name suggests, these doors bend to open as though they are folding in on themselves. Still, with no frame to speak of, the clean-cut look of these doors is something to be admired. Bi-fold doors butterfly in and out and work best in medium-sized bathrooms.

Swinging Frameless Shower Doors

Swinging, or pivoting, shower doors swing on a hinge to open and close much the same as your bathroom door. For a large bathroom, this lavish door creates a feeling of grandeur. Just be sure your measurements are accurate because pivoting doors take up more space than you might think while open.

These are a few of the more popular styles of frameless glass shower door installations to choose from. Working closely with your glass shower company, you may find other models more suited to your bathroom.

Glass Finishes and Unique Touches

It’s not only the door style that needs to be considered when choosing new frameless glass doors for your shower. The type of glass also comes into question. There are a few different styles to select from, including:

1. Clear glass

   Simple, clean, and modern, clear glass lets you see exactly what’s in your shower.

2. Frosted glass

   A traditional shower glass style, frosted glass allows light to enter the shower while protecting your privacy inside.

3. Textured glass

   Modern and unique, textured glass designs vary. Like frosted glass, it provides an added level of privacy without foregoing light.

4. Decorative glass

   Choosing a pattern of engraving or metal applique to add to your glass door could create an entirely new look. Some decorative glass is more delicate than standard clear glass, so speak to your glass specialist before choosing a decorative option.

With door style and glass type in mind, you can now begin recreating your shower.

For more information on glass showers and door installation, call Glass Showers & More at 1-416-800-1156 or contact us here.