Glass shower doors are a small detail that can instantly transform your bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary. By switching out your tub and shower curtain for a stunning frameless glass shower enclosure, you can create a luxury bathroom that feels like an at-home spa.

However, while it’s ultimately a simple switch, the numerous design styles and decisions to be made can overwhelm some homeowners. To help you choose the best glass shower enclosure for your bathroom, here are some key factors to consider.

Assess Your Space

Before you start browsing glass shower door options, carefully evaluate your bathroom’s layout and dimensions. Measure the available space, paying attention to details like ceiling height, wall positioning, and any potential obstacles such as toilets, vanities, or windows.

Consider your overall bathroom configuration and the typical flow of traffic. Some bathrooms may benefit from a sliding door to maximize space, while others might have room for a more expansive hinged, walk-in style.

Compare Shower Door Styles

Shower door styles can drastically impact both the functionality and the look of your bathroom. Consider all the available door style options, including sliding doors, hinged doors, bi-fold doors, and fixed frameless doors.

Options like sliding doors and bi-fold doors work best in smaller spaces, since they don’t require additional clearance for opening. Hinged doors provide a more traditional look and can create a wider entry point, making them ideal for larger bathrooms. Pivot doors offer an ultra-modern solution, rotating on a central point for a more unique design. Each option suits a variety of room sizes, layouts, and budgets, so discuss your glass shower door options with your architectural glazing contractor to make the right choice.

Choose a Frame Type

Once you know what style of shower door you want, you’ll need to consider whether you want a framed, semi-frameless, or frameless glass shower enclosure. Framed enclosures are the most budget-friendly options, and they offer the greatest structural support. Their metal framing can also add a decorative element to your bathroom, depending on its style.

Semi-frameless options offer a middle ground, providing some structural support while offering a more open and modern appearance. Frameless glass shower enclosures offer the most sophisticated and modern look, with thick, tempered glass that requires minimal hardware. Due to their lack of framing, these shower doors create the illusion of more space with uninterrupted sight lines, welcoming more natural light into the room and giving it a more open and airy feeling.

Select Materials and Finishes

Glass selection is crucial to your shower enclosure’s performance and appearance. Tempered glass is the industry standard, offering superior strength and safety, but you can choose your glass’s thickness to further enhance durability. You can also decide between clear, frosted, or textured glass based on your privacy and design preferences.

Another design consideration is hardware finishes. Chrome and silver are popular choices for their classic appeal and easy maintenance, but brushed nickel, antique gold, and matte black have all become popular in more recent years. Coordinate your shower hardware with other bathroom fixtures, such as faucets and cabinet hardware, for a more cohesive design style.

If you’re a homeowner looking to install new frameless glass shower enclosures, look no further than the experts at Golden Glass. We’re the nation’s premier residential architectural glazing contractor, with decades of five-star ratings to attest to our quality craftsmanship. Let Golden Glass help you create the frameless glass shower enclosure that best enhances your home’s style while supporting the environment by calling 800-64-GLASS or filling out our online contact form today. One of our team members would be happy to talk you through our services and give you a free quote for your next project.