Essential Glass Shower Door Selection Guide For Homeowners
A glass shower door is an integral part of any bathroom design. Its primary purpose is to separate the shower area from the rest of the bathroom while preventing the water from escaping when someone is taking a shower.
Today's shower doors don't just provide access to a watertight shower area — they come in a wide variety of options to suit almost any bathroom design. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult for you to choose the best door for your shower area, especially if you're not a bathroom design expert.
Consider the following key factors when selecting a glass shower door for your residential bathroom.
Glass Style
Not all glass shower doors are created equal. There are many different styles of glass available for your shower door installation. Clear glass is the traditional choice for shower doors, but many other varieties of glass styles are available to suit the tastes of different individuals. Other glass options that are available in addition to standard clear glass include:
- Patterned
- Painted
- Textured
- Frosted
- Opaque
- Opaque-clear
Which glass style is right for your shower door depends on your unique needs. For example, rain shower doors — doors designed to incorporate the beautiful patterns of rain — are a superb choice if you are looking to add privacy to your shower area while enhancing the overall aesthetics of your bathroom.
Framing System
In terms of framing design, glass shower doors are available in three main options — framed, frameless, and semi-frameless. Each framing system has specific pros and cons that should be carefully weighed before making a final decision.
Generally speaking, frameless doors are a more modern option. They are easier to care for because they don't have metal or plastic frames that can hide dirt. Frameless shower doors are highly favored in modern and contemporary bathroom interior design. The lack of a framing system creates a sense of spaciousness, making small bathrooms look larger than they are.
Because of the additional support provided by the frame, framed doors are usually stronger than their frameless cousins. They are the go-to option for traditional-style bathrooms. Go with a semi-frameless shower door if you want a compromise between a traditional framed door and the more modern frameless door.
Door Operating Style
Glass shower doors can be attached to your bathroom in a variety of ways. A hinged door is one of the more conventional door operation options, but there are newer ways to install the door. These include sliding and folding doors.
The right operating style for your shower door depends on many variables, including the size and layout of your bathroom, your budget, and your desire to maximize your bathroom space.
Feel free to consult a local expert if you need help with evaluating your glass shower door options.
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