Congratulations! You’ve decided to remodel your bathroom. Beyond it being an excellent investment when it comes to your home, you now have the opportunity to make your bathroom exactly the way you want it. Embarking on this journey means that you’ll have to make numerous decisions throughout the design process. Although some of these decisions can be seemingly minor, they can make or break the look and feel of your space.
One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is selecting the correct shower door for your bathroom, whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing shower or add a brand new shower to your home. Here’s a guide of considerations when conducting your research on the right shower door for your bathroom.
Framed Versus Frameless
One of the first things to consider is what style of shower you’d like to see in your bathroom, as there are two main types: framed glass and frameless glass. Frameless glass shower doors are composed of panels of sturdy, thick glass, eliminating the need for metal support frames. This results in a clean, more modern appearance, making the shower the focal part of your bathroom. They allow you to highlight any special design elements and are generally lower maintenance.
Framed glass shower doors include heavy-duty framing around the door opening and each panel. Framed glass shower doors are a great option if you’re looking to upgrade from a traditional shower curtain closure for your shower. They are generally a more cost-effective option. For more information on framed versus frameless shower doors, click here.
Enclosure Type
If you don’t choose the correct shower enclosure for your bathroom, you may be prone to water leakage, which can seep into your flooring, causing irreversible damage. The majority of your decision will be determined based on the amount of space dedicated to your shower. Additionally, you’ll need to consider the shape of how you’d like your shower to look.
For smaller spaces, there are several different types of enclosure options. A quadrant shower enclosure fits comfortably into a corner of your bathroom, and is curved, saving you space. Pentagonal shower enclosures are similar to quadrant enclosures, but have a flat front, allowing you more choices when it comes to your door choice.
Alcove shower enclosures are created within an existing alcove space within a bathroom. It’s surrounded by 3 existing walls and then you simply fit a door in the front to create the enclosure.
For more showering space, consider a square or rectangular shower enclosure. As both of their names suggest, they are both square and rectangular in shape. Both of these styles allow for numerous door and frame options.
Walk-in shower enclosures allow the user to simply enter their shower without any door. Glass panels are arranged to prevent water spillage on the floor.
Style of Door
Depending on the type of enclosure you select, your next choice will be on the style of door (if any) for your shower. Some enclosure types require specific door types to be installed, while others give you more freedom to choose. There are a variety of types and styles, so there’s something out there for every design.
Sliding doors consist of two to three glass panels that slide back and forth on tracks, allowing them to bypass each other. They also don’t take up any additional space in the bathroom when opened. Hinged shower doors swing outwards on hinges to provide access, and can be mounted at different heights.
Glass Type
Modern-day showers are composed of tempered glass, which is not only strong but if broken, breaks into smaller pieces rather than dangerous, larger, shards. Clear glass is the most commonly used glass when it comes to showers, and allows the shower itself to be highlighted. In order to look pristine, they often need to be squeegeed as regular maintenance.
Frosted or textured options can add more privacy to your shower, add an additional design element, and are typically easier to maintain than their smooth, clear glass counterparts. Tinted glass can add a bit of privacy as well, and can provide some additional color for a unique look to your shower.
Hardware
One of your final decisions will need to be the hardware style and color you’d like for your shower.
If you’ve selected a framed glass shower, you’ll be a bit more limited when it comes to styles and colors. At Premier Glass Austin, we offer three beautiful finishes for your framed shower. For frameless showers, there are many more options. We currently offer nineteen different finishes, allowing you to completely customize the look of your shower.
The decisions you’ll need to make when it comes to the design and look of your shower should be carefully decided. Still unsure of where to begin? Let Premier Glass Austin help you design the shower of your dreams.
