Top Tips to Consider When Choosing a Shower Door

Considerations for Shower Door Installation

Designing a bathroom can be complicated, because it needs to be a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. There are many components to be chosen, and they all need to fit together harmoniously to create a room that feels like an oasis and meets your family’s needs. Every bathroom has a focal point, and for many, it’s the shower, but how can you make your shower aesthetically pleasing? The first step is to choose the right shower doors, but even that can be difficult, considering how many different options are available. Here, we offer some helpful tips for choosing the perfect shower door to install in your home.

Know Your Bathroom Layout Before Deciding on a Shower Door Replacement or Installation

Generally speaking, bathrooms are not particularly large. A big part of skillfully designing a bathroom is making the most of available space, and determining the amount of room you will have for your shower should be one of your first steps. You will want a shower with enough space to be comfortable, but even in a small space, the shower doors can make a difference in the look of your bathroom. In fact, choosing the right shower doors can even make your bathroom seem more spacious. You will also want to know the overall style you want for your bathroom before you choose your shower doors. What might be beautiful in a bathroom with an industrial décor style could look out of place in a traditional bathroom.

Understand the Different Types of Glass Shower Doors

How many different types of glass shower doors could there possibly be? You might be surprised at how many options you have when you are shopping for a glass shower door. If you intend to install a traditional combination bathtub and shower, you will need a different type of door than if you are having a standalone shower enclosure installed. Beyond that, there are several different factors to consider.

• Framed or frameless? These are the two primary categories of shower doors. Framed shower doors are the traditional option, and they are both affordable and functional. They leak less than other shower door options, and are very durable. However, they are not the most modern or sleek-looking option. Additionally, some types of framing may begin to corrode over time, which can negatively impact the bathroom’s aesthetic appeal. Frameless doors offer a sleek, stylish look, clean and elegant. They typically require more space than framed doors, because they swing open and closed- nearly all sliding shower doors are framed. However, for a bathroom that doesn’t have enough space, there are curved shower doors that can be used for corner showers. There are also frameless walk-in showers with a stationary glass panel, and this can be a good option for a small space. Frameless showers can make a bathroom look larger and more open, and may even seem invisible, making the shower look completely open. Another option is semi-frameless, which is less expensive than a frameless door, but gives the same sophisticated look. This type of enclosure has framing on one or more sides of the panels, but no frame around the door, to give the illusion of frameless construction with the support of some framing.
• How do you want the door to open? Some shower doors open on hinges, just like other doors. Sliding shower doors slide along a track, and can take the place for a shower curtain. These doors are, of necessity, framed. Another option is a pivot door, which is good for a large or small bathroom. Opening on a pivot near the middle of the bottom edge of the shower door, it can work in tight spaces, particularly if you choose to have it open into the shower enclosure itself. Pivot doors can be framed, semi-frameless, or frameless. A bifold shower door is hinged in the middle, so that each piece of glass folds inward. These doors require a frame, but they are more expensive than sliding doors, because they often require custom installation.
• What type of glass do you prefer? There are many different options available, and this can be daunting when you are trying to decide on your shower doors. Clear glass is timelessly elegant and simple, and can make bathrooms seem spacious and clean. For truly clear glass, you can choose low-iron glass, which has less of a greenish tint than traditional glass. If you prefer more privacy than clear glass affords, you can choose frosted glass doors. These have been etched on one side by the manufacturer, so that the etched surface diffuses light and makes it impossible to see clearly what’s on the other side. Textured glass and rain glass can achieve a similar result, either being patterned in a design that matches your decor, or with a look that simulates water streaming down the door. Rain glass lets in more light than other privacy options, without sacrificing privacy. Tinted glass doors can be made to any level of opacity, to meet your desired level of privacy, and they come in a wide array of colors. It should be noted, though, that if you choose full or nearly full opacity, you will probably need an overhead light in the shower to be able to see. One benefit of tinted glass is that it blocks UV rays.

Think About Maintenance, Cleaning, and Shower Door Repair

How much time do you want to devote to the upkeep of your shower doors? Some types of glass require more maintenance than others, and framed shower doors can develop corrosion, which will need to be addressed. While clear and low-acid glass doors are easy to clean, they require more frequent cleaning than other types of glass because they show spots and fingerprints more easily. Textured, frosted, and rain glass don’t show smudges and spots as well, but they are more challenging to clean, because they are only smooth on one side. Tinted glass hides water spots and is as easy to clean as clear glass, though it may require specialized cleaning products.

Match Your Style Preferences: Details like Shower Door Handles Matter

When designing a bathroom, every little detail makes a difference. Even with a frameless shower, there will be certain pieces of hardware, like shower door handles, clips, and headers, and choosing the right ones can make or break the look of your shower. If you are replacing the shower door, make sure to match the existing hardware in your bathroom. If you are installing a shower door as part of a complete bathroom remodel, you have much more leeway, and can go for any type of hardware you choose. As you are designing your bathroom, consider your options, basing them on your décor style, and you will find shower doors to meet your needs.

Explore Custom vs Standard Options

In some cases, a unique bathroom layout may mean it’s not easy to find the right shower doors. If you find yourself with a design requirement that’s difficult to meet, a custom door is a good option. Tailored to meet your needs and fit your aesthetic preferences, custom doors are available in a variety of materials and styles.

For Shower Door Replacement or Installation, and All Other Glass Needs, Contact J&M Windows & Glass

For over 40 years, J&M Windows & Glass has been providing quality, reliable services, at reasonable prices, to our customers in San Jose, California. We offer a wide range of glass and mirror services, including new and replacement windows and installation, shower doors and shower door installation, mirrors, skylights, and patio doors. When you work with J&M Windows and Glass, you can expect to work with a friendly, knowledgeable team, providing the highest level of customer service as well as the top products from leading brands. Contact us through our website for more information or to set up a consultation, or visit our showroom to learn more about our products and services.