Bathroom renovations offer a superb return on investment for homeowners. But to get the most out of them, it’s essential to make smart choices. One key choice that too often gets overlooked is what kind of shower door to install.
Here’s what every homeowner needs to know about the different shower door types available to them and their pros and cons.
Sliding vs Swinging
When it comes to how you get in and out of your shower, there are two main types of shower doors: swinging and sliding. Sliding doors uniformly run on tracks along the top and bottom of your shower. They work best for tub-and-shower combinations where there is plenty of room length-wise for them to move and create a broad opening.
While sliding doors are a classic design, they are not suitable for all homes because:
- They require a certain amount of space to work
- The tracks can be difficult to clean and maintain
- They must have frames, which may not match a homeowner’s target bathroom aesthetic
Swinging doors, by contrast, can be the best type of shower door for:
- Small spaces
- Bathrooms and showers with odd shapes
- Homeowners with accessibility concerns
These doors come in a range of options, including hinged, bifold, and pivoting configurations that enable them to work in any space.
Framed vs Frameless
Another critical decision homeowners need to make is choosing between a framed shower door and a frameless one. Framed doors can be visually appealing and help complete a given bathroom theme or style.
Framed doors can also be a key component in specialty bathroom upgrades. For example, the right kind of framed doors can turn a shower stall into a steam room.
A frameless shower door can be ideal in small spaces, as it creates a cleaner and more open look. Frameless showers can also be part of an accessible bathroom design that minimizes tripping and mobility hazards.
It is important to consider all the various pros and cons of each style when selecting the best shower door type for your home. When in doubt, consult with an interior design or accessibility specialist for help identifying and prioritizing your options.
Clear vs Textured
In general, shower doors of every kind are made from tempered glass for safety. Tempered glass comes in clear panes and textured panes. Textured panes can be:
- Frosted
- Etched
- Made of cast glass
Each type of glass has a distinct look and appeal. Clear glass can make a room look larger and brighter, while textured glass can provide more privacy and visual definition. Check out Community Glass & Mirror for:
- More information on the types of cast glass available
- How each type can be used in various bathroom designs
- Photos of both standard and unique shower doors with different types of glass
Moving Beyond Shower Door Types
Understanding common shower door types can help you make smart choices for your home. Learn more about interior design and today’s hottest trends by checking out our other great home improvement articles today.
thanks mate.