5 Factors to Consider When Selecting Shower Doors

Are you looking to add a glass shower door to your bathroom or update an existing one?

If so, then you’ll need to make a few big decisions, such as the type of door and the style of glass. Remember: it will most likely be part of your bathroom for several years and make a huge difference to the functionality and appearance of the space.

But choosing the perfect shower door to fit your needs can be difficult, as there are many options.

But there’s no need to get overwhelmed. These simple factors can ensure you find the right fit for your bathroom.

 

What to Keep in Mind When Purchasing a New Shower Door

what-t o- Keep- in- mind -when -purchasing –a- new- shower- door

Here, we outline tips to help you choose the perfect glass shower door.

 

1. Design

Showers are generally categorized into three types: stand-alone stalls, walk-in showers, and tub showers. Hence, the type of shower door you purchase will depend on your bathroom.

Another popular type is the barrier-free shower which is a subcategory of corner or alcove showers. Its doorless design offers a contemporary appearance along with easy wheelchair accessibility.

Your bathroom’s layout also needs to be taken into consideration as shower doors require clearance space to open and close properly. So the space available will be a determining factor as to the direction in which the door will open.

Additionally, the dimensions of the shower area should also be kept in mind. Standard shower doors are typically between 22 and 36 inches. So, if you have a shower opening wider than 36 inches, you may have to purchase a custom glass shower door or install a door panel.

 

2. Budget

Setting your budget before stepping into a glass shower door store will help ensure you pick an affordable option. In other words, don’t fall in love with a style that will break the bank.

And remember that you’re also paying for installation – an amount partly dependent on the difficulty of installing it.

 

3. Door Swing

Next, look at the space available. Are you installing a glass shower enclosure or just a new glass shower door? Is there enough space for a swinging door or is it better to install a sliding one?

If you have a small bathroom, use a swing-hinge door on the corner shower enclosure that opens to the right or left. This offers easy accessibility and saves space. Bigger bathrooms with bathtubs will benefit from a sliding glass shower door. They are also suitable for shower area openings that are wider than 36 inches.

Also, consider the placement of the other elements in your bathroom such as the cabinets and toilet. If these sit right outside the shower enclosure, make sure swinging doors don’t hit the other fixtures when being opened.

 

4. Glass Type

The glass type should match the existing bathroom decor. Among your options are:

  • Clear glass
  • Frosted glass
  • Rain glass
  • Low-iron glass

In many instances, clear glass has a slight green tint due to the presence of iron. This may make it unsuitable for bathrooms with white decor. However, it’s a timeless option that works well with any decor style.

Suitable for shared bathrooms where privacy is an issue, moderately opaque frosted glass works well with most decor. However, it does reduce the amount of light that enters your shower area, so you may have to install additional lighting.

Rain glass is so-called because it looks like tiny raindrops are etched into the glass. This textured glass lets in more light than frosted shower glass while offering the same level of privacy.

Low-iron glass offers the same benefits as clear glass with less green as it has less iron.  This makes it most suitable for white-tiled and light-coloured bathrooms.

 

5. Framed vs. Frameless

Frameless glass shower doors look great in minimalist and modern interiors thanks to their seamless design. Plus, the absence of frames adds more visual space as there are no obstructions blocking the bather’s view. This makes them suitable for bathrooms with tiled or patterned shower walls as the design will be visible. They’re also mould-resistant and easy to clean.

On the other hand, a framed glass shower door lets homeowners match the metal to the rest of the space’s hardware and fittings to create a more cohesive appearance. It also reduces the chance of leaks.

A well-designed bathroom is like an oasis in your home. While finding the right glass shower door may seem difficult, following these tips will help create the shower area you’ve always envisioned. Get in touch with an experienced and trusted glass company to choose the right product.

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