When it comes to a bathroom remodel, shower doors usually are not at the forefront of people’s minds. While they may not be number one on your priority list, shower doors should not be last either. They are an integral element in a bathroom design, offering practical solutions like water-tight seals, keeping the steam and warmth inside the shower, and privacy. Shower door styles also add to the overall look of the room.
Before you begin selecting products for your bathroom, it’s important to take note that not all shower doors are the same. There are a variety of styles and sizes, and some may be a better fit depending on the size and layout of your space, as well as your budget. This guide will discuss several styles of shower doors so that you can select the one that works best for your bathroom design.
Shower doors come in a variety of types, mainly differentiated by how the door opens.
Sliding Doors
Sliding shower doors, or bypass doors, consist of two or three panels that slide past each other on tracks fastened to the bottom and top of the unit. Commonly used in alcove or standalone showers, these doors make the most efficient use of space, as they do not swing out into the bathroom.
Pivot Doors
Pivot, or hinged, doors offer a sleek, stylish option for your bathroom remodel. Without the requirement for tracks used in sliding doors, this option takes less space away from the shower enclosure but requires the space for a door to swing. A pivot hinge allows the door(s) to swing 180 degrees in either direction.
Round Doors
Round doors are ideal for corner standalone showers. Their curved glass design creates a more spacious feel and provides you a few extra inches of bathing area.
Neo-Angle Doors
Another option that is ideal for smaller bathrooms is neo-angle doors. For this door, there are two smaller panels that run perpendicular to two side walls and a center door is secured between them. This design is extremely efficient when it comes to space and can be installed to swing left or right, depending on your preference and space.
No Door!
An alternative to the shower door is an open style shower, which gives your bathroom design a contemporary vibe and a spa like atmosphere. While this style is typically found in large bathrooms for expansive showers, these shower styles can also suit a smaller bathroom remodel, creating a wetroom type of bathroom design.
There are also different shower door frame options, including:
Frameless Doors
Frameless shower doors are more modern approach to bathroom design. Frameless doors are easy to clean, sleek in appearance, stylish, and are one of the more durable options. They suit a wide range of bathroom design styles and maximize the amount of glass exposed by the door. This creates an open, airy feel to the space, allowing maximum light to flow through the room. A frameless shower enclosure adds depth to your space, giving it a fresh, modern look.
Framed Door
A more traditional approach to shower doors that tends to be a less expensive option, this door style has a frame mounted to the edges of the glass door panels. Frames can be found in different finishes to match your bathroom design style, such as a chrome finish to give the room a more contemporary feel.
After selecting your door style, you can also choose a glass type including clear, frosted, and etched. When it comes to shower doors, there are plenty of options to suit any bathroom remodeling style and budget. For more bathroom ideas, visit our design gallery or stop by our showroom to talk to one of our design experts.
