How to Choose the Perfect Glass Shower Doors for Your Bathroom

Your bathroom gets more use than any other room in your home. It’s no wonder that bathroom renovations are one of the most popular home improvement projects. A few simple changes can transform a bathroom from boring to luxurious, from bland to glamorous, from dull to sleek and elegant. One of the most popular bathroom renovations is upgrading the shower doors. Glass shower doors are available in many designs and sizes and can be positioned almost anywhere in the room. Luxurious and spacious, glass-enclosed showers provide a spa-like feeling. They make your bathroom appear bigger, brighter, trendier and sleeker. Their beauty and functionality boost the appeal and value of any home. There is a glass shower door perfectly suited to every bathroom. The following is some advice on how to choose a shower door.

Tips for how to choose shower doors:

When choosing glass shower doors there are several factors that need to be taken into account:

• Type of glass: Glass shower doors are made from toughened safety glass, which comes in various thicknesses.
  
  
  • 8 mm toughened glass is a premium option that offers the highest structural integrity for a frameless shower door. Extremely tough and durable, 8mm glass is perfect for adding luxury to any bathroom.
    
  • 6 mm toughened glass provides a safe, sturdy, durable option. A more affordable choice than 8mm glass, this option is ideal if you don’t have the budget for thicker glass.
    
  • 4 mm toughened glass is the minimum glass thickness for frameless shower doors. It provides quality at an affordable price.
    
  • DFI coating is a transparent protective coating that transforms glass into a high-performing, water-repellent surface. It eliminates the need for harsh chemical cleaners. Cleanup can be done with water and a soft cloth. It also reduces the growth of mould and harmful bacteria resulting in a healthier indoor environment. 
    

• Type of shower: Shower enclosures/doors are available in a wide range of styles and sizes to suit any requirement/space.
  
  
  • Quadrant glass enclosures are curved and designed to fit into a corner.
  • Pivot glass shower doors open into the bathroom.
  • Bi-fold glass shower doors open inwards to save space.
  • Sliding glass shower doors tend to be larger sizes and can be used to replace a bath.
  • Hinged glass shower doors are often used with neo-angle shower enclosures (corner stand-alones) and can be installed to swing in and/or out. 
  • Steam shower cabins offer the luxury of a steam shower combined with multi-function showering.
  • Walk-in showers create an ultra-modern look and offer a spacious showering area.
    
    
• Size of the shower: The size of your shower enclosure is determined by the available space and layout of your bathroom. Consider a walk-in shower for a large bathroom. Think of bi-fold glass shower doors or a quadrant enclosure for small spaces. 
  
  
• Framed or frameless glass shower doors: Glass shower doors come in two main styles:
  

• Framed glass shower doors generally have a metal frame or trim around the outer edge of a thin glass panel. There are a wide variety of framed doors, different colours of metal trim and a selection of glass finishes to choose from. Though they have a sleek look that shows off the interior of your shower, framed shower doors allow some water to splash out of the shower through the ¼-inch gap around the edges of the door.
  
  
• Frameless glass shower doors are made of tempered, polished, safety glass (⅜ to ½ inch thick) and don’t require the support of metal around the exterior edges. Clips, hinges and door pulls are set into the glass and caulked at the edges and corners with silicone. A rubber sweep is installed at the base to keep water in the shower enclosure. Frameless glass shower doors blend seamlessly with any decor providing a clean, modern feel, free of obstructions. 
  

• Cost: Frameless glass shower doors cost more than a framed shower due to the heavy-duty hardware necessary to hold the thicker glass in place. 
  
  
• Frame Finish: If you’re going with a framed or semi-framed shower enclosure, match the frame finish to the other hardware in your bathroom (shower head, bathroom faucet, vanity drawer knobs, towel rings). Choose from sleek white, brushed stainless steel, oil-rubbed bronze, modern black and more.

How to Choose Quality Shower Doors: Expert Advice

So, how do you choose a shower door? Ultimately, the choice of the best glass shower enclosure/doors for your bathroom comes down to personal preference and what fits your budget and lifestyle. Consider a custom glass shower enclosure/doors to achieve the perfect fit for your space. Always find a reputable installer as an accurate measurement is vital for the installation of shower enclosures. Make sure that the installer measures the wall angles and the floor area properly, enabling the best possible glass adjustment.  

Want a unique design and feel in your bathroom? Looking for beauty, durability and efficiency? Ever considered frameless glass shower doors? Call Calgary’s premier glass and mirror company, House of Mirrors & Glass or visit our showroom. Our knowledgeable and efficient team provides excellent customer service with a focus on custom design. Call (403) 253-3777 or email us at info@houseofmirrors.com. Let us know what you want to achieve; our experts will assist you!