Bathroom remodels remain a popular home upgrade, and revamping the shower tends to be a large part of the project. Whether you’re ditching the shower curtain or replacing old framed doors with something more up-to-date, renovating the shower area has a huge impact on the look and feel of the remodeled space. Glass shower enclosures can be tailored to your practical and aesthetic preferences through your choice of glass type and hardware finish. With additional variables like layout, door type, and hardware style, the many possible combinations allow you to create something perfectly suited to your goals for the room. We’ll take a look at just three of the many available combinations of glass type and hardware finish.
 

Clear Glass and Matte Black Hardware

 

If you want to embrace a trend that is made up of classic elements, a clear glass shower enclosure with matte black metal might be perfect for you. Matte black started trending a few years back, but it remains popular and is unlikely to truly go out of style since it is a neutral tone. Dark hardware – like this – can ground a design, unify the space, and provide a pleasing contrast to the white fixtures found in most bathrooms. Benefits of clear glass include: 

• The view of the shower tile is maintained, so it can impact the room’s design scheme rather than being hidden behind a curtain or privacy glass.
• The sleek surface of clear glass is easier to wash than the textured surface of some obscure glass products.
• Clear glass allows tons of light into the shower area.
• By visually connecting the shower with the other parts of the bathroom, clear glass creates a sense of spaciousness.
• Because it is simple and timeless, clear glass works well with all color palettes and most decorating themes. 

Acid-Etched Glass and Brass Hardware

 

In spite of the virtues enumerated above, clear glass is not the best choice for every situation. For instance, you might not like having to keep the interior of the shower display-worthy at all times. Also, in a high-traffic bathroom shared by siblings, a more private shower area is desirable. You can achieve both a secluded shower area and a luxurious vibe by pairing acid-etched glass with brass hardware. Satin brass in particular is another trending finish in 2025. When your shower’s hinges, clamps, and door handle have this gold-based hue, the whole enclosure looks dressier. 

Acid-etched glass is commonly referred to as “frosted.” The surface of the glass is etched by an application of acid that gives it a frosty white surface. Appealing features of this glass style include: 

• The white tone harmonizes with any color scheme.
• There is more privacy while using the shower stall.
• Any untidiness inside the shower is hidden.
• The “frosted” finish can hide smudges and water spots.
• Acid-etched glass works well for preserving an antique look in a historic home, but it is suitable for other décor styles as well. 

Rain Glass and Nickel Hardware

 

If you want privacy glass with a contemporary aesthetic, rain glass is a favorite pick. The glass has a textured pattern reminiscent of rivulets of rain water flowing down the glass. When paired with nickel hardware, the look is sleek and modern, especially if you choose a frameless sliding shower door system like the one pictured above. Brushed nickel is the most popular variation today, and its less glossy surface is good for camouflaging any fingerprints or water marks on the hardware. 

Benefits of rain glass include: 

• The shower area is more private.
• The patterned glass gives the enclosure personality and character.
• Any messes inside the stall are blurred. 

Whichever hardware style and finish YOU prefer, Glass Simple can help! We offer an array of frameless shower hardware, and our Virginia-based team is ready to answer questions – (571)707-7760. Call to learn more or to unlock lower prices by creating a business account!