Replace a shower curtain or aging set of framed bypass doors with a modern frameless glass shower enclosure to instantly take your tub/shower area to the next level without the time and expense of a full remodel. There are various types of glass enclosures that can be installed on an existing tub or shower. Whichever route you go, know that updating with clear, custom glass can have a profound and positive effect on the entire space.

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1. Frameless Sliding Glass Shower Doors

 

If you like the space efficiency of your existing curtain or set of bypass doors, frameless sliding shower door systems are a nice modern alternative. You can see some options here that demonstrate how this configuration requires no more space than a curtain or framed bypass system. These glass showers have one or two door panels that are suspended from and slide along a bar by means of rollers. The hardware is kept as minimal as possible so that these enclosure often have a sleek and modern look and feel. The finish you pick for the metal components will help define the enclosure’s style because cool silvery tones, warm gold-based hues, and dark neutrals all have a different effect.

 

2. In-Line Door and Panel Enclosure

 

If you have some room around the shower entrance, another popular option is available to you – a fixed panel next to a door that is hinged to this fixed glass or to the adjacent wall. Known as an in-line enclosure, this is a favorite configuration that often works in small bathrooms as well as larger ones. Besides thoughtfully considering the impacts of the different hardware finishes, you’ll want to choose the door handle with care. Single or back-to-back pull handles are commonly chosen for these swinging doors, and the possibilities include tubular, ladder-style, square, and more. If you need extra room for hanging towels, though, you could opt for a towel bar or a towel bar and pull handle combo instead.

 

3. French Doors for Shower or Tub

 

In a bathroom with clearance around the entire front of the shower or tub, double glass doors – often called French doors – are also feasible. This design can add a bit of extra luxury, and your chosen pull handles or shower door knobs will have twice the impact. French doors also create excellent accessibility and make it convenient to help a small child use the tub without having to work around a fixed panel.

 

4. Fixed or Operable Splash Panel

 

While French doors maximize the impact of your glass and hardware, this next option is more minimalistic. A splash panel – also known as a shower screen or splash guard – is a stationary or hinged piece of glass that creates a partial barrier between the shower and the rest of the bathroom but leaves the entrance open. It helps promote visual continuity between the bathing area and the rest of the bathroom and can also make a compact bathroom seem more spacious. However, the open entrance means that you need extra waterproofing outside the shower area, and you must be careful about the aiming of the shower head and hand-held spray. A stationary splash panel will be held in place by clamps or U-channels, while an operable one will be hinged.

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Do you have questions about the hardware needed for your DIY shower upgrade project? Are you a glass professional or contractor who would like to receive site-wide pricing discounts? Give Glass Simple a call at (571)707-7760, and let our helpful, Virginia-based team assist you.