4 Reasons to Choose a Glass Shower Door Versus a Curtain
10th Jul 2025
When doing a bathroom makeover or renovation, an important consideration is glass shower vs. shower curtain. The most appealing aspect of a curtain is probably its relatively small price tag. It can also be fun to quickly refresh a bathroom by replacing the shower curtain. However, the attractive features of glass shower enclosures are multiple and significant, which is probably why you see glass much more frequently than curtains in home décor blogs and magazines. We’ll explore four reasons it can be beneficial to select glass shower doors instead of the cheaper option of a curtain, rod, and liner.
1. Shower glass is more on-trend than a shower curtain.
If you want your upgraded bathroom to be as stylish as possible, glass is the way to go. For one thing, it is simply more popular with designers and home décor specialists, which makes it more fashion-forward. Also, clear glass is the most common pick, and it has the advantage of keeping the tiled walls of the shower visible and always contributing to the overall look and feel of the room. It is also possible to customize glass shower enclosures through your picks for glass, hardware, and configuration, ensuring that the installation harmonizes with the rest of your space.
2. A glass shower can contribute to your bathroom being more sanitary.
There are any number of problem areas when it comes to bathroom cleanliness and sanitation, including the floor behind the toilet and the grout lines between the tiles. However, the liner and shower curtain tend to rank high on the list as well. Mildew infestations, soap scum buildup, and even pink bacteria can overtake these items. Worst of all, these issue can develop slowly and not be noticed until after a family member or guest has had a close encounter with a slimy sheet of cloth or vinyl. On the other hand, the glass and metal that make up a shower enclosure are non-absorbent and can be sanitized. Here are tips for designing a glass shower with an eye to ease of cleaning and minimal issues:
- Choose a design with a few simple metal components, like clamps, hinges, and pull handles rather than a more complex system.
- Pick smooth glass – clear or tinted – as it will be easier to clean than acid-etched or patterned glass, which has a textured surface.
- Upgrade to shower glass that has been permanently sealed or protected. This type of glass stays clean for a longer period of time and washes up more easily.
- Avoid installing glass so close to another fixture that you create an uncleanable space where moisture will build and problems will arise.
3. A clear glass barrier creates a feeling of space.
Focusing on popular clear shower doors, they have another advantage that is especially appreciated in small bathrooms. Transparent glass creates a clear line of sight between the shower area and the rest of the room which, in turn, makes both area feel larger. Similarly a clear door lets more light pass into the shower from the bathroom window, further enhancing the bright, open ambiance. Shower enclosure designs suitable for a small space can include:
- Frameless sliding shower door systems (Click here to see examples.)
- A splash guard attached with clamps, U-channels, or hinges like these.
- A neo-angle corner shower with panels coming out from the wall at 90 degrees joined by a glass door on 135 degree hinges like this one.
4. Glass shower doors are versatile and aesthetically adaptable.
A glass shower represents a greater investment of money and time than a curtain, but will also last for years. Moreover, if you choose classic glass and metal options – such as this tubular pull handle – it will continue to look awesome even as you might change the room’s theme, color scheme, or mode of décor. Because glass and metal are timeless, this is an investment that you can enjoy as time goes on, unlike a shower curtain that generally has less longevity.
Count on Glass Simple for frameless shower hardware and more! Our Virginia based team is ready to answer your questions, take your order, or help you set up a B2B account at (571)-707-7760. Give us a ring today!