A frameless shower door is a beautiful addition to a bathroom, an investment that the customer should enjoy for years. To result in this satisfaction with the finished project, the glass, hardware, and configuration must be right for the particular space where they are being installed. In addition, the enclosure should conform to both the clients style preferences and practical concerns. Let’s look at some helpful “dos” and “don’ts” for frameless glass shower shopping.

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Practical Considerations for Swinging Doors

Unlike a curtain or sliding door, a frameless swinging door needs sufficient space to operate safely and conveniently. Some homeowners may want to work around this by having the door swing into the enclosure and not into the surrounding area. However, this is not a workable option due to building code regulations: a shower door can swing inward but it must also be able to open out into the larger room. If the bathroom is being freshly constructed or totally renovated, this can be taken into account during the design phase so that other fixtures are installed a sufficient distance from the shower entrance. However, when the glass door is being added to an existing bathroom setup, care must be taken that it won’t hit or block another fixture when opened. Potential issues in this regard can impact the width or placement of the door panel as well as which side is hinged. In certain cases, a homeowner should consider a sliding door or fixed shower screen instead.

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The Best Handle for a Frameless Glass Shower Door

Working with a supplier like Glass Simple, there is a diverse range of handle options for a frameless door. Each has its perks, and specific handles are more or less desirable depending on homeowner needs and goals: Knobs and Finger Pulls: These are smaller than pull handles and preferred by homeowners who want as little metal on the enclosure as possible. However, this aesthetic point must be balanced with practical needs as pull handles can be more ergonomic. Pull Handles: A pull handle is more prominent than a knob, but these are available in contemporary, classic, and fancy designs. They are easier to hold than a small knob and can be used to enhance a homeowners preferred style and theme for the bathroom. Towel Bars/Pull Handles: A towel bar can be installed on the glass and also serve as a handle. This is ergonomic and a great way to save wall space by hanging a towel right on the shower door. Towel Bar and Vertical Pull Handle Combo: Another option offers a towel bar on the outside of the shower door with a vertically oriented pull handle on the interior. As long as a homeowner does not mind this much metal on the glass shower, this is a nice option for both convenience and ease of use.

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Picking the Correct Finish for Frameless Shower Hardware

Ordering the right finish for the shower hardware is key, so homeowners should keep the following points in mind:

• It is most common to match the shower hardware with the other metal in the bathroom. If a homeowner is going this route, it is important that they verify the actual finish of the other hardware. For example, an inexperienced eye could potentially mix-up chrome and polished nickel. 
• When a homeowner is using a living finish like oil rubbed bronze, they should be aware that the finish will gain a patina with time and use and that specialty finishes can vary a bit among different manufacturers. 
• Some decorators will prefer to use two or more metallic finishes within the bathroom. For this “mixed metals” look, it is typical to choose contrasting, rather than similar, finishes.

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Practical and Visual Hinge Considerations 

Several types of hinges are potentially used on frameless showers. Pivot hinges: Pivot hinges are installed perpendicular to one another at the upper and lower edges of the glass. Each hinge is also attached the surfaces above and below the door respectively. The door swings open by pivoting on this hinged point. Pivot hinges give the shower a nice modern vibe, and their simple design makes cleaning simple. At the same time, clients should be aware that pivot hinged doors do not seal up. Wall mounted hinges: Wall mounted hinges are attached to the side of the door panel and to the adjoining wall. Using these hinges gives the door a classic look and the ability to seal when closed. Glass to glass hinges: These hinges are similar to wall mounted hinges, but they are used when a glass door panel is attached to an adjoining glass panel rather than a bathroom wall. Hinges have either square or beveled edges. Square edges are more contemporary in design, while beveled edges give the hinges a traditional vibe. Keeping this in mind helps customers choose the hinges that will best promote their desired design style. Count on Glass Simple to keep you supplied with the frameless shower hardware your customers need in order to achieve their desired look – (571)707-7760.