The two main components of a shower enclosure project are the glass and the metal. Since the sheets of glass are so large and such a prominent part of the installation, it can be tempting to spend a lot time choosing the glass style and then race through the choices for hardware. However, the metal components serve vital practical purposes and have a big impact on the shower’s aesthetic. We’ll put you on the alert for common mistakes and suggest best practices for choosing the hardware that’s right for your design and your practical needs.

 

Measure and Consider

 

Shower hardware is not the type of item where we can find a piece that looks nice and just order it. Each metal component has technical specifications, one of which is its dimensions. Glass-mounted towel bars, for example, are available in many lengths, some of which are wider than certain panels of glass used on enclosures. Before selecting a towel bar, measure the piece of glass it will be installed on, and choose a product that will fit nicely within these confines. Likewise, if there are already holes fabricated for installation of hardware such as a pull handle, check that the item you are considering will work with spacing and diameter of these holes.

 

Check the Edges

 

When it comes to clamps and hinges, you will encounter products that are virtually identical except for the edges – square on one version and beveled on the another. This small feature makes a difference, with a square profile offering a more contemporary style and the beveled look being more traditional. Designers and home decorators typically use the same edge throughout the enclosure and may even try to keep harmony among fixtures across the bathroom. Taking note of this detail when ordering fasteners for your shower glass will help you maintain a unified and cohesive look on the finished project.

 

Be Mindful of Specs

 

The specifications mentioned earlier also give important information like what type and thickness of glass the piece is suitable for. In terms of hinges, there are also ratings for the weight and dimensions of the door panels that various hinges can serve. Paying attention to these restrictions helps ensure the safety and longevity of your frameless glass shower doors.

 

Watch Finish Details

 

The most common approach to a bathroom’s hardware finish is the monochromatic one – all metal in the same finish throughout the space. If you go this route, it is not enough to order all “brass” hardware or all “chrome” hardware. The level of sheen makes a big difference, so polished nickel is noticeably glossier than brushed nickel, for example. An even more extreme example is oil-rubbed bronze. When installed, this finish often looks closer to matte black than to other “bronze” finishes. With time and use it develops a patina and bronze highlights. Two other points to keep in mind:

 

• There can be slight to significant differences in the same finish among different brands.
• Don’t buy one piece in a less common finish, like champagne brass, until you have made sure you can also source the other hardware in this same tone.

 

Contrast and Scatter

 

If you prefer to embrace the mixed metals trend instead of taking the monochromatic approach, there are a few faux pas to avoid:

 

• Don’t choose two finishes that almost match like polished brass and satin brass.
• Instead pick finishes that are completely different and form an appealing pair, such as brushed nickel and matte black.
• Don’t cluster your two or three chosen finishes in separate parts of the bathroom.
• Sprinkle each finish throughout the space in an intentional way.

  

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Are you ready to put these tips to work and order your hardware? We invite you to browse the Glass Simple site and to call us with any questions at (571)707-7760!