Replace your shower curtain with a custom glass shower enclosure to totally transform the bathroom’s ambiance. While you’ll love this transformation, glass showers are also a significant investment even when you’re saving money as a skilled DIYer. Moreover, a quality enclosure will last for years, so there are several reasons for taking the time to carefully choose your options and upgrades. The finished shower enclosure is the result of your choices of glass, hardware, design, and door type, so we’ll take a closer look at each.

Choose the Overall Shower Enclosure Design

A new build leaves tons of options on the table, but even a renovation may offer some different possibilities. For example, many bathrooms have a tub and shower combo that is already enclosed on three sides. If this is your situation, here are some of the options if you want to keep the tub in place:

Alternatively, you can remove the tub (and surround if applicable) and create a glass shower stall, either eliminating the bathtub or having a separate free-standing tub installed elsewhere in the bathroom. The same options mentioned above can be used to enclose a shower area. Keep in mind, though, that extra water-proofing is needed when just a shower screen is used and the entrance is left open.

If the shower enclosure is going in a new build or in an existing bathroom that is being gutted, you may also be able to pick:

Select the Style and Finish for the Hardware

The type of enclosure you choose will largely determine the metal components needed for the glass shower. For example, an in-line door and panel will need hardware such as a door handle, wall mount or glass to glass hinges, clamps, and possibly U-channel. Fixed screens require only clamps and/or U-channel, and hinged screens need only hinges. Glass shower hinges and clamps can have square or beveled edges, and the door handle can be:

The hardware discussed above is typically offered in various finishes, and Glass Simple offers the finishes pictured here for much of the hardware we sell. A frameless rolling door system requires a special hardware kit, and these are available in assorted styles and finishes. Favorite finishes among homeowners and designers today include:

Find the Right Glass for Your Design Vision and Practical Needs

Last, but not certainly not least, you will choose the style of the glass for your shower enclosure. From a design perspective, clear glass is beloved for the sense of spaciousness it evokes and how it highlights the shower’s tile or stone walls. If you want maximum clarity, choose low iron glass, which has less green discoloration around the edges.

However, you may want to design a more private stall, especially if it’s in a bathroom shared by siblings. Popular privacy glass options include:

 The glass, hardware, and design will all impact the appearance and feel of your finished glass shower project. As you undertake this upgrade, you want to receive quality items in a timely manner. Glass Simple is committed to taking the hassle out of sourcing frameless glass shower hardware. If you see it on our website, the item is on our shelves and available for shipment or local pickup. Call with any questions – (571)707-7760!