If you’re adding a glass shower enclosure to your bathroom for the first time, the possibilities can feel overwhelming. In fact, this often includes often a number of important decisions about the glass, the hardware, and the layout. We’ll provide a handy overview of the choices you’ll need to make AND the pros and cons of some popular options.

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The Door/Enclosure Type

 

The first step is choosing the general type of shower door or enclosure that will be right for your needs. The available configurations will vary depending on factors like:

• Bathroom dimensions
• Locations of other fixtures
• How extensively you are remodeling
• Whether you are working with a tub and shower combo or a shower only stall
• Whether you are upgrading an existing installation with glass or building a new glass shower

 

If you’re sprucing up the tub by replacing a shower curtain with glass, for instance, you’ll need to decide between swinging and sliding door operation and whether you want one or two door panels. Consider aesthetics but also practical realities like whether there is room for a hinged door panel to swing open freely.

 

On the other hand, if you’re adding a glass shower to a bathroom corner, you’ll pick between:

• Neo-angle – Glass panels come out from the bathroom walls at right angles and are connected by door panel that meets them at 135 degree angles.
• 90 degree – The glass enclosure has a square or rectangular footprint.

Finally, if the bathroom is large, many unique custom layouts are also possible.

 

Glass Styles

 

Next, the look and feel of the enclosure with be greatly impacted by the type of glass used to build it. Most shower enclosures today are constructed from clear glass because:

• It highlights the stone or tile inside the stall.
• The bathroom and shower area feel more open and airy.
• Lots of light can flow into the share area.

 

On the other hand, some prefer a more private shower space. Although obscure glass does not showcase your choice of tile, the following options are the top picks for those wanting a more secluded enclosure:

• Acid-etched – With a “frosted” look, this glass matches lots of décor styles and provides a solid level of privacy.
• Patterned – Besides making the stall more private, your chosen textural pattern on the glass can add visual impact and enhance the room’s theme.

 

Less commonly used privacy glass choices include heavily textured cast glass or glass that has been tinted.

 

Hardware Styles and Finishes

 

On modern shower enclosures, the hardware is not a necessary evil but an ornament. Make the most of it by carefully choosing the contours and finishes it will bring to the shower area. For those seeking a silvery finish, polished chrome and brushed nickel are top picks in 2025. Satin brass is the favorite if you want a warmer hue, and brushed bronze has also been gaining traction. Finally, matte black remains on-trend and has the advantage of being a neutral tone that matches everything.

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If you are DIYing your glass shower project, know that Glass Simple offers our wide range of hardware to homeowners and business clients alike. Give our helpful team a call at (571)707-7760!