It’s easy to focus on the type of glass and the shape and dimensions of your shower enclosure, but the hardware is also a vital component. Choose wisely and avoid common shower hardware pitfalls to ensure satisfaction with the finished project. Whether you’re keeping metal components to a minimum or making the hardware a focal point, these pro tips on shower hardware dos and don’ts will help you avoid common pitfalls.

DO check the finish carefully, especially if mixing brands.

Shower hardware is available in a range of finishes. Often a particular metallic finish is offered in assorted levels of sheen – for example, brushed nickel and polished nickel or polished brass and satin brass. To ensure a good match across all the bathroom’s metal components, check both the finish itself and the level of sheen. If you order a satin brass towel bar, for instance, you don’t want to buy a polished brass shower head. Also, sometimes products identified as the same finish and shine will look different from different brands. Subtle variations may not be noticeable, but this is something to keep in mind, especially if the two fixtures will be close to each other.

DON’T mix metals by bringing in just one piece of hardware in a different finish.

While using two or three different metal finishes in one space has become an accepted design choice, it’s important to be intentional in doing this. If you decide you want to jump on board the matte black metal trend, it’s not enough to add a single piece of matte black metal. For example if you decide to replace your chrome shower door pull with one in matte black, find a way to add this metal to a couple other areas in the bathroom, too. Soap dispensers, trash cans, light fixtures, and mirror frames offer possibilities in this regard.

DO check measurements and specs carefully before placing a shower hardware order.

When shopping for glass shower hardware it’s not enough to find a style you love. Check that the item works with your glass thickness and that it will fit on your shower door. (This is especially important when ordering a towel bar that will be installed on one of the glass panels. The glass panel must be wider than the towel bar.) If you are replacing a piece of shower hardware, you also want to make sure that it can be installed using the holes that have already been drilled in the glass for the original item.

DON’T forget to include shower hardware that gives you more storage options.

Often a bathroom gets messy or cluttered because there simply isn’t enough storage. A glass shower actually opens up a few possibilities for adding storage solutions. Examples include:

DO source your frameless glass shower hardware from a trusted company.

If you haven’t yet ordered hardware from Glass Simple, we hope you’ll give us the chance to earn your business. Glass Simple is based in Manassas Park, VA and staffed by a veteran team with decades of experience in the glass shower industry. All phone calls are answered by our Manassas Park team, and are not routed to a call center far away. Additionally, everything on our site is in-stock and can be ordered for shipment or local pickup. Finally, we offer reduced pricing to all B2B account holders – call (571)707-7760.