When planning a remodel or designing a new bathroom, many people include a glass shower enclosure. These installations are popular for many reasons, one of which is the ability to customize the design. In terms of the glass, metal, and layout, you have tons of options from which to choose. We’ll give you a general overview to help you clarify your goals and priorities for the glass shower enclosure in your new or upgraded bathroom.

 

Glass Options

 

The type of glass used to construct your enclosure is of key importance for both convenience and style. Most showers are built from transparent glass – either normal clear or ultra clear. This material is best for:

 

• Making the bathroom look larger
• Keeping the shower’s interior visible
• Letting light into the shower stall
• Offering a smooth cleaning-friendly surface
• Matching all color palettes and most bathroom themes

 

Alternatively, privacy glass is more practical for spaces such as bathrooms shared by siblings. Choices here include acid-etched glass, sandblasted glass, patterned glass, and tinted glass. A sheet of glass that is completely etched or sandblasted will look frosty across its whole surface. However, another fashionable option is to have only the middle section of the glass frosted or to create a design. Glass patterns are available in tons of styles, from subtle to modern to flora-inspired. Thus, your choice of shower glass is important not just because of the appearance of the glass itself, but because of how it obscures or highlights the shower interior.

 

Shower Hardware Shapes and Colors

 

Although metal components are smaller than the glass panels used on a shower enclosure, they still help determine its overall style. For starters, you’ll need to choose how much metal to use on the stall:

 

• Framed
• Semi-frameless
• Frameless

 

Also, you’ll likely have some options for each piece of hardware. For one thing, items like clamps and hinges are usually offered with either square or beveled edges. Square edges are more contemporary, while a beveled profile has a more classic vibe. When it comes to larger pieces like a pull handle or towel bar, there are even more choices. For example, simple door pulls like these are a hot pick, but if you want a look with more character, there are ladder handles like this to consider.

 

The same piece of hardware will have a very different personality depending on the finish used. Frequently chosen tones today include:

 

• A cool, silvery shade such as brushed nickel or polished chrome. Both are likely to wear well with time in terms of style, but a brushed finish can more effectively hide fingerprints or water spots.
• A warm, rich finish like brushed bronze or satin brass. These bring up the bathroom’s color temperature and make the glass shower look more high end.
• Matte black, a trending neutral. This dark metal is cropping up in just about every part of a home. It matches other metals and can tie together and ground a bathroom design.

 

Door Type

 

Another important part of a glass shower design is the door. The two most common types are swinging and sliding. Swinging doors are attached to a nearby surface with hinges. Pivot hinges join the door to the fixtures above and below it to form a pivot point on which the door opens and closes. They offer a modern look and minimal metal, and they do not allow the door to seal. Side mount hinges are a traditional product that attach the door to the glass or tiled wall beside it. These are more prominent, and they allow the door to seal. Depending on available space and your desired look and functionality, you can choose a single door or a set of double doors. Frameless sliding door systems are also popular, especially when there isn’t sufficient clearance for a swinging door. They offer a contemporary appearance and convenient door operation.

 

For frameless shower hardware and more, check out the Glass Simple website. We offer a nice selection of styles and finishes along with top-tier customer care. Call our Manassas Park, VA team today at (571)707-7760 and don’t forget to ask about B2B discounts!