Bathrooms have come so far from the outhouses and water closets of the past! Instead of being a relatively unpleasant room, the bathroom today is a place of relaxation, refreshment, and renewal. One of the most important fixtures in this new type of bathroom is the glass shower. Sometimes this is an actual spa-inspired appliance, as in the case of a steam shower with steam producing apparatus and an operable transom for humidity control. In other instances, the glass enclosure houses both the shower area and a separate free-standing tub. Whether you’re creating a shower like this or simply enclosing your bathroom’s shower area with glass, there are several steps to designing the perfect installation.

 

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#1. Decide on the layout and door(s).

For starters, you’ll need decide on the fixed glass panels and door panels you’ll include as well as the shape they will form and the angles at which they will meet each other and nearby walls. Door options include:

Double or single hinged doors doors

Single door or double door frameless sliding door systems

No door (open entrance)

In terms of the enclosure’s configuration, options include:

In-line door and panel

Neo-angle corner shower

Right angle corner shower

Splash guard/shower screen

Custom designs with unique angles and numbers of panels

 

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#2. Choose the glass type.

A shower enclosure is built mainly from glass, so this choice is highly important. Today’s preferred glass type is clear. This is available as standard clear glass or as ultra-clear glass that has less iron than normal glass and a corresponding decrease in greenish discoloration around the edges. Choose clear glass if:

You want to make the bathroom and shower look as roomy as possible.

You are updating your shower tile and want to showcase it behind transparent glass.

You prefer glass with a smooth surface that is easy to wipe clean.

Privacy is not an issue for this shower area.

On the other hand, a more private shower area is desirable in some spaces such as children’s bathrooms and guest bathrooms. Your options in obscure glass include:

Glass that is totally “frosted” through acid etching or sand blasting.

Glass that is partly clear but partly sand blasted or acid etched.

Patterned glass (many designs available).

Tinted glass.

Cast glass that is poured into a deeply textured mold to harden.

 

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#3. Select your hardware style and finish.

While the choice of glass makes a huge impact on the enclosure’s appearance, the choice of hardware is equally important. Both the shape and the color of your shower hardware will impact the enclosure’s style and theme. Shower hardware can be traditional and classic, sleek and modern, or ornate and formal. Choose pieces that enhance the vibe you’ve chosen for the space. For instance, square edge hardware pieces impart a more modern look, while beveled edge pieces make an enclosure more traditional. Likewise, a simple pull like this is contemporary in style, while something a little fancier like this will dress up a glass shower.

Many pieces of shower hardware are offered in an array of popular finishes. Cool silvery metallics like polished chrome and brushed nickel are timeless and have a calming effect. On the other hand, you can give your bathroom a bit of opulence with gold-based hues like satin brass and brushed bronze. If neither of these options speak to you, no worries. Neutral matte black is also very stylish and matches pretty much any color scheme and bathroom mode.

 

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We hope you’ll let Glass Simple help with the hardware needed for your glass shower enclosure! We provide excellent customer care, prepare items quickly for shipment or local pickup, and offer many styles and finishes. Call with questions or to create a business account and receive discounted prices – (571) 707-7760.