If you call Glass Simple to place an order or start searching our site for shower door hinges, it quickly becomes apparent that there are many variations and options. Use our knowledge of the world of shower door hinges to help you prep for your order and ensure that the right products for your project are delivered.

1. General Hinge Type

Hinges can’t be ordered until the layout and configuration of your glass enclosure have been established. You have 3 basic options on this front:

• Wall Mount – Hinges that attach the side of a door panel to an adjacent tiled wall.
• Glass-to-Glass – Hinges that attach the side of a door panel to an adjacent fixed glass panel.
• Pivot – Hinges that attach the upper and lower edges of a door panel to the surfaces above and below them, forming a pivot point from which the door moves to open.

Once you’ve determined this, you can look for the right product within your chosen category of door fastener.

2. Angle

Wall mount and glass-to-glass hinges can attach door panels to tiled and glass walls at various angles. They are typically offered in the standard angles used on glass shower enclosures – 90 degree like this, 135 degree like this, and 180 degree like this. If you are hinging a door to a wall meeting it at right angles, you’ll need a 90 degree hinge. On neo-angle corner showers, the center panel (which is usually the door) meets the other two panels at 135 degree angles, so that’s the type of hinge required. And finally, if the door is being attached to a panel in line with it, you want 180 degree hinges.

3. Standard or Heavy Duty

Many hinge brands offer both standard and heavy duty options. The right choice here depends mainly on the weight and width of the door panel.

For example, Glass Simple’s Genesis line is standard duty with GEN5O having a door capacity of maximum door weight of 80 lbs. and maximum door width of 28” (711 mm) with 2 hinges, and maximum door weight of 120 lbs, and maximum door width of 32” (813 mm) with 3 hinges.

On the other hand, the Verona line is heavy duty, and VER5O can accommodate a door with 1/2" thick glass, a width of up to 32”, and a weight of up to 130 lbs. if 3 hinges are used.

4. 0 or 5 Degree

It’s also common for the same hinge type to be available as a 0 degree or a 5 degree hinge. A 0 degree hinge closes with standard pressure. If it is a 90 degree hinge, it will form a 90 degree angle with the adjacent wall when closed. A 5 degree hinge gives you 5 extra degrees of pressure against the jamb for a tighter close. When a 90 degree hinge of this type is shut, it forms an 85 degree angle with the adjoining wall. It is up to you whether you prefer the 0 degree or the 5 degree close, but a shower hardware professional can help you determine which best aligns with your goals for the enclosure.

5. Profile

Next, a given hinge is frequently available with either a square profile – see example here – or with a beveled profile – see example here. There is no functional difference, it’s just a matter of which look you prefer. In general, a beveled profile is considered more traditional and a square profile more modern. You’ll want to choose one edge type and use it for all the clamps and hinges on your enclosure, so pay attention to this detail when ordering.

6. Finish

Finally, there are various shower hardware finishes, with popular choices including brushed nickel, matte black, and satin brass. Many homeowners want to match the shower hardware and the other metal in the bathroom. Alternatively, you can include a couple different metallics in the space in line with the mixed metals approach that is gaining traction in the interior design world.

Still not sure what to order? Call Glass Simple at (571)707-7760 and one of our experienced hardware specialists will help.