Nothing tops the classy, elegant look of a well-designed glass shower door. In function, shower doors are also hard to beat. Whether you’re ready to replace your shower curtain with a sleek, glass shower door or you’d like to update your old door with a new, modern style, we’re here to help you choose the perfect replacement.

Take a look at some of the various attractive options available in glass shower doors:

1. Sliding or Bypass

A sliding shower door, also known as a bypass door, is a panel of glass that slides on a track. Perfect for small spaces and bathtub/shower combinations, sliding doors are easy to use and are also attractive.

A popular variation on the sliding shower door is the sliding barn door. This style features one sliding door on the outside – usually on the shower head side – and one stationary door on the inside. One possible disadvantage of this configuration is that, since the sliding door is on the same side as the plumbing, it may be too close to other plumbing fixtures like the sink or toilet, which could make getting in and out of the shower problematic.

2. Swinging

A pivoted or swinging door operates just like a normal door. Usually, shower doors swing out into the bathroom, but may also swing inwards to the shower. These doors are attractive and easy to operate. However, they do require a bit more space than some of the other options.

3. Bi-Fold

For very small spaces, bi-fold doors can be a lifesaver! These doors fold into two panels off to one side of your shower, allowing you enough space to enter and exit easily. If you don’t have space for a swinging door or sliding door, the bi-fold is an excellent alternative for an elegant looking glass enclosure.

4. Curved

Corner shower stalls are excellent candidates for a curved enclosure. To maintain the visual continuity of a curved enclosure, you’ll naturally want a curved door. These doors are typically swinging doors and may feature a right and left access. However, sliding curved doors are also possible, which helps reduce the space needed for using the door.

5. Barrier-Free

Another option is to skip the door altogether. The barrier-free shower enclosure usually features a stationary glass panel that prevents water from spraying out into the bathroom. The entrance is open, making it a convenient choice for those with mobility issues. You can also install a glass panel in a combination bathtub/shower that maintains a minimalist look but still contains splashing water effectively.

Additional Features of Your Shower Door

All of the above styles of shower doors offer both framed and frameless options. Frameless shower doors are popular thanks to their modern appearance and easy maintenance. However, framed shower doors are often more affordable and are available in a wide range of finishes to match your design and decor preferences. You can also opt for a semi-frameless installation that makes strategic use of frames and hardware.

Glass

Another decision you’ll have to make about your replacement shower door is the glass type. When it comes to glass, transparent is unbeatable in style and for highlighting beautiful tile or stone features. But, this type of glass does require a daily squeegee to keep it looking pristine. Frosted glass is fantastic for those who prefer a bit more privacy and prefer a low maintenance cleaning routine.

Now that you know the shower door options available to you, you can pick an option that looks great, fits well, and functions perfectly.