What are the different types of shower doors?

The shower door is often a taken-for-granted part of the bathroom, but it is crucial for giving you privacy and making your bathroom look more appealing. If you are considering buying a shower door or replacing your damaged shower door, you can select from various door types that differ in terms of operation, shape, frame, and finish. Read on to learn the different kinds of shower doors.           

Types According to Operation

  1. Fixed shower door. This type of door is permanently attached to the bathroom fixture to keep water from splashing out of the shower. It is designed with glass panels that provide a modernistic touch to your bathroom. Fixed bathroom door comes in a variety of designs, frames, and etching. 
  2. Pivot door. Also known as the swing-open door, this door works like other doors in your house. It opens outward from a single side but can also be modified to swing both in and out to fit your bathroom’s layout. This type is ideal for large bathrooms, but you can also use it for other bathroom styles, such as stand-alone showers. 
  3. Sliding door. This type is also known as bypass door, consisting of two or three glass panels supported by a track along the top and bottom parts of the shower opening. Some sliding doors have mechanical rollers that make the door easier to open and close. The sliding door is suitable for stand-alone showers as it can consume very little space.
  4. Folding shower door. The folding shower door is composed of two or three glass panels, one of which is fixed to the wall. The other panels are attached with flexible hinges. This door is easy to open and maintain and provides a more modernistic and elegant look to the bathroom than the sliding door. 

Types According to Shape

  1. Corner shower door. This type of door only fits on showers located at one of the bathroom’s corners. It can consist of more than five glass walls, some of which surround the shower area while the rest serve as the wall and door. The corner door is perfect for large bathrooms as the glass panels can have enough space to operate. 
  2. Round shower door. The round shower door consists of glass panels are propped on a track on the shower’s opening. It is fit for stand-alone corner showers and makes the bathing area more spacious.

Types According to Frame

  1. Framed doors. Framed doors are composed of composite materials or aluminum that give your bathroom a stylish look. They can have rectangular or hexagonal enclosures with various finishes. Framed doors have a track designed to collect water that is why it needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
  2. Frameless doors. These kinds of doors, though simple, are durable and provides your bathroom with an elegant and stylish look. They can be mounted with a towel bar that serves a variety of purposes. Compared to framed doors, frameless doors are easier to clean and more economical. They are best used for showers in small bathrooms.
  3. Semi-frameless shower doors. These doors combine the best characteristics of framed and frameless doors. The entire perimeter of the shower has metal, but the actual door does not. They have a sleek design, but just like framed doors, they require periodic cleaning to avoid mold and mildew.

Types According to Finish

  1. Clear glass door. A clear glass door is the most popular shower door having a minimalist design to give an elegant look to your bathroom. It is clean to look at and lets light pass through easily, enhancing visibility inside the shower.
  2. Frosted glass door. For more privacy, you may opt for a frosted glass door that is semi-opaque and allow little light to pass through. It has a smooth and soft appearance and comes in different colors, designs, and patterns.
  3. Rain glass shower door. This type of door is textured on one side and smooth on the other. It has a pleasing appearance decorated with patterns of crystal rain. Also, the rain glass door can conceal fingerprints and watermarks.
  4. Tinted glass door. This type of glass door is tinted with bronze, black (slightly opaque or dark), or some shades of gray. The level of privacy you need will determine the kind of tone you will use. 
  5. Hammered glass door. Hammered glass door is indented on one side that looks like hammered metal. Although expensive, this type of door can make your showering experience more fun because of the fascinating visual effects created by the light that passes through it. One drawback of this door type is that it can easily crack and shatter when closed violently. 
  6. Patterned glass door. This door is made of glass panels decorated with different patterns and designs, ranging from flowers to trees. It is easy to clean, but you must do regular cleaning to prevent mould growth and mildew around the edges.

Conclusion

Shower doors are an essential part of your bathroom that provides you privacy. They are also crucial for giving your bathroom a stylish and elegant look. You can choose from various shower doors that differ in operation, shape, frame and finish.