6 Common Types of Shower Doors
An ideal shower door should provide privacy, easy accessibility, and appropriate means to keep water off your bathroom décor. There are several types of shower doors, but here are the six common shower door types.
1. Bypass Shower Doors
Bypass shower doors or sliding shower doors are suitable for small showers since they don't need extra space to swing open. Usually, bypass doors consist of two glass sliding panels attached to the shower enclosure. The panels roll on the tracks so you can slide the door open or closed. Some bypass shower doors use mechanical rollers for easy movement of sliding panels.
You can install a bypass shower door on a stand-alone shower or on a bathtub if the bathroom has both tub and shower configuration.
2. Pivot Shower Doors
The latest designs of curved or bent glass shower doors use a pivot mechanism for easy operation. Pivot doors have pivot hinges that allow the doors to swing open in both directions. Typically, pivot shower doors swing 180 degrees to conveniently open in or out. You can attach the pivot hinge on either side of the shower doorframe, depending on the available space. Alternatively, you may center-mount the door hinges to make a revolving door that occupies less space.
3. Neo-Angle Shower Doors
If your bathroom is small, you may opt for a neo-angle door. The door slides open out with the help of two small side panels that run perpendicular to the bathroom's sidewalls. Most neo-angle shower doors are space
savers and can work best as corner shower doors. A well-designed neo-angle door can move across the 90-degree angle space created by the corner shower to provide easy entrance and exit to the bathroom.
4. Frameless Shower Doors
Frameless shower doors have few or no framing features to provide a clear view that highlights showerheads, flooring features, and bathroom décor. A frameless shower door is easy to clean. You only need to wipe the door clean with the help of a soft piece of cloth and the best cleaning detergents for shower doors. The glass on frameless shower doors is often thicker for durability and to withstand the impact when you open and close the shower door. Most of the glass panels come fully equipped with towel bars to hold towels as you shower.
5. Semi-Frameless Shower Doors
Semi-frameless shower doors come in a sleek design to fit different types of bathrooms. Unlike the frameless shower doors, semi-frameless doors have a metal frame around the perimeter of your shower. Additionally, frameless doors occupy less space and are easier to clean than most framed models. Door handling in frameless shower doors is reversible for convenient door operation.
Here are common installation features you're likely to find on a semi-frameless shower door:
- Pivots
- Bypasses
- Bi-folds
- Single slides
- Double slides
Also, semi-frameless shower doors are available in multiple finishes, such as chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. These finishes add an ultra-modern touch to the shower enclosure.
6. Barrier-Free Shower Doors
If you want better accessibility to your showers, you should consider barrier-free shower doors. A barrier-free door is designed to eliminate the bottom track for easy walk-ins. The door creates a consistent floor that extends through the shower door.
With this option, you can also have your shower designed using sturdy glass or opt for no shower door, depending on your preference. Without a shower door, you can add a glass block or use a tile wall to separate the shower area from the entire bathroom. The glass can be clear, frosted, or etched to create additional privacy.
The above modern shower door options can help you create the shower of your dreams. Contact
Bob's Glass for shower door enclosures and bathroom window installation.
