Glass shower doors are not for everyone. However, most people are limited in choices when renting or buying a new home. There aren’t many options when it comes to a door for one’s shower, so often times people stick with what they have. What are some alternatives to glass shower doors?
Types of Shower Doors
The three types of “doors” available for the shower are:
- Glass Doors
- Shower Curtains
- Doorless Walk-in Shower
While it may seem as though those options are small, there is still much you can do alternatively from your average glass door. When you take the time to research varying methods for shower door alternatives you may find a lot of ideas. Thankfully, we have done the research for you! So, we’ve set the options for you down below.
Glass Doors
By law, glass doors should be made of tempered glass. Tempered glass is used in case the shower door breaks, tempered glass will cause the glass to break into dull cubes while regular glass will break into jagged shards. Most glass shower doors have frames and sit on a track. Alternatively, a frame-less glass shower door would provide less visual weight and essentially disappear in any bathroom. In cramped or small bathrooms, this is ideal as it would make your space appear more open visually. It is a great way to maximize your space.
As a matter of fact, there is another method to revitalizing the average glass shower door. If you are looking for a standout design or piece of art in your bathroom, then perhaps a decorative glass door is what you need. Through ceramic digital glass printing from Dip Tech, you can add any design to your glass doors, frame-less ones too. Whether you’re looking for a layer of privacy in the shower or looking to transform your space, there are many options with glass printing. You can mimic any material including wood, metal, ceramic or tile. Or, you can present pieces of art on the glass. In addition, the glass is durable, scratch, heat, and moisture resistant.
You do not have to completely abandon glass doors when looking to renovate your space, there are still a few options with glass that may be just right for you. If not, then maybe one of the options below.
Shower Curtains
If glass shower doors are not your thing, that is perfectly fine. In fact, most people use a different alternative as a makeshift “door,” and those are shower curtains. Shower curtains are used by many to separate one’s shower or tub from the rest of the bathroom. When it comes to shower curtains there are only a few routes you can go with them, but we will show you a couple that can really elevate your space!
Often one might op for the single-layer plastic shower curtain in their space. And that is fine, it gets the job done. However, why not just add an extra piece of design that can make your bathroom stand out? Instead of just the single plastic layer on the inside, add a decorative shower curtain or fabric on the outside. The decorative fabric you choose to add as a “door” for your shower can really take your bathroom to the next level. There are many designs to pick from, from the Eiffel Tower to clouds in the sky. Just keep in mind the size of your bathroom as well as the color theme of your space. You can either use neutrals for the fabric to tie into other elements found in the bathroom or use it as an accent piece to have a stand out visual.
Maximizing Space With a Shower Curtain
When it comes to keeping in mind the size of the bathroom, you want a shower curtain that is harmonious with your space. A shower curtain that is too busy in a small bathroom will make the space feel cramped, however, in a big bathroom, it might work. A trick though, to making your small bathroom appear bigger can be achieved with the use of a shower curtain.
Take a neutral fabric, like an all-white shower curtain, and instead of hanging it from where the shower ends, hang the shower curtain from the ceiling. Just be sure that you choose a shower curtain that can still reach the floor. When you hang a shower curtain from the ceiling, it instantly will make your bathroom appear longer or taller. Hanging curtains from any ceiling, bathroom or not, is a great way to maximize any small space and make it appear larger.
Pros and Cons of Using Shower Curtains
There are still some pros and cons to shower curtains listed below that can help you decide if they are right for you:
Pros:
- Easier to clean: Like all things, shower curtains get dirty over time. What makes them so easy to clean is how easy they are to manipulate. You can just take the shower curtain down and wash it in your washing machine, following your curtains directions of course. Much easier than cleaning a glass door by hand.
- Replaceable: Unlike glass doors that are expensive and will last with you for a long time, shower curtains you can replace whenever you want to make a change to your space. If you are renovating your bathroom and need a new shower curtain to match, you can just take one down and buy a new one.
- Inexpensive: Shower curtains are a great addition to a bathroom, and thankfully they are inexpensive. If you are ever in need of a new one, it won’t hurt your pocket unlike that of glass doors.
- Easy Access: For all the parents out there, shower curtains are your friend. When it comes to bathing your kids a glass door is going to be incredibly tricky. So, instead, opt for a shower curtain where you can access your kids and bathe them easier.
- Decor: As stated previously, shower curtains can be a great piece of decor in one’s bathroom. With tall curtains or a stand out accent design, one can instantly elevate their space. No matter what your aesthetic, there can be a shower curtain perfect for you.
- Privacy: Unless your glass shower door is frosted or has some sort of design on it, you won’t be having any privacy. So, if privacy is very important, then shower curtains are for you. Besides the plastic curtain, you can add a decorative cloth on the outside not just for design, but also to conceal yourself in the shower.
Cons:
- Limited life span: Shower curtains do not last as long as glass shower doors and have to replaced more often. Buying new shower curtains every once in a while can add up.
- Appearance: Some might find that the look of a shower curtain is not as sleek or luxurious as that of a glass shower door. So if you want a more luxurious bathroom, maybe the next alternative is for you.
Doorless Walk-in Shower
Frame-less Walk-in Shower
That’s right, sometimes no door is the best and most luxurious option. From a visual design perspective, having a shower that you can just walk right into gives that luxurious feel right in your home. Aside from a doorless shower being visually appealing, it is also very practical. Homeowners today plan on staying their homes longer, so a walk-in shower becomes more of a universal design that allows one to continue to use the shower even as they get older and their mobility is impaired.
Of course, if planning on implementing a doorless walk-in shower, it has to be designed properly. To avoid water spray from getting everywhere and causing mold, always seek a professional designer or contractor for help. On the bright side, having a walk-in shower means fewer materials to clean or buy. However, you would be losing any privacy you might have gotten with a glass shower door or shower curtain.
So what’s right for me?
It all comes down to personal preference and budget. Glass shower doors can be done up by the ceramic printing discussed above if you are looking for something different in your home. Walk-in showers are great for maximizing space and giving a look of luxury to any bathroom. The use of shower curtains are especially perfect if you are doing low budget renovations, but still, want to flex your bathroom’s design. These are all great alternatives to the average glass shower door, and no matter your choice, these ideas can elevate any space.