Different Types of Shower Doors

By - Michelle
10.02.23 06:21 AM
Modern bathroom with a frameless glass shower door, white vanity, and light wood flooring.

Choosing the right shower door for your bathroom remodel can be quite a challenge. Even if you have a clear idea of what you want, the countless options can quickly become overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate through the different types of shower doors available, including the pros and cons of each one. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of what will work best for your bathroom, making the decision process a bit easier.

Table of Contents
Types of Shower Doors
Glass Options

​Pivot Door

Modern bathroom with a frameless glass pivot door shower, marble tiles, and hexagon-patterned floor.

Also known as a swing door, a pivot shower door is hinged on one side and swings in and out of the shower space. Unlike traditional hinges, pivot hinges rest on a floor-mounted hinge, allowing the door to move 180 degrees either inward or outward. If mounted in the center of the shower, it can even rotate a full 360 degrees, enhancing simplicity and functionality in the showering experience.

Different Types of Pivot Shower Door

Frameless pivot shower door 

These frameless shower doors have no frame at all, creating a seamless and modern look. They're perfect for contemporary bathroom designs.

Modern shower with marble tiles, built-in niches, and a frameless pivot shower door.

Semi-frameless pivot shower door

This type of pivot door has minimal framing around the edges, giving it a clean and smooth look while still offering some support.

Compact bathroom with dark blue tiles, a semi-frameless pivot shower door, and a white vanity.

Framed pivot shower door

For those looking for a more traditional design, framed pivot doors are an excellent choice. They have a visible frame around the edges, providing extra stability and support.

Compact bathroom with a white shower enclosure and a framed pivot shower door.

Pivot Door Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Offers a wide opening for easy access and cleaning.
  • Suitable for those with limited mobility as it provides more space to enter and exit the shower area.


Cons

  • Requires more clearance space for the door to swing open fully.
  • May not be suitable for smaller bathrooms with limited space.
  • Pivot doors can sometimes allow water to escape from the shower area, especially if not properly sealed.
  • Generally, pivot doors can be more expensive than other types of shower doors due to their design and materials.

​Fixed Panel

Spacious shower with beige tiles, a built-in bench, and a fixed panel glass enclosure.

Also known as a swing door, a pivot shower door is hinged on one side and swings in and out of the shower space. Unlike traditional hinges, pivot hinges rest on a floor-mounted hinge, allowing the door to move 180 degrees either inward or outward. If mounted in the center of the shower, it can even rotate a full 360 degrees, enhancing simplicity and functionality in the showering experience.

Different Types of Fixed Panel

Single fixed panel

A single fixed panel is a large glass pane that does not move and is used in combination with a sliding door or another fixed panel. It provides stability and structural support for the shower enclosure while still allowing for an open and airy feel.

Multiple fixed panel

For larger shower spaces, multiple fixed panels can be used to create a sleek and modern look. These panels are often paired with a sliding door or another fixed panel, allowing for custom configurations and designs.

Walk-in shower screen

A walk-in shower screen is a popular choice for those looking for a minimalist and sleek design. It features a single glass panel that is secured to the floor and wall, creating an open and spacious shower area. This type of enclosure is perfect for modern and contemporary bathrooms.

Fixed Panel Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Fixed panels provide structural support and stability for the shower enclosure.
  • They allow for a customizable and modern design.
  • Walk-in shower screens offer a minimalist and spacious look to any bathroom.


Cons

  • The installation of fixed panels may require professional help, which can increase the overall cost.
  • Water can leak out from the gaps between the fixed panel and door, so proper sealing is important. 

​Sliding Door

A shower remodel for one of our clients featuring a pebble tile floor, wooden wall tiles, and a fixed panel glass door.

Sliding shower doors have two glass panels, one of which is fixed, and the other slides along a metal track. There are different types of sliding doors, including single sliding doors, double sliding doors, barn style sliding doors, and curved shower doors for corner showers.

Different Types of Sliding Door

Single Sliding Door

A single sliding door has one fixed panel and one movable panel that slides along a track to open and close. This type of door is ideal for smaller showers because it doesn't require any extra space for the door to swing open.

Modern bathroom with a single sliding door shower, wooden wall tiles, and a white vanity.

Double Sliding Door

As the name suggests, a double sliding shower door has two movable panels that slide in opposite directions to open and close. 

Modern bathroom with a black-framed double sliding door shower, light grey tiles, and a white vanity.

Barn Style Sliding Door

A barn-style sliding door is a popular choice for modern and farmhouse-inspired bathrooms. It features a rustic, exposed metal track and rollers that give it an industrial look. It's perfect for adding a unique touch to your shower space.

Curved sliding door for corner showers

For corner showers, a curved sliding door is an excellent option. It features a curved glass panel that slides along a track to open and close, creating a sleek and modern look. This type of door also allows for more space inside the shower enclosure, making it feel more spacious and luxurious.

Modern bathroom with a curved sliding door for corner showers, beige tiles, and a white vanity.

Sliding Door Pros and Cons

Pros

  • They do not require extra space for swinging open, making them a great option for smaller bathrooms.
  • They offer a modern and clean look to any bathroom.
  • They are often more budget-friendly than other types of shower doors.


Cons

  • Depending on the size of your shower enclosure, a sliding door may not provide as much access as a hinged or pivot door.
  • The track and rollers of sliding doors can accumulate dirt and soap scum, making them more difficult to clean.
  • Sliding doors are less watertight compared to other types of shower doors, so there is a risk of water leaking out of the enclosure.

​Bi-Fold Shower Door

Modern bathroom with a bifold shower door, light beige tiles, and a white vanity.

Bi-fold shower doors consist of two panels that fold inwards like an accordion to save space. They are perfect for narrow showers or small bathrooms where a swinging door is not feasible. These doors can be installed with or without frames, giving you the freedom to choose according to your bathroom design.

Types of Bi-Fold Shower Doors

Frameless bi-fold shower door

Frameless bi-fold doors offer a sleek and modern look, as they do not have any visible frames. This type of door is perfect for creating a seamless and open feel in your shower enclosure.

Framed bi-fold shower door

Framed bi-fold doors provide added support and stability, making them a great option for larger shower spaces. The frame also adds an element of design to the overall look of the shower enclosure.

Bi-Fold Shower DoorPros and Cons

Pros

  • Bi-fold shower doors are a space-saving option for small bathrooms.
  • They can be installed with or without frames, providing versatility in design.
  • With two panels, bi-fold doors offer easy access to the shower.


Cons

  • The folding mechanism may require regular maintenance and adjustment to ensure smooth operation.
  • The folding panels may not provide as much stability as a fixed panel or pivot door. 

​Neo-Angle Shower Door

Modern bathroom with a neo angle shower door, grey tiles, and a white vanity.

Neo-angle shower doors are a popular choice for corner showers. They feature three panels, with two fixed panels on either side and a hinged door in the center. This type of enclosure is perfect for maximizing space in small bathrooms while still creating a functional and stylish shower area.

Types of Neo-Angle Shower Doors

Frameless neo-angle shower door

Neo-angle doors are designed for corner showers and feature a unique shape that saves space while still providing ample room for showering. A frameless neo-angle door adds a touch of elegance and modernity to any bathroom, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.

Framed neo-angle shower door

A framed neo-angle door is a more traditional option, offering added stability and support to the shower enclosure. The frames also give you the ability to customize the look with different finishes and designs.

Neo-Angle Shower Door Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Bi-fold shower doors are a space-saving option for small bathrooms.
  • They can be installed with or without frames, providing versatility in design.
  • With two panels, bi-fold doors offer easy access to the shower.


Cons

  • The folding mechanism may require regular maintenance and adjustment to ensure smooth operation.
  • The folding panels may not provide as much stability as a fixed panel or pivot door. 

Types of Shower Door Glass

Shower doors are available in various types of glass to accommodate different preferences and needs. Some common options include clear glass, frosted glass, and tinted glass.

​Clear Glass Doors

Clear glass door provides an open and spacious look to the bathroom as it allows light to pass through without any obstruction. It is a popular choice for a shower glass door in modern and minimalist designs, as it creates a seamless look. However, this type of glass requires regular cleaning to prevent water spots and soap scum build-up.

Modern bathroom with a clear glass door shower, herringbone tile pattern, and built-in niches.

​Frosted Glass Doors

Frosted glass door is a popular option for shower doors as it provides privacy while allowing natural light to enter the shower area. It has a textured surface that diffuses light, creating a soft and muted look. Frosted glass doors is perfect for those who want some privacy in their bathroom without sacrificing natural light.

Modern bathroom with a frosted glass shower door and marble walls.

​Tinted Glass Doors

Frosted glass door is a popular option for shower doors as it provides privacy while allowing natural light to enter the shower area. It has a textured surface that diffuses light, creating a soft and muted look. Frosted glass doors is perfect for those who want some privacy in their bathroom without sacrificing natural light.

Modern bathroom with a tinted glass door shower, freestanding bathtub, and illuminated wall accents.

​Factors to consider when choosing a Shower Door 

  • Water containment: Make sure to choose a door that adequately contains water within the shower area to avoid leaks and potential damage.
  • Ease of cleaning: Frameless doors are easier to clean as they do not have any metal frames that can collect dirt and grime. However, framed doors may be a better option for those with hard water or high mineral content in their water supply.
  • Safety features: Look for tempered glass options and secure closing mechanisms to ensure safety in the shower.
  • Accessibility: Consider your own mobility needs and those of other household members when choosing a shower door. Sliding doors may be easier to maneuver for individuals with limited mobility.
  • Style and design: Choose a door that complements the overall look and feel of your bathroom, whether it be modern, traditional, or somewhere in between.
  • Budget: Shower doors can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Determine your budget before making a decision and consider the long-term cost of maintenance and potential repairs.

​Framed Shower Door vs Frameless Shower Door

Framed shower doors come with a metal frame that provides strength and stability, making them sturdy and easy to operate. They are available in various mechanisms like sliding, hinged, and pivot. On the other hand, frameless shower doors do not have a metal frame, offering a sleek and modern look. They rely on thicker glass and strong hinges for support, which can make them slightly less sturdy but more aesthetically pleasing. Despite framed doors being the classic style, they offer superior stability compared to their frameless counterparts.

​Shower Door Option for Small Bathroom 

Maximizing space in small bathrooms can be challenging, but choosing the right shower door can make a significant difference. Here are several space-efficient options:

  • Sliding Glass Doors: These shower doors move side-to-side, eliminating the need for extra space to open outward.
  • Curved Shower Doors: Designed to slide within the shower itself, these doors save valuable floor space and provide a sleek appearance.
  • Neo-Angle Doors: Ideal for corner showers, these doors are specifically designed to fit perfectly in small spaces.
  • Bi-Fold Doors: Offering a compact alternative to traditional swinging doors, bi-fold doors are a practical solution.

If you have a bath/shower combination, either sliding shower doors or a shower curtain would be the most practical choices.

​What Type of Shower Door is Best? 

When it comes to choosing the best shower door for your bathroom, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It ultimately depends on your personal preference and the overall design of your bathroom. Consider the size of your shower space, the style you want to achieve, and your budget when making a decision.

​Types of Shower Doors for Tubs

Homeowners often choose sliding shower doors for tubs because they're simple to install and affordable. They open from either side, making them convenient for everyone, including families and those with mobility issues.

There are different shower door options to choose from when looking for. In the end, it all depends on your preference and what works best for you. 

Make sure you understand your options so you can select the door type that matches perfectly with your preferences and budget. If you're ever stuck or need that extra guidance with your choice, don't hesitate to call us. We have plenty of experience installing shower doors and lots of advice on what could work best for your bathroom!