Choosing the right shower door for your bathroom can be an overwhelming decision with so many styles to consider. The shower door you select should fit your design aesthetic and functional needs while staying within your budget. With a wide variety of frame finishes, glass types, and opening mechanisms available, narrowing down your options comes down to the basic shower door styles. Here are the 6 most popular shower door types to help guide your selection process.
Hinged Shower Doors
The most common and classic shower door design is the hinged door. Hinged shower doors are comprised of one door panel that swings open and closed on hinges. This tried-and-true style offers a traditional look and easy operation.
Hinged shower doors feature two main opening directions – inswing or outswing. Inswing doors open into the shower while outswing doors open outward. Outswing is the most prevalent hinged style as it allows easy entrance and exit while keeping water contained in the shower area.
Hinged shower doors are typically paired with a matching stationary glass panel. They provide a clean, elegant look and sturdy feel. The downside is they do require wall space perpendicular to the shower entrance to allow room for the door to swing open and closed.
Hinged shower doors come in standard or frameless styles. Framed doors have metal around the glass panels while frameless utilizes u-channel glass with clips. Frameless glass gives a more contemporary, sleek look.
Key Benefits:
- Classic and timeless style
- Easy to operate
- Inexpensive compared to other styles
- Wide range of sizes fit most showers
Consider hinged shower doors if you favor a traditional look and want simple shower access. Just be sure to measure carefully to accommodate the swing clearance required.
Sliding Shower Doors
Sliding shower doors have grown in popularity thanks to their space-saving design. Rather than swinging open, sliding doors glide along a track. This style only requires space along one dimension rather than perpendicular wall space.
Sliding shower doors work well in tight spaces and when you want easy access without a swinging door. They have a very clean, modern aesthetic and take up minimal room inside the shower.
Most sliding shower doors utilize framed glass panels. But frameless glass is also available for a seamless look. The sliding panels are either surface mounted or recessed into the shower wall. Surface mount stands out slightly from the wall while recessed has a built-in track for a sleeker profile.
You’ll also find center-opening, side-opening or corner sliding shower door configurations. Center-opening doors meet in the middle while side-opening doors slide along one wall. Corner doors save even more space by sliding into the corner.
Key Benefits:
- Space-saving for tight bathrooms
- Contemporary style
- Recessed tracks offer ultra-modern look
- Easy sliding access
If you have limited square footage, sliding shower doors are likely the best fit. Just ensure the tracks are kept clean and sliding operation is smooth.
Pivot Shower Doors
Looking for a unique shower door style? Pivot doors provide an eye-catching option. Rather than swinging out or sliding over, pivot doors rotate open and closed.
Pivot shower doors feature two glass panels. One panel is stationary while the other rotates on a pivot point at the bottom and top. These doors create a striking look and take up very little room inside the shower compared to swinging doors.
The pivoting glass panel will either rotate into or out of the shower recess. Inswing doors rotate inward and outswing doors rotate outward. Outswing is generally preferred to keep water in the shower.
You’ll also find pivot doors with or without a frame around the glass. Frameless gives a very sleek, contemporary vibe. Keep in mind the glass panels on pivot doors are not as tall as other styles so partial exposure is likely.
Key Benefits:
- Unique door style
- Compact footprint
- Frameless style options
- Door seals tightly when closed
Pivot shower doors are perfect if you want to make a statement and have the budget to accommodate this premium style. Just be prepared to squeegie the pivoting glass panel regularly.
Bi-Fold Shower Doors
If you favor a very open shower design, bi-fold doors present an excellent option. Bi-fold shower doors are comprised of multiple door panels that collapse accordion style.
Most bi-fold doors feature two door panels that fold in. But you can also find three- and four-panel designs. The panels fold into the shower rather than swinging out or sliding over. When fully extended, bi-fold doors provide a completely open entrance.
Bi-fold shower doors have a narrow footprint when collapsed but require some perpendicular space to allow complete folding inward. The hinges joining the panels must be durable and high performing to handle the weight. And keep in mind that leakage is more likely with multiple panels.
These doors work very well when you want expansive views and an airy feel in a spacious bathroom. Just note that the accordion movement required is not the best option for tight spaces.
Key Benefits:
- Completely open entrance when folded
- Contemporary, clean-lined look
- Narrow footprint when panels collapsed
- Allows wide, unobstructed views
If you love an open concept shower design, bi-fold doors are made for you. Ensure your bathroom has adequate square footage first.
Barn Door Shower Doors
Barn door style shower doors slide open just like their rustic namesake. Rather than tracks, barn doors utilize an overhead support with rollers that guide the sliding door.
This door style has surged in popularity thanks to its unique blend of modern industrial chic and vintage farmhouse charm. You’ll find barn shower doors in a variety of material options beyond just glass. Common choices include wood, metal, and composite barn board planks.
Barn door shower doors offer easy slide access without in-swing or out-swing clearance required. But they do need substantial overhead space for the door support and slide clearance sideways. You’ll find either single or double barn door shower designs.
These doors make a serious style statement. But they aren’t the best option for containing water and minimizing leaks due to gaps. Using a waterproof bathroom flooring material is recommended.
Key Benefits:
- Distinctive modern rustic style
- Real wood or composite options beyond glass
- No swing clearance required
- Space-saving sliding access
If you dig the unique barn vibe, don’t mind limited water protection, and have ample ceiling height, give this style consideration. Just prepare to wipe down the wood regularly.
Doorless Shower Designs
For the most minimalist design, you can also skip the shower door entirely. Doorless showers are a popular contemporary option featuring completely open access.
Without a door or enclosure, the shower blends seamlessly into the bathroom. This open concept creates an airy, loft-like feeling and makes small bathrooms appear more expansive.
Doorless showers require special waterproofing precautions. The entire bathroom must utilize water-resistant materials from floor to ceiling. Curbless designs help keep water safely in the shower area. And linear shower drains eliminate puddles.
You’ll also need to carefully consider the shower layout to discourage water reaching bathroom areas. Strategically placed fixtures and grab bars help block overspray. A partition wall can also help define the shower zone.
Key Benefits:
- Seamless, ultra-modern style
- Makes small baths feel more open
- Endless design possibilities
- Allows easy access
If you love contemporary design and don’t mind an exposed bathroom look, a doorless shower creates a stunning statement. Just take steps to keep the water mess under control.
How to Choose the Best Shower Door
With so many options to weigh, choosing the ideal shower door involves careful consideration of your needs. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Match the style to your bathroom design – sleek contemporary or classic traditional
- Measure carefully to accommodate door swing, slide, or fold clearance
- For tight spaces, try sliding, pivot, or barn styles to save space
- Ensure the frame and hardware finish complements your fixtures
- Select glass type – clear, frosted, or patterned glass to obscure views
- Determine special features needed like shelving, grab bars, or seating
- Check that door seals tightly to minimize leaks as much as possible
- Confirm the door style is within your budget constraints
The shower door style you select should balance aesthetics, functionality, space, budget, and your lifestyle needs. Taking the time to thoroughly compare the pros and cons allows you to make the optimal choice.
With a little careful thought, you’re sure to find the ideal shower door style to take your bathroom design to the next level. Choosing the shower door highlights your style and completes the look – so make it one you’ll enjoy every day!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shower Doors
What is the most popular shower door style?
The most popular style is the traditional hinged, swinging door. Hinged shower doors offer timeless appeal, ease of operation, and flexibility to fit most shower layouts.
How do I choose what shower door is best for my small bathroom?
For small bathrooms, sliding and pivot shower doors are great space-saving options. They don’t require any swing clearance allowing you to maximize your limited square footage.
Which shower doors are best at keeping water in the shower?
Hinged, pivot, and sliding shower doors generally contain water the best – especially framed versions with tight seals. Doorless styles are the least effective at minimizing shower water escaping.
What factors impact the cost of shower doors?
The cost of your shower door depends on size, type of glass, frame material, hardware finishes, special features, and custom work. Hinged doors are the most affordable style while pivoting doors are generally the most expensive.
How difficult is it to clean different shower door styles?
Hinged and sliding doors are easiest to clean. Pivot and barn doors require a bit more regular glass wiping maintenance. Doorless showers need the most diligent cleaning to prevent water stains on surrounding surfaces.
What’s the best shower door for pets that might track in dirt and mud?
For pets, hinged shower doors are easiest to clean. You can simply spray off dirt that your pets track in and wipe the doors down. Sliding and pivot doors often allow more dirt and debris to enter the tracks.
Conclusion
The shower door you select can make or break your dream bathroom design. Luckily, with so many styles – hinged, sliding, pivot, bi-fold, barn, and doorless – you’re sure to find one that perfectly suits your space and aesthetic. Focus on identifying your must-have features, space constraints, and style goals to narrow down the options. Then you can confidently choose the ideal shower door to elevate your bathroom to a luxurious oasis.
