Types of Shower Doors

Sliding shower doors also known as bypass doors, are one of the best shower doors for small bathrooms or bathtub showers.

• Consist of two or three panels that slide along on tracks
• Requires no floor space for opening door
• Ideal for wide shower openings
• Some models are designed as alcove shower doors

Hinged shower doors have a sleek and modern look. Functional and easy to use, these types of shower doors swing outward from one side with the help of hinges attached to the wall.

• Can be installed in various types of showers
• Few moving parts and no tracks make it low maintenance
• Different finishes available
• Good option for mobility issues
• Can require a large space

Pivot shower doors, swing open from a hinge at the top to bottom. This lets the spin but stay in place.

• Good for openings that are too narrow for a sliding door
• Can work with corner showers
• Some models allow the door to swing both in and out

Round shower doors are a space-saving option for corner walk-in shower stalls.

• Ideal for corner standalone showers
• Often reversible for right or left access
• Open by sliding bypass operation or have hinged opening
• Curved glass design
• Attached to the top and bottom of the frame for stability and smooth operation

Neo-angle shower doors are designed to fit neo-angle shower enclosures for corner installations.

• Space-saving design and modern look
• Take up less floor space than a rectangular design.
• Some models have reversible doors for left or right entry
• May require a higher upfront investment

Barrier-free showers have a fixed shower door panel near the shower head.

• Contemporary, streamline design
• No step or lip at the entrance
• Perfect for individuals with mobility limitations
• Installation can require additional materials and labor

A doorless shower has a singular, fixed door panel. It is attached near the shower head to stop spray from getting on the bathroom floor.

• Spacious, sleek design
• Makes bath feel bigger and more modern
• Opening is often wider than conventional shower doors
• Good for accessibility

Bi-fold shower doors consist of two panels that fold inwards. They are one of the more popular shower door types for small baths.

• Easy access to the shower
• Space-saving
• Can be used for straight or curved shower enclosures
• Come in different sizes and can be customized

Steam shower doors have tightly sealed doors that are designed hold steam in.

• Luxurious, sauna experience
• Come in various shower door styles
• Often made with thicker glass than other shower doors

The standard shower door sizes range from 22-inches to 36-inches wide. Single panel doors are rarely wider than 36-inches. For openings larger than 36 inches, add an additional door panel or one made for wide openings.

To determine which shower door sizes you’ll need, here’s how to measure for a shower door:

• Measure the opening width. Determine the distance from wall to wall at the top and bottom of the opening. The measurements should be to the nearest 1/16-inch. If these measurements differ, select a door using the larger width for a bypass door or the smaller width for a pivot door.
• Measure the opening height. Determine the distance from the top of the tub edge or shower base to the top of the wall unit or tile wall where you want the door to be located. Measure vertically at both sides. The measurement should be to the nearest 1/16-inch. Select a door with a height less than or equal to the smallest of these measurements.
• If installing a pivot door, extend a tape measure to the width of the door. Hold one end of the tape where the door hinge will be. Pivot the other end to see the clearance you’ll need.

Tip: Some shower doors can be adjusted slightly to fit or accommodate walls that aren’t perfectly square.

All types of glass shower doors are either frameless or framed. Here’s what to consider when deciding on frameless vs. framed shower doors:

Frameless shower doors are designed with through-the-glass mounted hardware and very thick clear glass.

• Easier to clean than framed doors
• Create a feeling of spaciousness
• Installation best left to pros
• Materials can require higher investment

[Framed shower doors] have aluminum, stainless steel or other material framing its glass panel.

• Come in a variety of shower door sizes and shower door types
• Have several finishes to choose from
• Budget-friendly, durable and easy to install
• May require higher maintenance

The best type of glass door for your shower depends on your privacy, natural light, maintenance and durability needs. Glass thickness makes a difference too. A thicker, heavier makes for an easier slide and more luxe look, especially with a framed door. Frameless doors require glass that’s at least 3/8- to 1/2-inch thick. Glass shower doors can be clear, frosted, textured or patterned types.

• Clear shower doors make a bathroom feel larger and brighter.
• Frosted glass shower doors provide both privacy and natural light.
• Textured glass has a variety of stylish patterns and designs.
• Tempered glass is a stronger, safer option. If shattered, it breaks into round pieces instead of sharp shards.
• Tinted glass offers great privacy, and a dark tint can make an oversized space feel cozier.
• Rain glass has a texture that looks like raindrops for a unique, modern look.
• Patterned glass adds character and flair.

Tip: Textured and patterned glass may require more maintenance than other types.