Types of Shower Doors

Shower doors range from single panels to hinged. When deciding between the shower door styles available, consider:

• Size and shape of the shower opening: The size and shape of the shower opening will determine the type of shower door you can install. For example, if your shower opening is small, consider a sliding shower door.
• Door swing: Make sure you have enough space for the direction your door swings or opens. If it opens towards you and the handle is on your right, then it's a right-handed door. If the handle is on your left, then it's a left-handed door.
• Style of your bathroom: The style of your bathroom can determine the type of shower door you choose. For example, hinged doors work great in traditional bathrooms.
• Privacy: If you are concerned about privacy, choose a frosted or tinted glass shower door.
• Maintenance: Some shower doors are easier to maintain while others such as frameless shower doors are more difficult.
• Budget: Shower door prices can vary based on material, size, brand and installation costs. Materials like glass can require a higher upfront investment than acrylic.

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 wider shower openings
• Some models are designed as alcove shower doors

Hinged shower doors have a sleek and modern look. These types of shower doors have hinges attached to a wall. This lets them swing outward from one side.

• 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 and bottom. This lets the door 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. Round shower doors are designed to slide or roll open.

• Often reversible for right or left access
• Curved glass design
• Attached to the top and bottom of the shower frame for stability and smooth operation

Neo-angle shower doors have a unique shape and are designed to fit corner showers.

• Sleek 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, streamlined design
• No step or lip at the entrance
• Perfect for individuals who need accessible solutions
• 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. Unlike a barrier free shower, it works with a step-up shower enclosure.

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

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 to hold steam in.

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

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 the glass panel or panels.

• Variety of shower door sizes and shower door types
• Several finishes to choose from
• Budget-friendly, durable and easy to install
• May require more maintenance than frameless options

Semi-frameless shower doors have a partial frame that runs along the sides of the glass panels. They add support and stability.

• Sleek, clean look of frameless
• Low maintenance
• Budget-friendly, easier to install

The best type of glass door for your shower depends on your privacy, natural light, maintenance and durability needs. Glass shower doors can be clear, frosted, textured or patterned.

• 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 shower doors offer great privacy. Plus, a dark tint can make an oversized space feel cozier.
• Rain glass shower doors have a texture that looks like raindrops for a unique, modern look.
• Patterned shower door glass adds character and flair.

Glass thickness also makes a difference. In general, a thicker, heavier glass slides easier and has a more luxe look. Frameless doors require glass that’s at least 3/8- to 1/2-inch thick. Framed doors have the structural support necessary for thicker glass.

Tip: Textured and patterned glass may require more maintenance.

Every brand is different but the standard sizes for shower doors 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 choose a shower door made for wider openings.

To determine which shower door size 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 shower base to the top of the wall unit or tile wall of the shower. 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 swing clearance you’ll need.

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