A bathroom renovation is a rewarding upgrade that transforms the comfort and value of your home. Among all the decisions you’ll make during the renovation process, choosing the right glass shower door has one of the biggest impacts on the final result. The right door elevates the room’s style, enhances light, and introduces a clean, modern look to your bathroom.
As a homeowner, you want more than basic functionality. You want a bathroom that feels open, bright, and spa-like. Choosing a well-designed custom shower door is one of the most effective ways to achieve that look.
This guide walks through everything you need to know, allowing you to choose a door that complements your design and performs flawlessly for years to come.
Why glass shower doors elevate your bathroom
A glass door adds dimension and sophistication to a space in ways a shower curtain can’t. Glass creates openness and allows light to flow throughout the room, making even small bathrooms feel larger. It also showcases your tilework, hardware finishes, and shower design without blocking the view.
During a bathroom renovation, homeowners often prioritize materials that feel timeless, durable, and easy to maintain. Glass checks all those boxes. Unlike curtains that fade or hardware-heavy framed doors that feel dated, glass provides a polished, seamless aesthetic. It’s a design investment that instantly boosts property value and enhances everyday use.
Whether you choose a standard design or a custom shower door tailored to your layout, glass creates a sleek, spa-like experience that elevates the whole room.
Types of glass shower doors to consider
Frameless shower doors
Frameless shower doors remain one of the most popular choices for modern bathroom design. They use minimal hardware, which gives them a clean, luxurious look. Without bulky frames, the transparency of the door highlights the shower tile, stonework, and architectural features.
During a bathroom renovation, many homeowners opt for frameless styles to achieve a dramatic, upscale effect. They also offer the most flexibility for customizing shapes, angles, and openings to create your own custom shower door.
Semi-frameless shower doors
Semi-frameless doors offer a balance between style and budget. They feature discreet metal framing in certain areas, often along the perimeter, while maintaining a mostly open and streamlined appearance. If you’re looking to get the look of a frameless glass shower door without the cost, this option provides a great middle ground.
Framed shower doors
Framed doors include metal around the entire panel. While they offer durability and affordability, they tend to have a more traditional look compared to frameless or semi-frameless designs. However, with finishes like matte black, brushed gold, or satin nickel, framed doors still complement a contemporary bathroom.
Sliding, pivot, and bi-fold configurations
Your door configuration should match your bathroom’s layout. Sliding doors are ideal for narrow spaces or areas with limited clearance for the door to swing. Pivot doors create a more open entryway and are suitable for larger bathrooms. Bi-fold doors save space in tight layouts and are practical solutions for tub-shower combinations.
Choosing the right configuration ensures your shower door complements both function and style.
Choosing the right glass thickness and style
Glass thickness
Glass thickness affects appearance and durability. Most shower doors use ⅜-inch or ½-inch tempered glass. Thicker glass feels more substantial and adds a premium look to your custom shower door. Thinner glass may require more framing for support, which may influence your design choices during a bathroom renovation.
Glass styles
The style of glass you choose sets the tone for your space. Clear glass remains the most popular because it highlights tilework and enhances openness. Low-iron glass eliminates the slight green tint found in standard glass, offering crystal-clear visibility. Frosted or textured glass offers privacy while still allowing natural light to pass through.
Choosing the right glass style allows your glass shower door to harmonize with your bathroom’s lighting, color palette, and architectural elements.
Hardware and finishes that complete your custom shower door
The hardware you choose plays a significant role in the overall appearance of your shower. Hinges, handles, brackets, and towel bars all contribute to the overall design. Popular finishes include polished chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. Each finish interacts differently with surrounding fixtures and cabinetry.
During a renovation, homeowners often coordinate shower door hardware with faucets, cabinet handles, and lighting fixtures. When designing a custom shower door, these details matter. They complete the aesthetic and create a unified, intentional look across the entire space.
Measuring your space correctly
Accurate measurements are essential when choosing a glass shower door. Minor errors create gaps, leaks, or misalignment. When taking measurements, consider height, width, tile thickness, angles, and even the structural soundness of the walls. Changes in tile or wall layout during renovation also affect final sizing.
Improper measurements are one of the most common issues in DIY installations, which is why many homeowners rely on professionals. When designing a custom shower door, precise measurements ensure a perfect fit and long-term watertight performance.
How to choose the right shower configuration for your layout
Before selecting your door, study the shape and traffic flow of your bathroom. Walk-in showers benefit from frameless pivot doors that create a wide, open entry. Small bathrooms often gain space with sliding doors that avoid obstructing walkways. Tub-shower combinations may need sliding or bi-fold options.
Think about how the door will interact with other elements of your bathroom renovation, such as vanities, toilets, and built-in storage. The goal is to choose a configuration that supports both aesthetic appeal and everyday functionality.
Professional installation: What to expect
Installing a glass shower door is precise work. After removing old materials and preparing the space, the installer positions the panels, attaches hardware, seals the edges, and ensures proper leveling. Even slight misalignment affects performance, causing leaks or uneven movement.
Most installations take only a few hours, though factors such as unique angles or large panels may extend the timeline. If you’re installing a shower door, the process requires even more precision due to the weight and exact fit.
Professional installation ensures safety and durability. Tempered glass offers exceptional strength, but installers must handle and secure it correctly. Experts understand how to anchor hardware without damaging tile or compromising structural integrity.
Maintenance tips to keep your glass shower door looking new
A well-maintained glass shower door remains clear and beautiful for years. Wipe down the glass after each shower to reduce mineral buildup. Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth, and avoid abrasive cleaners that damage coatings or hardware. Many homeowners opt for protective sealants that help repel water and minimize streaking.
Routine cleaning preserves clarity and prevents long-term etching, which is especially important when you’ve invested in a custom design during your bathroom renovation.
Common mistakes to avoid during your bathroom renovation
Many renovation setbacks come from choosing the wrong shower door style or size. Selecting a door that swings into fixtures or crowds the space creates long-term frustrations. Failing to consider ventilation may lead to moisture buildup, which can affect the glass and surrounding materials. DIY installations often result in misalignment, leaks, or damage to tilework.
Avoid these issues by planning ahead, seeking expert input, and choosing a custom shower door when your space requires unique sizing or layout considerations.
Cost considerations and budgeting wisely
The cost of a glass shower door varies depending on the style, thickness, hardware, and level of customization. Frameless doors generally cost more but deliver a premium look that enhances property value. Semi-frameless and framed options offer more budget-friendly alternatives.
Investing in high-quality hardware and durable tempered glass yields long-term benefits. When planning your bathroom renovation, consider the durability of the materials and how well they align with your design goals. A custom shower door offers longevity, beauty, and a perfect fit tailored to your space.
Why custom shower doors offer the best long-term value
A custom shower door gives you complete control over design, function, and fit. It eliminates gaps that lead to leaks, allows you to match unique shower layouts, and ensures your finished bathroom looks cohesive and intentional. Custom options also let you choose exact glass styles, hardware finishes, and configurations that reflect your personal taste.
When your bathroom renovation demands excellence, a custom door provides superior performance and aesthetic value. It’s a long-term investment that delivers beauty and functionality.
Transform your bathroom with Murray Glass
Choosing the right glass shower door plays a central role in achieving the bathroom of your dreams. From selecting the ideal style to ensuring proper installation, every detail contributes to a stunning, long-lasting result.For a door that fits perfectly and reflects your style, consider a custom shower door designed and installed by trusted professionals. Contact Murray Glass to get your bathroom renovation started.
