Designing your custom glass door is a rewarding way to add personality, elegance, and function to your space.
Whether you’re upgrading your entryway, creating a stylish room divider, or adding a sleek touch to a bathroom or office, a custom glass door allows you to tailor every detail to suit your vision.
From selecting the door type and glass finish to choosing hardware that complements your décor, each step allows you to create something unique.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about designing the perfect custom glass door, from inspiration to installation.
Why choose a custom glass door?
Choosing a custom glass door allows you to tailor form and function to your specific space and style.
Unlike off-the-shelf options, you can design a custom glass door around your home or business’s exact measurements, aesthetic preferences, and practical needs — whether you’re maximizing natural light, enhancing privacy, or making a bold architectural statement.
Custom designs allow you to select everything from the type of glass to the framing materials, finishes, and hardware. You can create a sleek modern entrance, an elegant French-style patio door, or even a one-of-a-kind etched or stained-glass focal point.
You’ll also enhance functionality by choosing door configurations that work with your space — sliding or hinged, barn-style or bi-fold.
You can build glass doors with energy efficiency and safety in mind, too. Options like tempered or laminated glass improve insulation and durability, making them suitable for both exterior and high-traffic interior spaces.
Simply put, a custom glass door is an investment in design, comfort, and long-term value, crafted specifically for how you live or work.
Types of glass doors to consider
When designing your own custom glass door, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the type of door that best suits your space and style.
Glass doors aren’t one-size-fits-all — they come in various designs, each offering unique functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Whether you’re enhancing a contemporary home, adding character to a traditional space, or dividing rooms in a sleek commercial environment, the right glass door type can make all the difference. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:
Hinged glass doors
Hinged doors swing open on one side; you can customize them as single or double doors. They’re ideal for entryways, interior transitions, or patio access.
Sliding glass doors
These space-saving doors glide along a track and are perfect for areas where swinging doors would be impractical. They’re commonly used for patios, balconies, or modern interior partitions.
French glass doors
French doors, characterized by two hinged doors that open outward or inward, are known for their elegance and charm. They often feature divided lites and work beautifully in both traditional and modern spaces.
Barn-style glass doors
Barn-style doors are mounted on a sliding track above the door frame and offer a rustic yet contemporary flair. They’re great for offices, bedrooms, and other interior areas.
Pivot glass doors
These doors rotate on a pivot hinge rather than traditional side hinges, offering a bold, architectural look. They’re often used in high-end residential or commercial entrances.
Bi-fold glass doors
Bi-fold doors consist of multiple panels that fold and stack against one side. They create a wide opening and are ideal for connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Stacking glass doors
Similar to bi-fold doors, stacking glass doors slide behind one another to open up large spaces. They’re often used in luxury homes and hospitality settings.
Frameless glass doors
Frameless doors are often used for showers or modern interiors. They offer a sleek, minimalist look and rely on heavy-duty glass and precision hardware for structure and support.
Choosing the right type of glass door will help ensure that your custom design balances beauty, performance, and practicality for your specific space.
Glass options and finishes
When designing a custom glass door, selecting the right glass type and finish is as important as choosing the door style. The glass itself plays a major role in privacy, lighting, durability, and overall appearance.
Your choices dramatically influence how the door complements your space, whether you’re aiming for openness and transparency or a more muted, textural effect.
Here are some popular glass options and finishes to consider:
Clear glass
Clear glass offers a timeless, versatile look. It’s ideal for spaces where you want maximum light and visibility, such as modern interiors, patio doors, and offices, where transparency enhances the open feel.
Frosted glass
Frosted glass is treated with acid or sandblasting to create a soft, opaque surface. It allows light to pass through while obscuring visibility, making it a great choice for bathrooms, home offices, or entryways where privacy matters.
Tinted glass
Tinted glass in various shades helps reduce glare and UV exposure while adding a sleek, modern aesthetic. It’s commonly used in sun-facing exterior doors or for a more dramatic interior statement.
Textured glass
Textured glass includes decorative patterns or surface treatments that offer visual interest and partial privacy. Styles like rain glass, reeded, or hammered finishes add a custom, artistic touch to your door.
Low-E (Low-Emissivity) glass
This energy-efficient option features a special coating that reflects heat while allowing light to pass through. It helps regulate indoor temperatures and is a smart choice for exterior glass doors.
Laminated or tempered glass
Laminated and tempered glass are essential for added safety and durability, especially in high-traffic areas or commercial settings. Both are designed to be stronger and safer than standard glass, making them ideal for doors used frequently.
Mirrored glass
If you want to increase the sense of space or want a unique statement, mirrored glass offers reflection while maintaining a modern edge. This option works well in narrow hallways or closets.
Etched or engraved glass
Add a personal or artistic flair with etched designs, logos, or patterns. Etched glass is often used in high-end custom designs where branding or personalized style is desired.
Each finish and glass type offers a different function and aesthetic. Consider the purpose of the door, the level of privacy you need, how much light you want to filter through, and your overall interior design goals. Your custom glass door becomes a stunning and functional centerpiece in any space with the right combination.
Frame styles and hardware
When designing your own custom glass door, the frame and hardware you choose can significantly impact the finished product’s appearance and functionality. While the glass takes center stage, the supporting details — the frame and hardware — complete the look and ensure your door operates smoothly and securely.
Frame styles
Your frame style sets the tone for your door’s aesthetic. Depending on the design of your space, you can opt for:
Frameless
Frameless glass doors are sleek and minimalist. They use heavy-duty tempered glass and discrete mounting hardware to deliver a clean, modern look. They are ideal for interior applications like showers or office partitions.
Semi-frameless
These doors feature a slim metal perimeter frame with minimal structural support around the glass itself. They strike a balance between modern minimalism and structural support.
Fully framed
Framed doors offer maximum support and durability, especially for exterior or high-traffic uses. Frames come in a range of finishes, from brushed nickel and chrome to matte black or bronze, allowing you to match your décor effortlessly.
Grid or French-style frames
Popular in transitional and traditional designs, these doors use metal or wood framing to divide the glass into sections or panes, adding texture and architectural charm.
Hardware options
The proper hardware enhances the door’s usability and adds polished finishing touches. Here are a few hardware components to consider:
Handles and pulls
From sleek bar pulls to ornate handles, your choice can elevate the door’s style. When selecting your handles and pulls, consider ergonomics and aesthetics.
Hinges or sliding mechanisms
For hinged doors, high-quality hinges ensure smooth operation and long-term durability. For sliding doors, invest in sturdy tracks and rollers for effortless movement.
Locks and latches
Especially important for exterior or bathroom doors, modern locking mechanisms offer security without compromising design. Options range from minimalist magnetic latches to keyed or smart locks.
Finishes
Hardware is available in various finishes, including polished chrome, satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, and brass. Choose a finish that complements your existing fixtures and overall style.
By carefully selecting the frame and hardware, you’ll tie together the form and function of your custom glass door. These details influence how your door looks and performs daily.
Design your own custom glass door with Murray Glass
Ready to bring your vision to life? At Murray Glass, we specialize in helping homeowners and businesses design stunning custom glass doors that blend style, functionality, and craftsmanship.
Whether you envision a minimalist sliding door or a bold entryway with frosted or etched glass, our team will guide you through every step — from selecting materials and finishes to expert installation. Let’s create something uniquely yours. Contact Murray Glass today and start designing your custom glass door with confidence.
