Which shower doors should I choose?

Shower doors usually act as a standalone door closing off a designated shower area, as a screen built above a bath, or simply as part of a shower enclosure. All of these solutions have their pros and cons.

Many people choose to set aside a shower area in the bathroom without partitions or doors, but it isn’t particularly comfortable. Water splashes around nearly the entire room, and steam likewise settles on the surfaces of furniture and other fixtures. When the shower area is enclosed, steam and water aren’t nearly as invasive. Plus, doors provide a sense of privacy. So it’s better not to do without them.

Classic hinged doors open by swinging outwards, although you can sometimes find models that open inwards as well as pivot types. They’re wide and quite convenient. They can be single, left- or right-handed, or double—symmetrical or asymmetrical. They’re striking and attractive, which is why their popularity shows no sign of waning.

Pivot doors open outwards but need less space than hinged ones because they rotate on their own axis. As a result, when you open them, part of the door sits inside the enclosure. Sliding shower doors are also quite popular. They consist of one, two or three panels and slide on tracks. A single panel slides to one side, while the others open to both sides. They’re practical and help save a good deal of space in the bathroom.

There are also folding shower doors, also known as concertina or accordion doors, most often used for over-bath screens. They’re made up of several panels that fold into a characteristic accordion when opened. They don’t take up much space and work well virtually anywhere. They’re recommended especially for smaller rooms.

Shower doors are most often made of glass that has undergone special treatment, making it safe and convenient to use. Glass is both an aesthetic and functional solution. Thanks to its simple form and spatial qualities, it looks good in any bathroom. It pairs well with various interior schemes and more. It’s a universal, practical material. The range on the market in this respect is also growing—manufacturers are offering more and more colours and patterns to choose from. What’s more, the glass used for shower doors is easy to keep clean: just wipe it with a cloth and a little detergent from time to time.