The Best Glass Shower Doors For Your Tub
Would you believe it if I told you that adding glass shower doors to your tub could completely transform the look of your bathroom?
Swapping out an old shower rod and curtain for glass doors on your tub really can make a world of difference in the overall appearance and even in the function of your bathroom.
Recently we had the opportunity to work with a client who had a small bathroom in her home that was built in the early 1900’s. Although the space was tight, we knew that with a few small modifications the bathroom could feel a lot bigger and more airy.
One of the easiest decisions we made was to remove the shower curtain, which blocked light and was an unwanted visual barrier to the newly remodeled shower. In it’s place went brand new glass doors - and just like that, the room looked bigger, brighter, and more welcoming.
It was a beautiful thing to see!
I’m guessing if you’re here, you’re looking for a way to add a glass shower door to your own bathtub.
With a wide variety of glass shower doors available for tubs, it is important to take time to understand which option would be the best fit for your needs and how you use your space.
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What Are Glass Shower Doors For A Tub?
Glass shower doors for a tub are made from one or more pieces of glass and are mounted to the tub and surrounding walls. The glass panel, or panels, are used to create a barrier or enclosure that prevents water from spraying into the rest of the room while someone is using the shower or tub. In some cases it can also be used to add privacy to the tub.
Benefits Of Choosing Glass Shower Doors For Your Tub
It’s true that the most common solution we see for tubs is to use a rod with a shower curtain, which is definitely a cost-effective option. That said, choosing glass shower doors for your tub instead of a shower curtain can have some real benefits for the overall function and aesthetics of your bathroom.
Here are some of the most notable benefits of choosing glass tub doors:
Glass doors for your tub creates a solid barrier so water is more easily contained within the shower and tub area.
Choosing glass shower doors lets light in to an area that would otherwise be blocked by the shower curtain.
Glass shower doors offer a clean, modern and uncluttered look to your tub.
Types Of Glass Shower Doors For Tubs:
Glass shower doors come in a wide variety of styles and types. To help you get a clearer idea of the options that they come in, here are a break down of your options:
Single Tub Door Panel
Single panel tub doors come in a few different varieties: fixed, pivot or hinged panels.
Fixed panels are attached to both the tub and the wall and cannot move. They come in framed or frameless options (see below for more information).
Pivot or hinged panels are attached to just the wall with a type of hinge that allows it to swing open.
There are also options with multiple panels that can be used in different ways. A single panel can be fixed and a second panel can be hinged, or two panels can be connected with hinged and open similar to a bifold door.
Frameless, Semi-Frameless, or Framed Glass Shower Doors For A Tub
Frameless or semi-frameless glass shower doors refer to the fact that the glass itself will be held by metal clips and are not enclosed in a metal frame. For doors that move, there is generally still some type of frame to fasten it to the wall and tub that support the weight of the glass.
Framed glass shower doors refer to the metal frame that surrounds the edge of the glass panels. These framed glass panels sit in a metal frame that is attached to the wall and/or tub.
Hinged Or Bypass Shower Doors For A Tub
Glass shower doors for a tub with two or more panels come in two common configurations for how the doors can open: hinged or bypass.
Hinged glass shower doors for a tub have one or more glass panels that open with a hinge on one side.
Bypass tub doors have two glass panels that are slightly staggered and attached to a track. These doors open by sliding past each other which allows entry from either the right or left side of the tub.
Things To Consider When Choosing Glass Shower Doors For Your Tub:
1. The Width Of The Tub
Depending on the length of the tub/ the width of the opening between walls, you may have limited options. It is important to measure carefully and know the exact dimensions of the space where you plan to install the glass shower doors for your tub. In general we have found the following to be true:
60” length tubs are the most common and thus have the most options for shower doors that will fit.
64-67” length tubs are less common and will have limited options for two panel doors. You will see a few options below that can work for this length including frameless glass shower doors. A single glass panel can also work well with this size of tub.
72” length or longer have the most limited options, although we have one semi-frameless option below consider. In many cases, single panel door might be the best option.
2. The Edge On The Tub
It is important to pay attention to the shape of the edge of your tub. Many glass shower doors can only be installed on straight edge tubs. If you have a curved edge on your tub, it will require different options. Below we mention a few of them, many of the hinge or pivot single panel doors are a good place to start, as they don’t have to be attached to the edge of the tub.
3. The Size & Type Of Door That’s Best For The Space
It is important to consider how your shower door will swing if you choose a hinged or pivot door. Depending on your space and the layout of your bathroom, you will want to consider which type of door to get. if the door swings out, then you will want to make sure you have clearance so the door wont hit a toilet, vanity, or wall.
Think about how you will functionally use the space and how the doors can help, or hinder, your use of the tub. Keep in mind that you want to be able to access the water to turn it on easily. If you’re using a fixed panel, remember you will have to get into the tub to turn on the water unless you plan ahead and move the shower faucet to the opposite wall.
Installing Glass Shower Doors For Your Tub
Of course, each glass shower door will come with it’s own set of instructions for how to install them with your tub. If you are pretty comfortable with the idea of installing yourself, you can go ahead and do it yourself.
In general, the tools you will need to install glass shower doors on your tub are:
Tape Measure - to ensure proper location of all necessary parts
Pencil - to mark locations of screws and other items
Drill - to attach the shower doors to the tub and/or the wall
Level - will help to make sure the surface is plumb for appropriate installation
Caulk - to keep things water-tight.
If you aren’t as comfortable with the thought of installing yourself, that doesn’t have to deter you from buying the glass shower doors you have been dreaming about! Luckily, there is a super easy service available to help you find the perfect installer.
Did you know Amazon Home Services offers local shower door installation services? All you have to do is select times that are convenient for you and check out. A local professional will be in touch and install that shower door for your tub in a jiffy!
Our Favorite Glass Shower Door Panels For Tubs:
What We Love About This TUb DOOR:
Glass is treated with a coating that repels water, soap scum buildup and other grime to keep it looking better and make it easier to clean.
The glass panel is tall which helps to prevent water from spraying over the top.
The single panel is 34” wide which offers good coverage but it is short enough that it could be used with any length of tub.
The clips come in 6 different finishes to match any bathroom:
What We Love About This tub door:
The sleek, modern design
The matte black finish to the hardware (the same style door also comes in Chrome, Stainless Steel and Antique Rubbed Bronze)
Towel bar to add style and function
Clear seal strips that keep the hinge area water-tight
The single panel is 34” wide which offers good coverage but it is short enough that it could be used with any length of tub.
It can be installed on curved tubs!
What We Love About this tub door:
Classy updated design
Either black or clear glass options, depending on your preference
Metal comes in Stainless Steel, Chrome, or Oil Rubbed Bronze, to match your bathroom finishes
Towel bar to add style and function
Clear seal strips that keep the hinge area water-tight
The single panel is 34” wide which offers good coverage but it is short enough that it could be used with any length of tub.
What We Love About this tub door:
Simple, design that can work with any style of bathroom
Door with folding hinge to allow easier access to tub
Hinged panel works better for smaller bathrooms
What We Love About this tub door:
Contemporary rounded edge design
Unique two panel design, flexible and offering more coverage for longer length tubs
Comes in either chrome or brushed nickel metal finishes
Dual purpose handle and towel bar
Frameless & Semi-Frameless Glass Shower Doors For Tubs
What We Love About this tub door:
Clean, contemporary design
Metal comes in 4 finish options: Chrome, Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze and Satin Black
Protective glass coating reduces cleaning by limited the buildup of limescale and other grime.
Bypass design allows entry from either side of the tub.
Horizontal handle can act as a towel rack, if desired.
What We Love About this tub door:
Simple, modern, minimalistic design
Comes in three metal finish options: Chrome, Stainless Steel, and Oil Rubbed Bronze
Protective coating reduces cleaning time and helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
The hinged door can be installed on either the left or right side, as needed.
Comes with two shelves to allow more storage in your shower.
What We Love About this tub door:
Fresh and trendy design
Extra tall 66” height means more protection and less chance for water to splash out over the top of the glass.
Comes in multiple metal finishes including: black, chrome, and stainless steel
Sturdy metal tubes that are built to stay firmly in place.
Flexibility for installation, allowing some adjustability for a tight fit.
Tempered glass for more safety.
What We Love About this tub door:
Larger 64” length
Functional & attractive design
Comes in three metal finishes: black, chrome, and brushed nickel.
Practical bypass door design for a larger opening.
What We Love About It This Tub Door:
The extra wide 72” width for people with larger showers.
Thoughtful bypass door design, perfect for larger openings.
Three metal finish options:
Two glass texture options:
Framed Glass Shower Doors For Tubs
What We Love About this tub door:
The amazing price that works for just about any budget!
The bypass doors that take up minimal space, even in small bathrooms
3 metal finishes to choose from including: Silver, Brushed Nickel, and Oil Rubbed Bronze
3 options for the glass including: Clear, Obscure, or Rain
Conclusion
We hope you are inspired and have maybe even found the tub doors you have been looking for! Adding glass shower doors to your tub is a great way to update your bathroom while also adding function. With a little thought, you can choose the perfect glass shower doors or panel to fit your tub and complete the space.
Now I want to hear from you - What benefits do you see to having glass showers doors on your tub? Share it with us in the comments below!
