Inline shower enclosures are popular for bathroom remodels as well as new designs. In fact, a bathroom remodel today almost always includes a glass shower enclosure of some kind, whether this means replacing a rod and curtain or an older glass door system OR having a brand new glass stall constructed. Inline door and panel designs work well on shower stalls, tubs, and tub/shower combos. They are also a nice option if you’re giving the bathroom a makeover but keeping your current tub or shower mostly as-is. We’ll provide the basics on inline showers and the options you have for customizing your installation and making its design your own!
1. What is an inline shower enclosure?
2. Can an inline shower be frameless?
3. What are my glass options for an inline door and panel system?
4. What hardware is needed for an inline glass shower?
5. Are there tips for choosing the hardware’s style and finish?
6. How does an inline shower enclosure compare to a curtain and rod?
7. Should the interior of a clear glass shower be staged?
8. What are some cleaning tips for a glass inline door and panel enclosure?
9. How can I have a custom inline shower installed?
The term “inline” shower typically refers to the type of glass shower in which the bathing area is primarily enclosed by a swinging glass door beside a fixed piece of glass. If the tub or shower is already enclosed on three sides, this combination is all that is needed. However, if the bathroom walls only surround it on one or two sides, additional panels of glass known as 90 degree returns can also be installed. Within this category, individual showers will have variations including:
An inline shower enclosure is an excellent choice if you’re looking to replace the shower curtain or a set of old bypass doors on your existing shower stall or bathtub. An inline door and panel can also be part of a right angle corner shower or a custom design.
Yes! This type of glass shower enclosure can typically be frameless, semi-frameless, or framed as you prefer.
Your choices regarding framing will impact the price of the project as well as its finished look. Today’s two most stylish looks seem to be fully frameless glass and clear glass with black frame and grids.
Tempered glass is used for shower doors and enclosures due to its durability and the less dangerous chunks into which it disintegrates if broken. Annealed glass is banned from use on showers due to safety concerns. On the other hand, if you have particular worries about breakage, you could consider laminated glass or laminated tempered glass, both of which will stay intact if broken. However, tempered glass is definitely the most commonly used option.
In terms of style, there are lots of possibilities.
Clear and low iron are both transparent glass options, but low iron has less of the greenish discoloration that is visible near glass edges. These are ideal choices if you want to keep the inside of the shower in sight, are hoping to make the bathroom seem larger, or want a smooth surface that’s easy to wipe clean.
If you prefer a more private shower area, acid etched and patterned glass are popular. Lots of patterns are offered, and glass can be fully etched for a frosty look all over its surface or decorated with a pattern. Tinted glass also offers a bit of privacy, and ABC Glass & Mirror supplies both bronze and gray. Cast glass is richly textured, gives privacy, and requires diligent cleaning. Finally, there is also the option of having only the middle part of each glass panel etched or sand-blasted, leaving the upper and lower portions clear. This makes the shower more private but still maintains some visual continuity between it and the rest of the bathroom.
In general, an inline door and panel enclosure will have:
Depending on the design, you may also see framing and/or U-channel. Some homeowners add optional pieces of hardware to create additional storage solutions. These include robe hooks and towel bars that can be installed on glass shower walls.
Both glass-to-glass and wall-mount clamps and hinges will be used as called for by your design and layout. In terms of the door panel, a third option is pivot hinges. These hinge the door to surfaces above and below it, creating a pivot point on which the door moves to an opened or closed position. Pivot hinges give the shower a more modern vibe.
On the topic of hinges and clamps, these are typically designed with either square or beveled edges. This is a small detail, but keep the following points in mind:
Other items, such a pull handle for the door, are offered in many styles. There are sleek products with geometric contours, ladder style handles, ornate designs, and more. When selecting handles, knobs, or towel bars, keep in mind that these can be single sided or double sided (a matching set for installation on both sides of the door).
Yet another important feature is the hardware finish. Your choices here fall into four general categories:
Matte black gets a category all its own thanks to its rise to popularity and apparent staying power. While it’s undeniably trendy, a matte black finish is also timeless and works with pretty much any color scheme. It’s a wonderful fit for some of today’s popular modes like quiet luxury, modern organic, cottage, and contemporary farmhouse. As a neutral, matte black looks just fine in a room that also has gold or silver based metals.
Hardware in a gold tone like brass or bronze makes a glass shower and bathroom feel more luxurious and opulent. These warm tones give the room depth, richness, and a hint of glamour. On the other hand, silver based finishes are cool and refreshing. They are an excellent choice when you want a modern or futuristic vibe. Chrome is a classic hue in this category, and brushed nickel is a popular choice that’s good at hiding smudges and water spots.
Hardware with a colored coating, like white or red, is less popular, but it can be ordered if this is called for by your bathroom design.
If you currently have a curtain and rod, a glass inline door and panel enclosure is a wonderful upgrade. Here are a few of the reasons why:
However, it’s also important to remember that a hinged door does require clearance around the shower’s entry, unlike a curtain that is just pushed aside. Consider the door width and placement that you want and then check if the door would hit or block access to another bathroom appliance when opened. If so, a frameless rolling barn-style system or bypass door set could be an appealing alternative.
When it comes to cost, a curtain and rod set is definitely cheaper. However, you will also likely replace it sooner, and it will not have the same aesthetic impact. Both options allow you to choose a product that matches your tastes and preferences. Shower curtains are available with many colors, patterns, and pictures on them. Inline door and panel enclosures can be personalized through your pick of layout, glass style, hardware, and hardware finish. Glass and metal are classic materials, so an inline shower enclosure can remain stylish even as you change bathroom accessories, wall paint, and the like.
Absolutely! As mentioned above, a clear inline shower enclosure will keep the tile – and the rest of the shower’s interior – in view. Make sure this is a factor that elevates the space rather than dragging it down!
When arranging items on your shower’s glass shelves, stool, or niche, keep in mind that odd numbered groupings are more pleasing to the eye than even. It’s also nice to vary heights and textures within a single display when possible.
Once your shower stall is nicely styled behind the clear inline glass enclosure, it’s important to keep it clean and sparkly. First of all, there are preventative steps you can take to help the glass and metal stay fresh longer.
With regard to the actual cleaning, it’s vital to keep to a schedule. Otherwise that glass and hardware can become so covered with water spots and soap scum that it’s all but impossible to get them clean. For all components of your glass shower enclosure, avoid anything abrasive, scratchy, or harsh. Use an approved cleaning agent or a half and half blend of vinegar and water for the glass. Wipe it with a microfiber cloth or old newspaper to minimize lint. For the hardware, make a mild solution of water and liquid soap. Use a soft cloth to clean it and then rinse and dry promptly.
With some preventative measures and a regular cleaning routine, your glass and metal can keep looking their best.
A glass shop like ABC Glass & Mirror can supply and install an inline door and panel enclosure that fits just right. Installing a one size fits all glass shower kit yourself may leave you with gaps and/or huge caulk joints due to structural issues like walls that are out of plumb. Working with ABC, though, you can count on glass that is tailored to the specific dimensions of your shower area. To get started or to learn more, give us a call at (703)257-7150.
We begin by scheduling a free in-home consultation with a glass shower estimator. Our estimator will take detailed measurements and also check for and record any structural irregularities or special situations that call for an adjustment to the glass dimensions. He will also go over the various products and options and will be available to answer questions and provide insights based on his years of experience with glass.
After the consultation, you’ll receive an emailed price quote for the products and options you are interested in. The next step is placing your order, at which point we start sourcing and fabricating the glass and metal components needed for your enclosure.
Finally, our office will schedule the install, and a trained team will put the glass and metal in place and leave you with care instructions. ABC prioritizes quality work and excellent customer care, for a smooth and hassle free process resulting in a finished project you love! In summary, the steps to having an inline glass shower installed are:
