If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, you have an important thing to decide – do you go for a sliding glass shower door or a shower curtain? While it’s true that curtains are light, attractive and provide better accessibility in a tight shower space, they are not as classy and efficient as a shower glass enclosure. Shower doors definitely cost more than shower curtains, but their appeal is enough to give them the top spot in modern home décor. Below are some good reasons why homeowners choose glass over fabric for their shower enclosure project.
Why Glass Shower Doors Are Better Than Curtains
- Optimum Space Usage and Aesthetic Appeal
If you have a lot of décor items in your bathroom, such as panelled furniture, coloured tiles and fancy shower fixtures, then a simple shower door is your best option. Built from clear glass, these enclosures don’t blur or hide the tiles like curtains do. The use of glass makes a small bathroom look bigger, and a large bathroom seem even larger. When it comes to space, a little more never hurts.
If your shower area has a sloped ceiling, a custom glass door can accommodate the tricky corners and angles, thus giving a neat look to your bathroom. Being transparent and colourless, they match any décor and doesn’t clash with the colour of your tiles or bath accessories. So, whether you’re going for a modern, traditional or transitional décor, frameless glass shower doors will suit them all.
- Hygiene and Cleanliness
Anything that’s constantly exposed to water has the risk of growing fungus, mildew, rust (for metal) and hard water spots. Both shower curtains and glass doors require proper cleaning, but the smooth surface of glass makes it easier to clean and sanitize. Cleaning involves scrubbing the surface, drying it and washing it regularly using a proper glass cleanser and soft sponge. Modern frameless shower doors don’t have the metal frames, hinges and tracks where water accumulates and causes mildew problems. Their smooth and metal-free structures make them easier to clean and maintain. On the other hand, curtains need to be cleaned using washing machines and even after that, some stains, mold and water spots remain on the fabric. Moreover, humidity and dampness can cause the curtains to stink.
- Functionality
One of the major purposes of installing a shower door is to prevent water from getting outside the shower. Excess water in the bathroom causes drainage issues, damages your floors and causes serious health hazards. This is very dangerous for kids, pregnant women and elderly members of the family. Unlike shower curtains, glass enclosures form a strong barrier against cold air and water leakage. The water remains within the enclosure and doesn’t damage the floor or tiles. Custom-made frameless shower doors are made according to your preference and the glass is cut to fit your bathrooms structural abnormalities (if any). Sliding frameless glass shower doors are the best. Simply slide the glass panel shut and you’re good to go.
- Property Value
Upgrading your shower enclosure and other accessories can give a new look to your bathroom and make it visually appealing. If you plan to sell your house in the future, this will create a positive impression on the prospective buyers’ mind. Small yet important things like shower glass installations typically give a good return on investment (ROI) in the long run. They give a modern touch to your home with their contemporary lines and minimalistic appearance. Talk to your real estate agent about the kind of shower fixtures that will add maximum value to your property.
- Safe and VOC-free
Some vinyl curtains contain potentially harmful volatile organic compounds or VOCs, which get released into the air during use. When choosing curtains, always go for the PVC-free options and if possible, avoid them completely. Instead, choose a safer option such as glass shower doors, which are completely chemical-free and won’t affect your health.
Updating your shower enclosure can bring the biggest difference to the feel, look and value of your property. Both curtains and glass doors have their benefits and drawbacks, but today’s high-end bathroom renovations typically include glass shower doors instead of curtains. They are safe, chemical-free, easy to clean and match all types of home décor.