The Pros and Cons of Frameless Shower Doors

A modern bathroom with a frameless shower door.

In recent home trends, less is more as many are opting for a minimal design approach. This trend is not escaping a heavily used room in our homes: the bathroom. One way this design idea is manifesting itself in this space is through frameless shower doors. Learn below what this trend entails and what benefits and drawbacks are associated with it before you take the plunge with it in your own home.

What’s a Frameless Shower Door?

A modern bathroom.

Even if you’re unsure of what a frameless shower door is, you’ve probably seen one and not even realized it. A frameless shower door is exactly what it sounds like: a shower covering devoid of any metal hardware. Instead of possessing a gold or silver trim around the perimeter of a shower door as we’ve seen many times in the past, this bathroom staple maintains a sleek look, simply displayed as a glass panel.

While shower doors with a frame are usually made of thin glass that relies on the frame to keep it sturdy and secure, a frameless door is made out of heavier glass that can stand up to the task on its own.

Pros of Frameless Shower Doors

If you like the look of a frameless shower door, consider it further by exploring the upside of this shower enclosure.

Style

Perhaps the most obvious benefit to a frameless shower door is the style it will bring to your bathroom. While it supports a minimalist design theme, it’s versatile enough to fit in with a range of styles and ideas. Sleek, trendy, and modern, this design is not to be missed! It can also add to the value of your home, as it’s so popular right now and is considered “upscale.”

No Sizing Constraints

The size of these doors can be changed to fit any need, whereas framed shower doors are typically made in standard sizes. This makes them a bit more desirable because of their versatility.

No Chance of Corrosion

A door devoid of metal means that there is no potential for corrosion, which is a common cause for replacement with standard metal-framed doors. No extraneous metal pieces means there's less chance you will need to replace the shower door over time.

Maximize Space

While this type of shower door doesn't technically expand the physical space within your bathroom, it is a part of an optical illusion. The transparency of these doors opens up the space and can make the room feel bigger and more airy.

Cons of Frameless Shower Doors

Along with the pros, there are some cons to consider about this design trend before you install a frameless shower door in your home.

Price

If you’re concerned about budget, this shower door option might not be the best choice for you. These are typically a bit pricier than a more traditional and framed shower door.

More Room for Leaks

A modern bathroom shower.

Because this type of shower door doesn’t have any insulating material, it leaves more room for water to leak out of your shower as you bathe. This also means it’s a bit trickier to install your showerhead, as it has to be strategically placed somewhere where water will not spout towards either the door or any other gaps. To reduce the chances of these gaps occurring, a frameless shower door must be cut in very precise dimensions to work against the possibility of unwanted leaks.

They Can Shatter

Although it only happens rarely, frameless glass shower doors occasionally shatter. Although the exact cause isn't always known, it is often attributed to improper installation, damage to the glass around the door, or imperfections in the glass that grow over time.

With a broad range of both advantages and disadvantages, frameless shower doors are definitely something to consider in your home, especially if they fit within your budget. Take advantage of this stylish bathroom trend to give your space a new look.