Standout Shower Doors to Take Your Bathtub from Drab to Fab

Is your bathtub looking a little sad and dated? Drab tiles, a worn finish, and a moldy shower curtain can really bring down the look of your bathroom. But have no fear - installing new shower doors is an easy way to upgrade your tub from drab to fab!

With the right style and design, shower doors can give your bathtub an instant facelift. They bring a sleek, modern touch while also adding value to your home. Here's an in-depth guide on how to choose standout shower doors to make your tub the star of your bathroom again.

Measure Your Tub Opening Precisely

The first step when shopping for new shower doors is to precisely measure the opening of your bathtub enclosure. Having accurate width and height measurements is crucial for finding shower doors that will properly fit your space.

Use a tape measure to measure across the full width of the tub opening from wall edge to wall edge. For the height, measure from the tub rim up to the ceiling. Round up to the nearest 1/8th inch. Also consider if you need any additional clearance with the doors fully open when taking measurements.

Many shower door sizes are standard, but custom sizing options are available if you have an unusually large or small opening. Providing the manufacturer with precise measurements ensures your new doors will install correctly with minimal gaps or adjustment needed.

Sliding Glass Bathtub Doors

Sliding glass doors are a popular option for shower door upgrades. They consist of two panels - one fixed and one that slides open and closed on a track system. This style has a very sleek, modern aesthetic.

The sliding functionality is ideal if you have limited floor space. The doors tuck away neatly when closed and don't impede access. Various handle styles are available, from discrete knobs to full-length pulls.

Pivoting Glass Shower Doors

If you have an ample bathroom, pivoting glass doors are a stylish choice. One door is hinged and swings open and closed, while the other is fixed in place.

Pivoting doors provide very easy access in and out of a tub. The swinging motion allows for more clearance than a sliding style. However, they do use more floor space when open. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, sliding may be a better fit.

Hinged Glass Shower Doors

Hinged glass doors are a very classic option. Both doors are hinged and swing inward and outward to open. This style has a traditional vibe.

One downside is that hinged doors don't provide much space savings compared to sliding or pivoting options. And if you choose a standard sized model, you may get some water escaping onto the floor when you open them.

On the plus side, hinged doors tend to be the most budget friendly option for a basic tub upgrade.

Select the Best Glass for Your Bathroom

The most popular shower door glass option is clear, providing a sleek transparent look. But there are also a number of other choices to consider:

• Frosted glass - Provides obscurity and privacy
• Patterned glass - Decorative look for a unique style
• Colored glass - Make a bold design statement
• Rain glass - Lightly textured obscurity

Clear glass allows you to showcase intricate tile or beautiful shower wall panels. But it does need frequent cleaning to keep looking pristine. The privacy and low maintenance of frosted or textured glass is ideal if your tub is more exposed.

Frameless or Framed Shower Doors

Shower doors come in either frameless or framed styles. Frameless doors have a very streamlined contemporary look with minimal metal and seamless edges.

The downside is that installation is trickier. Frameless doors require sturdy structural support along the top to prevent sagging. They also tend to be one of the more expensive options.

Framed shower doors have a metal edge that gives them more structural stability for easier installation. However, the visible metal framing tends to have a more utilitarian look.

Semi-frameless doors are a good compromise, with just a slim top and side rail for support. This allows a mostly frameless aesthetic but is still DIY friendly.

Coordinate Your Hardware

The finishing touches like your shower door handles and hinges can make a big impact on the overall look. Matte black and brushed nickel finishes are popular choices that resist water spots well.

Try to coordinate the finish with other hardware in your bathroom like faucets, lights, and accessories. Consistent finishes give a cohesive upscale feel.

Also look for shower doors that use magnetic seals. The powerful magnets adhere the doors tightly to prevent leaks, letting you avoid unsightly plastic liners.

Professional Installation Recommended

One of the most important factors when installing shower doors is proper alignment and watertight seals. Otherwise, you may end up with leaks leading to mold and mildew growth.

Signs of a quality installation include:

• Doors rest flush without gaps
• Smooth opening and closing motion
• Consistent spacing and alignment
• No water escaping seals

Hiring a professional to install your new shower doors costs more but can save you headaches in the long run. Most manufacturers also include professional installation in their product warranties.

Upgrading to luxurious new shower doors provides an instant facelift for your lackluster tub. With the right measurements, style, and installation, you can take your bathtub from drab to fab!

Focus on choosing doors suited to the size and layout of your space. Look for durable, low maintenance glass and materials. Top it off with coordinating hardware in a trendy finish for a cohesive modern look.

With this guide, you can find all the information you need to make your bathtub a focal point of your bathroom again.