Various Types of Glass for Frameless Shower Doors

There’s a good reason for the current popularity of frameless glass doors in home bathroom spaces. They’re low-maintenance, they’re affordable, and they’re highly customizable. Frameless shower doors convey a sense of modern sophistication to a room of the house that is heavily used. Frameless glass shower doors are being incorporated into bathroom renovations for all these reasons, but their ability to be seamlessly integrated into any style or theme can’t be underestimated.

One of the key factors that contributes to the versatility of frameless shower doors in Alexandria, VA, is the many glass options that are available. Since the support structures of frameless doors are minimized, the glass itself becomes the primary palette used to make an impact on your bathroom décor. While many may assume glass is glass, the glass panels used in frameless shower doors come in a striking array of textures, patterns, and finishes, and each has its own advantages. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of glass used in frameless shower doors.

Clear Glass

If maximum light is your primary concern when it comes to your bathroom space, then the clear choice for your frameless shower door panels is clear glass. Clear glass is sophisticated in its simplicity. It provides a clean appearance that is easy to maintain while adding a glossy sheen to your shower area. It also allows for maximum light transmission, which can be beautiful in today’s open, airy bathroom designs.

Etched Glass

Etched glass offers another good option for those who are interested in great light transmission but who are also seeking more privacy and a decorative look. Etched glass is created using acid to mark upon the glass surface, creating a pattern that offers enough opacity to obscure visible details but allows good light transmission. It is also highly customizable, as some vendors offer custom etchings to perfectly match your décor and desires.

Blasted Glass

Glass is extremely hard, but there are some surface treatments that can create glass that appears fogged, offering excellent privacy. Blasted glass is a type of glass that is treated with sandblasting or bead-blasting. This process applies an air-driven grit or abrasive at high velocity against the glass, which will give it a fogged appearance. The level of fog can be customized from lightly fogged to complete opacity. Even with heavy opacity, however, some light will get through, which offers an attractive option to those who value both light and privacy.

Textured Glass

While etched glass uses a visual element to enhance privacy in the shower, textured glass uses a tactile pattern pressed into the surface of the glass to achieve similar results. Textured glass offers a decorative option that will obscure vision for privacy. While it does allow some light through, the light transmission qualities of textured glass are not as good as those of clear or etched glass. However, when covered with water, textured glass can be absolutely dazzling, providing an appearance that you can’t get from other glass types.

Colored Glass

Some homeowners opt for colored glass that is lightly tinted to complement their bathroom décor. Though usually not dark enough to become completely opaque, tinted or colored glass can provide an extra element of privacy in addition to its aesthetic benefits. Tinting colors are limited, however, to green, bronze, and gray shades in most cases.

Before shopping for frameless glass shower doors, consider the type of glass that best fits your needs. Think about the level of light transmission, the glass opacity, and the aesthetic that the glass will create in your bathroom space. To learn more about the different types of glass used in frameless shower doors, contact Advanced Glass Expert at (703) 935-4100.