A sliding shower door has been the go-to in bathroom design for ages. But that might make you wonder whether their time is up.
Are sliding shower doors outdated? Maybe, but their functionality is unmatched and some bathroom designs leave you with no other choice. Or do they? Let’s talk about the options and how the functionality of the sliding shower door doesn’t have to look outdated.
Go to Top Bathroom Trends
Tub/Shower Sliding Shower Door Woes
Sliding shower doors can feel somewhat outdated, but sliding doors are also an excellent choice for many situations where other options simply don’t work, like a tub/shower combination.
The things that make sliding doors on your tub/shower feel dated are easy to address. With the right strategy, you can have the ultimate in functionality and design that is far from outdated.
Skip the Framed Shower Door
It might be the frame on your shower door that’s making it feel less than on trend. Opting for a semi-framed or frameless door will shape up your shower design in a jiffy. The lines created by the frame tend to make the space feel cramped visually. The trend today leans more towards a more open feel that simply doesn't jive with a framed door.
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Try a Tub Shield
A tub shield is one way to get a wet room design feel when you need to work around a tub/shower combo. It is a piece of frameless glass that covers the front third of your tub so you can keep the water from spilling out but still achieve that open feel. Opt for clear glass, frosted, or rainwater finishes.
Go for a Swinging Door
If you have the room for a swinging door, try the tub swinging shower door. These are frameless and have varying levels of coverage. Some are a bit bigger than a shield, others are nearly fully enclosures. The swinging tub shower door gives you a more traditional functionality with a shower room type look.
Small Bathroom Issues
You might feel like you have no other choice but to go with a sliding door if you have a small bathroom. You might be surprised to find that there are options available for even the smallest bathroom and still avoid a sliding shower door.
Swing In
Instead of worrying about whether or not you have room for a swinging door, try a shower door that swings in. Do a few measurements to ensure you have enough interior clearance in your shower and you’re all set.
Change Your Angle
If you’re doing a bit of remodeling in your bathroom, you might consider creating an angled shower that places the door in the corner instead of on a side. This allows you to gain more room for a swinging door in a smaller bathroom. It also adds some architectural interest to your space that sets it apart.
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Wet Room Extremes
If your sliding shower doors feel too outdated for you, but you are out of options, it might be time for a bathroom remodel. Decide what type of shower you want ahead of time so you can plan on a shower door that feels more on trend.
Or, you can dispense with the door completely and create a wet room. These waterproof spaces include a large portion of the bathroom and get rid of the partitions entirely for an open plan bathroom you’ll love.
Are sliding shower doors outdated? Not really. You have plenty of options to make sliding doors work in your design, like frameless doors. Or if you want to head in a different direction, try swinging doors, shields, or a wet room.
