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Are sliding shower doors outdated? No, not necessarily. They continue to be a popular choice for many homeowners due to their practicality and space-saving design.
Sliding shower doors are known for their smooth operation. They are convenient to use in smaller bathrooms where swing-out doors may not be feasible. They also provide a sleek and modern look to the bathroom. Preferences can vary, and some people may prefer frameless glass doors or pivot doors, which offer a different aesthetic and functionality.
Ultimately, the choice of shower door style depends on personal preference, bathroom layout, and design goals. Let’s talk about the options and how the functionality of the sliding shower door doesn’t have to look outdated.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
If you've got a tub/shower combination, you know how tricky a shower door can be. You run in to problems with leaking water with other doors and curtains. Sliding shower doors are a great choice for bathrooms where other doors 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 With the right strategy, you can have the ultimate in functionality and design that is far from outdated.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 for a tub/shower combo. The shield is a piece of glass that covers the front third of your tub. 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
If you have a small bathroom, you might feel like a sliding door is your only choice. You might be surprised how many options are 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 remodeling your bathroom, you might consider creating an angled shower that places the door in the corner. 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 sliding shower doors just aren't your vibe, it might be time for a bathroom remodel. Start over and pick a type of shower and shower door that is more on trend.
Or, you can dispense with the door completely and create a wet room. These waterproof, open format bathrooms have no shower doors. They are in high demand because of their modern feel and spa-like luxury.
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.
