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A Comprehensive Shower Design Guide

Designing your own shower allows you to turn your bathroom into a luxurious private getaway—right at home. But where do you start? There's a lot to consider when designing a shower, including your bathroom's dimensions, the type of shower, and what additional features, if any, you should add. Creating the perfect oasis can be equal parts rewarding and challenging.

Thankfully, Glass Doctor® knows a thing or two about setting up the perfect shower.

Shower Types

It may seem obvious, but one of the most important steps of shower design is picking out the type of shower you want to see in your bathroom. Ideally, you'll want to find a shower that shines in functionality and style.

It can be daunting to single out the perfect shower style in a sea full of sleek walk-ins, rainfall showers, and luxurious steam options. Each type of shower comes with its own unique benefits and aesthetic appeal. As we explore the various shower types below, consider how each can harmonize with your space to create a cohesive and inviting retreat.

Tub Shower Combo

A tub shower combo seamlessly merges, you guessed it, a bathtub with a shower. This shower design gives you the best of both worlds in one space-saving package. A tub shower combo setup typically includes a shower head mounted above the tub and is often enclosed with a curtain or glass door.

Consider a tub shower combo if you want to maximize the functionality of your small space or if you enjoy the flexibility of being able to shower and bathe. It’s a great option for families, guest bathrooms, or homes where space is at a premium.

Walk-in Showers

Walk-in showers have an open, barrier-free design that you can walk right into. These showers often feature a sleek glass enclosure or minimalistic partitions. With a walk-in shower, there's no need for a traditional shower door.

A walk-in shower is perfect if you want to create a modern, minimalist-looking, open design space in your larger bathroom. It's also a great choice for accessibility and ease of use.

Rainfall Showers

Rainfall showers are trendy showers that replicate the gentle, soothing experience of standing in the middle of the rain. These showers feature an oversized overhead shower head that distributes water in a wide and even pattern. Rainfall showers often have a high-mounted, flat, or angled head that provides a full-body, enveloping shower experience.

A rainfall shower is perfect for folks aiming to make their bathroom resemble a spa-like retreat. This design is ideal for larger bathrooms with high ceilings.

Body Showers

Body showers, or multi-body sprays, incorporate multiple spray nozzles at different heights and angles to emulate a spa experience. Body shower nozzles deliver a full-body massage and offer adjustable pressure and coverage.

Body showers are perfect for larger shower spaces where you can fully enjoy the enveloping, massaging effect of multiple spray jets.

Handheld Showers

Handheld showers have detachable shower heads that are easy to remove from their mounts. This design gives you precise control and enables you to direct the water flow exactly where you need it. It also makes tasks like rinsing off or cleaning the shower area much easier. Handheld showers often come with a flexible hose for added convenience and reach.

Handheld showers are particularly useful for families with young children, pets or anyone who enjoys a more personalized approach to their shower routine. They are also a great option for caring for those with mobility impairments.

Steam Showers

Steam showers level up any bathroom by incorporating a steam generator into the shower unit. This design creates a steam bath-like environment that promotes relaxation, improves cardiovascular circulation, and can help with respiratory issues. The steam is usually controlled through an integrated control panel that lets users adjust the temperature and intensity of the steam.

Steam showers are well-suited for those who enjoy the calming effects of steam and have the space to accommodate a steam generator.

Shower Designs for Your Bathroom Size

A well-suited shower design improves the overall look of your space and makes it more comfortable and practical.  Below are a few tips and designs to consider based on the size of your bathroom.

Small Bathroom Shower Design

In small bathrooms, you have to make every square inch count. Opt for shower designs that make the most of limited space while maintaining a sense of openness and usability. Compact yet efficient designs help prevent the space from feeling crowded and ensure there's no wasted space.

Good shower designs for small bathrooms include:

  • tub shower combos
  • handheld shower heads.

Large Bathroom Shower Design

For larger bathrooms, you have the freedom to spread your creative wings and try out more elaborate shower designs. The extra space allows for features that improve relaxation and style, turning your bathroom into a personal retreat.

In larger bathrooms, you have the flexibility to incorporate more luxurious shower designs. These types can enhance both the visual appeal and functionality of your space:

  • Walk-in showers
  • Rainfall showers
  • Body showers
  • Steam showers.

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Shower Designs - Glass Walls and Doors

We've talked a lot about shower types and designs, but landing on the right glass walls or doors for your shower is as important as choosing the shower itself. The right choice can elevate the design and comfort of your space while making it easier to use. Some glass wall and door designs to consider include:

Frameless Shower Doors: Ideal for walk-in showers, these doors are sleek and provide an unobstructed view. Discreet hardware supports their glass panels and adds to the feeling of openness in the space.

Framed Shower Doors: These doors are best suited for tub shower combos. Framed doors offer sturdy support and a traditional appearance.

Pivoting Shower Doors: These doors swing open in two directions from a central hinge, making them suitable for smaller spaces where a traditional door design is needed.

Sliding Shower Doors: Sliding doors are perfect for compact bathrooms. They glide along a track and save space by avoiding the need for a swinging door. They are an excellent match for tub shower combos and small walk-in showers.

Fixed Shower Doors: These stationary panels are often used in conjunction with other door types or as a standalone part of a walk-in shower design. They are space saving and avoid tracks and the maintenance of mechanical parts sliding, bypass, and pivoting shower doors feature.

Single Shower Door: A single door provides an efficient and simple solution for smaller spaces. These are often used with fixed panels for a clean look.

Bypass Shower Doors: Featuring two panels that slide past each other, bypass doors are great for maximizing space and are commonly used with sliding or tub shower combos.

Neo-Angle Shower Doors: Designed for corner showers, neo-angle doors provide a stylish and space-efficient solution for unique floor plans and small areas.

Steam Shower Doors: As the name suggests, these doors are specially made for steam showers. Steam shower doors create a tight seal and contain the steam within the shower area.

Glass Doctor Shower Enclosures and Glass Shower Door Installation

When it comes to bringing your ideal shower design to life, no one does it better than Glass Doctor®. Our team works with you to create the glass shower enclosure of your dreams. Whether you're looking for a sleek frameless design or a functional tub shower combo, we’ll handle every detail with precision.

Glass Doctor also offers a full range of residential glass services, from window repair and replacement to custom glass solutions, making us your go-to expert for all your home glass needs.

Why Choose Glass Doctor?

When it’s time to create the bathroom of your dreams, you want to find glass specialists who understand the importance of quality shower design. Glass Doctor is your premier choice for all your shower glass needs. When you choose Glass Doctor, you benefit from:

  • Expertise and Experience: Our team is highly trained and experienced in designing and installing various types of shower glass. With Glass Doctor, you can expect exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
  • Quick Response Time: We understand that your time is valuable. Our team works diligently to help you transform your space without delay.
  • Comprehensive Services: Glass Doctor offers a wide range of shower solutions, from custom glass enclosures to repairs and maintenance. We are your one stop shop for all things shower design.
  • Quality Materials: We use only high-quality, durable materials to guarantee that your shower glass will not only look great but also stand the test of time.
  • Neighborly Done Right Promise®: As a proud Neighborly company, we back our services, giving you confidence that your shower project will be completed to your satisfaction.

Request a Quote Today!

Find a local Glass Doctor near you, schedule an appointment online, or call us to start your shower remodel today.

Designing A Shower FAQs

Our commitment to solving your glass-related challenges and meeting your home and auto glass needs has helped us remain a trusted resource for homeowners and businesses for over 50 years. Whether dealing with a small crack or a major glass disaster, you can count on Glass Doctor for the solution. This includes answering your glass-related questions about glass shower doors.

How Does Water Pressure Affect Shower Design?

Water pressure plays a crucial role in determining the right shower type. Some designs, like rainfall or body showers, may not perform well with low water pressure and might require a more robust system to function optimally. Your local glass specialist is familiar with building codes and can help guide you.

How much does redesigning a shower cost?

The cost of redesigning a shower can vary widely, but on average, it ranges from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on factors such as size, materials, and complexity of the project. Simple tile replacement, for example, will cost considerably less than installing a custom walk-in shower.

Does Remodeling a Shower Increase Home Value?

Yes, remodeling a shower can enhance your home’s value. Expect an average of 60% return on investment, especially when you’re installing high-end features like walk-in showers, dual vanities, or energy-efficient fixtures.

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Glass Doctor is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content.

Glass Doctor services may vary by location. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Glass Doctor nearest you for more information and a professional assessment.

Your Local Glass Doctor Experts

As a locally owned and operated business, we proudly service homeowners, businesses, and vehicle owners. From design consultations to installations and repairs, our professionals can service your business' storefront glass doors and windows, your home's double-pane windows, and so much more. We also provide a wide selection of auto glass care services, including windshield repair and replacement.