When you hear “half glass shower doors,” you might wonder what good only half a shower door can do. But the truth is, a half glass shower door can actually do a lot to improve the look of your bathroom and effectively keep water in the shower where it’s meant to be!
What is a Half Glass Shower Door?
A half glass shower door is essentially a shower door that only covers half of the area in front of the shower (usually the side in front of the shower head). This leaves the other half open, brightening your bathroom and making it appear more spacious.
In addition to their aesthetic benefits, half glass shower doors also have some functional advantages. One is that they’re much easier to clean than full-sized shower doors because there’s less surface area for soap scum and grime to build up on. Another advantage is that half glass shower doors can be a good option if you have a small bathroom because they don’t block as much of the space as a full-sized door would. We’ll talk more about these benefits in a moment.
What to Keep in Mind with a Half Glass Shower Door
But first, if you’re considering half glass shower doors for your bathroom, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Make sure the half glass shower door fits well with the rest of your bathroom’s decor
For example, half glass shower doors with clean lines would be a good choice if you have a modern bathroom. But if your bathroom has more of a traditional feel, you might opt for traditional shower doors.
Be sure to measure the space in front of your shower before you buy half glass shower doors
You’ll want to make sure the door will fit well and that a half glass shower door makes sense for the space.
If you have young children or pets, keep in mind that half glass shower doors don’t offer as much protection from water escaping the shower as full-sized doors do
If containing water is a top priority, a half glass shower door might not be your best choice. Half glass shower doors can keep water in well, but with children who like to splash and play, more water can escape.
How to Choose the Best Half Glass Shower Door
Now that we’ve talked about some things to keep in mind, let’s look at how to choose the best half glass shower door for your bathroom.
When choosing half glass shower doors, one of the most important things to consider is your bathroom style. As we mentioned earlier, if you have a modern bathroom, you’ll want to look for half glass shower doors with clean lines and minimal details.
But if your bathroom has more of a traditional feel, you can go with half glass shower doors that are more ornate.
Another thing to keep in mind is the size of your bathroom. If you have a small bathroom, half glass shower doors can be an excellent way to save space because they don’t block as much of the opening as full-sized doors do. But if you have a larger bathroom, you might want to consider full-sized shower doors instead so that you can take advantage of all the space in front of your shower.
Finally, as we mentioned, if you have young children or pets, keep in mind that half glass shower doors don’t offer as much protection from water escaping the shower as full-sized doors do. So, if containing water is a top priority, a half glass shower door might not be your best choice.
Benefits of Half Glass Shower Doors
Now, let’s get back to the benefits of half glass shower doors!
More light and spaciousness
We mentioned that half glass shower doors can brighten up your bathroom and make it appear more spacious. This is because they allow light to pass through, opening up the room and making it feel less cramped.
Easier to clean
Another benefit of half glass shower doors is that they’re much easier to clean than full-sized shower doors because there’s less surface area for soap scum and grime to build upon. This means you won’t have to spend as much time (or money) cleaning your half glass shower door, which is always a bonus!
The bathroom feels more open
Finally, as we mentioned earlier, half glass shower doors can be a good option if you have a small bathroom because they don’t block as much of the space as a full-sized door would. This can make your bathroom feel more open and airy, which is always a plus.
Like anything, there are also pros and cons to getting a half glass shower door, so let’s discuss those next.
Pros of Half Glass Shower Doors
There are several benefits to half glass shower doors, including the following:
- Their minimalist design is on-trend and can make your bathroom appear more spacious.
- They’re much easier to clean than full-sized shower doors because there’s less surface area for soap scum and grime to build up on.
- Their sleek design can make your bathroom feel more open and airy.
- Because they’re frameless, they aren’t prone to corrosion like metal-framed shower doors can be.
- They allow for custom sizing, so you can find a half glass shower door to fit even the smallest of bathrooms.
Cons of Half Glass Shower Doors
There are a few potential drawbacks to half glass shower doors as well, including:
- They don’t offer as much privacy as full-sized shower doors because people can see through them when they’re closed.
- They also don’t provide as much protection from water escaping the shower, which can be an issue if you have young children or pets.
- Typically more expensive than traditional framed glass shower doors
Is a Half Glass Shower Door Right for Your Bathroom?
Here are some questions that can help you determine whether a half glass shower door is suitable for your bathroom:
- What is the overall style of your bathroom? If you have a modern bathroom, half glass shower doors can be a great option because of their clean lines and minimal details.
- How big is your bathroom? If you have a small bathroom, half glass shower doors can help to save space.
- Do you have young children or pets? If water is a top priority, you might want to consider full-sized shower doors instead of half glass ones.
- Are you looking for an easy-to-clean option? Half glass shower doors are much easier to clean than traditional framed glass shower doors because there’s less surface area for soap scum and grime to build upon.
(See some gorgeous walk-in shower ideas here)
Other Glass Shower Door Types to Consider
In addition to half glass shower doors, there are also several other types of glass shower doors that you might want to consider for your bathroom. These include:
Frameless shower doors
Frameless shower doors are a popular option because they have a clean, minimalist look and are easy to clean. They’re also custom made to fit your specific shower, so you don’t have to worry about them being too big or too small.
Semi-frameless shower doors
Semi-frameless shower doors are similar to frameless ones, but they have a metal frame around the door’s perimeter. This can give them a more traditional look, which may be better suited for a more traditional bathroom.
Sliding glass shower doors
Sliding glass shower doors are a good option if you have a small bathroom because they save space. They’re also easy to open and close, which can be helpful if you have young children.
Frosted glass shower doors
These offer privacy while allowing light to pass through, making your bathroom appear more spacious.
Keeping Your Glass Shower Doors Clean
Regardless of the type of shower door you choose, keeping it clean is key for maintaining its look and function.
Here are some tips for cleaning your glass shower doors:
- Use a squeegee after every shower to remove water and soap scum.
- Wipe down the door with a microfiber cloth or sponge on a weekly basis.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, like bleach, as they can damage the finish on your door.
- If you have hard water stains, use vinegar and water solution to remove them.
- For more difficult stains, you can try using a store-bought glass cleaner or making your own natural cleaner with ingredients like lemon juice or baking soda.
Cleaning your glass shower doors regularly will help prolong their lives and keep them looking their best.
We have an entire article on how to care for glass shower doors to read next.
Call Us if You’re Considered a Half Glass Shower Door
Whether you think a half glass shower door is right for you or you’re interested in exploring other shower door options, the team at Coastal Closets and Showers is here to help.
We specialize in custom glass shower doors, so we can help you find the perfect option for your bathroom. We also offer free consultations, so you can see our products in person and get expert advice on which type of door is right for you.
