One of the most common questions we get from our clients is, “Should I choose a shower door or shower curtain?” We immediately sense a mixed feeling of curiosity and frustration on our client’s face when we reply, “It depends”.
Although shower glass has been gaining greater prominence in the last few years, what is right for you ultimately depends on the amount of openness/privacy you desire, your budget, and ease of cleaning, among other factors.
This post explores the pros and cons of shower glass and curtains to help guide you to make the right decision.
Shower Glass
Over the years, the kind of glass used for shower glass has evolved, from annealed (regular) glass to the modern tempered (and laminated tempered glass). Let’s explore the pros and cons of shower glass.
Pros
- The Illusion of More Space
The transparency of shower glass gives the impression that your room is larger. This is particularly invaluable if you’re claustrophobic or if you just prefer a more open look.
- Variety of Options
Although modern shower glass contains minimal design features, they are usually aesthetic. Moreover, they come in a variety of designs – so, you’re sure to find what works best for you. For instance, clear glass gives a subtle greenish tint, while a rain glass gives the illusion of rain trickling down your glass. Other types of shower glass include patterned, tinted, ultra-clear, and acid-etched glass.
- Ease of Cleaning
Shower glass is very easy to clean and maintain. Shower door installers will typically provide you with a squeegee, which can be used to clean the glass. Cleaning the glass should be done immediately after use to ensure hard water doesn’t stain your glass. Luckily, it only takes a few minutes to clean.
- Increased Home Value
Although a shower glass will cost more to install, it increases your home value. That’s why when installing a shower door, it’s best to choose a high-quality one.
- Perfect Enclosure
With a shower glass, you’re certain that water cannot spill out of your bathroom. On the other hand, curtains do not block all the water.
- Better Aesthetics
Shower doors can provide a sleek contemporary look, giving your bathroom a modern feel. Clear glass, in particular, allows for better light reflection, which is simply cool.
Cons
- More Expensive
The average cost of a glass shower door installation is $910 per door. Depending on the door type, it can be as high as $2,200. If you’re tight on budget, then you might not be able to afford it.
- Risk of Breakage
Many people hesitate to install a glass shower because of the stories they’ve heard about glass breakage. While this rarely happens, it’s a possibility. However, the advantage of tempered glass is that when it breaks, it shatters into lots of tiny pieces instead of large shards, reducing the risk of getting injured.
Shower Curtains
Let’s now examine the pros and cons of shower curtains.
Pros
Very Cheap
With as little as $10, you can get a good-looking shower curtain that will fit perfectly with your bathroom. Because it’s cheap, you can easily change it more regularly, giving your bathroom different looks.
Perfect For Children
If you have little children around, shower curtains may be a better option. You can easily push the curtain aside to help bathe small children. A shower glass does, on the other hand, do not open as widely as curtains.
Cons
- Harder to Clean
To clean a shower curtain, you have to remove and wash it. Moreover, the shower liner has to be replaced periodically as they accumulate soap sum, mildew, and sometimes mold. Also, the cloth is more likely to trap bacteria than glass.
- Makes Your Room Look Smaller and Darker
Because curtains are opaque, they do not reflect light, making your room look darker. This is especially true if the curtain is a darker color. Moreover, it gives the impression of a smaller room.
- Sticking to Your Body
Have you ever been in a situation where a shower curtain stuck to your body? Frustrating, right? From time to time, you’ll have to wrestle with your shower curtain.
Which Should I Choose?
As you can now see, choosing between a shower glass or curtain is dependent on multiple factors. Using a shower glass will give the impression of a larger room as it is transparent and more illuminated. On the other hand, shower curtains give the impression of a smaller, darker room.
If you’re short on budget, you might consider a shower curtain. But if you have hundreds of dollars to spare, then you should opt for shower glass. Finally, if you plan to list your property and live in the salt lake city area, then installing a glass shower glass is a great way to improve your home value.
Contact us today for more information.
