Exploring Your Options: Types of Shower Glass

When it comes to bathroom design, the choice of shower glass can significantly impact the overall aesthetics and functionality of the space. Whether you desire crystal-clear transparency, enhanced privacy, or a touch of modernity, the type of glass you select for your shower doors and enclosures can make a world of difference. In the New Zealand market, a diverse array of shower glass options is available to cater to your unique preferences and needs. In this guide, we will explore the different types of shower glass doors and their distinctive qualities.

1. Clear Shower Glass

Appearance:

Clear glass shower doors are transparent with a subtle greenish tint that's hardly noticeable to most people. They offer a timeless and classic look that complements any bathroom decor.

Benefits:

Clear glass doors work well with various interior styles. They create an illusion of spaciousness by allowing you to see all four walls of the bathroom. Enhance natural lighting in the bathroom, making it appear brighter and more inviting.

Considerations:

Clear glass requires more effort to maintain a spot-free shine. For those who value a clean and open aesthetic in their bathrooms, clear glass shower doors are the go-to choice.

2. Low-Iron Shower Glass

Appearance:

Low-iron glass offers the same clarity as clear glass but without the greenish tint, providing even more transparency.

Benefits:

True colors appear through the glass, making it ideal for showcasing colorful tile backgrounds. Allows maximum light transmission, creating brighter showers and bathrooms.

Considerations:

Like clear glass, low-iron glass can show fingerprints, spots, and streaks more prominently. If you aim for the purest and most vivid visuals in your bathroom, low-iron glass is a top contender.

3. Frosted and Opaque Glass Showers

Appearance:

Frosted glass is created by etching one side with acid or a screenprinting process, creating a translucent texture that offers privacy. Opaque glass, on the other hand, completely obscures the view.

Benefits:

Provides privacy, making it an excellent choice for shared bathrooms. Smudges and fingerprints are less noticeable on frosted glass. Opaque glass can make a large bathroom feel cozier and more intimate.

Considerations:

Cleaning the frosted side may be more challenging due to soap scum accumulation in the texture. For those who prioritize privacy and seek a simple yet effective solution, frosted or opaque glass doors are the answer.

4. Tinted Glass Showers

Appearance:

Tinted glass doors come in various colors (grey, bronze, reflective) to match your bathroom decor. They offer a degree of transparency but reduce the amount of incoming light.

Benefits:

Adds a contemporary touch to your bathroom. Allows you to see through the glass while providing a sense of privacy.

Considerations:

The color of the glass can significantly impact your bathroom's appearance, which may require adjustments if you decide to redecorate in the future. For those who want a unique and modern look in their bathroom, tinted glass shower doors offer a striking choice.

5. Reeded / Fluted Glass Showers and Screens

Appearance:

Reeded glass comes toughened 10mm or 8mm panels with a (typically) vertical stiped wave pattern.

Benefits:

Compatible with different interior styles. Modern or traditional. Offers excellent levels of light transmission whilst providing privacy.

Considerations:

Like any textured surface, cleaning may require additional attention to the textured side. For those looking to add depth and character to their bathroom, fluted / reeded glass provides a versatile, private, visually appealing choice.

The type of shower glass you select for your bathroom should align with your preferences, needs, and the overall aesthetic of the space. Each type of glass offers its own unique advantages and considerations, so take your time to explore the options and consult with a design expert if needed. Whether you opt for the clarity of clear glass, the privacy of frosted glass, or the modernity of tinted glass, your choice will contribute to the overall beauty and functionality of your New Zealand bathroom.