If you’re redoing your bathroom, you have a very important question to answer: do you go with a shower curtain or sliding glass shower door? You might instantly gravitate toward the softness of a linen shower curtain or the modern look of a glass shower door, but there are many factors to consider before choosing between them.
Everyone has their own opinion about who wins the battle between shower doors and shower curtains, but here’s a look at what might make one better than the other for your situation.
Shower Curtain vs. Glass Door: Benefits of Shower Curtains
Although a shower curtain might not be your first thought when renovating or designing your bathroom, it’s a versatile option with many benefits, including:
- Softer appearance: Bathrooms are full of hard surfaces. If you opt for a shower curtain, add some softness to a space that could otherwise appear harsh and sterile.
- More personality: Shower curtains come in a variety of colors and prints to help you personalize the space with your signature flair. Best of all, when you get tired of the look, you can swap out the shower curtain for a new one.
- Privacy in shared bathrooms: If you share your bathroom, an opaque shower curtain provides more privacy than a transparent glass door does.
- Easy to wash: Many shower curtains are made of machine-washable materials. When the first signs of staining or mildew appear, you can simply strip the curtain down and throw it in the wash.
- Flexible: Shower curtains can be closed to hide grime and personal items when guests come over or open to show off custom tiles and gleaming porcelain.
Shower Curtain vs. Glass Door: Benefits of Shower Doors
Glass shower doors are commonly used in primary bathrooms for their sophisticated, sleek aesthetic, but they have many other benefits, including:
- Complete enclosure: There’s no need to fear water leaking out or cold air sneaking in when your shower is fully enclosed with a glass sliding door.
- Larger-looking bathroom: Because you can see through a glass enclosure, the shower itself adds to the size of the room. This helps prevent a compact bathroom from feeling claustrophobic.
- Simple appearance: If you have a lot of other decorations in the bathroom, a patterned shower curtain may be too much. Prevent overwhelming your senses with a clear glass shower door.
- Modern feel: Glass shower doors are almost always preferred in chic designer bathrooms because of their contemporary lines and no-nonsense appearance.
- VOC-free: Some new vinyl shower curtains release potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. To avoid this, choose a chemical-free glass shower door instead.
Glass Shower Doors vs. Curtains: Direct Comparisons
Still not sure which option is best for you? Below, we’ve compared the pros and cons of glass shower doors and curtains to help you decide.
Maintenance
- Shower Curtain Pro: Shower curtains are replaceable and relatively inexpensive. Some are machine-washable, making maintenance easier.
- Shower Curtain Con: Shower curtains are prone to wear and tear, which may require periodic replacement.
- Glass Shower Door Pro: With the right cleaning products, you can quickly wipe away grime and make your glass shower door look new again.
- Glass Shower Door Con: Glass shower doors are prone to hard water stains. Until cleaned, any grime left on the doors will be visible to anyone who enters the bathroom.
Bacteria, Mold, and Mildew
- Shower Curtain Pro: Bacteria, mold, and mildew growth can be prevented with regular cleaning.
- Shower Curtain Con: Shower curtains, especially fabric ones, can be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew due to the damp environment they’re constantly exposed to.
- Glass Shower Door Pro: With their smooth, non-porous surface, glass shower doors typically don’t harbor bacteria, mold, or mildew, making them easier to sanitize.
- Glass Shower Door Con: If not cleaned regularly, glass shower doors can get soap scum and water spots that trap moisture and grow bacteria, mold, or mildew.
Cost
- Shower Curtain Pro: While high-end, expensive shower curtains exist, most are affordable.
- Shower Curtain Con: Shower curtains may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear caused by everyday use, adding to their overall cost.
- Glass Shower Door Pro: Glass shower doors don’t need to be repaired or replaced frequently, lowering the cost of ownership.
- Glass Shower Door Con: Glass shower doors can be relatively expensive to install or replace.
Safety and Security
- Shower Curtain Pro: Opaque shower curtains provide privacy. Shower curtains are also easy to open, which can benefit children and those with mobility issues.
- Shower Curtain Con: Shower curtains don’t provide stability in the event of a fall.
- Glass Shower Door Pro: Glass shower doors are sturdy, stable, and can have locking mechanisms, making them safer for children and those with mobility issues.
- Glass Shower Door Con: While glass shower doors are built to be durable, there is a possibility they will break.
Resale Value
- Shower Curtain Pro: Shower curtains are easily replaceable and allow potential buyers to add their own style to the home.
- Shower Curtain Cons: If a potential buyer favors glass shower doors, they may hesitate to buy because they will have to factor in the cost of installing them.
- Glass Shower Door Pro: Glass Shower doors can increase your home’s resale value by adding a touch of modernity.
- Glass Shower Door Con: If a potential buyer doesn’t want glass shower doors, they will have to remove them, which may deter them from buying.
Shower Curtain vs. Glass Door: Who Wins the Battle?
When it comes to choosing a shower enclosure, you have more choices today than ever. Both shower curtains and glass shower doors are great options that can add style, functionality, and appeal to your home. Either option can be luxurious and beautiful if you choose quality products for your bathroom makeover. However, one may be a better choice than the other, depending on your needs and preferences. Take some time to weigh the pros and cons of each, and you’ll be able to make the best decision for your bathroom.
Shower Door Installation Services
If you’re interested in installing a glass shower door, turn to Glass Doctor®. We design and install frameless glass shower and tub enclosures for bathrooms of all sizes and styles. Let us take a look at your bathroom so we can recommend a specific type of shower door, determine your ventilation requirements, and help you with the proper placement of shower fixtures.
The best part? Our Neighborly Done Right Promise™ ensures we get the job done right. Contact us today to schedule your shower door installation!
Glass Shower Door vs. Curtain FAQs
50+ years of experience and a dedicated team of knowledgeable glass specialists make Glass Doctor the one-stop solution for all your home, business, and auto glass needs. Our commitment to exceptional service and superior products includes providing answers that improve clarity on the glass topics that matter most to you. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about glass shower doors.
Are glass shower doors still in style?
Yes, glass shower doors are still in style and will likely continue to be for many years to come. They add elegance and seamlessly blend with any bathroom style.
Do glass shower doors increase home value?
Yes, glass shower doors can increase your home value. They are often seen as a modern, stylish upgrade that adds a touch of luxury to bathrooms. Glass shower doors also make a bathroom appear more updated, which can be a selling point.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Glass Doctor is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Glass Doctor location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.