Shower Door Styles & Hardware That Transform Your Bathroom

If you're remodeling your bathroom or building new, one of the most impactful design choices you'll make is your glass shower door. Beyond just keeping water in, the right glass and hardware combo can completely transform the look, feel, and function of your space.



At City Glass in Janesville, we help homeowners and contractors throughout Southern Wisconsin design and install custom shower enclosures that bring style and performance together. From sleek frameless panels to bold black matte hardware, here’s a look at the most popular glass shower door styles—and the hardware upgrades that make them shine.

Types of Glass Shower Doors

1. Frameless Shower Doors

Frameless shower doors offer a clean, modern aesthetic with minimal metal framing. These doors use heavy-duty tempered glass and rely on discreet hardware for support.

• Great for: Modern and luxury bathrooms
• Benefits: Sleek, open feel; easy to clean; maximizes tile visibility
• Best paired with: Minimalist or bold hardware finishes

2. Semi-Frameless Shower Doors

A mix between framed and frameless, these doors have some metal framing but allow for more glass exposure than fully framed options. They strike a balance between cost and appearance.

• Great for: Transitional designs
• Benefits: Lower cost than frameless; more structural support
• Best paired with: Brushed nickel or polished chrome for a classic touch

3. Framed Shower Doors

Fully framed doors use metal framing around all edges of the glass. They’re durable, cost-effective, and still stylish when paired with the right finishes.

• Great for: Budget-conscious or traditional spaces
• Benefits: High durability; wide range of design choices
• Best paired with: Classic finishes or matching bathroom fixtures

4. Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding or bypass doors are ideal for bathrooms with limited space. Available in both framed and frameless versions, these doors glide along a track and don’t require extra clearance.

• Great for: Smaller bathrooms, tub-to-shower conversions
• Benefits: Space-saving; modern or traditional styles available
• Best paired with: Sleek top-rail systems and contrasting hardware

5. Pivot & Hinged Doors

These doors swing open like a regular door and are available in framed or frameless designs. They offer a wide opening and can feel more spa-like in a larger space.

• Great for: Larger walk-in showers
• Benefits: Easy access; elegant look
• Best paired with: Premium hinges in matte black, gold, or brushed finishes

Glass Options That Change the Feel

• Clear Glass – Most popular; creates an open, seamless look
• Frosted/Obscure Glass – Provides privacy while still letting light in
• Rain or Textured Glass – Adds a decorative element and reduces water spots
• Low-Iron Glass – Ultra-clear for true color visibility and a premium look

Hardware That Makes a Statement

Hardware isn’t just functional—it’s your shower’s jewelry. Choosing the right finish and style can help tie the entire bathroom together or serve as a standout design element.

Popular Finishes Include:

• Matte Black – Modern, bold, and on-trend
• Brushed Nickel – Timeless and easy to match
• Polished Chrome – Clean and reflective
• Oil-Rubbed Bronze – Warm, rustic, and dramatic
• Champagne Bronze or Gold – Elegant and upscale

You can also customize:

• Handles and towel bars
• Hinges and brackets
• Header bars and sliders
• Door pulls and knobs

Whether you're after a sleek spa-like retreat or a statement-making modern enclosure, hardware selection is where the details count.

Let City Glass Create Your Custom Shower Door

At City Glass in Janesville, we design and install custom shower doors that fit your space, your style, and your budget. Whether you're updating a small guest bath or building your dream master suite, our team can guide you through every step—from layout to glass selection to hardware finish.

We proudly serve Janesville, Beloit, Milton, Edgerton, and the surrounding areas.