Hello all, a bathroom renovation is easy to do a few common mistakes when selecting the sliding shower doors. You might think those shiny, sleek looking doors as seen all over Instagram are super appealing but wait until you finally put them in, only to find them wholly unfitting for your bathroom. Believe me, I can completely empathize with the fallout.
With that said, I thought it would be fun and also useful to create a list of 10 Mistakes people make when choosing a sliding shower door! I’ve been drafting this post for months now. I kept writing more… because, honestly, there’s just a lot that can go wrong with these. But hey, no judgment! The goal is to help you avoid these slip-ups and make sure your shower upgrade is nothing short of a success.
And just a little heads-up: none of the photos in this post are "bad" examples or “before” pictures. I’m not here to throw anyone under the bus, just sharing what works and why. So, let’s dive into my list of the top 10 mistakes to avoid when choosing shower sliding doors...
1: Choosing the Wrong Style for Your Bathroom
Okay, let’s talk style first. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s trending or that door you saw in a magazine that looked amazing. But here’s the thing: not every sliding door suits every bathroom.
You want to make sure that the style of the door complements your bathroom’s vibe. Is it modern? Traditional? Minimalist? A good sliding door should blend in with the style of your bathroom and not look out of place. Imagine your bathroom as a place of relaxation and rest, and you certainly don't want some inappropriate element to break that sense of tranquility.
I once helped a friend who went for a super industrial-style door in a tiny, cozy bathroom. It looked cool in theory, but in practice? It just felt... too much. The door takes up the entire space and makes the room seem smaller. My advice? Take a little time and carefully consider the overall style of your bathroom before making a decision. Trust me, doing so will make a big difference in the end result.
2: Ignoring the Size of Your Bathroom
We are often attracted to good-looking designs, but don't forget that functionality is just as important. The size of your bathroom will have a direct impact on the way you choose your sliding doors. Especially in a small bathroom, it is important to consider space utilization when choosing a door and avoid choosing designs that make you feel cramped.
I've seen people put oversized sliding doors in their bathrooms, and while they look pretty cool, they often create an uncoordinated effect and even make the space look bulky. If you have a smaller bathroom, it's best to opt for a bit more compact door. If the space is large enough (lucky you!) , then you can go bold and choose a more atmospheric design. The key is that the door matches the space, not the other way around.
3: Not Thinking About the Door’s Track System
Okay, this is huge. Have you ever tried pulling a sliding door open and it makes strange noises or gets stuck midway and won't move? It really is such a headache. The door’s track system is just as important as the door itself—maybe even more so. A high-quality, smooth-gliding track system will save you from frustration down the line.
If you don’t get the track system right, it’s not only annoying but also a safety hazard. Imagine getting stuck in your own shower because the door won’t budge? Yeah, not great. Always double-check the reviews on the track system or better yet, ask the professionals if you’re not sure.
4: Forgetting to Factor in Bathroom Lighting
You might be thinking, "Wait, lighting? Isn’t this about doors?" But take it from me, the lighting in your bathroom can actually greatly affect the effectiveness of your shower door. If your bathroom is already dark or poorly lit, then you definitely don't want to pick a door that makes the space look darker. Reflective sliding doors do look beautiful in a well-lit environment, but what if it's a poorly lit area? They’ll just cast weird shadows. If you’ve got limited light, maybe opt for frosted or textured glass that can diffuse the light more evenly. Trust me, lighting is everything.
5: Not Considering the Material of the Doors
So, I know that glass doors are the go-to for most people, but not all glass is created equal. You’ve got your frosted, clear, and tinted options—and each has its own vibe. Do you want an open, airy feel? Go for clear glass. Want something that offers a little more privacy (but still looks sleek)? Frosted is your friend.
I get it, glass can be beautiful, but it’s important to think about the upkeep. Clear glass shows every fingerprint and water spot. If you’re not into constant cleaning, go with a material that’s easier to maintain.
One thing I always suggest: if you go for clear glass, make sure you’re also investing in some good water treatment or anti-fog products. These small things can make a world of difference.
6: Overlooking the Maintenance Factor
Speaking of maintenance... there’s always a moment when you realize, “Wait, how am I going to clean this thing?” And yes, cleaning your sliding doors is part of the deal. Trust me, I’ve had a few moments where I’ve stared at a door wondering how on earth to get to all those nooks and crannies.
Before you buy, it is best to consider whether the sliding doors you choose are easy to clean. If you like your bathroom to stay clean and tidy, choose doors that are easy to take care of. For example, some doors have frames that make it easier to clean the tracks, and others come with anti-mold coatings. Just don’t forget to factor this into your decision!
7: Underestimating the Door’s Durability
Sliding doors get a lot of use, especially in a busy household. So, durability is key. I've seen people pick out really nice doors that don't last very long after a while. If you have kids in the house, or the bathroom is used more frequently, then you definitely need to pick something more durable.
When choosing a door, always look for a sturdy frame and good quality glass so that it will last a long time. Look for materials that resist scratches, dents, and cracking. After all, you don’t want to be replacing these doors every few years.
8: Not Planning for the Door’s Opening Mechanism
You might love the look of a big, wide sliding door, but does it fit your daily routine? If you’ve got limited space in your bathroom, an oversized door that swings or slides open in an awkward direction can cause all kinds of issues.
I’ve had clients tell me they bought a door they loved... only to realize it opened right into their bathroom sink or toilet. (Talk about frustrating!) Always consider where the door will open and how that interacts with your bathroom’s other features. You want it to glide smoothly without disrupting the flow of the space.
9: Choosing a Door That’s Too Heavy for the Tracks
Okay, this one might sound like a no-brainer, but it happens more often than you'd think. I’ve seen people get carried away with gorgeous, heavy doors only to realize that the tracks can't support them. A door that’s too heavy can cause all sorts of issues, from it dragging on the floor to the entire track system eventually failing.
Make sure to check the weight capacity of the track system before you buy, and always lean toward lighter options if you’re unsure.
10: Not Thinking Long-Term
When choosing a sliding shower door, you have to think about the long term use. A door that looks both beautiful and stylish now may not fit so well in a few years - will it still be working in 5 or 10 years? Will it still be easy to maintain and clean? Does it suit your future bathroom plans (like potential renovations)?
People are often attracted to what's right in front of them, but when it comes to home improvement, it's definitely smarter to choose some classic yet practical and high-quality materials. Believe me, after a while you will thank yourself for doing so.
Final Thoughts...
So, there you have it—10 common mistakes people make when choosing shower sliding doors and how you can avoid them. If you take anything away from this post, let it be this: choose wisely, and think about the long-term value of your purchase. Your bathroom should be a space that feels good to live in, and with the right doors, it can be both functional and gorgeous.
Got any shower door mishaps to share? Or maybe you’re feeling stuck on which style or material to choose? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear from you!
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