New and modern utilities, even if they aren't extravagant, can change the overall vibe of the space. It is fascinating how a simple replacement of the old shower doors can change how the bathroom feels. Just like that, from a utilitarian room that you have to go to every day, the bathroom can be transformed into a luxurious nook of the house where you want to go.
Without further ado, if you are trying to upgrade your house or are a new homeowner who is confused about which shower door to install, let's find out both the aesthetic and technical aspects of the semi-frameless shower doors.
What is a semi-frameless shower door?
It is quite obvious from the name that semi-frameless shower doors feature a hybrid design combining the fully framed and frameless shower doors.
Here is how it is done:
The semi-frameless enclosures primarily feature a framed structure of glass panels or doors. But the frames do not enclose the panels entirely. Either the top or the sides of the panels are unframed, with the panels being hinged with each other for slide or swing, leaving the outside edges entirely frameless. This results in a clean, unclustered look with enough sturdiness to hold the structure together.
Selling Features
The no. 1 selling feature of a Semi-frameless shower door is its aesthetic appeal. The minimal hardware gives a sleek, chic look. But at the same time, the hardware is more than enough to ensure the required sturdiness. They also let the natural light in and seamlessly show off the tile pattern inside the shower space.
Other benefits include:
Cost Effectiveness: Based on the thickness of the glass, semi-frameless shower doors offer a vast range of budgets to choose from. So if the frameless counterpart is a little over your budget, the semi-frameless ones are the best option for you.
Low maintenance: Since the glass doors aren't entirely covered in frames, they don't have those typical nooks and crannies that the regular doors have, keeping them free from moss and grime. These doors are easy to clean and usually have a longer life span.
Versatility: The heavy glass hinges of frameless walls or the metallic frames of the fully framed ones cannot be installed on the bathroom walls that are not made with sturdy materials like tiles or stones. Especially for the fiberglass walls, a semi-frameless shower door is the only option to prevent leaking or permanent wall damage.
Variety: Semi-frameless shower doors offer a hefty selection of glass patterns and frame finishes to choose from to match the bathroom decor. They can act as strong statement pieces that provide continuity of the theme within the bathroom.
Finding the right one
Semi-frameless shower doors are the best of both worlds: a minimalistic, clean approach with ensured stability and durability. And they come with a bunch of options to choose from. The quality of the material determines the cost. Here are a few factors to keep in mind while comparing the products.
Glass thickness: The thickness of the glass panels is the most crucial factor as it is directly proportionate to longevity. The glasses should be able to withstand water pressure and shock while being used or cleaned. The typical standard for the panel width is 6mm, but there are thicker or thinner options as well.
Color, pattern, and overall finish: Semi-frameless shower doors come in various sizes and finishes. Depending on the metal and patterns used in the frame, the frame area, and the glass patterns, the cost and overall aesthetic will vary.
Clientele type: It might sound bizarre, but interior decorations are subjective to the buyer. The manufacturers usually compromise on the quality and cost for the orders from real estate contractors. Most builders have a fixed warranty period that usually does not exceed one year. Hence, longevity is not their primary concern, as opposed to the homeowners who care about a long-term investment in the house.
So, if quality is of importance to you, it is best to avoid the ‘builder's basic' product lines.
Still confused about which shower door to choose for your bathroom space?
At Ace Decor, we are committed to helping the homeowners, contractors, entrepreneurs, and designers choose what's right for them.
Let's get started on your dream projects today. Reach out to us via phone or e-mail provided on our website, or book an appointment for an on-site consultation.
