Commercial and Residential Glass Installer and Manufacturer Resource

Elevate Your Bath: Luxury Custom Shower Glass Panels for Homes

Jul 25, 2024 10:15:00 AM / by Greg Martell

Shower

In modern home design, the trend toward spacious, luxurious, and eco-friendly showers is gaining popularity quickly. These are not just showers; they are key features that improve both comfort and home value. 

At the center of this trend are custom shower glass panels. Ideal for architects, interior designers, and installers, these panels aren't just aesthetic choices—they offer remarkable flexibility in design, allowing customization with various colors and patterns to fit any style.

A Touch of Glass: Upgrade Client’s Space with Custom Shower Panels

The key is to think of the shower as a major component of the bathroom design and not as a last-second decor decision. Make choices ahead of time about:

  • Frameless glass shower door design vs. framed or semi-framed
  • Flat walk-in vs. curbed
  • Aesthetic appeal

Working with an experienced manufacturer, you can procure custom glass shower enclosures installed with amazing precision – tolerances can be as little as 1/16th of an inch. 

Custom shower glass panels offer several other advantages, too, from the type and functionalities of the glass to the little things that make a big difference, such as fitting unique spaces, accommodating cutouts, and molding around existing tiles for a seamless look.

Take careful measurements, keeping tile, marble, or stone elements in mind, and then work with a custom glass manufacturer who can meet the demanding requirements of the end user.

Excellence in Enclosures: How Custom Glass Manufacturers Shine

A custom glass manufacturer has the background expertise, skill, technology, and equipment to produce high-quality glass that looks stunning in any shower enclosure design. 

When designing or renovating bathrooms, partnering with a custom glass manufacturer for shower enclosures is highly recommended. 

Their expertise, skills, advanced technology, and top-of-the-range equipment are key to producing high-quality glass. After all, the ultimate goal is to provide a shower design that not only serves its purpose but also delights customers for years to come.

Instead of trying to fit the shower design to available products, a custom manufacturer works hard to offer options to fit the design instead: 

  1. Fitting specific design requirements
  2. Cutting to exact dimensions
  3. Making precise cutouts
  4. Adding finishing touches

1. Fitting Specific Design Requirements

Decorators and contractors have greater flexibility with tinted glass or decorative obscure glass. 

Tinted glass options such as bronze or grey can add a luxurious feel. This can help control the lighting and privacy levels your client wants within a room, making it ideal for bathrooms.

Low-iron glasses, on the other hand, provide crystal clear views to highlight tiles and hardware. This allows for a new view of detailed tile work and sophisticated hardware without the green tint that is often apparent in standard glass.

Patterned glass, such as Berman glass, bubble glass, acid-etched, German antique, or rain glass, can add depth and beauty. These options provide decorators and contractors with a broad palette for creating distinct, newly renovated shower areas.

2. Cutting To Exact Dimensions

Custom glass can be cut into several shapes and dimensions to meet unique project needs. 

If the stonework and other shower components were installed poorly, you want glass that can complement and mask any errors and contribute to an overall polished design. By cutting glass into specific shapes and dimensions tailored to the unique requirements of a project, it can perfectly align with irregular or uneven surfaces, effectively disguising any flaws in the underlying stonework or other shower components. Doing this not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also provides a seamless integration into the overall bathroom design.

Additionally, custom glass provides the flexibility to adjust dimensions during the design phase or even on-site, allowing for particular fitting that standard, pre-cut glass options don’t offer. This adaptability is particularly useful in renovation projects where existing structures and finishes must be accommodated, providing a high-quality finish that keeps the integrity and beauty of the design concept.

3. Making Precise Cutouts

Please inform the manufacturer of what you need for hinges, hardware, or other design elements for frameless glass shower doors.

Make sure to submit drawings that show hinge templates and a view from the exterior of the shower enclosure.


4. Adding Finishing Touches

Custom glass manufacturers utilize a variety of fabricating machines to provide shower glass enclosures that are edged, v-grooved, and beveled.


Choosing The Ideal Custom Glass for Your Shower Enclosure

Custom glass decisions should be based on usage, safety requirements, and visual design needs. What are the most popular types of custom shower glass? 

  • Tempered glass
  • Low-iron glass
  • Coated glass

Tempered Glass

Most showers require tempered glass, which is available in a variety of colors and patterns to satisfy just about any aesthetic requirement 

Tempered glass is the strongest type of glass. Its breaking ability is lower than regular, softer glass since it would shatter into smaller, less jagged fragments, decreasing the possibility of serious cuts and injuries.

 

Low-iron Glass

Low-iron glass is also a popular choice for shower glass panels as it maintains its absolute clear tint no matter how thick a piece is. Traditional clear glass displays a green/blue hue in thicker pieces. 

Even very thick pieces of low-iron glass maintain superior clarity and allow more light to seamlessly pass through, allowing for no visual obstructions.

Coated Glass

Manufacturers often opt for coated glass in shower enclosures due to the myriad benefits it offers. 

First, a coated glass surface is water-repellent, reducing the chances of water spots and mineral deposits that can mar the glass's beauty over time. This superior stain resistance simplifies maintenance and enhances the enclosure's overall appearance. 

Additionally, some coated glasses have an anti-glare feature that ensures clarity, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of shower enclosures. 

One great example of a coated glass designed for a specific purpose is ShowerGuard. It is baked into the glass to protect against corrosion, staining, and the ugly build-up of soap and mineral particles. 

Navigating Your Choices: Custom Shower Glass Panels FAQ

What should I consider when choosing the type of glass for my shower enclosure?

Numerous factors must be considered, but some of the important ones are privacy, aesthetic appeal, and maintenance. Options like tinted, low-iron, or patterned glass affect both the look and functionality of your shower. For example, low-iron glass provides clarity and allows more light through, while patterned glass can add a decorative touch and enhance privacy.

Why is it important to work with an experienced custom glass manufacturer?

Experienced manufacturers bring expertise in handling high-quality glass, providing specific measurements, and customizing it to fit specific design requirements. Their skills are to achieve a perfect fit and finish, which is especially important in luxury installations.

What are the safety considerations for custom shower glass panels?

Safety is one of the top priorities in glass installations. Tempered glass is recommended because it is stronger and shatters into smaller, less harmful pieces if broken. Confirming that your glass is correctly tempered and installed by professionals is key to maintaining safety standards in your bathroom.


Transforming Homes with Custom Shower Glass Panels

Custom shower glass panels do more than enrich your bathroom—they transform it. These panels aren't just trendy; they're a lasting investment in quality, luxury, and sustainability. Plus, they turn any shower into a decor centerpiece, adding relaxation and style for years to come.

Work With Us For Your Next Shower Project

New Angle Beveling has decades of experience partnering with companies on their commercial glass projects. Call us today.

Contact New Angle Beveling

(Editor's note: This article was originally published in September 2019 and was recently updated.)

Topics: Glass, Custom Glass, Shower Enclosures

Written by Greg Martell