Picking out a shower door can easily become a hot-button issue with your partner. Do you choose a sliding door or a swinging (pivot) door? It’s like choosing between a car and a truck – both get you where you need to go, but they’re different. So, let’s talk about the two main types of shower doors: sliding and swinging (pivot).
Sliding Shower Doors: Smooth Moves
Sliding shower doors are like the doors in your closet. They move back and forth on tracks. Pretty self explanatory.
This style is great for small spaces. They don’t take up extra room when you open them and they have had a major glow up over the last 10-years.
There are thousands of styles and color combinations you can choose from. Modern, classic, retro, whatever! We’ve got you covered.
Say “Good-bye” to that dreaded pulled muscle from opening your shower “wrong”. Parent’s typically prefer this shower style for secondary and guest bathrooms.
Ok, here are the cons of a sliding shower door:
Because the doors overlap, your shower might feel a little smaller. This isn’t always the case, but in some instances, it can make the shower feel a bit cramped.
You must clean your shower tracks! Soap scum, strands of hair, build up of products… you get it! Sometimes, stuff gets stuck in the tracks, and the doors might not slide smoothly.
Swinging Shower Doors: A Classic Choice
Swinging shower doors are known in the biz as a Pivot door. They open outward on a hinge.
This style can offer you a little bit more space, are easy to get in and out of and the design possibilities are almost endless.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind:
You need room for the door to swing open without hitting anything. The door cannot hit the toilet and under the Louisiana building code, you cannot be able to reach an outlet from inside the shower.
Depending upon the position of your shower head (or heads), any body jets, rainfalls, etc., if there is any water being pointed directly at the door, you will get water everywhere. A shower is NOT a fish tank.
Which one is right for you?
To pick the best shower design, let’s think about your bathroom:
How big is the bathroom?
Are you looking for a clean aesthetic? More ornate?
Do you have young children or elderly people living in your home?
Is a walk-in shower a better option? Or maybe even a tub enclosure?
Remember, there’s no perfect answer. It’s all about what works best for you and your bathroom. Check out our page to get some shower design inspo!