
When it comes to shower enclosures, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for a frameless or framed design.
Both options offer their own advantages, but the right choice will depend on your bathroom’s style, size, and your personal preferences.
Let’s compare frameless and framed shower enclosures, helping you decide which is best for your bathroom.
Frameless Shower Enclosures: Sleek and Modern
Frameless shower enclosures have become a popular choice in modern bathrooms due to their sleek, minimalist appearance.
Made from thick, tempered glass, these enclosures have no metal framing around the edges, which allows for a clean, open look that can make your bathroom feel more spacious.
Pros:
- Contemporary look: Frameless enclosures offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that blends well with contemporary bathroom designs. They can be the centrepiece of your bathroom, adding a touch of luxury.
- Spacious feel: The absence of bulky frames makes the shower area feel more open and airy, which can be especially beneficial in smaller bathrooms.
- Easier to clean: Without the metal framework, there are fewer places for grime, soap scum, and limescale to accumulate, making it easier to keep clean.
- Customisable: Frameless enclosures are highly customisable to fit your bathroom’s exact dimensions, which makes them an ideal choice for bespoke or unique bathroom designs. Follow the link for premium enclosure designs for shower spaces.
Cons:
- Costly: Due to the thicker glass and custom design, frameless enclosures tend to be more expensive than framed options.
- Less privacy: Since the glass is clear with no framing, you might feel a bit exposed, especially if your bathroom is not fully enclosed or has a lot of foot traffic.
- Installation complexity: Frameless enclosures often require more precise installation, which may involve higher installation costs and professional expertise.
Best for: Frameless enclosures are ideal for modern bathrooms where you want a luxurious, open look and can afford the higher price. They’re perfect for homeowners looking for a minimalistic and sleek design.
Framed Shower Enclosures: Affordable and Practical
Framed shower enclosures feature metal framing around the glass panels, providing structural support.
The frames can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminium or stainless steel, and are available in various colours and finishes to match your bathroom style.
Pros:
- More affordable: Framed enclosures are generally less expensive than frameless ones, making them a more budget-friendly option for those looking to update their bathroom without breaking the bank.
- Durability: The metal frame adds extra strength and durability, making these enclosures resistant to impacts and less likely to break or chip.
- Better water containment: The frame provides a tighter seal around the edges, helping to prevent water from escaping, which can be beneficial if your shower has a low threshold or if you need extra protection against leaks.
- Variety of styles: Framed enclosures come in a wide range of styles and finishes, so you can choose one that complements your bathroom’s design, whether it’s traditional, modern, or somewhere in between.
Cons:
- Bulkier appearance: The metal frame can make the shower feel more enclosed and less spacious, which may not be ideal for smaller bathrooms.
- More maintenance: The frame can accumulate grime, soap scum, and limescale more easily, which can require more frequent cleaning.
- Less stylish: While framed enclosures can still look stylish, they generally don’t have the same sleek, high-end appearance that frameless enclosures offer.
Best for: Framed enclosures are ideal for homeowners on a budget, those who prefer a more traditional look, or those who want a shower that offers extra durability and water containment. They’re also a good option if you’re working with a bathroom that’s not a standard size or shape.
Choosing Shower Glass Thickness
Have you ever wondered whether you should get a particular glass thickness when it comes to a shower door? This isn’t something that you should ignore.
In fact, it can play a part in your showering experience and impact how you feel about your bathroom. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about shower glass thickness.
3mm
The cheapest option on the market is 3mm. Naturally, you’re going to gravitate towards this option if you’re on a tight budget for bathroom renovations. But, being cheap will come with some risks.
Typically, it’s going to be the easiest thickness to break. It can also feel flimsy to move if it’s on a shower door. It can shake and seem cheap, which might not be what you want if you’re renovating a guest bathroom or main space in the house.
4mm
When it comes to standard shower glass thickness, most people think about 4mm. This is going to offer some more durability and strength but at a reasonable price.
It can feel better to handle, but there are better options out there if you’re looking to invest in a quality bathroom.
6mm
The next option you’ll have 6mm, which is going to offer you more peace of mind. It will feel premium to handle and won’t be shaky or flimsy.
However, you have to be prepared to pay more money for this option. The offset is that your shower should last for more years.
8mm
It’s possible to get shower glass that’s 8mm or more. This is going to come at a price, but it will offer you a premium experience. This means feeling stronger and heavier, which can give you peace of mind when it comes to safety.
Final Thoughts: Which One is Best for You?
Both frameless and framed shower enclosures have their advantages, and the best choice for your bathroom will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, budget, and bathroom size. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Choose a frameless shower enclosure if: You want a sleek, modern look, don’t mind spending more, and prefer an open, spacious feel in your bathroom.
- Choose a framed shower enclosure if: You’re on a budget, prefer a more traditional look, need extra durability, or want better water containment.