These Showers are the New Big Thing in Bathrooms

Written by

Nancy Mitchell
Nancy Mitchell
As a former Senior Writer at Apartment Therapy, Nancy split her time among looking at beautiful pictures, writing about design, and photographing stylish apartments in and around NYC.
updated Jan 9, 2020
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Diana Paulson)

In most bathrooms, the shower enclosure is a bit of an afterthought, just a practical solution for keeping water from spraying all over the room. But lately a different kind of shower enclosure is picking up steam — steel framed doors that make the shower a thing to be celebrated.

(Image credit: Home Depot)

This is a perfect fit for bathrooms with a bit of an industrial vibe, like this one from Smith Hanes. Also lead image above. If you like this French door-style corner shower, Home Depot has one from Dreamline.

(Image credit: Byrd)

But a steel-framed shower door is also lovely in a more traditional bathroom as well — like this one from Byrd.

These shower enclosures can take on a different look depending on the size of the panels. This steel and glass door in this Melbourne bathroom, designed by Spinzi Design and manufactured by GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens, reads quite modern.

(Image credit: Emma Fiala)

Another take on the single panel shower, this time with the small panes, comes from this modern vintage bathroom designed by Bre of Brepurposed for the One Room Challenge. She used a door by Dreamline sold at Lowe’s for just under $500. It’s also available on Amazon for a little bit less.

If you like a little bit heavier of a look, consider this bathroom from Growing Days, who renovated it for the show Bargain Mansions on the DIY Network. The enclosure is made by Coastal Shower Doors.

A delicate shower enclosure, made by Atlanta Glass & Mirror, draws the eye in a bathroom from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. (The minimal profile of the bottom of the door really shows off the contrast between the shower tile and the wood floor.)

Here’s another variation on the look, from Adrienne Derosa. The transom is an interesting touch.

Another minimal steel-framed door, seen on My Domaine. It pairs nicely with the Phoenix Tapware ONIX line of faucets and shower kits.

This shower enclosure from Traditional Home resembles a graceful pair of french doors that were custom designed for the space by designer Jenny Wolf.

From Larry E. Boerder, a more traditional take on the look. This shower almost looks like a stained-glass window with leaded panes.

A simple steel-framed shower spotted on Canny.

A steel-framed door makes the shower a standout element in this bathroom from Dwell. It was custom designed by Di Ioia and Bédard of EM Architecture and manufactured by Linea P International.

And finally, an industrial/rustic bathroom seen on HGTV.com. If you love this one you’ll have to do some salvaging to get something similar —it’s made from reclaimed factory doors that were fitted to the shower opening.

Re-edited from a post originally published 12.6.16 – DF