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A bathroom remodel project takes an investment of time, of money, and of comfort. Therefore, you want to make the choices that will yield the best return in the long-term. One of the choices you'll have to make is in shower enclosures. A framed glass shower enclosure offers a good return on investment.
With shower and tub combinations, you may choose a sliding glass door or a shower curtain. Almost universally, though, standalone showers have enclosed glass. So, if you're uncertain of which way you should go, remember that a glass-enclosed shower often adds more resale value than the combination.
A standalone shower with a framed glass enclosure can look more sophisticated than a combination, even if it has a glass door. Part of the reason is that the enclosure features more glass to reflect light and facilitate an open sightline. However, another part of the reason is that standalone showers have been on-trend in recent years, so seeing one makes a bathroom feel more upscale.
Framed glass enclosures are often more budget-friendly than frameless enclosures. Since you save money on the shower enclosure, you can put it to use elsewhere. For example, if you choose minimalist frames, you can upgrade in your shower stall materials. Many homeowners shy away from upgrades like spa panels or glass tile, but you'd have extra savings.
Naturally, you can also just keep those savings in reserve. Sometimes during a remodel project, other issues arise. Your plumber may discover a hidden leak, or the contractors may need more time. You can use your savings for the unexpected cost. If none come up, you can splurge on a weekend getaway or other luxury.
One of the upgrades you might consider is a steam generator that transforms your shower into a steam bath. A steam shower does require some specialized plumbing and structural work. However, such an installation conveys both health and relaxation benefits.
With steam showers, you can have a frameless glass enclosure. However, in order to trap the steam, the shower stall must be airtight, which requires seals. A framed enclosure can provide a more ideal conveyance of these seals.
Another upgrade you might consider is the curved shower. As the name suggests, a curved shower features an arc instead of only straight walls. The curve usually comes in the entryway. The arch provides a naturally elegant profile that's ideal for many décor styles, especially contemporary.
Curved showers have another benefit, too. They allow you to transform a corner into your shower stall without taking up needed space. This benefit works well when your bathroom is small.
With a frameless glass enclosure, the focus is on the glass, which usually means you want it to recede into the background. Framed glass enclosures afford you more design options. The obvious option is in frame finish. Shower frames come in a wide range of color and gloss finishes, which you can utilize to match your décor.
The styles of the frames also differ. The widths can be narrow or wide, with the latter naturally creating a more visible profile. Likewise, the shape of the strip can be rounded or flat. You can also choose to make the framing more visible by adding a grid to your glass panels.
Semi-opaque styles of glass are also more common with framed enclosures. These styles include frosted, etched, colored, and patterned glass. Naturally, a benefit of semi-opaque glass is privacy for the bather. However, stylistically, you also have more choices for matching your décor. For example, you could choose rain glass for any outdoor-themed bathroom, such as tropical.
You won't regret choosing either a framed or frameless glass enclosure. Choose the style that best fits your budget and décor needs. Talk to the experts at
Central Glass Company for more advice.