Through the Looking Glass
When you start work on a home design project, you will quickly become familiar with your builder’s line item sheet. But what’s included when your builder presents a line item for “Glass?” This essentially includes any glass other than what’s already in windows and doors, which is basically glass front cabinets, certain builder provided mirrors, and shower enclosures. Let’s review design considerations specifically for mirrors and shower enclosures in my Guide to Glass.
Mirrors - Framed glass Standard Mirrors provided by the builder. Shower - a steam shower example.
4 Types of Glass Mirrors
Mirrors can be broken down into four main categories, each requiring a different process for procurement and installation.
1. Standard Glass Mirrors
Builders will include and budget for bathroom mirrors in their line item sheets. However, different builders have different defaults, so make sure you know what is planned. Determine if what’s provided will be framed or frameless and how it will be mounted. If your space calls for a specialty mirror (examples below), be aware that it won’t be included in the budget.
2. Specialty Frame Mirrors
Framed mirrors can be purchased from furniture stores, accessory vendors, or antique warehouses. Typically, these will have a unique shape, frame, or finish you can’t get with a basic glass mirror. Specialty mirrors are not included in the builder’s budget, so plan accordingly if your space calls for a unique touch.
3. Lit Vanity Mirrors
Vanity mirrors with built-in lighting systems are becoming increasingly popular (they are sleek and can remove the need for an additional light source), but they do require electrical wiring, so plan for them early in the build process.
4. Mirrored Medicine Cabinets
Mirrored medicine cabinets are recessed into the wall, offering additional shallow storage. They usually require special framing, so if you’re thinking about this, make sure the builder knows it’s a possibility.
Example of a Lit Mirror.
3 Glass Shower Enclosure Design Considerations
At first glance, a shower enclosure may seem like a pretty straightforward decision, however there are many functional and aesthetic decisions that go into the design. Every space is different, but these three steps will help guide you through everything you need to consider.
1. Configuration
Planning the configuration entails deciding where to place doors and fixed panels, how wide the openings can be, and where controls and sources will be located. At this stage, you’ll also choose whether the enclosure will be all glass or include privacy or half walls. If you want an open entrance, you will need to consider the flow of water and how much glass is required to shield the spray.
Everyone’s space and preferences are different, so I find walking through the motions of turning on the shower is the best strategy for planning any shower configuration. Common concerns are: 1) making sure you aren’t in the path of water when you turn the source on, 2) reducing the visual clutter of multiple spouts and controls, and 3) reviewing wall space versus glass to assure that all functional desires, including niches and benches, can be accommodated.
2. Specifications
Glass is a heavy yet fragile material, requiring certain specifications for application and installation. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind.
Hinged shower doors should be supported by a framed wall.
Steam showers must be fully enclosed by glass, from the floor to the ceiling. Remember, their ceilings must also be tiled to protect them from moisture.
Standard showers require a minimum 8-inch gap between the glass enclosure and ceiling for ventilation.
Glass shower doors have size constraints. Pay attention to those if you are working with a tight space.
3. Finishing Details
It’s all in the details. Finishes, even the smallest ones, can have a huge impact on the look of your space. Here are a few stylistic items to consider for your shower enclosure.
Framed vs. Frameless: Framed glass carries more visual weight and looks more traditional. Frameless tends to feel cleaner and more contemporary. However, there are strategies for framed glass that can be really lovely if handled intentionally.
Coordinating Fixtures: If you go with a framed enclosure, coordinating the shower frame with hardware and light fixtures can help carry the eye through the space and tie it all together.
Glass Options: The three main glass options for shower enclosures are clear, frosted, or textured. Frosted and textured can provide more privacy, and some textured designs are quite beautiful and can enhance the space.
Hardware: You will need to select shower enclosure hardware that coordinates with your plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware. Consider finishes for the hinges, clips, and handle. One of my favorite vendors is CRL. Remember, a shower handle can double as a towel rod. This is a great option if you are tight on space or like the convenience.
Example of a shower glass enclosure with an 8” ventilation gap to the ceiling.
Pro Tip: Invest in Your Bathroom Design
While we’re talking about glass and shower enclosures, we may as well touch on general bathroom design. Bathrooms are among the most important rooms in your home, so invest in them. Quality plumbing and cabinetry, durable tile, and timeless metal hardware will make all the difference. Don’t forget to ensure your shower enclosure trim coordinates with your other metal finishes.
The Bottom Line:
Glass finishes require a crystal-clear plan. Personally, I find it beneficial to act out your morning and evening routines. You might be surprised to see what’s important to you and what small changes can drastically improve the ease at which you navigate your space. Small things like an illuminated vanity mirror and a shower knob outside the enclosure can make a huge difference.