Shower Lagoon

Frameless glass shower doors have surged in popularity in recent years as homeowners develop a taste for clean and minimalist aesthetics. Manufacturers have responded by creating a wide selection of frameless shower door designs and styles. While having options is a good thing, it has also left many homeowners torn about the best choice for them. Which type of glass is the best? What kind of hinges do I go for?

We try to answer these and many more questions in our comprehensive frameless doors guide. Whether you are thinking of doing a bathroom renovation or you are in the process of building a new home, follow along.

If you are just getting started with your bathroom remodeling project, take a look at this other post: “6 Questions to Ask Before a Bathroom Remodeling Project“.

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CLEAN & PRETTY

Sebring Design Build

A great frameless glass shower door in this pretty bathroom–so clean and sleek.

RETREAT

DA – Arata Hatanaka Design Atelier

Nice glass frameless shower in the center this timberframe home.

MASTER SUITE

Cynthia Karegeannes, Registered Architect

Pretty blue mosaic tile in this shower.

RUSTIC WARMTH

Staprans Design

This bath feels so warm and inviting. Great sink area–the levels are a nice departure from the standard vanities you always see.

BRILLIANT AQUA

Dunn Architecture Studio

You can’t ignore the brilliant color in this contemporary bathroom.

RUSTIC ESCAPE

Lands End Development – Designers & Builders

So many great rustic accents in this space!

BLACK & WHITE

CB Showers

A sliding frameless door is featured in this contemporary bathroom.

SHOWER GLASS

Colin Cadle

A frameless shower screen was used in this contemporary bathroom.

RELAXING

National Kitchen & Bath Association

Awesome shaped tub complements the frameless glass shower.

MALIBU BEACH

Jamie Bush & Co.

This beach-style California bathroom definitely has a more unique look.

What are Frameless Glass Shower Doors?

Frameless glass shower doors as just that–glass shower doors without framing. Traditional framed glass shower doors make use of metal, rubber or some other material to secure the glass along the edges. The result is a bulky look that can become an eyesore especially for small bathrooms.

A frameless shower door does away with the framing, creating a cleaner and less cluttered look. Many homeowners will also agree that a frameless shower door is less of a hassle to clean and maintain. A quick wipe is enough to get it looking sparkling clean.

But the beauty and airiness of frameless glass shower doors comes with a number of downsides. For one, the cost of a frameless shower door is much higher than that of framed doors. This is due to the increased complexity to design and install frameless glass shower doors. Secondly, these doors come with a higher risk of leaking water into other areas of the bathroom. Proper design is essential in preventing this.

With good installation and proper maintenance, a frameless glass shower door is one of the best bathroom upgrades you can make. It leaves your bathroom feeling airier, brighter and bigger.

SLEEK SANCTUARY

Domiteaux + Baggett Architects, PLLC

Great overall space. Lots of light and love the storage cabinetry.

ELEGANT BATH

Jim Deen/Kitchen Kraft

This bathroom is just so elegant.

CENTER STAGE

moroso Design

This frameless shower is definitely the focal point in this bathroom.

LIMESTONE CHIC

JRP Design & Remodel

A little glamorous and a little rustic–featuring charcoal grey limestone.

Key Considerations When Buying a Frameless Shower Door

If you have decided to go ahead with a frameless shower door, there are some essential considerations to keep in mind as you look for the right one.

1. Fully Frameless Glass vs. Semi-Frameless Glass

One of the biggest frustrations when it comes to buying a frameless glass shower door is the lack of standards. One seller will define a frameless shower door in a different way from another and a third one will choose yet another definition. Honestly, it can be pretty confusing to a lot of homeowners.

Two terms you will come across are fully frameless and semi-frameless. Some shower doors make use of long U channels at the bottom or sides of the door to secure it. While some sellers will still say this is a frameless door the more accurate term agreed on by many in the industry is semi-frameless. Other frameless shower glass doors use clamps to secure the glass door to the wall or a fixed glass panel. This is what many refer to as a fully frameless shower door.

When you go shopping ask whether the door uses U channels or clamps (sometimes called clips). Clamps generally have a more minimalist look compared to U channels.

LIT FLOOR

Kelly & Stone Architects

This gorgeous expansive shower showcases Quartzite strips.

FRESH & NATURAL

Tim Clarke Design

This bath brings in many outdoor elements to make it feel tranquil and fresh.

TAKE A SEAT

Estes/Twombly Architects, Inc.

Love the seat in this shower.

WOOD ACCENT

Fine Focus Photography

Wood accents add warmth to this gorgeous bath. That frameless shower is huge!

2. Type of Hardware

Another very important issue is the type of hardware used on the door. This refers to the material used in the U channel (for semi-frameless glass doors) and in the clamps (for fully frameless glass doors) as well as any other component including the hinges.

You will find terms like brass construction, aluminum construction and anodized construction. If possible, always go for brass hardware. Shower frameless glass doors are quite heavy, sometimes weighing up to 200 lbs. The hardware used must be able to bear all that weight safely and ensure structural integrity. Brass is much better at this than aluminum and many other materials you encounter.

You can then choose to have the brass components coated in a finishing of your liking. Common finishes include chrome, oil rubbed bronze and brushed nickel.

One tip that can help you determine that you are buying the right hardware is to ask for part numbers. Look up the part numbers online to find original manufacturer information. This will tell you exactly what materials are used and safe weight tolerances as stated by the manufacturer.

HEAVENLY SHOWER

Sebring Design Build

Those shower heads are awesome! What a nicely designed traditional shower.

ROLLER GLASS

Ira Frazin Architect

The teak mat/shower tray definitely stands out in this shower, but you can’t discount the cool roller sliding glass door and the unque hardware in the shower door.

POLISHED GREY

Jordan Smith

This shower/tub features grey polished porcelain tile.

NATURAL FEEL

Cornerstone Architects

Natural lighting and natural materials in this bathroom creates a relaxing and functional space.

3. Type of Hinges

For the door to open and close, it must be fitted with a hinge. Installing a hinge on a glass door and a frameless one at that, is an entirely different kettle of fish from installing a hinge on a normal door. The hinge must be able to support the weight of the door and allow it to turn smoothly without any problem.

There are three types of hinges you can use for your frameless shower door: door-to-wall hinges, pivot hinges and glass-to-glass hinges. Ask your contractor for recommendation on which is best in your situation. Each hinge comes with its own benefits and complications.

For example, a glass-to-glass hinge is more problematic to install compared to a glass-to-wall hinge. A pivot hinge has the advantage of allowing the shower door to open 180 degrees in either direction.

Take a look at some great images and additional information we found at Dulles Glass & Mirror.

ROLLER TOP

Sebring Design Build

Another great roller top frameless glass shower. So many great features in this bathroom.

BROOKLYN BATH

JP Warren Interiors

This eclectic NY bath has some cool features like the huge shower head, sconces and unique vanity.

OUTSIDE IN

Dumican Mosey Architects

Bringing the outside inside in this modern San Francisco bathroom.

CURBLESS

VB Inc.

This bathroom definitely has a more masculine feel. Love the sealed concrete floor.

4. Type and Thickness of Glass

Lacking in framing, frameless shower doors must be thicker to achieve proper support and structural integrity. There are two sizes that are recommended: 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch. Anything thinner than this and your shower door will keep wobbling whenever you open or close it. Note that 1/2 inch frameless shower doors cost more than 3/8 ones.

In addition to the thickness, you also need to choose the type of glass you prefer. This is mostly a matter of aesthetics and each seller stocks different variations, some with proprietary names. Some of the options you will come across include clear glass, frosted glass and rain glass. One thing they all have in common–they are all tempered glass. Tempered glass is as a result of a special manufacturing process that makes it stronger and changes how it breaks. In case of breakage, it fragments into numerous small chunks that are not as hazardous as normal glass.

TRANQUIL

Matrka Group

So soft and tranquil–great contemporary shower space. Love the sink too.

RUSTIC SPA

Zone 4 Architects, LLC

Ahhh–Just relax and forget your worries in this bathroom. Impressive frameless shower in the center of this bath.

CORNER SHOWER

Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders

Nice frameless glass corner shower in this bathroom.

CONDO SLEEK

Serret Residential

This bathroom is located in a Boston condo. Love the wall tile and the wall mounted toilet and flush plate are so different!

DARK & DRAMATIC

Sebring Design Build

Wonderful large shower showcasing a rich dark tile.

SUBWAY FUN

rchitect Hewson

The pops of color within the subway tile add a little more interest to this white bathroom.

ZEN BATH

Buttrick Projects Architecture + Design

This bath features raked shower glass.

GORGEOUS BATH

Sebring Design Build

If this bathroom was in my house, I’d never leave!

GLASS VESSEL

Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders

That glass vessel sink is just so cool!

Reasons To Go For Frameless Glass Shower Doors

1. Frameless shower doors provide the appearance of a larger bathroom.

Glass has a natural propensity to make a space appear and feel larger. Frameless shower doors are composed of durable glass with thicknesses ranging from 3/8” to 1/2”.

Because thicker glass bends less, it does not need to be supported by a frame.

It also expands the appearance of even the smallest bathroom. Shower door layouts in frameless styles can be adapted to fit bathrooms of any size.

2. Elegant designs are possible with glass doors.

Frameless showers have a seamless appearance because they use almost no metal. The glass is attached to the wall directly with discreet and straightforward hardware. Many one-of-a-kind designs feature glass on numerous or all sides for an ultramodern look.

3. Clear glass keeps your bathroom feeling open and airy.

Because frameless glass shower doors enable you to see through them, they do not operate as a visual barrier similar to a shower curtain or framed door would.

This creates a more open and airy feeling in your bathroom, making it appear larger, brighter, and less confining.

4. Frameless glass doors let in natural light.

Using natural light in the bathroom has various advantages—a good source of vitamin D, flawless cosmetic application, hair removal, and higher self-esteem. Shaving your legs behind a dark shower curtain or squinting under fluorescent lights is never a brilliant idea. When it comes to light, frameless glass shower doors ensure that you have plenty of it.

5. Display beautiful tile designs

The beauty of your shower is overshadowed by opaque doors that give the impression that a giant box is sitting in your bathroom. This takes away from the natural feel and grandeur of your bathroom decor. Frameless glass shower doors enable greater aesthetic enjoyment by providing a clearer view of the tile pattern, color, and embellishments.

6. Provides a spa-like environment

Bathroom renovations provide an excellent return on investment, both financially and personally. The use of frameless glass shower doors adds a sense of calm and transparency to the space.

Note About Accessories

Make sure to ask the seller what kind of accessories come with the door and which ones you can add on your own. All shower doors come with a door handle while others also provide a towel bar. Other accessories you may want to include would be a threshold to prevent leakage, towel bar/handle combos and recommended glass cleaner.

This is an image roundup post, curated to showcase and promote other reputable contracting companies’ and their amazing work.  To have any of the images removed, please reach out to us and we would be happy to do so.

The post 37 Fantastic Frameless Glass Shower Door Ideas appeared first on Luxury Home Remodeling | Sebring Design Build.

Sebring Design Build

Whether you are updating your kitchen’s look or building a new home, one of the most important décor aspects to consider is the color of the kitchen cabinets. Because they cover a sizable area of your kitchen, cabinets have great influence over how your kitchen looks and feels. While material and cabinet door style are all important issues to think about, the color is often what pops out when one enters the kitchen.

One of the most popular modern décor trends is dark kitchen cabinets. While going for dark colors may seem to go against the accepted perception that a kitchen should have bright and warm colors, you might be surprised at how well it works for most kitchens.

If you are interested in trying out a new look for your kitchen, the dark side beckons. To get you started on some creative ideas, we have put together a roundup of pictures of kitchens with dark cabinets. But before we get to the kitchen ideas dark cabinets, a few tips on how to choose the best dark cabinets for your kitchen and how to mix and match for the best look.

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COPPER TOP

Peter Salerno Inc

Warm and inviting kitchen with dark cherry cabinets with walnut stain. Gorgeous copper range hood. The slate floors add warmth and color.

MODERN BROWN

Exquisite Kitchen Design

The light hardwood floors and all the stainless help compliment the deep dark color of the cabinets. What a fresh space!

SOPHISTICATED CHICAGO

Elizabeth Taich Design

Exquisite Bucktown kitchen. Absolutely love those pendants!

FAMILY GATHERING

Sebring Design Build

Wonderful open kitchen–great place for the family.

WENGE WOOD

Heidi Rawson Design

Rich and dark with enough light to balance it all out.

CLEAN & SLEEK

DCI Home Resource

This kitchen is so clean and sleek. Stainless steel counters are nice to see for a change.

GREY & WHITE

Revision LLC

The dark gray is a nice departure from the dark brown tones you usually see. Very fresh with the white island. Love the white Arabesque tile.

SPICY

Sebring Design Build

Warm spicy color in this transitional kitchen.

WALNUT WONDER

Wall to Wall Kitchen and Bath

Lots of great storage in this contemporary kitchen.

SAN FRAN TREAT

Kerr Construction, Inc.

Striking stained walnut cabinets in this contemporary San Francisco kitchen. That view is spectacular!

Why Go Dark?

Dark cabinets will introduce a certain richness and depth that lighter colors just cannot achieve. The color invites you to linger, be calm, and ponder. While it may not trigger the exuberant feeling you get in a white-cabinet kitchen, it brings about a calm excitement.

The calmness and depth of dark colors work perfectly for luxury-themed kitchens. However, it is important to note that dark kitchen themes require considerably more expertise and care to pull off. If you are not sure of your mix and matching abilities, you are better off seeking advice from an interior decorating expert. When matched with the right colors and textures, dark cabinets create a stunning luxe look no one can help but fall in love with.

HEIRLOOM

CM Design

Deep and rich. Very traditional.

LED TWIST

Stoneham Kitchens

Different and very contemporary. A mix of dark and white cabinets. Fun LED lighting, beautiful ceiling detail, and the curved cabinet is unique.

CONTEMPORARY & BRIGHT

Risa Boyer Architecture

Cabinets are dark, but the layout brings in a ton of light! Nice contemporary touches–light fixture and seating.

VERY CONTEMPORARY

Sebring Design Build

Great space for entertaining, cooking and baking. Love those unique cabinet pulls.

Choosing the Right Color

You already know you want dark kitchen cabinets. But what shade should it be brown? Most cabinet sellers will feature dozens, if not hundreds, of dark shades ranging from tan to ash grey to pitch black.

The first step is to find out what dark varieties your preferred cabinet vendor has. Chances are that they have dark extremes of each color. Decide what dark shade will work best for your kitchen. When most people think about dark kitchen cabinets, they automatically see the color black or grey. But you can get dark versions of any color, apart from white of course. You can choose to go with black, dark red, dark green, dark brown and so on.

If you are going for a super luxurious look, black and grey will work best. If you are looking for something to match brown flooring, dark brown or red cabinets might fit in perfectly. If you want a unique look, try unusual colors such as dark green. If you want a bit of the excitement of bright colors combined with the calm of dark shades, try dark yellow (the color of olives).

The most important thing is figuring out what will work well with other aspects of your kitchen and the final look you are aiming for. This is because, while all dark shades will have a similar calming and in-depth character, each dark shade also has its own unique impact on the look and feel of the kitchen. Mahogany colored cabinets (a dark shade of red) will feel quite different from Sangria cabinets (a deep shade of purple).

Compare, compare, and keep comparing until you find something that is perfect for your kitchen.

SHAKER SLEEK

Braam’s Custom Cabinets

Nice comforting grain in these rich shaker cabinets.

STAINLESS

Braam’s Custom Cabinets

Nice comforting grain in these rich shaker cabinets.

DARK & CLEAN

Dijeau Poage Construction

Dark, clean, crisp kitchen. Love the extra height of these black cabinets–lots of extra storage space.

ESPRESS

Titan Homes LLC

The color and the style of the floor tile is a nice compliment to the dark cabinets.

Mixing and Matching

The most crucial part of choosing dark kitchen cabinets is knowing how to mix and match them with other colors and textures. This is what will determine how good the kitchen looks in the end. Here are a few mix and match tips you will find helpful as you consider installing dark kitchen cabinets.

Balance the dark shades with lighter colors. Unless you want a Gothic kitchen, too much dark can be depressing. Balance out the dark shade you have chosen with some lighter hues. One common combination, especially for luxury themed kitchens, is black and white. Most dark shades also go well with white. You can also include aspects of other lighter colors such as a yellow backsplash, brown flooring or a red accent wall.Make sure there is plenty of natural light coming in. If you are not careful, dark shades can create the perception of a much smaller room and can be depressing. To counter this, check that you have a lot of natural light coming in. At night, have enough lighting to keep the place looking bright and airy.Match with other dark elements. While dark cabinets will pop out beautifully against a light colored wall, they also look great when matched with dark flooring or other dark colored elements in the kitchen. This will prevent the cabinets from looking like the sad loner in the room. You can match them with dark flooring, a dark accent wall or a dark countertop.

As we mentioned, mixing and matching dark shades with other elements is a bit trickier than if you had light colored cabinets to work with. If you are not comfortable with your capabilities, get some help from an expert.

Here are some ideas for dark kitchen cabinets you can use in your renovation process. Find the style that best suits your kitchen and either borrow it or tweak it to perfection.

STUDIO GREEN

Teddy Edwards

A beautiful deep dark Farrow and Ball Studio Green on these cabinets. This green is a little more unconventional, yet the space is still very traditional feeling.

CHROME ACCENTS

Lda Architecture & Interiors

Love the dark black/gray color of these cabinets. All the chrome is a plus–great pendant lighting! Beautiful Caeserstone and Argos marble countertops.

LDER SABLE

Linda McDougald Design

Gorgeous traditional kitchen. Alder/sable finish on the cabinetry. That stove and hood are definitely a major focal point!

MEDITERRANEAN

Leslie Owen Persohn, Architect

This kitchen screams WOW! Beautiful mediterranean kitchen that mixes dark and white cabinets.

WARM & INVITING

Visbeen Architects

I like the curved shape and open flow of this kitchen. Very warm.

SWEET ISLAND

The Woodshop of Avon

Who says an island has to be massive? Love how they curved the end. Pretty hood detail above stove. Dark, rich cabinets are beautiful.

IRON MOUNTAIN

rtistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Beautiful solid maple cabinets in the color Iron Mountain–rustic and warm. Love the Light floors with the dark rich cabinets. Nice custom hood.

CLASSIC STYLE

Maxine Schnitzer Photography/Stanley Martin Homes

Stunning classic kitchen. I like how the white accents contrast. Pretty pendant lighting.

STORAGE CENTRAL

Kitchen Studio: Kansas City

What a unique storage area in the kitchen. Love the open shelves and the mix of white and stainless.

RICH

Melissa Miranda Interior Design

Rich contemporary kitchen. I like the smaller cabinets on either side of the stove.

Your Dream Kitchen

Do you always dream of a dark-themed kitchen, but do not know where to start? Well, now you have some ideas to work with. Dark kitchen cabinets can create the theme you want for the kitchen. Of course, it all depends on how well you match them up to other elements in the room. We have provided tips for mix and matching above.

With so many styles and shades of dark kitchen cabinets to choose from, it can be confusing knowing what to go for. If you need any help buying or installing dark kitchen cabinets, feel free to reach out for helpful tips from us.

Reasons To Go For Dark Kitchen Cabinets

1) Scratches, dings, and stains are readily concealed.

If your kitchen is a busy hub in your house, black cabinetry may be the best option. Dark colors will disguise daily wear and tear better than white cabinets for households with children and pets and those who cook and entertain frequently.

2) A wide range of design options.

Lighter-colored cabinets are frequently used to open up space and create a lovely yet subtle kitchen. Dark cabinets, on the other hand, serve as a natural focal point. Create design interest by combining light and dark cabinetry, and incorporate color with lighting, flooring, and accessories to give the kitchen a distinct look.

3) A sense of luxury.

Dark cabinets lend depth, richness, and a sense of luxury to the finishes of a kitchen. Dark cabinets, as opposed to white cabinets, can provide a more personal environment and formal elegance in the kitchen.

4) Contrasting styles.

Cabinets in dark colors are bold. They may turn a boring, traditional kitchen into a colorful and inviting environment where your friends and family will happily meet. The room becomes more dynamic and playful when you use high-contrast colors, such as a two-tone design with white upper cabinets and dark base cabinets. Homeowners can incorporate more vibrant colors into their decor and accent pieces.

5) Comfortable and welcoming.

Dark shaker kitchen cabinets with a black and dark grey finish may create a friendly and cozy kitchen ambiance.

6) It’s ideal for large kitchens.

In a large kitchen, light-colored cabinets can feel dull and institutional. Dark cabinets will warm up the space and allow you to incorporate various decor and accent items for an eclectic aesthetic. Lighting, flooring, and art with contrasting colors will add bursts of color to complement the dark cabinets.

7) Numerous color options.

Dark cabinets are available in various wood finishes, including black, grey, blue, purple, green, red, and dark brown. In terms of dark paint and stain hues, the sky is the limit.

This is an image roundup post, curated to showcase and promote other reputable contracting companies’ and their amazing work.  To have any of the images removed, please reach out to us and we would be happy to do so.

Other Great Articles to Read:

The Psychology of Why Gray Kitchen Cabinets Are So Popular71 Exciting Kitchen Backsplash Trends to Inspire YouCambria Quartz Countertops Pros & Cons

The post 29 Classy Projects With Dark Kitchen Cabinets appeared first on Luxury Home Remodeling | Sebring Design Build.