Aug. 18 2021

Door or Doorless Showers: Which One is the Right One for You?

by Bennett Bottorff

When selecting the perfect shower door for your Seattle bathroom, it's essential to consider the overall design and atmosphere of the space. Your choices can significantly influence the room's aesthetic, from the style of the door to its material and finishing. A professional bathroom designer can help you navigate these decisions, guiding you towards a shower door that not only complements your bathroom's design but also enriches its functionality and durability. 

Door or No Door?

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Doorless showers are a contemporary design choice that have been growing in popularity among Seattle homeowners. They offer a sleek, modern aesthetic and can make your bathroom feel larger and more open. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also have practical advantages. 

Pros: with no doors to clean, maintenance becomes easier. Additionally, they can be more accessible, providing a walk-in, barrier-free option that may be beneficial for those with mobility challenges. If you're considering a bathroom renovation, a doorless shower could be a feature to consider to enhance both the style and functionality of your space. 

Cons: A doorless shower may be a bit chilly due to the lack of barriers to keep in the heat.  

A practical solution to this is the installation of a heated shower floor, which provides warmth beneath your feet as you rinse off, enhancing the overall showering experience. On the plus side, doorless showers provide ease of access, allowing you to dry off within the shower area. The absence of a door contributes to an open, spacious feel in the bathroom. Pair this with a curb less shower floor, and the result is an extremely user-friendly shower setup, an especially attractive feature for homeowners planning for their future needs. Consequently, the doorless shower has become a preferred choice for aging-in-place homeowners. 

See also: Remodeling Your Seattle Bathroom? Don't Let Resale Value Stop You from Ditching the Tub

Spacing & Design

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When planning to incorporate a doorless shower in your bathroom remodel, it's essential to take into account specific spatial considerations and adhere to building regulations. The Seattle Residential building code stipulates a minimum shower door opening of 22 inches. Consequently, if you're transitioning from a standard 60-inch Tub/Shower to a doorless shower, the design would consist of a 38-inch-wide glass partition or tiled wall, complemented by a 22-inch opening to access the shower. Taking into consideration the distance most individuals stand from the shower wall, typically between 18" to 24", it is advisable to install a glass partition of at least 30" in width.  

This is to effectively prevent water from splashing outside the shower area. However, it is important to note that the type of showerhead installed can influence this distance. For instance, a ceiling-mounted shower head might have a different splash pattern compared to a wall-mounted one. 

See also: Effective Ways to Optimize Storage Space in Your Small Seattle Bathroom

Pro Tip

If you have a shower stall that isn’t that deep, think about a ceiling-mounted rain shower head instead of a standard wall-mounted angled shower head.

 

Upgrading Your Seattle Bathroom  

At Innovative Home Renovations, we believe that when it comes to remodeling your bathroom in Seattle, every detail matters. Be it the style and size of your shower, the materials for your vanity, flooring, or wall treatments, each component has to align perfectly to provide the desired functionality and ambiance. Our design-build team understands the importance of considering your budget, lifestyle needs, and preferences. Together, we will navigate the selection process to design a bathroom makeover that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, so contact us today. 

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