The Bathroom Design Decisions To Make Before Ordering Glass

When you are investing in a bespoke bathroom, glass shouldn't be an afterthought. A shower enclosure, fixed screen or bespoke glass feature needs to work with the layout, fittings and overall design of the room.

Getting the glass right involves more than choosing between clear and tinted finishes. If you are planning a luxury bathroom renovation, here are some of the key decisions worth making before your glass is ordered.

1. Decide where the glass will go

The first step is understanding exactly what role the glass will play in your bathroom. Will you have a fully enclosed shower, a walk-in shower with a fixed screen, a hinged door or a combination of panels? Could glass be used elsewhere as part of the design?

The answer will depend on the size and shape of your bathroom, the position of the shower and the amount of space available around it.

This is particularly important with bespoke installations. Glass panels are manufactured to specific dimensions, so changes to the layout later in the project can affect what is required.

2. Finalise the bathroom layout

Before glass is measured and ordered, the wider bathroom layout should be sufficiently established.

Consider the position of:

• The shower and shower tray

• Bath and other sanitaryware

• Vanity units and cabinetry

• Radiators and heated towel rails

• Doors and windows

• Lighting

• Wall finishes and tiles

You also need to think about how people will move around the room. A beautifully designed glass shower still needs a practical entrance and sufficient clearance. Planning these details early can prevent awkward compromises later.

3. Choose the type of glass

There is more to glass selection than simply choosing ‘clear’. Depending on the design, you may consider standard clear glass, low-iron glass, tinted glass, patterned glass or other specialist finishes.

For a luxury bathroom where natural stone, marble or carefully selected tiles are being showcased, low-iron glass can be particularly attractive because it has less of the green tint associated with standard clear glass.

If privacy is important, textured or obscured glass could also be considered. The best option will depend on both aesthetics and how you intend to use the space.

4. Think about the glass thickness

The appropriate glass thickness depends on the design and application, rather than simply being a matter of choosing the thickest option available.

Large panels, doors and different installation configurations can have different requirements. The glass also needs to work appropriately with the chosen hardware and method of installation.

5. Choose your hardware and finish

Hardware can have a significant influence on the overall appearance of a bespoke shower. Chrome remains a popular choice for luxury shower door handles and other fittings, but brushed brass, brushed nickel, black and other finishes can create very different looks.

Ideally, think about the hardware at the same time as the rest of the bathroom rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Does it complement the taps? Does it work with the shower fittings? Will it coordinate with cabinet handles, lighting or other metal details? In a minimalist bathroom, these small connections can make the finished design feel much more cohesive.

6. Decide how the shower door should open

A shower door needs to be aesthetically pleasing, but it also needs to work properly within the available space. Depending on the layout, you might choose a hinged door, pivoting configuration or another bespoke arrangement.

Think about where the door will swing and whether it could interfere with nearby sanitaryware, cabinetry or other features.

For smaller bathrooms, this decision can be particularly important. In a large luxury bathroom, there may be considerably more flexibility, but the opening still needs to feel natural and convenient.

7. Think about maintenance

Even in a luxury bathroom, practicality matters. Consider how accessible the glass will be for cleaning and whether a suitable glass treatment could be appropriate for the installation. 

A good bathroom design should look impressive while still being practical to live with.

8. Don't leave the glass until the last minute

Perhaps the most important decision is when to involve your glass specialist. Bespoke glass is made to suit the individual project, so it is sensible to discuss the design before the bathroom is finished. 

This gives you time to consider the glass type, dimensions, hardware and installation requirements without having to make rushed decisions.

For a high-end bathroom, this level of planning is worthwhile. The glass may appear simple once installed, but achieving that clean, seamless appearance can require considerable thought behind the scenes.