By Kerry Hale

Shower Door Buying Guide

  • Monday 19th August 2024
  • 2 minute read

Explore our shower door buying guide to find the right option for your bathroom. Discover the benefits of a frameless shower door vs framed designs, learn more about the range of shower doors available at Mira and find answers to frequently asked questions.

Choosing the right shower door

The type of shower door you choose will depend on various factors, including bathroom size, layout and your shower enclosure. At Mira, we offer framed, frameless and semi-frameless shower enclosures and doors. Each design has pros and cons, so read on to find the best option for your bathroom.

Framed shower enclosures

A framed shower enclosure could be the best option if you’re switching to a glass shower door from a shower curtain. The durable metal frame makes them easy to install, prevents water from leaking, and provides stability. At Mira, we stock framed shower doors in various configurations, including sliding, bi-fold, quadrant, pentagon, corner-entry and pivot doors – many of which are suitable for small bathrooms thanks to their inward-opening designs.

One of the main cons of framed shower doors is they can be harder to maintain than frameless designs, as the metal edging may rust over time, while excess soap and water residue can cause mould and mildew.

 

Explore the Mira Leap framed shower doors and enclosures to find the best option for your bathroom.

Frameless shower enclosures

Frameless shower doors and enclosures are often considered a more modern option, making your bathroom look brighter and more open. They are popular in wet rooms or spacious bathrooms where outward-opening hinged or pivot doors can be installed. Frameless doors are easier to clean and maintain than framed designs, as they’re made entirely from glass.

However, unprotected glass can be less stable and more at risk of breaking than framed doors. Frameless designs are tricky to install and require a professional contractor to ensure they’re set up safely. They are also more expensive than framed doors, which is an essential consideration if you’re renovating your bathroom on a budget.


Interested in a frameless enclosure? Browse the Mira Ascend range to find the perfect fit for your bathroom.

Semi-frameless shower enclosures

Get the best of both worlds with a semi-frameless enclosure. These designs include framed and frameless glass – the framing sits on either side of the shower enclosure but not around the door. Discover the Mira Elevate range of semi-frameless enclosures and doors.

Questions about shower doors

Find answers to frequently asked questions about shower doors and enclosures here.

Are framed shower doors outdated?

While frameless shower doors may seem like a contemporary choice, there are plenty of framed designs to suit your bathroom. At Mira, we offer a range of modern framed shower doors to refresh an outdated bathroom.

Do frameless shower doors leak?

Frameless shower doors should not leak if they are fitted correctly. However, they may let out more moisture than framed designs, as there are small gaps between the glass panels and hinges.

Are frameless shower doors safe?

Frameless shower doors are made from tempered glass to reduce the risk of shattering, so they are safe when used with caution (for example, closing them gently). If you have a busy family bathroom, framed showers are generally considered the safest option, as the metal frame helps protect the edges of the glass from any impact that could break it.

Still unsure which shower doors and enclosures are best for your home? Check out our shower enclosure buying guide for more information.

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