Shower Remodel Trends

Shower remodeling is a great way to modernize your bathroom and transform the area into an updated space that reflects your style. One of the most popular trends is adding shower doors and enclosures that separate the shower from the rest of the bathroom. According to reports, many older homes lack true separation, while today’s homeowners want privacy and a cleaner, more open look. Because one-piece glass enclosures create a seamless flow and showcase tile or solid surface walls, this trend keeps growing across the US.

The bathroom is a room people often delay remodeling, yet it is one of the most rewarding projects. Most bathrooms still have a shower and tub combo. Below are smart upgrades and fresh ideas if you are focusing on a dedicated shower remodel.

Shower Upgrades

1) Glass Shower Doors

Glass doors come in many forms. Modern styles include frameless designs with clean hardware, while vintage-inspired models play with special shapes like octagonal or diamond patterns. The current leader is the fully frameless glass shower.

Frameless With Hinges

Frameless hinged doors deliver a sleek, modern look. As the name suggests, there is no bulky frame around the glass; a few precision hinges and minimal brackets hold it securely.

Frameless Glass Shower Doors With Black Accents

Black hardware is a quick way to add drama. Minimal borders or black hinges and handles create a high-contrast, modern appearance without visual clutter.

2) Seamless Enclosures

Seamless enclosures minimize visible joints and hardware for a calm, spa-like feel. Paired with large-format tile or solid surface walls, they blend with almost any design scheme and simplify cleaning.

3) Modern Frameless Shower Enclosures

Tempered glass with clean lines gives a contemporary look that fits many decor styles. Options include hinged doors, sliding systems, and panel-plus-door layouts to fit your footprint.

4) Solid Surface Shower Walls

Solid surface panels have crisp lines, no grout, and a low-maintenance finish. Premium acrylic and engineered stone looks come in stone, marble, and tile patterns. See Onyx for 100% waterproof options that install fast.

5) Framed Shower Doors

Framed doors use rigid metal along the perimeter with glass or plexiglass panels. Styles range from classic to modern. They are budget-friendly and offer dependable water control.

6) Semi-Frameless Shower Doors

Semi-frameless keeps minimal trim for structure while showcasing more glass. It offers a modern look with good splash control and value.

7) Steam Showers and Enclosures

Steam showers add a luxury wellness experience. A compact generator produces steam, while fully sealed glass and a proper transom keep warmth where you want it. Great for recovery and relaxation.

8) Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers remove the threshold or lower it for easier entry. They visually enlarge smaller rooms and pair well with linear drains, benches, and integrated niches. Ask about curbless options during your design consult.

9) Shower and Tub Pairing

If space allows, keep a separate soaking tub and build a full-size shower. Where space is tight, consider a smart tub-to-shower conversion to trade unused tub space for a spacious, low-maintenance shower.

10) Showers With Built-in Shelves

Integrated niches and corner shelves keep bottles organized and off the floor. Oversize niches with accent tile elevate the look while adding daily convenience.

11) Low-Ceiling Showers

Low-ceiling showers use careful fixture placement, brighter finishes, and clear glass to avoid a cramped feel. A handshower on a slide bar and well-placed lighting make a big difference.

12) Double Shower Sidewalls With Benches

Opposing walls with seating turn a shower into a true retreat. Benches improve safety and comfort, especially when paired with a handheld shower for seated rinsing.

13) Shower Head Upgrade

Rain heads, high-efficiency heads, and dual showering (rain plus handheld) are trending. Look to Delta for finishes and spray modes that match your style and water-saving goals.

14) Shower Floor Upgrade

Stone mosaics, large-format tile with linear drains, or solid surface bases all change the feel underfoot. For tiled floors, use a full waterproofing system like Schluter KERDI. For ultra low maintenance, spec an Onyx base that is pre-sloped and fully waterproof.

Add Value

Shower remodels are popular because they improve function, aesthetics, and resale. Whether you are refreshing hardware and glass or planning a full rebuild, you will find options to fit your budget. When you are ready, explore our before and after gallery and book a free consultation.

FAQ: Shower Remodeling

Q: Are frameless doors worth it?
A: Yes if you want a clean, modern look and easy cleaning. They use thicker tempered glass and minimal hardware for a premium finish.

Q: What glass thickness should I choose?
A: 3/8 inch is standard for hinged or panel systems. 1/2 inch offers a heavier, more solid feel on larger spans. Your layout and hardware determine the best choice.

Q: How do I prevent leaks and mildew?
A: Use a continuous waterproofing system behind tile or choose solid surface panels with sealed seams, confirm correct pan slope and a 2 inch drain, and run a properly sized exhaust fan.

Q: How long does a shower remodel take?
A: Simple glass and fixture updates can finish in a few days. Full rebuilds with new waterproofing, tile or solid surface, and glass typically take 1 to 2 weeks.

Q: Tile or solid surface walls?
A: Tile offers endless design flexibility but needs grout care. Solid surface panels are 100 percent waterproof by design and clean fast with no grout lines.