Clear, frosted or black glass for your shower enclosure

The model of the enclosure decides how the doors open, but the glass decides what impression the bathroom makes. All our shower enclosures are made of tempered glass, and you can choose between three types: clear, frosted and black, also called tinted. Each has its strengths, so it helps to know what you are getting.

Clear glass: more light and a sense of space

Clear glass is the most popular choice, and for good reason. You can see straight through the enclosure, so the bathroom feels larger and brighter. The tiles stay visible in full, which is especially nice when you have invested in striking tiles or marble.

Clear glass is also the best choice when the bathroom is small or has no window. Light from the rest of the room passes through the enclosure unhindered, so the shower does not feel like a separate, dark corner.

Water spots and limescale are most visible on clear glass, so it needs a regular wipe after showering. With a rubber squeegee that takes half a minute.

Frosted glass: privacy without losing light

Frosted glass lets light through, but not a clear view. It is a good choice for a bathroom shared by several family members, or when the shower faces the bathroom door.

• gives privacy while the bathroom stays bright
• water spots are less noticeable
• looks softer and calmer than clear glass

It goes well with light tiles and black hardware, like the enclosure in the main photo.

Frosted glass is also a good solution if the water where you live is hard and limescale builds up quickly. You still need to wipe the drops away, but small marks between cleans will not be as visible.

Black or tinted glass: a bold look

Black glass is for anyone who wants the shower enclosure to be the centrepiece of the bathroom. The tinted surface creates a modern, slightly hotel like atmosphere and works beautifully with marble, dark or beige tiles.

Tinted glass also gives some privacy, because you cannot see through it as clearly as through clear glass. With black hardware it looks unified and consistent, while gold hardware gives a warmer, more luxurious impression.

In smaller bathrooms without a window, consider whether a slightly darker space suits you. In a spacious or well lit bathroom, tinted glass looks genuinely elegant.

How the glass is cared for

All three types of glass are cared for in the same way. After showering, run a rubber squeegee over the glass, and once a week wash it with a mild, non abrasive cleaner and dry it with a soft cloth. If limescale appears, a solution of vinegar and water will help.

The only difference is how visible the marks are. On clear glass you will notice every drop, while on frosted glass marks are far less visible. If you do not enjoy frequent wiping, that is a good reason to consider frosted glass.

How to choose

Ask yourself three questions: how important is privacy, how much light does the bathroom get, and do you want the enclosure to stand out or blend in.

• small bathroom, as much light as possible: clear glass
• shared bathroom or a shower facing the door: frosted glass
• spacious bathroom, modern style: black glass

If you are torn between two types, remember that you will look at the enclosure every day, for years. Choose the glass you like both when the bathroom is tidy and when it is not, because then you know you have got it right.

You can also match the glass with the hardware colour: black, gold or silver. See different combinations in real bathrooms in our gallery, and all models in the shower enclosure collection.

Choose a model, enter your measurements in the calculator and you will see the price straight away, with or without installation. If you are not sure which glass is right for your bathroom, book a free measurement and we will advise you on site.