It’s no secret that a glass shower door frames the bathroom in privacy and elegance. Whether you’re looking to replace broken doors or want to update your bathing space, taking on the task of covering them yourself is a great way to save time and money.
But before you dive into this potentially intimidating project, let’s explore some tips on how best to tackle the job – from materials selection, measurements, ordering parts online all the way through installation. By following these reliable steps for how to cover glass shower doors in plastic sheets (or other types of material!), you can achieve professional results and enjoy a more warm and inviting atmosphere right at home!
Understanding the Reasons for Covering Glass Shower Doors
Covering glass shower doors can provide a range of benefits. From improved privacy to enhanced aesthetics, there are many reasons to consider covering your shower door.
Privacy is one of the most common reasons for covering glass shower doors. Many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of being exposed in their bathroom, so using curtains or blinds on the windows and doors can provide a greater sense of privacy. Additionally, if you have adjacent bedrooms or bathrooms, using shower curtains can provide an extra layer of privacy between the spaces.
Aesthetics is another key reason why homeowners decide to cover their glass shower doors. Glass has a tendency to show water marks and soap scum more easily than other materials, so by covering your door, you can protect the glass and maintain a cleaner look. Curtains or blinds come in a range of colors, patterns, and textures that can help you to create the perfect look for your bathroom.
Safety is another important factor when it comes to covering glass shower doors. Installing curtains or blinds can prevent you from slipping on wet tiles and injuring yourself if you accidentally step outside the shower. It can also help to keep children and pets safe if they accidentally enter the bathroom while you’re in the shower.
Evaluating the Condition and Type of Glass Doors
Before attempting to cover glass shower doors, it is important to first evaluate the condition and type of glass you are dealing with. You will want to make sure that the glass is in good condition, and not cracked or otherwise damaged. If you are dealing with frosted glass, it should be noted that some coverings may damage the frosting.
If your doors are frameless, there are many more options available for covering them than if they have frames. Frameless shower doors tend to be made of tempered glass, which is significantly stronger than other types and, therefore, better suited for custom covers or adhesives.
You will want to research what kind of material will work best on this type of glass before attempting any installation.
On the other hand, framed door panels may require different solutions due to their lower quality construction materials and tendency towards leaks. Before considering a covering, check for any damages that could affect the functionality of the door. Replace any damaged seals or hardware before attempting to cover the glass with an adhesive or covering material.
Identifying Any Specific Issues or Concerns
When it comes to covering a glass shower door, you should always inspect the surface for any damage or specific issues that need to be addressed. This may include inspecting for scratches, chips or cracks in the glass, as well as checking for corrosion from hard water buildup.
If there is any concern that the underlying surface of the glass is weak or compromised in any way, then you should contact a professional to inspect and repair it before attempting to cover it.
It is also important to determine if there are any areas of moisture or condensation on the glass surfaces that could potentially affect how well the protective layer adheres. Taking time to identify these potential issues prior to beginning your project can save you major headaches down the road.
Once you have determined that the glass is in good condition, then you can begin measuring for your covering material. Make sure to measure both the length and width of the shower door and any other areas around it that you may want covered. Having precise measurements is necessary not only for making sure that you buy enough protective material, but also to ensure that it fits properly.
10 Methods How to Cover Glass Shower Doors
1. Install Privacy Film:
Privacy film is a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for covering glass shower doors. It comes in various designs, patterns, and opacities, allowing you to choose the level of privacy you desire.
Clean the glass surface thoroughly, measure the dimensions of the doors, and cut the privacy film to size. Apply the film to the glass, ensuring a smooth and wrinkle-free application. The film can be easily removed if you want to revert to the original glass doors.
2. Use Window Clings:
Window clings are adhesive-backed decals that can be applied to glass surfaces, including shower doors. They come in a variety of designs, ranging from frosted patterns to decorative motifs.
Clean the glass doors, choose the desired window clings, and apply them to the glass surface. Window clings provide privacy while adding a decorative touch to your bathroom. They can be easily removed and replaced if desired.
3. Hang a Shower Curtain:
A shower curtain is a versatile and flexible option for covering glass shower doors. Install a tension rod or a shower curtain rod above the doors and hang a shower curtain that complements your bathroom decor.
This method allows for easy opening and closing of the curtain while providing complete coverage and privacy when needed. Choose a water-resistant shower curtain to ensure durability in the high-moisture environment.
4. Install a Sliding Barn Door:
For a rustic and trendy look, consider installing a sliding barn door to cover glass shower doors. This method requires some carpentry work, including the installation of a track system and mounting the barn door.
Sliding barn doors offer privacy and style while adding a unique focal point to your bathroom. Choose a door material that is suitable for the moisture-rich environment, such as wood treated for water resistance.
5. Apply Frosted or Etched Glass:
Frosted or etched glass provides an elegant and contemporary solution for covering glass shower doors. This method involves applying a specialized coating or treatment to the glass surface, creating a translucent effect that obscures visibility while allowing light to pass through.
Consult with a professional glass company or contractor to explore options for frosted or etched glass and ensure proper installation.
6. Install Beaded Curtains:
Beaded curtains offer a creative and whimsical way to cover glass shower doors. These curtains consist of strings of beads that hang down from a rod, creating a visual barrier while adding texture and charm to the space. Choose beads in different colors, shapes, and materials to suit your bathroom style and preference. Beaded curtains are easy to install and can be adjusted or removed as desired.
7. Utilize Stained Glass Inserts:
Stained glass inserts can add a touch of artistry and elegance to your glass shower doors. These decorative panels can be custom-made or purchased in standard sizes to fit the door dimensions.
Stained glass inserts provide privacy while allowing light to create a vibrant and colorful ambiance in your bathroom. Consult with a stained glass specialist or artisan to discuss design options and ensure proper installation.
8. Apply Bamboo or Reed Shades:
Bamboo or reed shades offer a natural and organic covering option for glass shower doors. These shades are made from bamboo or reed materials woven together, providing a unique texture and visual appeal. Install the shades above the doors and lower them when privacy is desired. Bamboo or reed shades are resistant to moisture and add a touch of warmth to your bathroom decor.
9. Use Custom Fabric Panels:
Custom fabric panels offer a stylish and personalized way to cover glass shower doors. Choose a fabric that is water-resistant or has been treated for moisture resistance. Install curtain rods or tension rods above the doors and hang the fabric panels. This method allows for creative customization, as you can select fabrics that match your bathroom color scheme or showcase your personal style.
10. Consult with a Professional Designer:
For complex or customized glass door coverings, it’s advisable to consult with a professional designer or contractor specializing in bathroom renovations. They can assess your specific requirements, suggest appropriate covering methods, and provide expert advice on materials, installation, and overall design to ensure a cohesive and functional result.
Conclusion
Covers for glass shower doors are a great way to protect your doors and maintain the look of your bathroom. In addition to adding a practical and visually-pleasing touch, it’s important to consider quality materials when investing in protection for your bathroom space. It should also be mentioned that other ways of creating privacy are always an option, such as hanging curtains or frosted window films.
If you want to add character while still keeping things private, there are thousands of creative options out there. Hopefully, this article gave you some helpful tips about how to cover glass shower doors successfully, so now that you have the proper knowledge on how to get the job done, why not give it a try today?
