Transform Your Bathroom: Before & After Shower Glass Installation Ideas

• 26 May 2025

Your bathroom should be more than an ordinary functional space—it can be a retreat. If you’re planning a renovation, few upgrades have as dramatic an impact as installing a glass shower enclosure No matter, whether you’re looking to refresh a dated design or completely renovation a small bathroom, the transformation from “before” to “after” can be just “WOW”.

In this blog, we’re going to examine before-and-after shower glass installation designs, tips, and inspiring transformations that show how this upgrade can make your bathroom look larger, brighter, and more lavish.

Why Glass Shower Enclosures?

Older bathrooms use heavy shower curtains, large framed doors, or plain fiberglass tubs. These dated elements can give the bathroom a dim, cramped, and claustrophobic atmosphere. Upgrading them to glass shower enclosures—particularly frameless ones—automatically opens the room, produces clean lines, and introduces a modern, spa-like ambiance.

Why homeowners adore this change? Reasons here:

• Visual enlargement: Glass enclosures make bathrooms appear larger by eliminating visual obstructions.
• Natural light: Clear panels let natural and artificial light pass through freely.
• Timeless style: Glass is never outdated and works well with any tile or color scheme.
• Easy maintenance: New coatings repel water spots and make cleaning easier.

Before & After Ideas That Inspire

1. From Heavy Curtain to Light and Airy

Before: A compact bathroom with an old-fashioned tub and textured fabric shower curtain rendered the space tight and old-fashioned.

After: The bathtub was replaced with a walk-in shower surrounded by frameless glass panels, subway tiles in light colors reflected light, and the absence of visual obstructions created a sense that the room was twice its size.

Tip: Frameless glass is a miracle worker for small spaces. Opt for clear panels and light-colored tiles to create an open sense.

2. Old Framed Door to Frameless Chic

Before: Sliding shower doors with gold frames were an awkward 1990s holdover in the otherwise remodeled bathroom.

After: The previous frame was removed and replaced by a frameless, hinged glass door. Matte black finishes coordinated with the contemporary sink and vanity fixtures, uniting the entire room.

Tip: Coordinate your shower hardware with other bathroom fixtures for a unified look.

3. Tub Conversion in a Family Bath

Before: A tile-sided, showerless bathroom tub was functional but unexciting—and unsuitable for older homeowners or visitors.

After: The tub was replaced with a walk-in shower featuring partially frosted glass for privacy without losing light, the non-slip floor tile and a rain showerhead made it comfortable and luxurious.

Tip: Tub-to-shower conversion can maximize functionality and future-proof your bathroom, particularly if mobility is an issue.

4. Smart Use Of Corners in Small Bathrooms

Before: In a small bathroom, a generic square stall with a plastic curtain occupied much of the floor of real estate.

After: An L-shaped, frameless glass enclosure trimmed to fit within the corner saved floor space while making room for floating vanities and storage mounted on the wall.

Tip: Corner enclosures and custom shapes can recover square footage without compromising shower size.

5. Designing a Luxury Spa Atmosphere

Before: A large bathroom with a standard fiberglass shower insert without any design sophistication.

After: The shower insert was swapped with floor-to-ceiling marble tile and a frameless glass enclosure with a pivot door, LED lighting, a bench installed in the wall, and steam capabilities transformed the area into a spa oasis.

Tip: To achieve a high-end appearance, combine glass enclosures with high-end materials such as stone, marble, or mosaic tile.

Design Advice for a Smooth Upgrade

No matter if you are dealing with a small powder room or an expansive main suite, these ideas can help inform your renovation:

1. Think Sliding vs. Hinged Doors

• Sliding doors work well in cramped areas.
• Hinged doors provide an open sense but require clearance.

2. Employ Clear or Low-Iron Glass

Clear glass highlights tile work and creates the illusion of a larger room. Low-iron glass eliminates the greenish color of regular glass, providing crystal clear views—perfect for highlighting top-quality tile designs.

3. Incorporate Function with Form

Think about adding:

• In-built niches for personal items.
• Bench seating for ease and accessibility.
• Etched designs or frosted bands for privacy without claustrophobia.

4. Choose Long-Lasting Hardware

Brushed nickel, matte black, brass, or chrome—select a finish that coordinates well with your faucets and lighting. Make hardware corrosion-resistant, particularly in areas with high humidity.

Budget & Installation Considerations

A complete shower glass installation costs between $1,000 and $5,000+, based on size, type (framed vs. frameless), and special requests. Frameless versions are pricier but provide the best look.

Things to plan ahead of installation:

• Measure your area once the tile work is finished.
• Check for wall studs where the hinges will go.
• Proper drainage and ventilation are assured.
• Get professionals for a leak-free, watertight finish.

Your shower is one of the most utilized fixtures in your bathroom. New glass enclosure can completely transform the room’s mood by replacing a curtain or an old door. In small powder rooms or in big suites, this renewal adds light, style, and functionality.