What's a Seamless Shower? This Airy Bathroom Trend Is More Popular Than Ever

The shower is officially having its moment in the spotlight. According to Anne Colby, Houzz U.S. editor, shower upgrades continue to gain traction, with 84% of homeowners selecting to include a shower in their bathroom renovation project. Wet rooms and curbless showers are popular choices, but there’s another option that provides a similarly sleek look but with the benefit of a door enclosure: the seamless shower.

“Seamless shower doors are typically made of all glass and have no metal frames,” Colby explains. “For that reason, they are often referred to as frameless showers.” The frameless door provides an unobstructed view that delivers an open and airy feel, even if you’re opting for a full glass enclosure. “It’s also a great look for shower-tub combos because pros find that the tile is typically the star of the shower, and using a frameless door allows more transparency to let the tile shine,” says Colby. 

To determine whether this sleek and stylish shower type is right for you and your space, we’ve gathered everything you need to know, from installation considerations to cleaning details and more. 

Popularity of Seamless Showers

One of the primary reasons so many homeowners are opting for frameless or seamless showers is the flexibility they allow. “A frameless glass enclosure lends itself to any style, whether it’s a clean, sleek design that appeals to modern tastes or a simple and understated one with an elegant and classic look,” says Colby.

Many opt for the clean lines of a frameless shower in order to create the appearance of a larger space, as the lack of visual separation brings an unobstructed sightline. While it can certainly open up a bathroom, a seamless shower still provides some differentiation between the shower and the rest of the space, both helping contain water and keep out drafts, which means it gets high marks for its style and functionality. 

Installation Considerations

Like most aspects of a bathroom renovation, installing a frameless shower will benefit from the expert knowledge of a professional. “Frameless shower installations often require custom glass pieces, so it’s helpful to work with a professional who can align and install the pieces to fit the space and ensure the silicone caulking will keep water inside the shower where it belongs,” Colby says.

Beyond that, there are certain safety considerations that come along with selecting the right glass for the job. Selecting a thick, tempered glass will provide the most resilient and durable choice. Talk with your installer, manufacturer, or designer to determine the right glass type to fit both your style and functionality goals.

Cleaning Requirements

One of the benefits of a seamless shower is how easy it is to clean thanks to the minimal hardware you’ll have to scrub both on and around. “Professionals on Houzz recommend going with glass that has a finish that repels soap scum and water spots,” says Colby.

However, even with an easy-to-clean surface, consistent cleaning is not only recommended but required if you want to ensure the health of your glass for years to come. “Without consistent cleaning, hard water and soapy buildup that accumulates on glass shower surfaces can cause etching and permanently damage the glass, so homeowners should be prepared to wipe down the shower after each use with either a squeegee or a microfiber cloth,” Colby explains. 

Seamless Shower Pros and Cons

As with any design element, seamless showers come with their own set of pros and cons. Depending on your needs, these benefits and drawbacks aren't necessarily game-changers but best served as considerations. These pros and cons of frameless showers will help you be aware of what you're getting into should you opt for this sleek and stylish shower trend. 

Pro: Versatility

According to Colby, both kitchen and bath designers on Houzz continue to maintain frameless glass as the most common shower door type due to its ability to work within the footprint of most bath layouts while lending a clean, sophisticated look. 

Pro: Enclosed Design

With the growing favor for wet rooms and the equally popular curbless shower, traditional shower doors seem to be taking a backseat. But for those who desire openness without a draft, a frameless shower door offers a solution. 

Con: Lack of Privacy

“Privacy is a consideration with an all-glass shower but there are many solutions,” says Colby. Tempered glass is a given, though she urges homeowners to look beyond the clear glass finish. “Tempered glass can be sandblasted to create a frosted look, providing some privacy as well as looking good,” she explains.