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Waldorf’s Phantom Shower

Posted on July 26, 2021July 26, 2021 by Emily Watkins

Shower Door of the Week: Phantom Unit in Waldorf, Maryland

The Phantom strikes again!

Me: Hey, Schuyler, what do you think of the Waldorf photo for Shower Door of the Week?

Schuyler: I don’t see it… nvm 🤦‍♂️ that bar is dang near invisible!

Noah: this may be the most phantom-y pic I’ve seen

Me: Did they even door??

Noah: 👻

With its extreme clarity and metallic silver tile, this shower unit is pure magic. So how did they achieve this gleaming sorcery?

The Phantom

This unit is a dual-sliding shower door with an innovative all-glass header system and clear acrylic stoppers. And these clients took minimalism to the next level by forgoing the standard towel bar. Instead, they opted for two chrome disc knobs that hardly show up against the silver tile.

The Glass

We never push for upgrades you don’t want, but these clients wisely invested in sealed low-iron glass. What does that mean? Low iron glass is more optically clear than regular glass. It doesn’t have that slight green tinge from the iron content. We usually recommend it for light-colored tile, especially, but you can see here how it preserves the pure silver tones too. And sealant? It helps reduce residue that leaves spots and streaks on your glass. It also makes routine maintenance easier – almost as if you have a phantom maid…?

Shower Singing

You know you want to…

Need to sing us a snippet? Or want to talk shower door design? Get in touch – we love a chat! Or follow along on Facebook and Instagram for inspiration and behind-the-scenes shenanigans…

Corner Upgrade in Fairfax

Posted on July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 by Emily Watkins

Shower Door of the Week: Frameless Corner Unit in Fairfax, Virginia

This week we are taking you on a journey from meh to fab! So many homes in our area built between the 1980s and 2000s have similar master bathroom layouts: a soaking tub adjacent to a shower stall. Often the corner shower has an ugly metallic frame. (Sorry, not sorry.) It’s a functional but outdated look. And that’s why this is our best-selling layout!

We put in a lot of frameless corner units like these when homeowners decide to refresh or remodel. It’s a solid investment, something you can enjoy every day and know will retain its value. Unless your clunky metal shower is actually made of gold, I guess. Then maybe keep the metal. Otherwise, frameless* is the future!

*Within the shower industry, “frameless” refers to any shower enclosure that doesn’t have metal adhered to the edge of the glass. Some people think frameless means no metal whatsoever. This is not the case. Frameless units can be virtually metal-free, except for clips on any stationary panels, hinges, and handle. But frameless also covers units that may have a header atop the unit and u-channel on the stationary panels.

For more upgrade inspiration, follow us over on Facebook and Instagram! If you’re ready to get started on our refresh journey, you can start a quote here on the website or get in touch for a chat. We are always, always down for a shower chat.

Minimalist Matte Black in Mount Airy

Posted on July 8, 2021 by Emily Watkins

Shower Door of the Week: Minimalist Matte Black in Mount Airy, Maryland

Another piece of matte black eye candy! We never get tired of the matte black trend – and neither do y’all. I’ll get back to the glass in a sec, but can we bask in that funky hardware? The bath faucet, shower head, and hook are so cool! But we’re the door experts, so let’s move on to that…

Still here? Okay, let’s geek out. Sharp-eyed blog readers will notice that the hinges are behind the front face of the glass. What’s going on there? The main appeal of these offset hinges is that more of the metal is “hidden” on the inside of the shower. Sometimes this is a technical solution, but we won’t geek out that hard today. The takeaway is that offset hinges are one option to double down on a minimalist shower aesthetic.

And now for something completely different. From our fearless leader, Noah…

For more shower door hilarity, follow us over on Facebook and especially Instagram. You can also get in touch with us at info@showerdoorexperts.com – or go ahead and start a free quote here on the website!

Glass-tastic Low Iron & Sealant in Mount Airy

Posted on June 27, 2021 by Emily Watkins

Shower Door of the Week: Low Iron Glass with Sealant in Mount Airy, Maryland

The vote for shower door of the week was unanimous! This corner unit in Mount Airy is just stunning. The minimalist frameless glass doesn’t distract from the natural spa-like feel of the room. It also makes the space look a lot bigger! We love how the chrome hardware pairs with the greys and tans of the tile work. It’s just a lovely design. But this week, let’s dive deeper and talk all-things-glass…

Low Iron Glass

Regular glass has a slight greenish tint that comes from particles of iron. Low iron glass is more optically clear. It might not be a big deal against darker tile, but we do recommend low iron for light-colored – and especially white – tile. It’s part of what gives a frameless shower that “barely there” look.

Sealant

Every so often we get a comment on our Facebook page: “Glass is so hard to keep clean!” Oh, friends, not so! With some basic prevention and maintenance, clean glass is a breeze. These Mount Airy clients opted to have us treat their glass with sealant. We offer this service to all our clients. Sealant fills up the pores and ridges in your glass to prevent scum from accumulating in the first place. Read more about how to keep your glass clean – it’s easy!

We’d love to hear from you! We’re over on the Facebook and the Instagram. And, as always, at our showroom in Jefferson, Maryland – where we continue to celebrate our 30th anniversary!

Frameless and Framed in Frederick

Posted on June 14, 2021 by Emily Watkins

Shower Door of the Week: Frameless Swing Door with Knee Wall Panel in Frederick, Maryland

This week we’re going back to basics: what is a frameless shower door? We’re fluent in showerdoor-ese, of course, but we don’t expect our clients to know all the industry jargon. So let’s start with this frameless swing door we installed in Frederick, Maryland last week. Within the shower industry, “frameless” refers to any shower enclosure that doesn’t have metal adhered to the edge of the glass. That’s pretty “clear” (hah hah) in the photo below. The only metal in sight is the hardware. It’s a design that’s increasingly popular but not the only way to go…

You might think that “frameless” = no metal at all. But not so! A door can be frameless even if it has a metallic header on top and a channel on the bottom. In that case the metal still isn’t adhered to the edge of the glass.

For contrast, here’s another installation we did in Frederick last week. It is a fully framed bypass unit in matte black. You can see that the glass has metal on every side. In general, framed shower doors are less expensive than fully frameless doors. (That said, a non-standard layout could cost more, so definitely check with us or start a free quote to get all your options.) It’s a traditional – even retro! – layout. In this case, trendy matte black modernizes the look.

We are always happy to nerd out about design and lingo! Get in touch if you have any questions at all. You can also pick up more ideas over on our Facebook and Instagram. Or stop by our showroom in Jefferson, Maryland!

Angled Cape Cod Shower in Adamstown

Posted on June 9, 2021June 9, 2021 by Emily Watkins

Shower Door of the Week: Angled Cape Cod Unit in Adamstown, Maryland

Angled bathroom ceiling? No worries! Unique angles need custom solutions, and that’s what your local experts are here for! If you’re just starting out on your renovation journey, this kind of angled ceiling is also known as a Cape Cod. For our purposes, any shower door that needs a corner sliced off to make it work is also considered a Cape Cod unit. So while doing your research you might see the terms angled, sloped, slanted, or Cape Cod. Whatever you call it, after the initial free quote, we will come to your home or business to take an exact measurement of your enclosure. That’s the part where we get to use lasers! We ❤️ our jobs.

Other design notes? We supplied and installed the 10″ corner shelf. Glass shelves are great for extra storage that doesn’t clutter up the clean lines of your enclosure. These clients also upgraded their pull handle to our ornate Symphony style. The hardware is all chrome, which pairs well with the light hues of the tile and paint. In general, this unit hits a really sweet spot between vintage and modern design.

What do YOU think about this design? We live for feedback, so let us know on Facebook and/or Instagram. Or stop on by the showroom for a chat! We’re in Jefferson, Maryland and enjoy meeting new people. Tell them Expert Emily sent you and ask for a free rubber ducky!

Bronze Shower in Silver Spring Wins Gold!

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Emily Watkins

Shower Door of the Week: Shower Bench & Oil Rubbed Bronze Hardware in Silver Spring, Maryland

Bronze isn’t third place this week! This stylish and functional shower unit is #1 in our hearts. Why? It not only turned out great, but it’s a testament to good design. In 30 years, we’ve seen a lot of shower layouts! And we highly recommend investing some time up front to think through your options before any remodeling work starts. It can open up design options you might not have thought about – or thought possible! That’s the beauty of custom work.

So what do we have here? First, the shower and bath tub are playing very well together. The off-center spigot of the tub shows that somebody really thought this one through. We helped that corner along with a 1/4″ grind/cut out in the top of the bench so the panel fits seamlessly. So you might want to re-think any “unusable” nooks in your bathroom!

The oil-rubbed bronze hardware also ties the space together. We do offer robe hooks (and towel bars), but in this case the client already had one installed. So the order in which you buy your hardware is also something to think about. There’s nothing wrong with some mix and match hardware if that’s your vision. (Brushed nickel and matte black, yes please.) But it can save you time, frustration, and money to bring us in early in the process. We’re also just really fun and love to chat about shower design!

If you’re still in the lookin’ around stage or just really love well-designed bathrooms (you’re not alone!), you can find us over on Facebook and Instagram.

Full Height & Full Heart in Rockville, Maryland

Posted on May 14, 2021 by Emily Watkins

Shower Door of the Week: Full Height Door-and-Panel in Rockville, Maryland

We went to great lengths to get this door installed. Eh? Eh? 😂 Well, technically, we went to great heights. This full height corner door-and-panel unit is a perfect match for the rain shower head. It won’t let any water escape, but there’s still plenty of space at the top for ventilation. How do we keep so much glass sturdy? Full height corner units require two clamps, one toward the top and another near the bottom. It really is amazing what you can do with frameless glass and clamps!

Design notes: these clients opted for a standard handle and chrome hardware. That makes sense for a design where the shower, not the hardware, is making the statement. (We dig that eastern blue tile!) They also wanted a 10″ shelf in the corner. Yes, we do shelves! And, as you can see, the shelf passed our rigorous durability test. It easily withstands the massive weight of our complimentary rubber ducky. Yes, you will get a ducky if you purchase a shower! And next week you can get a free rubber ducky just for starting a free quote! Just email Emmarose at office@showerdoorexperts with the rough dimensions of your shower and the code LIFEQUACKS. (We will NOT put you on a mailing list, promise.) For now here’s a free coloring sheet:

For more fun and bonus shower pics, head on over to Facebook or Instagram! And even if you’re not ready for a free quote, you can always get in touch with questions. We love to chat.

A Tale of Two Maryland Showers

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Emily Watkins

Shower Door(s) of the Week: Minimalist v. Cozy in Maryland

We couldn’t decide which of these custom showers to feature this week, so why not both? About the only thing they have in common is that they’re both in Maryland and keep water off the bathroom floor…

Spray Panel

In corner one we have a spray panel straight from Kensington, Maryland with clean minimalist lines. Expert Schuyler notes that it almost looks like a fancy hotel shower. The spray panel has just two wall clips and a channel along the bottom that secure the glass in place. The bench completes the almost industrial look. Does this design speak to you? Or are you more of a…

Panel-Door-Panel

In the other corner we have a cozy panel-door-panel from New Market, Maryland. The door hinges are glass-to-glass, placed at the very top and bottom of the door so the customers doesn’t get a face full of hinge first thing in the morning. And don’t let the pink and flowers fool you: this isn’t your grandma’s shower. (Or else it is, and your grandma is super hip!) Older showers might have a lot of metal around the edges. Also known as “framed,” in the biz. Frameless showers are more modern, stylish, and let in lots of light.

Also of note: the duel benches are a nice touch. It’s always handy to have space for your bottles and a spot to shave your legs. (This observation brought to you by Expert Emily.) Or just sit and ponder for awhile. You can see that the benches are angled so water doesn’t accumulate on them. This kind of design feature is why it’s so darn cool to get a custom shower door. You can design your dream shower, and we’ll make the glass work!

We’d love to hear your take on either or both of these shower designs! We’re always hanging out on Facebook and posting showers and fun pics on Instagram. (Send us a message in either place with the code SHOWERTHOUGHTS for a free rubber ducky!) Also waiting by the computer and phone to answer your questions or start a free quote.

Steamy Riddles in Rockville

Posted on May 1, 2021 by Emily Watkins

Shower Door of the Week: Steam Unit with a Unique Transom in Rockville, Maryland

Two words: Steam unit. Check your shoulders. Are they tense? Steam unit. We install the floor-to-ceiling glass to keep all that warm goodness inside, where it melts your tension away. Steam is also great for your skin and sinuses. See that yellow pollen on your car? Steam unit. It’s like having a spa in your own house. We especially like this stylish bench – you’ll want to settle in and take full advantage of your relaxation session.

You might notice something unusual about this unit. Well, for one, the floor tile is stunning, but we’re not the Tile Experts! We’re the Shower Door Experts! See that bit of rectangular glass with hinges in the upper right corner of the photo? It is not, I’m assured, the world’s most useless cat door. It’s an inset operable transom. Quick lesson:

A stationary transom is a piece of glass above a shower door or header that brings the unit to the ceiling for a fully enclosed shower. It’s usually required for steam units with an overall height too tall (84”+) for a full-height door.
An operable transom swivels to regulate the volume of steam and can attach to walls, headers, or stationary glass. They can be completely inset into a door or stationary panel – and that’s what we’re looking at this week.

Why inset? With the angle of this customer’s ceiling, we had to find another spot for the transom. The inset design was an elegant and functional solution. So unless you want to invest time into training your cat to navigate bizarre obstacle courses, probably best to use the transom for letting out steam.

Bonus Puzzle

What else is there to say? Well, when I asked our new Expert Schuyler about the details for this particular unit in Rockville, Maryland, he put on a green onesie with questions marks all over and riddled me this…

The finish is so special, as memorable as the Fonz.

The finish in question might be oil rubbed _____.

If you’ve read this far and can guess the metallic finish, post the answer on our Facebook page for a chance to win a rubber ducky! You can also find custom showers and behind-the-scenes pics over on Instagram. And do get in touch if you have any questions about steam unit design, cat training, or where Schuyler got his onesie. While you’re at it, you are welcome to ask us for a free quote – or start one right here on the website. Have a relaxing day!

Category: Blog