Choosing the right shower door is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning a bathroom renovation. The door defines not only the look of the space but also how accessible and comfortable your daily routine will be. With numerous configurations available, it is essential to choose a style that complements the layout of your room.
Hinged Shower Doors remain a favourite for homeowners who value a classic, robust design. They offer a wide opening and a solid feel that many sliding or folding options cannot match. Whether you are updating a family bathroom or fitting out a new en-suite, understanding the specifics of hinged doors will ensure you make the right investment.
In this guide, Asturias Bathrooms explores everything you need to know about hinged shower doors. We will compare them to other popular styles, discuss space requirements, and help you find the perfect fit.
What are Hinged Shower Doors?
A hinged shower door operates much like a standard internal door in your home. It features hinges attached to one side of the frame or directly to the wall, allowing the glass panel to swing outwards into the bathroom.
These doors are synonymous with luxury and durability. Because they do not rely on runners or rollers, there are fewer moving parts to maintain. They are often constructed from thicker glass - typically 8mm or 10mm toughened safety glass - which provides a substantial, high-quality feel.
For a prime example of this robust construction, the Merlyn 8 Series Hinged Shower Door features 8mm toughened safety glass and a signature hinge design that ensures a smooth, solid action every time it is used.
Hinged vs. Pivot Shower Doors
Shoppers often confuse hinged doors with pivot doors, as they look quite similar. However, the operating mechanism is different, which affects how they fit into your bathroom.
A hinged door attaches to the side of the frame and opens fully outwards. This maximises the width of the entry point, giving you plenty of room to step in and out.
In contrast, a pivot shower door uses pins located at the top and bottom of the frame. These pins are often offset, meaning part of the door swings outward into the room, while a smaller portion swings inward into the shower tray. This reduces the amount of clearance space needed in the bathroom.
If you have a slightly tighter space but still want a swinging door, a model like the Merlyn 6 Series Pivot Shower Door is an excellent alternative.
Hinged vs. Sliding Shower Doors
The choice between hinged and sliding doors usually comes down to the size of your bathroom. Hinged doors require unobstructed floor space in front of the enclosure to allow the door to swing open. If you have a large bathroom, a hinged door offers a sophisticated aesthetic with no tracks to clean.
Sliding shower doors are the go-to solution for compact bathrooms. Because the door glides along a rail within the enclosure itself, it requires zero external clearance. If your shower is positioned next to a toilet or basin that would block a swinging door, a sliding option is the superior choice.
For advice on fitting out smaller bathrooms, read our Sliding Shower Doors Buying Guide. If space is at a premium, the Scudo S6 Black Sliding Shower Door provides easy access without encroaching on your floor area.
Hinged vs. Bifold Shower Doors
Bifold shower doors are designed specifically for small en-suites and cloakrooms where every centimetre counts. These doors split in the middle and fold inward into the shower enclosure. Like sliding doors, they do not swing out into the room.
While hinged doors offer a wide, luxurious entry, bifold doors prioritise space efficiency. If you need maximum clearance in the bathroom and cannot accommodate a sliding rail, a bifold is a smart problem solver.
You can view the space-saving mechanism on the Scudo S6 Chrome Bifold Semi-Frameless Shower Door.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hinged Shower Doors
Before making a purchase, weigh up the pros and cons to ensure this style matches your lifestyle.
Advantages:
- Maximum Access: They typically offer the widest opening width of any door type, making them accessible and easy to use.
- Easy Cleaning: Without bottom tracks or sliding runners, there are fewer places for dirt and limescale to accumulate.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The minimal hardware and large glass panels create a high-end, designer look.
- Durability: High-quality hinges are incredibly long-lasting and require little maintenance.
Disadvantages:
- Space Hungry: You must have sufficient clear floor space for the door to open fully.
- Water Drips: As the door opens outwards, water droplets from the glass can fall onto the bathroom floor.
Space Requirements
The most critical factor when buying a hinged door is the "swing" radius. You must measure the distance from the shower enclosure into the room to ensure the door will not hit a vanity unit, toilet, or towel rail.
We recommend allowing at least 600mm to 700mm of clearance in front of the shower. This ensures you can open the door fully and step out comfortably without feeling cramped.
Styles of Hinged Shower Doors
Hinged doors are available in a variety of styles to complement both modern and traditional bathroom suites.
Framed
Framed doors feature a metal profile that surrounds the entire glass panel. This adds rigidity and strength, making them ideal for busy family bathrooms. The chrome or black profiles can also frame the shower area, turning it into a focal point.
For a stylish framed option that is compatible with power showers, consider the Ajax Reni 8mm Chrome Hinged Shower Door.
Semi-frameless
These doors strike a balance between strength and style. They usually have a frame around the outer edge of the enclosure, but leave the door edge exposed. This provides a lighter look while maintaining structural integrity.
Frameless
Frameless doors are the ultimate in modern luxury. They use heavy-duty hinges to hold thick safety glass without a surrounding metal frame. This creates a clean, open, and airy feel in the bathroom, allowing your tile work to shine through.
The Scudo Dawn Athena Chrome Hinged Inline Shower Door is a superb example of a frameless design that brings a minimalist touch to your space.
Measuring for a Hinged Shower Door
Accurate measurements are essential. If your measurements are incorrect, the door may not seal properly, leading to leaks.
- Measure the opening width: Measure the distance between the two walls (or the wall and the side panel) at the top, middle, and bottom.
- Use the smallest measurement: Walls are rarely perfectly straight. Always use the smallest of the three width measurements to ensure the door fits.
- Check for adjustment: Most doors come with an adjustment range (e.g., 20mm or 40mm) to account for uneven walls. Ensure your measurement falls within this range.
- Measure the height: Ensure the door height fits your space, taking into account ceiling height or tiling limitations.
Remember that your shower door must match the size of your shower tray exactly. For tips on choosing the right base, read our Shower Tray Buying Guide.
Price Range
The cost of hinged shower doors varies depending on the glass thickness, brand, and finish.
- Entry-level: You can find entry-level options, such as the Scudo Dawn Athena Chrome Hinged Inline Shower Door, starting around £324.24.
- Mid-range: For a mid-range budget, the Scudo Dawn Athena Black Hinged Inline Shower Door offers a modern aesthetic for approximately £431.34.
- Premium: At the premium end of the market, options like the Merlyn 8 Series Frameless Hinge & Inline Shower Door can cost upwards of £983.99.
Conclusion
Hinged shower doors are a fantastic investment for bathrooms that have the space to accommodate them. They offer unrivalled access, a premium look, and a sturdy feel that stands the test of time. By measuring carefully and choosing the right style for your decor, you can create a stunning shower area that serves you well for years.
If you are still unsure which door style suits your renovation best, consider our comprehensive article: Which Shower Enclosure Do I Need?
Explore our comprehensive range of hinged shower doors today to discover the perfect addition to your bathroom.
