Say Goodbye To Shower Curtains: Try A Barn-Style Glass Door Instead

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Is your bathroom lacking the classy feel you've been dreaming about for years? If so, there is one culprit you may not have identified, which could be making your showering and bathing experience feel less sleek and modern: the shower curtain. While they are relatively inexpensive and typically machine washable, shower curtains can cause a space to look less polished, especially due to the fact that they can be prone to mold and mildew as a result of the humidity from the shower. In addition, curtains can be frustrating because the moisture can cause them to stick to the bathtub, creating puddles on the floor, and they can even cling to you as you try to exit.

But is there an alternative that could allow you to finally say goodbye to the shower curtain for good? Well, for a stylish and up-to-date alternative that is also a breeze to use, then you need look no further than a barn-style glass door.These doors work by sliding horizontally along exposed wheels, much like the entrance to a traditional barn. There are full-length options that can be fitted over a shower and reach down to the floor, as well as half-length ones, which are made for shower-bath combos, effectively enclosing the open space above the bath behind the stylish sliding door. But these doors aren't just versatile. There are plenty of other great benefits that may encourage you to consider them as an option in your own bathroom.

These low-profile sliding doors are great for small bathrooms because they don't swing outward like hinged options, and they don't cling to the walls, toilet, or shower like a curtain does. In addition, their exposed wheels are a great fit for both rustic home designs — due to the connection with traditional barn doors — and more modern or industrial styles, too. They come in different colors and styles, meaning you can find one to fit your existing interior design aesthetic. For example, the stainless steel options are great if you want the shower door to blend into the background, allowing other design elements to take center stage. Or, if you prefer something with a little more shine, you could go for a bright gold version to add a hint of luxury to your bathroom.

In addition, having a glass door rather than a shower curtain allows for more visibility and light through the room, particularly if the shower area tends to feel dark and cut off when behind a solid curtain. Barn-style sliding doors are also relatively easy to maintain due to the durability of the glass and the wear-resistant hardware. The fact that the sliding mechanism is exposed means that there are fewer nooks and crannies, like there are in traditional sliding doors that use tracks, making them easier to clean. To keep these clean, simply squeegee the glass regularly to slow the buildup of hard water and wipe down using an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth. So, if you're sold on the idea of these stylish and practical doors, how can you go about installing them?

While hiring a professional is recommended by some retailers, you can install these doors yourself by carefully following the instructions. Remember, though, most directions mention that this project should be done with two people. Each product — like this KPUY sliding glass shower door — has its own specific guidelines, but you can start by measuring your space to ensure the door will fit. Then, place a piece of tape on either side of the shower to mark out where you will drill the mounting hardware, making sure to use a spirit level to ensure both ends are the same height.

After, don your safety goggles, look into tips for drilling the perfect pilot hole, and use a masonry drill bit to make the holes. Then, drill the hardware into place and attach the rails according to the instructions. Remember to add the door stops provided so the panel won't slide too far and hit the wall. Secure the stationary glass panel to the fasteners that slide in between the rails, holding it in place. Then, install the wheels and hang the moving panel. Finally, mount the floor guides below. If you are installing the barn door over a bath-shower combo, you may need to install a track along the bath instead. You may also need to attach the door handle yourself by screwing it into an existing hole in the glass. And voila! You have officially joined the shower trend that's replacing curtains and screens.