Curved sliding glass enclosure from Fleurco using a 54 x 54 acrylic base
There is nothing quite as sleek, stylish and contemporary as a curved glass shower enclosure – but the question is can they be affordable? Learn below the benefits of these systems, the most popular types of curved glass showers, where they can be used and what are some of the more cost effective options.
Benefits of curved glass showers – Maybe one of the most prominent advantages of curved glass is simply the elegance of the product – but there are other benefits to consider as well. If you have a smaller bathroom a clear curved glass shower can give the feeling of a larger space. Another advantage is it’s ability to be designed to create walk in showers (these types of showers eliminate the need to clean around a door and are growing greatly in demand.
Most popular types – There are 3 general categories of curved glass most commonly seen:
- Custom bent architectural curved glass – The most common bent glass products include single glazed units with safety tempered glass (the tempered glass is required for wet applications). Bent glass is available in different thicknesses, patterns and there are even low iron units to provide the maximum clarity. While this product can be customized to someone’s requirements – it is a pretty expensive option.
- Standard curved glass enclosures – One way to get the cost of curved glass down is to create standard shower base systems and then make the shaped glass in a production environment. Fleurco a company headquartered in Montreal Canada has developed such a product. First they created standard sized acrylic bases with curved shapes. The names of these bases are called – Arc, Round, Corner slice, corner wedge, Bowfront and Roman half-curved. Using these unique designs the manufacturer has then developed shower enclosures at various price levels – from moderate priced systems up to high end luxury showers.
Frameless curved Corner Sliding Door Shower Enclosure and Acrylic Base Kinetic Line
- Curved glass block showers – Glass blocks have come a long way! In the old days there were only square blocks that were generally used inside of window or wall openings. Today there are thinly shaped units available to create graceful curved wall. These thin shaped blocks are even available in clear patterns to show off tile or stone work on the inside of the shower.
Curved glass block in a clear design for shower walls
Uses of curved glass enclosures – Flexibility is the word with the new era of curved showers. Whether you’re looking for a shower with a door or a walk in variety there is a cool looking selection available. These units can be put in “alcove” spaces (i.e. where they are surrounded with 3 interior walls – check out the Fleurco Bowfront or Roman half curved units for a couple of examples), or in the corner of a room and are made to fit multiple sizes. You can choose from frameless shower glass or framed systems.
Most cost effective varieties – Sometimes in remodeling or new construction projects are eyes go to what looks cool – but our hopes can get dashed when we get the price – ouch! If you’re looking for a cost effective curved enclosure that’s lighter on your budget check out the Fleurco systems and glass block walls. They are usually significantly lower in price than custom bent glass.
What questions or comments do you have about curved glass enclosures? Please comment below.
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Contact Cleveland Design & Remodeling (216-658-1270) or the Bath Doctor in Columbus (614-252-7294) for design ideas and estimates on bathroom remodeling and curved glass enclosures.
If you’re looking for a curved glass block shower or the Fleurco glass enclosures get nationwide design and supply through Innovate Building Solutions (877-668-5888) or one of it’s local divisions including Cleveland Glass Block (216-531-6363), West Side Glass Block (216-398-1020), Columbus Glass Block (614-252-5888), or Mid America Glass Block. For complete remodeling services contact Cleveland Design & Remodeling (216-658-1270). This article was authored by Mike Foti.
