Shower Curtain v Shower Door

9 years ago

Hi all. We are in the process of redoing our very tiny master bath, starting with the shower. Our previous shower had a shower door on it and it was so big for such a small area that the door dripped water when opened after a shower into the heat/ac vent on the floor. I thought with our shower re-do we would just get a curtain, but some people have suggested another door. So, we thought we would post to Houzz and get some advice. Shower door or curtain? The shower area is 3x3 and I'll bet that wall with the vent is no more than 6 feet, and the door which has to stay for now, takes up half that room when opened.

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T. J.

9 years ago

As someone who had to deal with a shower that size for a year with a shower curtain, I can tell you it was horrible. The curtain has to be on the inside to do its job, and I'd be bumping up to it constantly. I always managed to step out into a puddle, which I can only figure came from pushing the curtain away from brushing against me and I pushed too hard. A door is really the only way to go with a smaller shower.

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Comments (15)

Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
the issue with a curtain with a shower like this is it has nothing to stick against.... with a tub you can magnet the curtain to the tub so it doesnt attack you.

at my previous house, with a smallish shower with door... we never opened the door all the way back to the wall anyway.. it would just (harmlessly) drip on the tub mat when opened about 75% of the way.
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gustaviatex
9 years ago
If you think a door will work, then of course that is nicer. I think they make some folding ones but it might be a custom job for the opening.

BUT a curtain can work. I have a small shower and area as well. I have a clear curtain. The trick I use is to wet my hand when the shower starts and rub it down the side of the tile. Pull the shower curtain against the wet tile and it stays closed while you shower. Just make sure it is long enough to stay inside the shower pan.

Curtains are OK, you can wash them periodically with some towels and replace them after a while with no big expense.
D J
9 years ago
Another vote for a door.
Look into folding one. If it's too expensive get a regular one and install a long bumper that would prevent the shower door from fully opening.
Nice simple shower design.
N R
9 years ago
100% go with the shower door! I dealt with a small 3' × 2.5' shower for 10 yrs. until I could afford to remodel my bathroom. I went from a curtain to a glass door and no more attack from my curtain liner AND the shower feels so much BIGGER! I LOVE my glass door and it looks great too
miacometlady
9 years ago
This shower is off scale but the idea may work.. a half stationary panel?
Anne Duke
9 years ago
Personally, I'd start with a curtain since you've already had issues with a door. If after a few weeks it's bugging you, get a door installed.
Beth H. :
9 years ago
do a door. make sure you get the plastic drip guards on them. also see if there is enough room in the shower for you to push the door IN as opposed to out where the water could drip on the floor. or, do sliding doors. no drips.
Katie
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks all! We will see about a door!
gustaviatex
9 years ago
Katie, the door should not open INTO the shower space for safety reasons. If someone should fall in the shower and land against the door, you might not be able to open the door inwards. Just sayin...
acm
9 years ago
In a shower that small, I'd want the glass just to feel like I wasn't locked in a phone booth. Clear glass, in fact. Plus, you get to show off your new tile!
Katie
Original Author
9 years ago
Ha! It is about the size of a phone booth! Thanks all! We will see about getting a door.
Snaggy
9 years ago
I have a very small bathroom so I put a Sliding door on my med size shower
remodeling1840
9 years ago
The frameless shower doors swing in and out: ask for a double-acting hinge. When you exit the shower, swing the door into the shower and all the drips fall onto the shower floor. We sold and installed this type of door for over 25 years. This type door lasts many years longer than the less expensive "framed" door. The one in our house is 18 years old. In addition, you will have a sleek, contemporary look and a door that allows light into the shower. A curtain blocks light and hides your tile. Check with your local glass company.
User
9 years ago
Definitely get a door, looks much nicer..