Think about where you will put the shower control. In the first picture, you have to step into the shower to turn the water on... looks like you could get hit with a blast of cold water doing that. With a half wall, you can put the control inside the half wall and turn on the water without getting in the shower.

I can't tell for sure where the control is in the full glass shower; that may be it on the far left. If so, it looks like the shower is pretty long so the control is far enough away from the shower head so you don't get wet turning it on.

My contractor also suggested doing a niche inside the half wall so your shower products are hidden, which I decided not to do. Rarely do you see a picture of a lovely shower with any soaps, etc showing. The niche in the second picture is filled with plants... where is the shampoo and soap?

So decide based on how you will use it as well as looks, and check out the price of glass...I found it was pretty expensive.

The bottom and top photos are our bathroom. Half wall in the front is the wall I’m considering refusing in half.

So the half wall on the left that comes out from the outside window wall is the one you will keep? You could have a control on that wall and reach it without stepping in then. So I would agree that a full wall of glass on the right wall next to the seat would be pretty.

Where will the shower head be?

I like the idea of the full glass, very modern look.

https://designerdrains.com/tips/walk-in-shower-guide/

Susan L yes controls on left wall and shower heads over seat. Niche will be on the front side of the wall by seat hidden from view.

Agree the full glass panel gives the best look. I'd also suggest doing the glass panels to the ceiling for better stability and a cleaner look.

A full glass panel will keep the space feeling as open and large as possible

full glass. a hand held shower allows you to point it at the floor while waiting for it to come to temperature.

this is ours, to the ceiling... but you have to make sure your ceiling is level.

We are doing 2 vanities 48 inches navy blue cabinets. This our “design board”. Tile floor and same tile in shower with some darker accent tile in shower, quartz countertops, champagne fixtures. Given the size of the room do you think the semi flush light will be too much centered in the room? Which mirror wood or metal? This is harder than I thought it would be. Next time I’m hiring a designer!

Hi Sue,

When we work with customers who want an open, walk in shower, there are a few details we like to mention for consideration. Some of these have been touched upon by others here.

While a shower with full height glass panels will definitely give your bathroom a clean, spacious and uncluttered look, it reduces the options of where to place your controls and hide your shower products.

If you choose to go with a half-wall, you have more options for controls and products. Typically, a half wall and glass also tends to cost a bit less than full glass.

When you don’t have a door, the shower can be drafty. We recommend additional heat in the bathroom and/or a heated floor, or have the shower glass designed to add a door later just in case you change your mind. :-)

Depending on the size and location, the glass panels can be installed in multiple ways: with clamps, support rods, a header, or they can go to the ceiling.

If you’d like to see further examples, we have photos of these types of showers here on Houzz, and we have many more on our website.

Good luck with your project!

We just went through the same decision you are facing. I love the open concept as far as from outside looking in. As far as my warmth and comfort the half walls seemed better. I also am admittedly a shower product lover and bottles fit nicely in two niches. Our shower is 45x70” and glass goes to the ceiling. I am really happy with every decision.

Full glass window for sure. Opens the space up and looks very high end.