The Pros and Cons of Sliding vs. Hinged Shower Doors

So, you’re finally redoing your bathroom or looking to upgrade your old shower setup—nice! One of the first things you’ll probably need to decide is whether you want sliding or hinged shower doors. Trust us; that choice can change the look and feel of your bathroom.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we've got you. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of both styles in a way that’s super easy to understand—no fancy jargon here. Just some straight-up info to help you make the best choice for your bathroom. 

Whether you're browsing options for shower tub doors, tub shower doors, or even bathroom shower doors in general, this guide will help you out.

Sliding Shower Doors: The Chill Choice

Sliding doors, also called bypass doors, slide along a track and are great if you don’t want anything swinging out into the room. You’ll often see them on tub shower door setups, especially in smaller bathrooms.

Pros of Sliding Shower Doors:

• Save space since they don’t swing out

• Great for tight or narrow bathrooms

• Sleek and modern design, especially the frameless sliding shower door ones

• Can work with both tubs and stand-alone showers

• Easy to use—just slide it open and hop in

Cons of Sliding Shower Doors:

• Harder to clean the tracks (soap scum loves to hide there)

• Might not open as wide as a hinged door

• Some cheaper ones feel a little flimsy

• It can sometimes get stuck if not installed correctly

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want a door swinging into your face or bumping into your toilet, a sliding door might be the way to go.

And oh, if you want a clean look that still feels fancy, a frameless sliding shower door is a solid pick. Pair that with an easy clean shower door and you’re all set.

Hinged Shower Doors: You’re using it on a shower tub door combo

Fancy Feels

Hinged doors swing open like a normal door. You’ll usually see them in more open bathrooms with plenty of space to let the door swing out.

Pros of Hinged Shower Doors:

• Opens wide, so it’s easy to get in and out

• Classy and elegant, especially if you go for a frameless hinged shower door

• Super easy to clean (no track = no grime build-up)

• Feels strong and sturdy—great for long-term use

Cons of Hinged Shower Doors:

• Needs space to swing open, which can be annoying in small bathrooms

• Might drip water outside the shower if you’re not careful

• More moving parts = possibly more maintenance

• Usually costs a bit more than sliding options

If your bathroom has space and you like the idea of a door that swings open with a nice, solid feel, a hinged door might be your vibe. And if you want a modern look, a frameless hinged shower door can give your bathroom that “magazine photo” look.

What About Glass Style?

Whether you’re into sliding or hinged, the glass you pick makes a big difference, too. Clear glass is super common, but frosted glass shower doors are amazing if you want some privacy without losing all that light.

Here’s a quick peek at glass options:

• Clear glass = Clean, modern, but not private

• Frosted glass = Privacy + soft light

• Textured glass = Looks cool, hides water spots

Choosing glass is kind of like picking sunglasses—you want the right style and the right feel.

Waterproofing Matters!

This might sound boring, but having a waterproof shower door is a big deal. You don’t want water leaking all over your bathroom floor every time you shower, right?

Look for doors that have tight seals or built-in splash guards. Doesn’t matter if it’s a tub shower door, shower tub doors, or a fancy walk-in setup—waterproof shower doors will make your life way easier.

And let’s be real—nobody wants to deal with puddles after a relaxing shower.

So, Sliding or Hinged? Here's a Quick Recap

Go with Sliding Doors if:

• You have a smaller bathroom or limited space

• You want a sleek, modern vibe

• You don’t want the door swinging out

• You’re installing it on a shower tub door combo

Pick Hinged Doors if:

• You’ve got space to spare

• You like a more open feel when stepping in

• You want easy cleaning and fewer tracks

• You’re going for that fancy hotel bathroom look

A Few Extra Tips Before You Buy:

• Measure your space! (Seriously. Always measure.)

• Think about who’s using the shower. Older folks or kids? Sliding might be easier.

• If you're into less maintenance, go for an easy clean shower door

• Want that modern edge? Try a frameless style—either sliding or hinged

Final Thoughts

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. The best shower door for you depends on your space, style, and what you care about most—whether that’s looks, function, or just keeping water in the tub!

Whether you're on the hunt for bathroom shower doors, tub shower doors, or something super stylish like a frameless hinged shower door or frameless sliding shower door, you’ve got options.

Just remember—your bathroom should work for YOU. It’s not just about appearances — it’s about what feels right day in and day out.

Still not sure which one to pick?
Check out our latest collection of shower tub doors and see what fits your vibe best. From frosted glass shower doors to waterproof shower door options, we’ve got something that works for everyone.

You’ll find all the right styles, all in one place—at Dreamwerks.