Despite the popularity of finishes like stainless steel, chrome, and nickel in modern home hardware, the dark oil-rubbed bronze option remains rather distinguished. Its deep, rich traditional appearance adds character to any fixture on which it’s used. Whether it's framed shower doors, a semi-frameless shower door, or even a mirrored cabinet, styling your home with bronze accessories adds a unique touch and remains great looking for ages.

What is Oil-Rubbed Bronze?

Oil-rubbed bronze is a brown to dark brown finish that is good for accent or complimenting a darker style tile or enclosure. In the past, the finish was made from a true hand-rubbed finish that gave the hardware a traditional, antique look. Today, the finish is powder-coated, which is a finishing process that yields a thick, hard finish that is tougher than conventional paints. Oil-rubbed bronze is a very dark finish with colors varying from a deep chocolate brown to almost black. However, because there are varieties of this finish in the hardware industry, not all oil-rubbed bronze finishes match.

Why Don’t all Oil-Rubbed Bronze Finishes Match?

The oil-rubbed bronze finish isn’t consistent from one manufacturer to the next because of several factors:

• The composition of the metal being used
• The temperature of the chemical solution
• And, the duration of the application

For example, the finish will appear darker on metals with higher copper content. During the actual oil rub process, the amount of oil applied and the conditions in which it dries introduce even more variables that can affect the final finish.

Oil-Rubbed Bronze Benefits

The oil-rubbed bronze powder coating makes this matte finish very durable. It doesn’t get scratched easily like anodized aluminum, or traditional painted metal parts because its thick coating is applied electrostatically. It’s also a strong finish in terms of longevity as it’s not going to fade for a very long time. Lastly, this finish is a great complementary color, whether it’s a color to match or be used in tandem with a different color. A common combination is to get the shower door frame in oil-rubbed bronze and the hinges and handles in brushed nickel. 

Key Takeaways:

• The oil-rubbed bronze finish isn’t consistent from one manufacturer to the next because of several factors including the composition of the metal being used, the temperature of the chemical solution, and the duration of application.
• The oil-rubbed bronze finish offers many benefits to the end-user such as longevity and durability. 

Getting the Right Finish for Your Next Home Project

The oil-rubbed bronze finish is unlike any other hardware finish out there. It creates a traditional look into your home, in an age dominated by contemporary finishes. Furthermore, the oil-rubbed bronze finish can be applied to most hardware out there, be it a bronze framed shower door, bronze sliding door, cabinet, or semi-frameless shower door.

Thus, if you want the unique, traditional appearance of the oil-rubbed bronze finish, without the color wear associated with it, GlassCrafters has you covered. Our powder-coated oil-rubbed bronze finish is highly durable and will ensure your accessories retain their color for a very long time. Contact us to get your desired oil-rubbed bronze-finished framed shower doors, or framed medicine cabinets to truly pull together the design look and feel of your home.

You have so many options to choose from for your shower doors, mirrors, and other bathroom installations. That’s why, at GlassCrafters Inc, we deliver solutions that are sturdy and dependable, with designs that include the Iron Matte Black Frame, Satin Brass, and many other options. We offer beautiful, durable finish options as part of our turnkey solutions, with more than 30 years of experience in delivering the high-quality products and services you need and value the most.

What is the Iron Matte Black Frame?

The Iron Matte Black Frame is used as an accent and complement, but it’s also extremely popular with homeowners right now. That’s great news if you’re looking to use it for a shower door, framed medicine cabinet or wall mirror, or other custom framing solution because we probably have it in stock or we can get it for you quickly without an extensive back-order delay.

The reason for its popularity may have something to do with its traditional Tudor look and feel, but it also melds seamlessly with modern and contemporary designs. You can accent that stark duality of a white-and-black enclosure, with the Iron Matte Black Frame and hardware. It’s easy to match with other bathroom design features as well.

While the Iron Black Matte Frame has been in and out of popularity with its trending power over the last few decades, it’s now got more sticking power than ever before. This is partly due to how easily you can integrate the black frame into virtually any design project to elevate the look and feel of the entire installation.

What Are the Benefits of the Iron Matte Black Frame?

The Iron Matte Black Frame has the same benefits as some of the other frame options. It’s a durable, powder-coated solution that’s built to last. With the matte black framed shower door, you won’t notice fading or discoloration that you could see with more shiny finish options. That resiliency and staying power is just part of the reason our clients and the trending industry as a whole love this option.

It’s a “bulletproof” solution, which means that it doesn’t show fingerprints or other smudgy residues on the exterior of your enclosure. The matte black frame blends into the structure, without the reflections you’d see in a shiner finish. Thus, it will continue to look great in your bathroom, whether the material is in the form of a shower door, faucet, frame for a mirror, etc.

Key Takeaways:

• At GlassCrafters, we deliver solutions that are sturdy and dependable, with designs that include the Iron Matte Black Frame.
• While the Iron Black Matte Frame has been in and out of popularity with its trending power over the last few decades, it’s now got more sticking power than ever before.
• The Iron Black Matte Frame is a powder-coated, “bulletproof” solution, which means that it doesn’t show fingerprints or other smudgy residues on the exterior of your enclosure.

Interested in a Matte Black Frame Finish?

At GlassCrafters, we offer custom enclosures and design features to meet your needs, but we also support all the latest design trends in the industry. It might sound simple, but it’s not always easy to decide which of the myriad of options is best. At Glass Crafters, we help you achieve the look and feel you want while offering a durable, cost-effective, and beautifully simple option that’s also easy to clean and maintain. With more than 30 years of experience, we have grown into a leading full-service manufacturer with MDI capabilities for the NYC and DC metro areas, providing transparency, quality, and guaranteed expertise. Call 800-233-7362, or contact us today! 

If you are someone who prefers your decor style to be more understated, you are essentially a minimalist. As such, you are typically attracted to clean and simplistic pieces while also being modern and aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, it can take you quite some time to find the right products and pieces to decorate the various rooms in your home.For instance, the bathroom is an area that can be especially difficult to decorate when you are sticking to a minimalist style and color scheme. In particular, the shower doors can often be of special concern. This is because many companies tend to carry the same types of shower doors, which are either too simple or over the top. Luckily, GlassCrafters has plenty of products to choose from.

What is a minimalist look?

In case you are unaware, a minimalist look is a look that is as clean and simple as possible. When applied to the realm of bathrooms and shower doors, minimalism would be products and pieces that have fewer patterns, knobs, colors, hardware, etc. Moreover, minimalist shower doors are typically frameless to make them appear as simple as possible. Additionally, many of these shower doors are composed of glass and handles only. Therefore, the only finish colors to consider are the colors of metal handles they are adorned with.

Minimalist features:

In particular, if you are interested in minimalist decor, you are attracted to the following common features:

• Durability: One of the top benefits of investing in minimalist decor is that it is known for being highly durable. This is because the minimalist decor is meant to be simple and highly functional. So, these pieces often look great and require minimal upkeep.
• Effortless Aesthetic: As mentioned, minimalist decor often has an understated aesthetic. Therefore, when matched with the right decor, these pieces are effortless and offer a classic appeal.
• Innovation: Since the main focus on minimalist decor is simplicity and functionality, many of these pieces are created using cutting-edge technologies. This means they are made from the best quality metal and glass; they include premium quality handles, and other materials, and more.
• Less Hardware: Additionally, a minimalist bathroom glass shower door is likely to have far less hardware than other types of shower doors. For instance, they may not require things such as side rails or bottom tracks.

Therefore, if you are interested in minimalist decor, you should embrace pieces that are as clean, durable, effortless, cutting-edge, and simplistic as possible.

The Best Shower Doors for a Minimalistic Look

Equalis

GlassCrafters’ Equalis Series™ shower door features durable and long-lasting hardware including stainless steel rollers with concealed ball bearings. It is also available with Standard Clear tempered safety glass and EnduroShield® protective glass coating. The frameless by-pass offers a timeless, contemporary aesthetic making it perfect for the minimalistic look. 

Matrix

The Matrix Series™ combines technological innovations of stainless steel and carefully crafted glass. This frameless sliding door is supported by a tubular one-inch diameter stainless steel rod. GlassCrafters custom designed bumper system eliminates the need for side rails or bottom tracks allowing for a minimal feel. 

Majestic

The Majestic is a perfect fit for the minimalistic look as it is the only truly frameless enclosure in the industry. It is designed with solid brass pivot hinges, eliminating the need for bulky metal headers or channels. 

Key Takeaways:

• Those who prefer clean, understated decor can be described as minimalists.
• Minimalist decor is primarily focused on functionality and simplicity.
• Minimalist shower doors are typically made from cutting-edge technologies and premium-quality materials.
• The Equalis, Matrix, or Majestic are all perfect shower doors to use for a minimalistic feel. 

Are you searching for premium quality glass shower doors?

If you are searching for a high-quality minimalist frameless shower door, we've got you covered. Here at GlassCrafters, we pride ourselves on providing businesses and individuals with premium-quality, luxury, custom glass shower doors, shower enclosures, custom bath enclosures, sliding shower doors, custom frameless shower enclosures, luxury mirrored cabinets, as well as custom mirrors. Therefore, if you are looking for minimalistic frameless glass shower doors, you can find them here. Contact us today for more information and to schedule an appointment with our team of experts.

Whether you’re installing a brand new shower door, or you’re replacing one that you’ve had for a while, it’s a great way to update your bathroom. Depending on which glass door options you choose, it can add value to your property and make your cleaning and disinfecting faster and easier.

Q: How to install a glass shower door?

A: Your new glass shower doors are an investment in your property, but they’re also a potential liability if they are not installed correctly. Even just 1/16” off could affect the seal for your shower, which could lead to issues down the line with a leaking ceiling or drywall damage.

If there are even the most minor errors in measuring or engineering, you may need to buy a whole new glass shower door to fix the problem. This could end up costing you far more than anticipated. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional with good reviews to do the glass shower door installation for you upfront.

Q: How do you keep glass shower doors clean?

A: The process of keeping your glass shower doors clean and free of water stains and soap scum buildup is a daily endeavor. As you take special care every day to address these issues, you can contribute to a cleaner, more hassle-free shower experience.

• Use a squeegee to get the water off the glass to prevent hard water stains and soap scum buildup after each use. You can also use a microfiber cloth to remove the water from the glass.
• Enduroshield® is an added protection against hard water stains and soap scum buildup, but you should still wipe down the glass or use a microfiber cloth.
• You can also use a white vinegar and water solution to clean your glass shower doors.
• If you start to see hard water stains and soap scum build-up, use glass cleaner to address the issue. Avoid using sharp objects, acid-based cleaners, or scouring pads on your glass shower door.
• Leave the door open to ensure you’re getting proper airflow through your shower area.

Q: How do you avoid mildew with a glass shower door?

A: Your shower area is filled with moisture and humidity, which creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. Make sure you have a big enough fan or leave your door open. The goal is to do whatever you can to keep the shower area dry to prevent the growth of mildew and mold.

At GlassCrafters, we use silicone that is mold resistant. It’s equivalent to the best silicone that there is, so you can rest assured that we’ve taken every possible precaution to ensure that your installation is protected from mold or mildew. However, it is recommended that you still take steps to keep your shower area as moisture-free as possible.

Q: How do glass shower doors add value?

A:  Glass shower doors can increase the resale value of your home. If properly cared for, glass shower doors can be a modern and desirable feature in house hunting. However, they will also be of value to you as long as you live in the house. Glass shower doors also add value in a lot of different ways including:

• Allowing you to show what is inside the enclosure such as tiled surfaces, colors and patterns, shower fixture designs and metal finishes, interior benches, etc.
• Being easy to clean and maintain.
• Providing more light to the enclosure.
• Being durable and lasting a long time if properly maintained.
• Providing safety to the homeowner by being tempered.
• Fitting a homeowner’s style preferences and space requirements because it can be configured in a variety of ways.

Thus, a new glass shower door will improve the aesthetic look and feel of your bathroom, and can elevate your morning and bedtime routines so you feel ready to start your day or relax from it!

Q: How to replace a glass shower door?

A: Several factors can affect the replacement process of a glass shower door. It might depend on why you are replacing the door. Was it broken? Is it just old? Is it leaking? Or are you changing it as a part of your household remodeling effort?

Given the number of variables involved in the replacement process, GlassCrafters recommends that you call us for a free consultation. We can walk you through the entire process, help you assess the situation, and offer specific recommendations for the solutions that will best meet your needs.

Q: How much are glass shower doors?

A: The pricing for a glass shower door can vary depending on your bathroom situation, whether it’s a new installation or a replacement, and which options you select. We recommend that you reach out to our team at GlassCrafters for a free consultation to determine your specific needs, the variable costs, and how we can be of assistance.

Key Takeaways:

• A new glass shower door will improve the resale value of your home as well as the look and feel of your bathroom.
• Make sure your new glass shower doors are installed correctly by hiring a professional like GlassCrafters to complete the job. 
• Keeping shower doors clean of water stains and soap scum is a daily endeavor. Some steps to take involve squeegeeing, using a microfiber cloth, allowing for airflow after use, and getting EnduroShield® as extra protection. 

Contact GlassCrafters Today!

Serving communities across America since 1991, GlassCrafters is proud to provide top-notch custom shower enclosures, glass shower doors, and sliding shower doors. GlassCrafters even offers custom bath enclosures, luxury mirrored cabinets, and custom mirrors. Learn more about

When it comes to installing a new cabinet for your bathroom, there are plenty of things to consider. Not only do you have to choose sizes, colors, and materials, but you also have to choose the best style for your individual taste. Given that there are so many different options, this is a process that can take longer than you think. For instance, one type of cabinet you should take note of is an art deco mirrored cabinet. Ever heard of them? Well, the following is an overview of all the essentials.

The Art Deco Style

The Art Deco style originated in France and eventually made an impact on architecture and design in the US in the 20s and 30s. Back then, it was featured on everything from buildings to products, locomotives, and more.

These days, the Art Deco style is often seen in major US cities, such as New York and Chicago, where it has gone mainstream. Especially in trendy areas, such as New York City, the Art Deco style seems to be one that many businesses and individuals gravitate towards.

Moreover, it has transcended time. Despite the fact that it was created so long ago, it is still a favorite among older and younger generations alike. This is largely due to its traditional, sleek, minimal aesthetic, which also has an air of opulent elegance.

Prominent features:

• Chevron patterns: The use of Chevron patterns are etched into the designs.
• Retro Vibes: Although they can still be somewhat traditional, most Art Deco designs have a retro feel.
• Versatility: The Art Deco style is also highly versatile. Therefore, those who choose this style for their homes will have quite a few options.

Art Deco Style Mirrored Cabinets

Deco

By incorporating chevron shapes in the steps of the detail the Deco perfectly fits the art deco style. Its refined retro design radiates progressive charm and celebrates the symmetry of style. It’s available in five finishing options - Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Brushed Nickel, Brushed Bronze, and Oil Rubbed Bronze. Furthermore, GlassCrafters stands out amongst the competition because we go above and beyond with the polished plated finish, so this product matches high-end faucets and other accessories in the bathroom.

Park Ave

With its finials in the corners, the Park Ave mirrored cabinet accentuates a regal ambiance in your home. It is available in six finish options - Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Satin Brass, Iron Black (Matte), Brushed Nickel, and Oil Rubbed Bronze.

Trinity

The Trinity’s chamfered shape, while more a transitional style, can work with art deco given the chamfer, sharp details in the corners. It adds a timeless, refined elegance to any room. It is available in seven finish options - Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Satin Brass, Iron Black (Matte), Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and Brushed Bronze. 

Are you creating an Art Deco bathroom style?

If you are interested in creating an Art Deco aesthetic for your bathroom, you're in great company. As mentioned, Art Deco remains one of the most popular styles of decor for people from all walks of life. So not only should you be looking for the perfect tiles or wallpaper, but you should also find an Art Deco medicine cabinet, door handles, and much more. Speaking of which, a vintage mirrored medicine cabinet could be one of the best products to install to make your newly renovated bathroom look amazing.

Key Takeaways:

• Art Deco mirrored medicine cabinet designs are one popular option for those interested in installing new cabinets in their bathroom space.
• Art Deco is known for being modern, retro, and upscale.
• An Art Deco bathroom cabinet can be one of the best accents to make your bathroom aesthetic pop.

Looking for a premium quality vintage Art Deco medicine cabinet?

Overall, if you are looking for an Art Deco style medicine cabinet, your friends here at GlassCrafters are here to help. As a family-owned and operated private company that was established in 1991, GlassCrafters has grown into a leading Full-Service Manufacturer and Installer of Luxury custom shower enclosures, glass shower doors, sliding shower doors, custom bath enclosures, opulent, custom frameless shower enclosures, luxury mirrored cabinets, as well as custom mirrors. We are also a Laminated Architectural Glass Manufacturer. Offering superior products, here at GlassCrafters, we pride ourselves on offering highly durable, sturdy, shiny, impressive pieces that look great and are easy to maintain. Contact us today for a quote and more information.

Every home has a different aesthetic and every detail selected within that home reinforces that aesthetic. Even the selection of something seemingly simple like shower doors can radically affect the look and feel of the space. In this blog, we’ll discuss framed vs. frameless shower doors and which one you should pick based on the aesthetic you’re going for.

Benefits of Framed Shower Doors

More Customization Options to Fit Multiple Aesthetics

With framed shower doors, a wider range of aesthetic styles and customizations are available. In fact, framed shower doors can even accommodate a more traditional look that fits a more traditional home, or they can be designed into something more contemporary and sleek.

The metal used for the frame can be matched to the rest of the bathroom space, whether you choose aluminum or solid brass material, which are available in a variety of color finishes. If you have strong visual accents in play with your faucet and other bathroom finishes, a framed shower door might be the perfect finishing touch. Framed shower doors are also now being made into revamped classics, such as the iron matte black framed shower doors. The matte black frame can bring a more modern touch to your style space. 

Stylistic

But the core appeal of framed shower doors is stylistic. The customization features allow for framed shower doors to do more than just match existing fixtures. The frame can be totally coordinated with the space, to match the vibe and completely change the aesthetic.

Lower Chance of Leaking

It's worth noting that framed shower doors also come with a slightly lower chance of leaking because the frame helps to seal off the shower space. In a frameless door, there is vinyl providing the seal—which can overall block any potential leaking—and a magnetic catch helps secure the door in place. However, depending on how the water is pressurized, it may erode the vinyl over time—which is part of why regular maintenance and care are important to preserve the structural integrity of any shower doors.

Benefits of Frameless Shower Doors

Style

The core benefits of frameless shower doors are also stylistic, although these lean to be more contemporary in their style. Minimalist chic through modern sophistication calls for glass frameless shower doors, which visually draw the least away from the space. 

Opportunity for Accents

The biggest opportunity for accents comes with the hinges and maybe the handle since there is no metal around the perimeter of the door. Overall, the look of frameless shower doors allows for other features of the shower space to be shown off, such as imported marble or other finishes.

However, from a cost perspective, frameless shower doors can run homeowners on either side of the spectrum. They can be more expensive or more affordable than a framed shower door, based primarily on the final finishes of the handles and hinges, as well as how complicated the installation is.

Key Takeaways:

So, how do you choose between framed shower doors versus frameless shower doors?

• Overall, the core difference between framed shower doors and frameless shower doors is aesthetic, and a matter of personal preference as well as what's needed to match the rest of the bath space.
• Framed shower doors offer the widest range of customization options, while frameless shower doors provide the least visual distraction from the materials used in the bathroom.
• While framed shower doors tend to form a slightly better seal, both types of shower doors have come a long way in their construction and durability.

A well-installed shower door of either type will keep water in the shower, complement the aesthetics of your space, and last over time. GlassCrafters is proud to provide top-notch custom shower enclosures, glass shower doors, and sliding shower doors. Call GlassCrafters today at (888) 683-1362 to learn more about how we can install the perfect shower doors for your home.