Let me guess: You walk into your bathroom and something just feels… off.
Is it the weird flickering light over the mirror? The floor tile grout that’s seen better decades? Or is it that shower—yep, the one that looks like it belongs in a gas station rather than your beautiful home?
If you said yes to any of the above, buckle up. We’re going to talk about the unsung hero (or villain) of bathroom design: shower enclosures.
🧼 PROBLEM 1: Your Shower Looks Like a Science Experiment
That framed glass is foggy. The caulking’s turning questionable shades of beige. And the door? Pretty sure it makes a “creeeeeak” sound straight from a haunted house.
Why it’s a problem:
- You spend all this time picking gorgeous tile… and then cover it up with crusty plastic.
- It collects water like a sponge (and then never dries).
- It makes your bathroom feel smaller and darker.
💡 SOLUTION: Let That Tile Shine, Baby
Upgrade to a sleek, frameless glass enclosure and boom—your whole bathroom changes.
- No weird corners or metal tracks to clean
- Opens up the space and shows off your shower design
- Perfect for reflecting your fabulous bathroom lighting ideas (see, told you we’d get to it)
You paid for those tiles. Let them sparkle like they deserve.
🫠 PROBLEM 2: Steam Tunnel of Doom
Ever finished a nice hot shower and realized your bathroom now has the humidity level of a Florida swamp? Yeah, not ideal.
Why it’s a problem:
- You fog up the mirror just by thinking about it
- Moisture gets trapped, leading to mold, peeling paint, and cranky drywall
- Your fancy light fixture starts dripping. (Not a feature, by the way.)
💨 SOLUTION: Choose an Enclosure That Breathes
With proper ventilation gaps or a partially open enclosure design, you can keep the luxury without creating your own rainforest.
Pair it with an upgraded exhaust fan or even a little transom window above the shower. It’s like your bathroom’s taking a deep breath—and so are you.
🤯 PROBLEM 3: The Door Opens Into… the Toilet?
Oh yes, the classic design oversight. You step out of the shower—and immediately bump into the toilet or towel rack. Who planned this!?
Why it’s a problem:
- Space is tight enough already
- It disrupts the flow (literal and metaphorical)
- It’s one wet toe stub away from a bad mood
🚪 SOLUTION: Slide Don’t Slam
Sliding shower enclosures are your best friend in small spaces.
- They glide open with ease
- No awkward swinging doors
- Great for corner showers, narrow baths, or tiny house dreams
Function and style? That’s a Gaines-approved combo.
Final Word from Chip Gaines
Here’s the deal: Your bathroom shouldn’t stress you out. It should feel like your own private spa—or at least not like a retro gym locker room.
So if your shower enclosure’s holding your space hostage, don’t wait until it literally falls apart. Make the upgrade.
With the right setup, better airflow, and a layout that actually works with your bathroom (not against it), you’ll turn those grumbles into grins every time you step inside.
