When it comes time to renovate or install a shower, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right type of shower enclosure based on how it opens. This choice affects not only the design but also how well the space is utilized, everyday comfort, and the bathroom’sfunctionality.
Are you short on space? Looking for easier access? Interested in a minimalist or easy-to-clean option? Each type of opening has specific advantages and is better suited to some conditions than others.
Types of Shower Enclosures Based on How They Open
In this guide, we explain the 5 most commonly used types of shower enclosures based on their opening mechanism and the fact that each and every one of our enclosures can be easily installed with the door on either the right or left side. For each of these 5 types, you’ll find their features, main benefits, and practical recommendations. This will help you make an informed choice about which option is best for you and your bathroom layout.
1. Sliding door partition
Photo: Sliding Door Partition - Tokens - Glossy Chrome
Shower enclosures with this type of opening are the most efficient and common in bathrooms with limited space. The door slides horizontally along the tracks, taking up no space when opened and allowing easy access to the shower area.
What are its main advantages?
- Space-saving: This is the top choice when space is limited, since the door does not take up any additional space when opened.
- Good seal: Minimizes splashing and prevents water from spilling into the rest of the bathroom thanks to its airtight seal.
- Highly versatile: adaptable to the vast majority of existing shower pans and suitable for customers who, due to their condition or needs, require more entry space. For example, we offer a sliding-door shower enclosure, the Trebol model, which consists of three glass panels and allows for this type of adaptation.
2. Hinged door partition
Photo: Folding Door Screen + Fixed Panel - Javea - Matte Black
Folding shower doors, also known as pivoting doors, are usually the best choice for larger bathrooms with sufficient space around the shower area. By opening the door inward or outward, they provide direct and wider access than other options.
What are its main advantages?
- Wide accessibility: a large opening that facilitates access, making it especially useful for people with limited mobility.
- Very easy to clean: since it has no bottom trim, it reduces dirt buildup and makes cleaning easier.
- Intuitive operation: opens on hinges, just like a conventional door. In small shower spaces, we advise our customers to opt for single-panelfolding shower doors, always keeping in mind the overall design of the other elements that will be incorporated into the bathroom.
You might be interested in: Easy-to-clean bathroom designs
3. Folding door screen
Photo: Folding Door Screen - Vera - Matte White
Shower enclosures with folding doors can be considered a hybrid between sliding-door and hinged-door enclosures, since they use hinges and the panels fold away without taking up much space when entering the shower.
What are its main advantages?
- Space optimization: When you step into the shower, the folding panels take up very little space.
- Easy access: The folding mechanism creates a wide opening that allows for easy access.
- Modern aesthetics: Folding shower screens add an elegant and sophisticated design to the bathroom that cannot be achieved with other shower screen options. However, if the goal of a minimalist aesthetic is to create a sense of spaciousness, we recommend purchasing a full-height shower screen.
4. Fixed-panel partition
Photo: Walk-in Fixed Panel Shower Enclosure - Manacor - Matte Black
This type of shower enclosure does not have a door. It consists of a fixed panel that leaves an opening on one side, creating a clean, minimalist design. It is generally recommended for use by adults, since one of the main issues is keeping the water contained within the shower area.
What are its main advantages?
- Unobstructed access: Since it is completely open on the side, there are no restrictions on accessing the shower area.
- Easy maintenance: It has no moving parts and consists of a single surface, so cleaning requires minimal effort.
- Minimalist aesthetic: an elegant design that’s easy to customize (vinyl-wrapped panel). If you’re looking for this type of shower enclosure, we recommend purchasing one with a fixed door and a hinged door, like the product we’re featuring here.
5. Corner Door Partition
Finally, these openings are typically used in bathrooms that have a
Finally, these door configurations are typically used in bathrooms with a corner shower stall. This type of door configuration usually consists of double sliding or hinged doors on each panel.
You Might Be Interested In: The 10 Best Shower Enclosures of 2025
A Quick Comparison of the Different Types of Shower Enclosures
| Type of opening | Space Utilization | Access to the shower | Ideal for... |
| Sliding | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Small Bathrooms |
| Foldable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Compact spaces with easy access |
| Folding | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Spacious bathrooms or bathrooms with good accessibility |
| Angular | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Corner plates |
|
Fixed Panel (Walk-in) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Minimalist design for adults |
When selecting a shower enclosure and choosing the type of opening you want, it is essential to assess the available space, the bathroom layout, and the specific needs of everyone who will be using the shower.
At Baño Total, we offer a wide range of shower enclosures with various opening styles to meet all of our customers’ needs.
We invite you to browse our complete catalog to find the perfect solution for your bathroom.
