Pivot Shower Doors

What are Pivot Shower Doors?

Pivot shower doors are shower enclosures that open in a unique way. Instead of sliding on a track or swinging on regular hinges, they rotate on a pivot. These doors are connected to the shower frame at the top and bottom, allowing them to swing open and close smoothly.

The pivot mechanism is pretty simple. It uses special brackets or pins that fit into the shower frame. This setup allows the door to swing both ways - in and out. This gives you more options when you're getting in and out of the shower. The pivot points hold up the weight of the door, which makes it easy to open and close without putting too much stress on the frame.

Most pivot shower doors are made of tempered glass. This isn't your regular glass; it's tougher and safer if it breaks. The glass comes in different thicknesses, usually between 6mm and 10mm. The frames and hardware are often made of strong stuff like aluminium, stainless steel, or brass. You can get these in different finishes to match your bathroom style.

Pivot shower doors have some real perks. They're excellent for saving space, which is perfect if you have a small bathroom. Unlike regular swing doors that need a lot of room to open, pivot doors don't need as much space. They also look modern and sleek, which can make your whole bathroom look better. Plus, they open nice and wide, making it easier to get in and out of the shower. This is especially helpful for people who might have trouble moving around.

Benefits of Pivot Shower Doors

Pivot shower doors have a bunch of advantages that make them a great choice for many bathrooms. Let's break them down:

First off, they're real space-savers. If you've got a small bathroom, you know how important every inch is. Pivot doors don't need as much room to swing open as regular doors do. They pivot on a point, so they can open inward or outward without needing a ton of clearance. This means you can fit them in tight spots where a normal swinging door just wouldn't work.

These doors look pretty slick, too. They've got a modern, clean look that can really upgrade your bathroom's style. The smooth, frameless design of many pivot doors gives your shower a high-end feel. Plus, because they're often made with clear glass, they can make your bathroom feel bigger and brighter.

Using a pivot door is a breeze. They swing open and close really smoothly, which is nice when you're trying to get in or out of the shower with wet feet. The wide opening makes it easy to step in and out, even if you've got mobility issues. And if you've got kids or older folks in the house, this ease of use can be a big safety plus.

Pivot doors are built to last. They're usually made with tough, tempered glass that can handle daily use without breaking. The pivot hardware is designed to take a lot of wear and tear, too. You won't have to replace your shower door as often as with other types. Cleaning them is pretty simple too - just wipe down the glass and give the pivot points a quick once-over now and then.

One of the best things about pivot doors is how versatile they are. They can work with all sorts of shower layouts - square, rectangular, and even some curved spaces. You can use them for walk-in showers, shower-tub combos, or standalone shower stalls. This flexibility means you can probably find a pivot door that'll work for your bathroom, no matter what shape or size it is.

What's The Difference Between Pivot Shower Doors and Hinged Shower Doors?

When you're shopping for shower doors, you'll probably come across both pivot and hinged options. They may look alike, but there are important differences.

Let's start with hinged shower doors. These are the ones that work like a regular door in your house. They're attached to the frame with hinges on one side and swing open and closed. Pretty straightforward, right?

How they work: Pivot doors rotate on a point at the top and bottom of the door. Hinged doors swing on hinges along one side. This means pivot doors can often open both inward and outward, while hinged doors usually only open one way.

Space needs: Pivot doors are generally better for tight spaces. They don't need as much room to open fully. Hinged doors need more clearance to swing open, which can be a problem in smaller bathrooms.

Putting them in: Installing a pivot door can be a bit trickier than a hinged door. Pivot doors need precise alignment to work smoothly. Hinged doors are usually simpler to install because the concept is more familiar - it's just like hanging a regular door.

Keeping them in shape: Both types are pretty durable, but pivot doors might need a bit more attention. The pivot mechanism can wear over time and might need adjusting or replacing. Hinged doors are simpler, so there's less that can go wrong.

So, which one should you pick? It really depends on your bathroom and what you like. Here are some pros and cons:

Pivot doors are great for saving space and look super modern. They're good for tight spots and can make your bathroom feel bigger. But they can be pricier and might need more maintenance down the line.

Hinged doors are simpler and often cheaper. They're easy to install, and most people find them familiar to use. But they need more space to open and might not work well in small bathrooms.

If you've got a small bathroom or you're after a sleek, modern look, a pivot door might be your best bet. If you've got plenty of space and want something simple and reliable, a hinged door could be the way to go. Think about how your bathroom is laid out, how much space you have, and what style you're going for. That'll help you make the right choice.

Choosing the Right Pivot Shower Door

Picking the right pivot shower door isn't rocket science, but there are a few things you'll want to think about to make sure you get one that works perfectly for your bathroom.

First up, you need to look at your bathroom size and layout. Measure your shower space carefully - and I mean really carefully. You don't want to end up with a door that's too big or too small. Think about where your shower head is, where the water will spray, and whether the door will open without hitting anything like your sink or toilet.

Next, consider what type of shower enclosure you have. Is it a stand-alone shower? A tub-shower combo? Maybe a walk-in shower? Different pivot doors work better for different setups, so keep that in mind.

Let's talk about materials and finishes. Most pivot doors are made of glass, but you've got options. Clear glass looks modern and makes your bathroom feel bigger. Frosted or textured glass gives you more privacy. For the frame and hardware, you can choose stuff like chrome, brushed nickel, or even matte black. Pick something that matches your bathroom's style and other fixtures.

Budget is a big deal too. Pivot doors can range from pretty affordable to pretty pricey. Set a budget before you start shopping so you don't fall in love with something way out of your price range. Remember, the fancier the features and materials, the more it'll cost.

Don't forget to check out different brands and read reviews. A well-known brand might cost more, but it could save you headaches down the road with better quality and customer service. Look for warranties too; a good warranty can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong.

As for popular styles, frameless pivot doors are big right now. They look sleek and modern. Semi-frameless doors, which have metal around the edges but not on the sides, are another good option. Some people like pivot doors with wider handles for easier opening, while others prefer a minimal look with barely-there hardware.

Top Brands and Manufacturers of Pivot Shower Doors

When you're in the market for pivot shower doors, you'll come across a bunch of different brands. Let's take a look at some of the top players in the game and what they've got to offer.

First up, we've got Roman Showers. These guys are known for making some seriously high-quality pivot doors. Their Haven series is pretty popular, especially the Haven6 and Haven8 ranges. If you're trying to save space in your bathroom, these doors are worth checking out. For a corner setup, you can either stick them in an alcove or pair them with side panels.

The Haven6 pivot door is 1900mm tall and uses 6mm thick glass. It's got watertight magnetic seals to keep the water where it belongs, and the chrome-plated bits give it a nice, clean look. If you want to step it up a notch, the Haven8 range is even taller at 1950mm and uses thicker 8mm glass. It looks pretty fancy with its chromed brass hinges and handles.

Roman also has the Innov8 series. It's got a minimalist vibe that a lot of people are into right now. One neat thing about these doors is that they've got a low threshold, which is great if you or someone else in your house has mobility issues. You can open them inwards or outwards too, which is handy. These use 8mm thick glass and come with either bright silver or black frames, so you can match them to your bathroom style.

One thing to note about Roman is that they offer a bunch of different finishes. You can get bright silver, brushed nickel, or matt black. So no matter what your bathroom looks like, you can probably find a door that fits right in. They're also pretty easy to install and take care of, which is always a plus.

Next up is Novellini. Their pivot doors come in a few different ranges like Zephyros, Lunes, and Young. These doors are built tough with safety glass that's been treated to resist limescale and bacteria. That's a nice touch - nobody wants to spend all their time scrubbing shower doors.

Novellini offers a bunch of different finishes too. You can get silver, matt black, or chrome. They've also made their doors adjustable, so you've got some wiggle room if your shower space isn't a standard size. They've added some cool features, like full-length door magnets and the option to install the door to open from either side.

Last but not least, we've got Ideal Standard. Their pivot doors, especially in the i.life and Synergy ranges, are all about modern design. They use 8mm thick safety glass that's been treated with something called IdealClean. Basically, it makes the doors easier to keep clean, which is always a win in my book.

These doors come in a range of sizes, from 760mm wide all the way up to 1200mm. They're usually around 2000mm tall. You can get them in bright silver or silk black, both of which look pretty slick. One cool thing about Ideal Standard doors is that they're semi-framed, which gives you more showering space. They're also built to stand up to power showers, so you don't have to worry about leaks.

All three of these brands back their products with good guarantees. That's important because it shows they're confident in their quality, and they'll have your back if something goes wrong.

When you're browsing our site, Bathroom Supplies Online, think about what features matter most to you. Is it all about the looks? Do you need something that's super easy to clean? Or maybe you're after the toughest, most durable door you can find. Whatever you're after, one of these brands is likely to have a pivot door that fits the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do pivot shower doors work?

Pivot shower doors work on a simple principle. They're attached to the shower frame at the top and bottom with pivot hardware. This lets the door swing open in both directions, kind of like a revolving door but only moving back and forth. The pivot points bear the weight of the door, making it easy to open and close.

Are pivot shower doors easy to install?

Installing a pivot shower door can be a bit tricky if you're not handy. It's doable as a DIY project, but you need to be precise with your measurements and make sure everything's level. If you're not confident, it's probably best to get a pro to do it. They'll make sure it's installed correctly and working smoothly.

What materials are best for pivot shower doors?

The best material for the door itself is tempered glass. It's tough and safe; if it breaks, it shatters into small, rounded pieces instead of sharp shards. For the frame and hardware, look for corrosion-resistant materials like aluminium, stainless steel, or brass with a good finish. These will hold up well in a damp bathroom environment.

How do I maintain and clean pivot shower doors?

Cleaning pivot shower doors is pretty straightforward. Use a squeegee after each shower to prevent water spots and soap scum buildup. For deeper cleans, use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth. Don't forget to clean the pivot hardware too; a quick wipedown will keep it working smoothly. If the door starts to stick or make noise, a bit of silicone lubricant on the pivot points should fix it.

Can pivot shower doors be customised to fit any shower enclosure?

Many pivot shower doors can be adjusted to fit different shower sizes, but there are limits. If you've got a standard-sized shower, you'll probably find a pivot door that fits. For unusual sizes or shapes, you might need to look into custom options. Some companies offer made-to-measure pivot doors, but these will cost more than off-the-shelf options.

What are the safety features of pivot shower doors?

Safety is a big deal with shower doors. Most pivot doors are made of tempered glass, which is much safer than regular glass if it breaks. Many also have soft-close mechanisms to prevent slamming. Some come with handle bars that double as towel racks, giving you something sturdy to hold onto if you slip. The pivot mechanism itself is pretty safe too; there's no risk of the door falling off like there might be with poorly installed sliding doors.