1. Market Overview
Shower door glass products—such as shower enclosures, glass doors, and walk-in partitions—play a significant role in the global home improvement and construction sectors. Migo Glass is a professional shower glass manufacturer, with so many years manufacturing and working experience with our USA customers and Europe customers, we know that both US and Europe customers attach great importance on functionality , safety, and visual appeal, but their approaches to design, material selection, and installation is not the same. What’s the difference between their shower glass design and habits?
2. Design Preferences in the US
A. Popular Styles
Frameless Shower Enclosures is a strong preference in the U.S. The frameless hinged glass shower door and the frameless sliding glass shower door occupe 85% of the US shower glass market, the clean look offers a modern, upscale and spacious decoration to the bathroom and at the same time, and easier to maintain.
Glass Thickness 3/8-inch (10mm) or 1/2-inch (12mm) tempered glass is the mostly used. The Thicker glass application means the the stronger and safer shower glass but at the same time, it requires more budget.
Clear and Low-Iron Glass: Clear glass remains the top choice, but the low-iron glass (or ultra-clear glass) is becoming more popular due to its higher clarity and transparency. the low iron glass offers a better and more refined look compared to normal clear glass.
B. Functional Preferences
Easy Maintenance: Americans often choose easy-to-clean glass with special coatings—like anti-fingers or self-cleaning coating—to help minimize water spots and soap residue on the glass surface to main a clean look and last the glass life.
Accessibility: As more people age in place and universal design gains traction, barrier-free showers (with no curb or threshold) are growing in popularity. This shower glass door requires careful installation and effective waterproofing. The shower glass door installer is a high paid work in the US.
Privacy Options: While clear glass is still dominant, there’s increasing interest in frosted, textured, or patterned glass for added privacy, especially in guest or shared bathrooms.
C. Safety Standards and certificate
ANSI Z97.1: U.S. regulations require the use of tempered safety glass in all shower enclosures to reduce the risk of injury if breakage occurs. The SGCC certificate is required by the manufacturer.
D. Reasons of the US Preferences
Housing Trends: The popularity of open-plan homes and the desire for spa-like bathrooms fuel demand for sleek, frameless designs.
Consumer Behavior: Americans are more outgoing and open, they renovate their bathrooms more frequently than Europeans, leading to a preference for neutral, timeless designs that appeal to a broad range of future buyers.
Climate Considerations: In areas with hard water, glass with protective coatings is essential to prevent mineral buildup and keep glass looking clear.
3. Design Preferences in Europe
A. Popular Styles
Framed and Semi-Frameless Enclosures are very popular in the European market, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe. Frames are often viewed as more durable and effective at preventing leaks. You’ll see more fixed glass panels and pivot doors in Europe compared to sliding doors. This reflects a preference for sturdiness and a more traditional style.
Glass thickness 6mm or 8mm tempered glass is standard unless it’s a luxury project. The Thinner thickness is, the lighter and easier install the glass door is.
Textured and Frosted Glass: Across Northern and Western Europe, there’s a noticeable preference for textured, frosted, or satin-finished glass, which offers privacy and aesthetic character.
B. Functional Preferences
Higher waterproofing requirements: European shower glass is often installed in fully tiled, open shower areas. Thus, the water damage is a concern; effective waterproofing is crucial where shower enclosures are installed.
Energy Efficiency: In colder regions like Scandinavia and Germany, heat retention is important. Some shower enclosures even use double-glazed or insulated glass to help keep warmth in.
Space Optimisation: With bathrooms generally smaller than those in the U.S., Europeans often prefer corner enclosures, bi-fold doors, and other space-saving designs.
C. Safety Standards and certificate
EN 12150 and EN 12600: European standards regulate the use of tempered glass in shower enclosures. The CE certificate is required by the manufacturer.
D. Reasons of the Europe Preferences
Architectural Heritage: Europe has a longer history than the US, the Older buildings and compact bathroom layouts call for space-efficient and practical designs.
Cultural Attitudes: Europeans are more conservative, they often see the bathroom as a private, utilitarian space rather than a luxury showpiece. This makes textured or frosted glass more suitable for the shower glass application.
Environmental Awareness: There’s a stronger focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in the Europe, leading to greater demand for eco-friendly materials and water-saving designs.
4. Cultural and Economic Influences
US: The American market is influenced by current trends, resale value, and a taste for luxury. Larger bathroom sizes allow more flexibility and customisation.
Europe: European preferences are shaped by limited space, historical architecture, and a practical, sustainable mindset.
5. Conclusion
Even though the US and the European markets both prioritise safety, durability, and good design, their specific preferences are shaped by cultural habits, housing styles, regulatory frameworks, and climate. By knowing their difference, we can better understand the market and the shower door glass product and can offer better service to the customers. Migo Glass provides excellent shower glass products to both markets with our certificates. We respect our customers’ consumption habits and hope to always provide them with high-quality shower glass products and services.
