Buzz
Shower doors are becoming smaller in luxury hotels, with minimalism being the primary reason, as reported by Condé Nast Traveler.
Instead of opting for traditional shower curtains or full-length shower doors, many newer hotels are now choosing glass panels that only cover a portion of the shower. This trend is frustrating for some travelers, who argue that it makes the experience less convenient and often leaves the bathroom floor wet and slippery after a shower.
As per Condé Nast Traveler, the trend of half-doors began in European hotels in the 1980s. “Much of this is due to efforts to maximize hotel room space,” said boutique hotel designer Tom Parker in the magazine. “The placement of the shower door is crucial because it needs to open outward for safety, in case someone falls. You need to plan where the door swings so it doesn’t interfere with the main door. It’s all about managing the available space.” Smaller doors also give the illusion of a larger space, according to the magazine.
This trend is also linked to the rise of minimalist “lifestyle hotels,” designed to appeal to younger, trendier guests who favor sleek, modern aesthetics. Additionally, half-sized glass doors are easier to maintain than shower curtains, which can harbor bacteria and need frequent replacements, adding extra costs for hotels.
In theory, even half-door showers are designed to reduce water spillage. Designers focus on leveling bathroom floors to prevent water from pooling in unwanted spots and place shower heads and controls in areas that are better shielded by the glass panels. When design alone doesn’t suffice, hotels find ways to compensate.
“To counter the risks, hotels typically provide non-slip shower mats, fabric bath mats for stepping out, grab bars, and open or no-sill showers that eliminate the need to step over a ledge,” said designer Douglas DeBoer, founder and CEO of Rebel Design Group, to Condé Nast Traveler.
However, the half-door trend still hasn’t found much favor with hotel guests. “Older generations overwhelmingly prefer a full shower door,” Parker shared with Condé Nast Traveler. “I’m like a 70-year-old man at heart. I enjoy a shower door as long as it fits with the room's style.”
