Hinged vs. Bifold: Which Custom Shower Door is Right for You?

Choosing the right custom shower door isn’t just about looks — it’s also about how your space functions day to day. Two of the most popular options for bespoke designs are hinged and bifold shower doors. Both can be tailored to suit unusual spaces, sloping ceilings, or non-standard widths, but they behave very differently in terms of how they open and how much space they need.

If you’re unsure which one is right for your bathroom, this guide breaks down the key differences to help you decide.

What is a Hinged Shower Door?

Our hinged shower doors open both 90° inwards and outwards like a swinging door, swinging on wall-mounted or glass-to-glass hinges. They offer a clean, modern look with a near full-width access to the shower enclosure. Hinged doors are ideal for alcove showers, corner setups, or three-sided enclosures where you have enough clearance in front of the shower. Our hinges are self closing at around 15°, designed so they close tightly inline without the need for magnetic seals.

Because the door opens outward, you’ll need to make sure there’s space in your bathroom layout to allow for that movement — particularly in smaller rooms or if there's furniture nearby. Hinged doors are often favoured for their simplicity, solid feel, and minimal visual framing. They also tend to be easier to clean, with fewer moving parts.

What is a Bifold Shower Door?

Bifold shower doors are designed to fold in on themselves, using a clever system of hinges. They typically consist of two glass panels that fold inward, creating a concertina effect. This makes them ideal for smaller bathrooms or tight spaces where a full door swing isn’t practical.

Because the panels fold inward, bifold doors allow access without requiring clearance in front of the enclosure. They're especially useful in narrow bathrooms, en-suites, or when installing a door opposite a sink or toilet. While bifold doors do have more moving parts than hinged ones (2 more hinges), modern versions are built for smooth operation and durability — and they still allow a wide enough entry for most users.

Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on how much room you have, how you use your shower, and what kind of look you're after. If you have plenty of space in front of the enclosure and want a strong, minimalist design, a hinged door is often the preferred choice. It feels premium, swings open fully, and is easy to maintain.

If space is tight, or you’re working with an awkward layout, a bifold door can be a game-changer. It gives you the benefits of a full-size glass door without needing extra floor space to swing it open. If a bifold shower door is the preferred choice, it is vital that there would be no obstructions within the shower are that would prevent it from opening inwards.

Made to Measure for Any Setup

Both hinged and bifold doors can be fully customised to suit your space — whether that’s a standard flat ceiling or a sloping loft, an alcove or a corner, or even a three-sided layout. We offer made-to-measure options across both types, allowing for millimetre precision, glass cut-outs, and specialist fittings if needed.

Still Not Sure? We Can Help.

If you're still torn between a hinged or bifold custom shower door, we’re happy to talk you through the pros and cons based on your exact layout. Send us a quick sketch or photo of your space and we’ll help you decide what will work best — functionally and visually.