If you’re thinking about upgrading your bathroom this year, you’re not alone. Winter tends to be the season when a lot of Charlotte homeowners start planning renovations—and for good reason. The cooler weather is ideal for indoor projects, and what better room to start with than the one you use to begin and end every day? For many of my clients here in South Charlotte, that means reimagining the shower space.
I’m Cody Borwig, owner of Gatsby Glass of South Charlotte. We specialize in custom glass showers, and if you’ve been wondering whether it’s the right fit for your home, I want to walk you through why they’re such a smart—sometimes even transformative—investment. Glass showers bring a clean, modern aesthetic, boost natural light, and are surprisingly easy to maintain, especially in Charlotte’s fluctuating humidity. Let’s break down what makes them worth the hype and which options might be best for your bathroom vision.
The Charlotte Bathroom Makeover Trend
Our city is home to a wide range of architecture—from charming craftsman bungalows in Dilworth to spacious new builds in Ballantyne. No matter the home style, we’ve found that more and more homeowners are prioritizing a bathroom that feels like a personal spa. And in that vision, the traditional tub-shower combo is often the first to go.
Charlotte’s climate also plays a role. With our warm, humid summers and chilly winters, bathrooms see a lot of moisture and quick temperature changes. That means you want materials that are not only stylish, but also capable of handling this fluctuation without mold, warping, or damage. Glass is a perfect fit.
Why Go With Glass Showers: The Top Benefits
Here are the key reasons why a glass shower may be the upgrade your Charlotte home needs:
- Enhanced Natural Light: With large windows being common in newer homes in South Park and Myers Park, glass showers allow that daylight to reach more of your bathroom for a bright, airy feel.
- Timeless Design: Frameless or semi-frameless choices work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary homes. Glass doesn’t go out of style.
- Easy to Clean: Modern glass is treated to resist spots and soap scum. Pair that with the right sealants, and you’ve got far less maintenance than tiled walls.
- Humidity Resistant: Unlike wood and some plastics, glass won’t warp in South Charlotte’s steamy showers.
- Increases Home Value: According to Houzz and real estate pros, a remodeled bathroom with modern finishes like glass can create real resale value when done well.
- Custom Fit: Every enclosure we do is tailored to your space—whether it’s a small guest bath in Pineville or luxury ensuite in Weddington.
Types of Glass Showers Available in Charlotte
One of the questions I get most from local homeowners: “What type of shower enclosure fits my space?” Here’s a quick guide:
1. Frameless Glass Showers
This option has clean edges, minimal hardware, and sleek lines. It’s ideal for a modern aesthetic and very popular in new builds across South Charlotte. It also makes smaller bathrooms feel larger by eliminating visual clutter.
2. Semi-Frameless Glass Showers
Semi-frameless brings some structure (like on the edge of the door or base) while still offering that open, flowing look. It’s an excellent middle-ground for homeowners in established neighborhoods like Matthews or Providence Plantation who want to blend classic with contemporary.
3. Framed Glass Showers
The most cost-effective choice, framed enclosures use metal edging to support the glass. These can still be quite stylish—especially when done with matte black or brushed nickel finishes that complement your faucet and tile choices.
4. Sliding Glass Doors (Bypass)
Perfect for tight spaces in urban properties or condos in Uptown, sliding doors don’t require clearance space to open outward and can be just as beautiful as hinged styles.
5. Custom-Patterned or Frosted Glass
If you want privacy or unique style, we also offer etched, frosted, or rain glass styles. These add a designer touch while still reaping all the practical benefits of glass.
Best Glass Showers for Charlotte’s Climate
You wouldn’t install just any window in your home without thinking about our weather patterns, and the same logic applies to your shower.
- Tempered Glass: All of our shower glass is safety tempered to prevent dangerous breaks.
- Milgard or Low-Iron Glass: For crystal-clear visibility and less greenish tint. These are great for homes where you want to showcase decorative tile work.
- Moisture-Resistant Coatings: We use coatings—like hydrophobic “ClearShield” protection—to help prevent deposits from our mineral-rich water (which is a reality in some neighborhoods across Charlotte).
Looking for more information about moisture control options? The Department of Energy offers excellent guidance on ventilation and bathroom systems that pair well with modern shower designs.
Local Aesthetic Trends in Charlotte Bathrooms
Style-wise, here’s what we’re frequently seeing in homes across Charlotte:
- Matte black and champagne bronze hardware—a bold, clean contrast to white or marble tile.
- Neutral palette designs—beige, natural stone, and soft gray tones reign supreme for a calming environment.
- Walk-in showers with floating benches—popular in luxury builds in the Waxhaw and Marvin areas.
- Floor-to-ceiling glass enclosures—great for large master bathrooms that need strong visual boundaries without feeling closed off.
Design & Safety Considerations: What Matters in South Charlotte Homes
We design every enclosure with your day-to-day lifestyle in mind. Here’s what we always take into account:
- Clearance and door swing—Especially important if your bathroom has angled ceilings or is located under a stairway.
- Non-slip tile matching—Let us help you find surfaces that are both stylish and safe, particularly for older homeowners.
- Ventilation planning—Don’t trap steam. We design layouts that work with your existing fan placement or recommend updates.
- Accessibility upgrades—We’re experienced with zero-threshold entries and ADA-friendly designs for all ages.
We’re proud to have completed installs from Myers Park to Indian Trail—and we know how to navigate everything from tiny powder rooms to grand master suites.
From Quote to Clean-Up: Our Process at Gatsby Glass
Here’s how it works when you work with us:
- We start with a free in-home or virtual consultation to understand your goals.
- You choose hardware finishes, glass type, and design details.
- We take precise measurements and provide a detailed, transparent quote.
- Our expert installation crew completes the job with care and leaves the space spotless.
Most installs take just 1–2 days, depending on the size. And we’re always available to answer post-installation questions.
Ready to Upgrade Your Shower?
If you’re looking at your current shower and thinking, “It’s probably time,” you're already one step ahead. At Gatsby Glass of South Charlotte, we’ve helped dozens of local families find beautiful, functional, lasting upgrades. And we’d be honored to do the same for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best type of glass shower for energy efficiency?
While showers don’t impact home energy much, a frameless enclosure paired with good ventilation can help reduce mold risks and moisture buildup. Clear glass also minimizes shadowing, which reduces the need for artificial light.
Can I automate my glass shower?
We can coordinate with smart home systems to include toe-kick lighting, mood lighting, or humidity-control exhaust systems. The glass itself isn’t automated, but the accessories can be integrated.
How do I choose between a frameless and framed glass shower?
Choose based on style, budget, and space. Frameless gives a sleek, open feel; framed is more affordable and offers structural definition. We’ll help you visualize both based on your current layout.
Do glass showers leak?
Not when they’re properly measured and sealed. We take great care to ensure that every edge, door seam, and wall joint is watertight.
Do I need professional installation?
Yes. Glass shower installation requires precise measurement, weight distribution, and safety considerations. DIY attempts often lead to uneven doors or future leaks.
About the Author
I’m Cody Borwig, the proud owner of Gatsby Glass of South Charlotte. My team and I live and work here—we know the neighborhoods, the floor plans, and the small details that make shower doors perform flawlessly in Charlotte’s climate. We specialize in custom shower enclosures, mirrors, glass partitions, and more for residential and commercial spaces. If you’re ready to trade your dated enclosure for a safer, brighter, easier-to-clean upgrade, we’d be honored to earn your business.