In interior design, trends to come and go, but minimalism has staying power. It’s not just about simplicity; it’s about intention. When every line, surface, and material is thoughtfully chosen, the result feels modern and undeniably luxurious.
That’s exactly why frameless glass shower doors have become one of the most beloved features in high-end bathroom design. They strip away visual clutter, open space, and let the design of tile, stone, and fixtures speak for itself.
Utah is home of the original Parade of Homes, which began way back in 1946. While the original events were modest showcases of construction, it currently showcases luxury and innovation in the state. Although there are now countless other Parade of Homes Shows across the nation, Utah’s Parade of Homes shows in Salt Lake City, Utah County, and St. George remain some of the most notable shows year after year, and it’s no wonder why. Utah’s designers and developers have a knack for pushing boundaries of innovation while creating timeless, crowd-pleasing homes.
One regular feature in top homes in every Parade of Homes are frameless glass showers. Contrary to framed showers, frameless showers remove visual barriers within the space, to highlight a luxurious bathroom that feels calm, bright, and luxurious. Here’s why this minimalist feature continues to capture attention and elevate spaces:
Minimalism That Doesn’t Feel Cold
When people think of minimalism, they sometimes picture stark, empty spaces. But true minimalist design is warm, inviting, and deeply functional. It’s about eliminating distractions so that the materials and architecture can shine.
Frameless glass embodies that principle perfectly. By removing the bulky metal frames of traditional enclosures, designers allow uninterrupted sightlines that create an immediate sense of openness. Light flows freely, surfaces feel continuous, and the entire room looks bigger and brighter.
In Utah homes, where natural light is often a key part of design, frameless glass showers reflect and amplify that light. The result is a bathroom that feels peaceful and expansive, no matter its size.
Highlight Craftsmanship and Materials
Bathrooms are no longer just functional, especially when we are talking about the master en suite. They’ve personal sanctuaries and design showcases, and we are on board with that! Frameless glass makes it possible to spotlight the artistry behind every surface.
Glass showers, especially, have made some huge changes in the way they are designed. Vinyl inserts used to be popular, inexpensive, easy-to-clean, options, but they don’t necessarily shout “luxury.” Instead, modern homeowners are choosing to extend the design of their bathrooms all the way into the shower with quartz, ceramic tile, marble, and more. And don’t even get us started on beautiful fixtures!
Without the obstruction of frames and without frosted glass, the material within the shower actually becomes part of the design and luxury of the bathroom, drawing the eye to the textures and details that might otherwise be hidden or or obscured. Many Utah Parade of Homes projects use frameless enclosures specifically to showcase intricate tile inlays or natural stone accent walls. The effect is luxurious yet effortless, with the beauty feeling like it’s built right into the architecture.
Frameless doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. In fact, frameless glass is among the most customizable shower options available. Designers appreciate how flexible the format is since they really can dream up any shower design they want!
Some of the most popular customizations include:
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Glass thickness: Typically ⅜-inch or ½-inch tempered glass for stability and high-end feel.
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Glass type: Clear glass for showcasing tile, frosted or patterned glass for partial privacy, or tinted glass for mood and warmth.
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Hardware finishes: Matte black for contrast, brushed nickel for timelessness, brass for vintage charm, or chrome for clean modern shine.
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Layout: Swinging, sliding, or fixed panels—each suited to different spaces and accessibility needs.
Designers can even specify tighter gaps and transom seals to create a full steam shower for spa-like luxury. These fine-tuned details make frameless systems feel personal and purposeful—one more reason they appeal to discerning clients.
Durability Meets Design
Good design should last. Thankfully, frameless glass delivers both beauty and longevity. The tempered safety glass used in these enclosures is engineered for daily use, resisting cracks, corrosion, and warping far better than framed alternatives.
Hardware is precision-cut and sealed, ensuring long-term structural stability. And with fewer joints and seals, there are fewer places for mold, mildew, or mineral deposits to accumulate.
For Utah homeowners dealing with hard water, Jones Paint & Glass also offers protective coatings, which help glass resist etching and buildup—keeping it clear.
Minimalist design is especially popular in Utah’s modern homes, where clean lines meet natural textures. Frameless glass pairs beautifully with all of today’s top design trends:
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Organic Modern: Neutral tones, natural stone, and warm wood textures come alive behind clear glass.
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Mountain Contemporary: Frameless glass lets rustic materials—like slate or river rock—shine without visual interruption.
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Transitional Elegance: Chrome or brushed nickel hardware balances timeless materials like marble and porcelain.
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Spa-Inspired Serenity: Steam showers, rainfall heads, and frameless enclosures come together to evoke the feeling of a resort retreat.
No matter the style, frameless glass becomes a unifying thread—a modern essential that ties luxury and functionality together.
For more than 80 years, Jones Paint & Glass has been helping Utah homeowners and designers bring these ideas to life. With the experts at Jones Paint & Glass, every frameless enclosure is manufactured with care and installed with precision.
Whether you’re remodeling a master suite in Salt Lake or building a new home in St. George, Jones Paint & Glass provides:
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Expert design consultation to match glass and hardware to your vision
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Custom fabrication for exact fit and finish
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Professional installation for safety and long-term performance
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High-quality materials tailored for Utah’s unique climate and water conditions
Each shower is a one-of-a-kind creation—beautiful, functional, and built to last.
About the Author
Mikelle Despain has been providing design tips and inspiration for Jones Paint & Glass for over 10 years. She is a regular guest on the KSL Home Radio Show and Podcast with Heather Osmond where she shares color trends, design ideas, and information about paint and glass products. With a background in journalism and passion for interior design, she enjoys the opportunity to share the latest trends with Utah and beyond.
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