An overview for homeowners and designers considering a fully custom shower enclosure.
At Heirloom, brass and glass shower doors have become one of our most requested custom features — and for good reason. Designers and homeowners from across the country reach out to us for these doors, and they remain one of our favorite details to design and fabricate.
This guide is meant to be a helpful, go-to resource — a place we can point you when you’re gathering information, planning a project, or deciding whether a custom brass and glass shower enclosure is right for your home.
Brass-framed shower doors bring warmth, depth, and craftsmanship to a space in a way that standard off-the-shelf enclosures simply can’t. Unlike chrome or stainless, brass ages gracefully, developing character over time while still feeling refined. When paired with clear glass, the result is a clean, tailored look that works equally well in traditional, transitional, and modern interiors.
Because each door is fabricated by hand, the design can be fully customized — from proportions and panel layouts to finish selection and hardware details.
For clients local to our Upstate South Carolina shop, we are able to offer a completely turnkey experience.
This includes:
On-site measuring to ensure absolute precision
Collaborative design and detailing
Custom fabrication of the brass frame in our shop
Professional installation by our team
This approach allows us to control every step of the process and ensures the finished product fits and functions exactly as intended.
We regularly work with homeowners and designers all over the country, and while the process is slightly different, the level of craftsmanship remains the same.
For non-local projects:
Precise measurements are critical. Because we are not on site, all dimensions must be provided accurately and thoroughly. We will guide you on what measurements are needed and review them carefully before fabrication begins.
We fabricate the brass frame only. Each frame is built to your exact specifications in our shop.
Glass is sourced locally. We strongly recommend that clients work with a local glass company to supply and install the glass panels. Shipping glass long distances significantly increases the risk of damage and delays.
Shipping is coordinated by the client. Due to the size, weight, and value of these pieces, customers are required to use a preferred carrier and handle shipping logistics directly.
This process has proven to be the safest and most efficient way to deliver a custom product without compromising quality.
To move forward with a brass and glass shower door project, especially for non-local clients, preparation is key.
Typically, we will request:
Final, field-verified measurements
Drawings or inspiration images (if available)
Finish preferences for the brass
Confirmation that wall surfaces and tile work are complete or accounted for
Because these doors are fully custom, fabrication cannot begin until all details are confirmed.
Some things to think about as you plan your shower enclosure:
Finish: Brass can be polished, brushed, darkened, or sealed depending on the desired look and maintenance level.
Proportions: Slim, minimal frames versus heavier, more traditional profiles create very different visual effects.
Door Style: Hinged, pivot, or fixed-panel configurations should be considered early based on space and layout.
We are always happy to help think through these decisions during the design phase.
Every brass and glass shower door we create is made by hand with longevity in mind. These are not disposable fixtures — they are architectural elements meant to be lived with, appreciated, and enjoyed for years to come.
If you’re considering a brass and glass shower enclosure and want to understand the process before reaching out, we hope this guide serves as a helpful starting point. And when you’re ready, our team is always here to answer questions and discuss your project.
Interested in a custom brass and glass shower door? Reach out to our team to begin the conversation.