When you think of a glass shower door, you might envision the standard clear glass. A clear glass panel makes a good complement to your bathroom décor because it's inherently neutral. However, glass shops also offer a myriad of patterned glass options. As glass experts explain it, people use patterned glass when they want a little privacy but still want the light to flow through.

If that description sounds like your desire for your bathroom, keep reading for ways you can choose a patterned panel for your shower door.

Stick with a Classic

While not everyone knows about patterned glass, it has been around long enough for some of its patterns to be classic. With glass, an example of a classic pattern would be rain, which looks like rivulets of water flowing down the surface. Another example is a simple obscure pattern, which is a rough textured glass that blurs what's behind the door.

Look at Modern Options

If you favor modern styles, you can look at some of the more modern style of patterned glass. For example, you could choose a panel with cubes or straight lines because those kinds of geometrical shapes conform to the modern aesthetic. Some patterns even feature a more three-dimensional appeal with protrusions that seem to come out of the glass.

Adhere to a Décor Theme

Patterned glass comes in more organic options as well. For example, you see reed, fern, and bamboo patterns. These panels would be ideal if you have a naturalistic décor theme such as jungle or forest. The rain pattern would also work well with naturalistic themes.

Pick According to Light Reflection

As noted, the flow of light is important in a glass shower door. So, instead of trying to find a pattern that works within your décor, you could just look for light reflection. Some patterns, such as pebble and chord, featured more raised flat areas. These areas seem to glitter when the light hits them, so you'll get more light reflection.

Keep it Subtle

Conversely, some of the patterns are almost indiscernible. You get the obstruction of the figure, but you can't necessarily see what the shapes in the glass make up. For instance, a fluted pattern is very clear, but it distorts the shape behind it. That might be an effect you'd enjoy.

Choose a Pattern that Speaks to You

If you go to a glass showroom, you could just pick the pattern that speaks to you. For instance, you might find the daisy patten charming. Or maybe the stark modernity of the crossreed pattern is more your speed. Some patterns even have broad and fine elements working together.

Choose a patterned glass panel that works with your vision of your bathroom.