What’s the Difference Between Pivot vs. Hinged Shower Doors? Let’s See That Swing!

Pivot and hinged shower doors can look nearly indistinguishable, but they function differently, changing how you access and maintain the shower. Pivot shower doors can swing a full 360 degrees, while hinge shower doors are limited to one direction. Both can fit with different design styles, but the size of the bathroom, aesthetics, and budget may make one a better choice for your particular project. Let’s compare pivot vs. hinged shower doors.

Pivot vs. Hinged Shower Doors: Key Differences

Pivot shower doors can be installed to swing in both directions and up to 360 degrees in a center mount, making them an excellent option for small spaces. Hinge shower doors attach to a wall, glass panel, or shower surround and swing in one direction.

What Is a Pivot Door?

Pivot shower doors have a pivot hinge that allows the door to swing in either direction and up to a full 360 degrees. They can be mounted to a wall, a glass panel, or a shower surround.

Best for: 

• Showers with a narrow opening

• Small spaces 

• Larger budgets

Pros of Pivot Doors

This type of shower door has versatile installation options. They can be mounted to a wall and swing in either direction, with adequate clearance outside the shower. Pivot doors can also be center mounted, creating a revolving door that turns 360 degrees. Because they open in either direction, pivot doors are ideal for small spaces, showers with narrow openings, and corner showers. 

Pivot doors are a discreet option that maintains an unobstructed view of the shower, making small spaces feel larger. They’re minimal design also blends well with many bathroom designs and makes them less likely to get outdated quickly. 

Cons of Pivot Doors

Standard pivot shower doors are more expensive than a standard hinge door. Pivot doors also have a more complicated installation if they’re center-mounted. Experienced DIYers can handle installation, but if you’re a newbie or you’re doing a center-mounted, revolving door, a call to a local shower installer can save you time and ensure correct installation.

What Is a Hinged Shower Door?

A hinged shower door functions like other doors in the home, swinging in a single direction. This door type can be mounted to the wall, shower surround, or glass panel.

Best for: 

• Those on a tighter budget

• Stand-alone shower stalls

• Larger bathrooms 

Pros of Hinged Shower Doors

Hinged shower doors are a standard design that works well within many design plans. They’re inexpensive compared to many other types of shower doors, including pivot doors. Installation is simple, so a DIYer with some experience can probably do it themselves. 

Cons of Hinged Shower Doors

On the downside, hinged shower doors only open in one direction. They’re most often installed to open outward. The directional limitations of the door require adequate clearance, which doesn’t make them a good choice for small spaces.

Pivot vs. Hinged Shower Doors

These shower door types are similar, but selecting the right one can enhance the functionality of the shower or help you stay within your budget. We put them side-by-side in key categories to highlight the winner in each.

Appearance​: Pivot

Visually, these types of doors look similar, but pivot doors have the option of center mounting, which hinged doors cannot. Pivot shower doors give you the option of a revolving door, creating options for small bathrooms and narrow openings that hinged doors cannot accommodate.  

Options: Pivot

Pivot shower doors work well in corner showers, center-mounted designs, and traditional side-mounted designs, giving them a slight edge over hinged doors. Pivot doors can also fit in small, narrow spaces that hinged doors cannot. 

Price​: Hinged

The majority of hinged doors cost less than most pivot doors, making them the more economical choice. However, keep in mind that if you opt for a top-of-the-line hinged door or the bargain pivot door, the opposite can be true. 

Ease of Installation: Hinged

Both of these types of shower doors are relatively easy to mount. However, if you opt for a center-mounted pivot door to create a revolving door, the installation gets more complicated and may require a professional. 

Use of Space​: Pivot

The option to swing 360 degrees makes pivot doors an option for small spaces and corner showers. If you’re tight on space, a pivot shower door is the way to go. 

Ease of Maintenance​: Pivot​

Pivot doors win out on maintenance because they can swing in both directions. That makes them easier to access and clean than a hinged door.