Are Glass Block Showers Out of Style?

Are glass block showers out of style? The short answer is no. Glass block showers are having a comeback.

Designers and homeowners are finding out again what makes them work. They let light in. They keep privacy intact. They last for decades.

The look has changed, though. Glass block showers today are cleaner, simpler, and more intentional than the versions many people remember. In this post, we look at where the dated reputation came from. We also share how to make glass block showers feel fresh in a modern bathroom.

Why Glass Block Showers Got a Dated Reputation

Glass block hit its peak in the 1980s and early 1990s. It showed up everywhere. Bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and storefronts all used it. When a material is that popular, it becomes tied to one era.

Many of those older installs shared a few traits:

• Wavy, heavily patterned block that looked busy
• Large walls of block with no contrast or purpose
• Pastel tile and brass fixtures around the shower
• Wide, stained mortar joints that aged poorly

The problem was never the glass block. It was the design choices around it. Swap those choices, and glass block showers look right at home in a current bathroom.

Why Glass Block Showers Are Back

Several design trends point straight back to glass block. Homeowners want bright, open bathrooms. They want texture and natural light. They also want materials that last.

National design media has noticed the shift too. A March 21, 2025 Southern Living article says designers have brought glass block, an 80s favorite, back from the design dead.

Retro and mid-century styles are popular again. Glass block fits right into that look. It also suits modern, industrial, and spa-style bathrooms. Interior designers now use it as a feature, not a filler.

Glass block showers also solve a common problem.

A clear glass door shows everything. A solid wall blocks the light. Glass block sits in the middle. It brings in light while it blurs the view.

What Designers Are Saying About Glass Block Showers

Not every designer agrees on glass block. That debate is part of what makes the trend interesting. In March 2025, Southern Living asked two interior designers for their take.

The Case For Glass Block

Dallas designer Jena Salmon is a fan. “Glass blocks get a bad rap in my mind,” she told Southern Living. She points out that clear glass showers leave you exposed.

Glass block solves that. “You still get light and the area feels open, but the privacy is there,” she says.

Salmon is using glass block in a current bathroom and sauna project. “I love how the light dances from behind the glass blocks,” she says. She adds that glass block works in both modern and traditional bathrooms. She also sees it as an affordable way to add texture in place of plain sheetrock.

The Case Against

Atlanta designer Olivia Westbrooks is less sold. She hosts a Hallmark+ design show about nostalgia. Even so, glass block reminds her of 80s movies, baggy suits, and mullets. “Some things are better left in the design graveyard,” she says.

But she left the door open. Westbrooks told Southern Living she might consider glass block if someone reimagined it in pink.

Our Take

Both designers make a fair point. Old design choices can make glass block look dated. Smart, purposeful design makes it look fresh. It looks fresh when you use it with purpose.

And Westbrooks may be onto something with color. Colored glass block is one of the easiest ways to give glass block showers a modern twist.

Modern Design Ideas for Glass Block Showers

The right layout makes glass block showers feel current. Here are a few ideas to consider.

Curved Walk-In Showers

A curved glass block wall creates a doorless walk-in shower. The curve guides you in and keeps water contained. There is no door to clean or replace. This layout works well in larger bathrooms.

Partial Walls and Half Walls

You do not need a full wall of block. A half wall or partial wall adds privacy where you need it most. Pair it with a clear glass panel above for an open feel.

Clean, Simple Patterns

Pattern choice changes the whole look. Clear and lightly textured block feels crisp and modern. Frosted or heavier patterns add more privacy. Pick the pattern based on how much you want to see through.

Colored and Accent Block

A few colored blocks can turn a shower wall into a design feature. Use them in a stripe, a border, or a scattered pattern. Keep the rest of the wall clear so the accents stand out.

Updated Finishes Around the Block

The materials around the shower matter too. Matte black, brushed nickel, and warm brass fixtures all pair well with glass block. Large format tile and neutral tones keep the space clean.

Glass Block Shower Styles for Every Bathroom

Glass block showers are not limited to one look. The same material can feel sleek, cozy, or playful. It all depends on the style of the room around it.

Modern and Minimal

Modern bathrooms lean on clean lines and simple shapes. Clear or lightly textured block fits this look well. Pair it with flat panel cabinets and matte fixtures. Keep the color palette tight with white, gray, or black.

Retro and Mid-Century

Retro style is back in a big way. Glass block feels right at home here. Mix it with bold tile, warm wood tones, and rounded shapes. A curved glass block wall adds a fun nod to the past without feeling stuck in it.

Spa-Style Retreats

A spa bathroom should feel calm and bright. Glass block softens light as it passes through. That glow helps the space feel relaxed. Add natural stone, plants, and a rain shower head to finish the look.

Traditional and Farmhouse

Glass block can work in classic spaces too. Choose a soft pattern and pair it with subway tile or beadboard. Brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze fixtures keep the look warm. The block adds light without fighting the traditional details.

The Practical Benefits of Glass Block Showers

Style matters, but function keeps glass block showers in demand. Here is what they offer.

• Natural light. Glass block lets daylight pass through. Small or windowless bathrooms feel brighter and bigger.
• Privacy. Patterned block blurs shapes and colors. You get light without a clear view inside.
• Durability. Glass block is thick and solid. It holds up to daily use and moisture for years.
• Easy cleaning. The glass surface wipes clean. Many walk-in designs have no door tracks or hinges to scrub.
• Easy access. A doorless walk-in layout is easier to enter. It suits homeowners who plan to age in place.
• Water resistance. Glass does not rot, warp, or grow mold the way some materials can.

How to Choose the Right Glass Block for Your Shower

The block you pick shapes how your shower looks and feels. Think through these points before you place an order.

Privacy Level

Start with how much privacy you need. A shower that faces a window or a shared space needs more cover. A heavy pattern or frosted finish works best there. A shower in a private primary bath may only need a light pattern.

Pattern

Each pattern bends light in its own way. Some patterns scatter light into a soft glow. Others keep more of the view.

Look at photos of each pattern in a lit room. That gives you a better sense of how it will look at home.

Size

Glass block comes in several sizes. Larger blocks create a cleaner look with fewer joints. Smaller blocks add more texture and detail. Match the block size to the scale of your bathroom and your wall.

Color

Clear block is a classic choice for showers. Colored block adds personality. You can use it as a full wall or as an accent. A few colored blocks in a clear wall can make a big impact.

Shapes and Finishing Blocks

A finished wall often needs more than standard square blocks. End blocks give a wall a smooth, rounded edge. Corner and curved blocks help you turn a corner or build a curve. Plan for these pieces early so your wall looks complete.

How to Keep Glass Block Showers from Looking Dated

A few smart choices make the difference. Use these tips when you plan your project.

1. Start with a purpose. Use glass block where it adds light or privacy. Avoid block for the sake of block.
2. Choose the pattern with care. Clear and simple patterns read as modern. Busy patterns can make a small space look dated.
3. Keep joints clean and even. Thin, consistent joints look sharp. A white or light gray finish keeps the wall bright. Sealing the mortar or grout with tile sealer makes them easier to wipe clean.
4. Mix materials. Pair glass block with tile, stone, or clear glass. The contrast adds depth.
5. Update the fixtures. Modern faucets, shower heads, and lighting change the whole feel of the room.
6. Think about scale. Match the size of the wall to the size of the room. A smaller bathroom may only need a partial wall.

How to Care for Glass Block Showers

Glass block showers are easy to care for. A few simple habits keep them looking their best.

• Wipe down after use. A squeegee or soft towel removes water spots before they dry.
• Use a gentle cleaner. A standard glass cleaner or mild soap works well on the glass.
• Skip harsh scrubbers. Abrasive pads can scratch the glass face and dull the finish.
• Watch the joints. Check the joints from time to time. Address any cracks or gaps early. A coat of tile sealer helps protect them.
• Keep the room vented. Run the exhaust fan during and after showers to cut down on moisture.
• Seal the Mortar or Grout Joints. Depending on your installation method, your glass block wall will have either mortar or grout joints. For either one, you can use the same tile sealer you use on floor or wall tile. The sealer soaks into the joints, which makes cleaning easier. It also adds an extra barrier that helps protect them.

With a little routine care, glass block showers stay bright and clear for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are glass block showers out of style in 2026?

No. Glass block showers fit many current design trends. Retro, modern, and spa-style bathrooms all use them. The key is a clean pattern and updated finishes.

Do glass block showers work in small bathrooms?

Yes. Glass block lets light move through the room. That makes a small bathroom feel more open. A partial wall can add privacy without crowding the space.

Are glass block showers hard to clean?

No. The smooth glass face wipes down with a standard glass cleaner. Walk-in designs also skip the door tracks that trap grime.

Can I see through a glass block shower?

It depends on the pattern. Clear block shows more. Frosted and textured patterns blur the view for more privacy.

What do I need to build a glass block shower?

You need glass block and a way to set it. That can be a traditional mortar install or a mortarless system. Glass Block Warehouse sells glass block, mortar, and the individual parts used in mortarless systems.

The Verdict: Glass Block Showers Are Here to Stay

Glass block showers are not out of style. They just look different than they did decades ago. With the right pattern, layout, and finishes, they feel fresh and modern. They also bring light, privacy, and durability that few materials can match.

Ready to plan your own glass block shower? Browse the full selection of glass block patterns and supplies at Glass Block Warehouse. Find the right block for your bathroom and bring your design to life.