Chicago Glass and Mirror

Shower doors and enclosures

• Frameless shower doors and enclosures
• Semi-frameless shower doors
• Traditional sliding shower door enclosures
• Operable and stationary splash panels for tubs and showers

Mirrors

• Custom decorative mirrors
• Framed mirrors
• Mirrored walls
• Simple and basic bathroom mirrors
• Mirrors for fitness rooms
• Mirrors around fireplaces
• Other custom mirror applications (mirrors mounted in many locations as needed)

Custom painted and carved glass

• Glass vanities
• Glass backsplashes
• Glass rails
• Glass wall art
• Other custom painted or carved glass pieces

Glass stair rails and rail systems

• Glass stair rail systems for residential and commercial interiors

Glass walls and interior partitions

• Interior glass entry doors
• Glass room dividers and interior glass walls
• Glass wine cellars and similar enclosed glass spaces

Shelves and table tops

• Glass shelves
• Glass table tops

Commercial interior glass applications

• Office glass (walls, partitions and similar interior applications)
• Glass floors (where specified)
• Glass signage and interior glass features

Services offered

Chicago Glass and Mirror provides both product fabrication and related services for glass and mirror projects.

Core services

• Glass and mirror installation
• Shower door and enclosure installation
• Mirror installation
• Glass entry door installation

Design and decorative services

• Design consultations for glass and mirror projects
• Glass sandblasting and etching on new or existing glass and mirrors
• Glass painting and custom back-painted glass

If you have a glass or mirror idea that is not listed here, contact Chicago Glass and Mirror to discuss custom options; many projects are designed and built to order.

They are particularly known for custom shower doors and bathroom glass, but also handle mirrors, decorative glass, glass entry doors, glass walls and other interior glass applications.

Service area

• Based in Chicago, Illinois (Chicagoland area).
• Works with both residential and commercial clients in and around the Chicago area.

If you are unsure whether your project location is covered, contact the showroom to discuss your specific address.

Showroom and consultations

• Showroom location: 3956 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618.
• Showroom access: open Monday–Saturday by appointment only.
• Consultation options:
• In-showroom consultations by appointment.
• Free in-home consultations are available; a sales representative can come to your location for measurements and an estimate.

For current appointment availability, contact Chicago Glass and Mirror directly.

Contact details

• Phone: 773-789-5050
• Fax: 773-789-5030
• Email: sales@chicagoglassandmirror.com
• Website: https://chicagoglassandmirror.com

For any questions about products, services, or to request a free consultation, contact Chicago Glass and Mirror during regular business hours by phone or email, or schedule a showroom appointment.

All shower doors are custom cut to your exact opening for a precise fit.

Types of shower doors and enclosures

Frameless shower doors and 3-piece enclosures

• Frameless shower doors use minimal hardware to showcase the glass.
• A typical frameless configuration can be a 3-piece enclosure, custom sized to the shower opening.
• Chicago Glass and Mirror's unique pivot hinge design allows glass panels to sit very close together, reducing or eliminating the need for plastic gaskets around the door in many layouts.

Semi-frameless shower doors

• Semi-frameless shower doors have metal framing around the entire glass unit.
• When the door is open, there is no metal frame except on the hinged side of the door.

Traditional sliding shower doors

• Traditional sliding units fit many bathroom sizes and layouts.
• Often configured with a towel bar on one of the sliding doors for convenience.

Operable splash panels for tubs

• Operable splash panels are a partial-glass solution for tub/shower combinations.
• They provide a modern look without fully enclosing the opening in glass.
• Properly configured, they still help keep water inside the tub or shower area.

Glass options and terminology

Tempered safety glass

• Glass used in shower areas is tempered safety glass.
• Tempering increases strength, and if the glass breaks it crumbles into small granular pieces rather than large sharp shards.

Frameless vs semi-frameless (summary)

• Semi-frameless: metal framing around the entire glass unit; visible frame when the door is closed.
• Frameless: no metal frame around the glass unit; Chicago Glass and Mirror typically uses a top and bottom pivot hinge system for the door and a low-profile channel at the bottom and wall side of any stationary panel.

Starphire glass

• A low-iron glass option that appears clearer than standard clear glass.
• Standard clear glass has a greenish hue at the edges; Starphire glass greatly reduces this tint for a cleaner, more neutral appearance.

ShowerGuard glass

• A type of glass treated during manufacturing with a protective process designed to resist damage and aging from hard water, soap and humidity.
• Intended to help shower glass stay clearer with minimal regular cleaning.

Pivot hinge advantages

Chicago Glass and Mirror often uses a pivot hinge system instead of traditional wall-mounted hinges. Noted advantages include:

• Fewer holes required in the tile during installation compared with some wall-mount hinges.
• The door's weight is carried by the hinge hardware rather than relying on the wall alone.
• Reduced need for gaskets and associated maintenance in many layouts.
• The hinges are typically placed at the top and bottom of the door, more out of sight, supporting a clean frameless aesthetic.

Leak prevention and gaskets

• Because of the close tolerances made possible by the pivot hinge system and custom fabrication, many frameless shower door installations do not require side gaskets.
• A very small gap between the door and adjacent glass or tile often allows water to form a seal and run back toward the shower pan.
• In some situations (for example, uneven tile or body sprays aimed directly at a gap), gaskets may still be recommended.

Typical sizing

• There is no strict standard size, but a common frameless shower door size referenced by Chicago Glass and Mirror is approximately 28" wide and 80" high.
• Doors and panels are custom cut to accommodate the actual opening and design.

For specific design options, configurations and glass choices for your bathroom, contact Chicago Glass and Mirror for a consultation and estimate.

• Custom decorative mirrors
• Framed mirrors
• Simple and basic bathroom mirrors
• Mirrored walls for fitness rooms and other spaces
• Mirrors around fireplaces
• Other custom mirror configurations tailored to the project

Custom painted and carved glass

Decorative glass options include:

• Glass vanities
• Glass backsplashes
• Glass rails
• Glass wall art
• Other custom painted and carved glass pieces for interiors

Glass can be carved, etched and painted to create different patterns, textures and colors. The creative work is done behind the glass so the face remains smooth and easy to clean.

Glass backsplashes

• Glass backsplashes are available for kitchens and other areas.
• They eliminate grout lines and provide a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.
• Designs can be customized to coordinate with cabinets, countertops and other finishes.

Specialty glass applications

Chicago Glass and Mirror handles many one-of-a-kind interior glass projects, such as:

• Custom glass railings and stair rail systems
• Glass floors (where specified in interior designs)
• Decorative glass signage and interior glass features

Because many decorative and specialty glass projects are unique, customers are encouraged to discuss their ideas directly with Chicago Glass and Mirror for design input and feasibility.

Commercial glass work

In addition to residential work, Chicago Glass and Mirror has completed numerous commercial interior glass projects in the Chicagoland area, covering:

• Commercial mirrors (including large mirrored walls)
• Glass for offices and retail interiors
• Other custom commercial interior glass installations

For a deeper look at decorative and specialty glass capabilities, Chicago Glass and Mirror provides brochures and a custom decorative glass catalog with photos and descriptions of completed projects.

Yes. Chicago Glass and Mirror regularly works with designers, architects and contractors, as well as directly with homeowners.

What services do you offer?

Chicago Glass and Mirror provides a wide range of interior glass and mirror services, including:

• Custom shower doors and enclosures
• Custom mirrors and mirrored walls
• Glass entry doors and interior glass walls
• Glass backsplashes
• Decorative painted, carved and etched glass
• Glass and mirror installation
• Design consultations related to glass and mirror projects

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. Chicago Glass and Mirror offers:

• Free in-showroom consultations (by appointment).
• Free in-home consultations in their service area, where a representative can visit your space, take measurements and provide an estimate.

Contact the company directly to schedule a consultation time.

Glass and shower door care

How should I clean the glass?

• Clean the glass about every other week under normal use.
• You may use typical glass cleaners, but it is recommended to avoid cleaners that contain ammonia.
• Do not let the glass air-dry; instead, wipe it dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
• A solution of vinegar and water (for example, 1 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water) can also be used, with more vinegar added for heavier cleaning.

Regular cleaning helps keep the glass looking good over time.

Will a frameless shower door leak without side gaskets?

• Chicago Glass and Mirror custom fits frameless doors so the glass is very close to adjacent walls or panels.
• In many cases, this small gap allows water to form a seal and run back into the shower pan, so side gaskets are not needed.
• In certain situations (for example, uneven tile or strong body sprays pointed at a gap), gaskets may still be recommended.

Why use a pivot hinge instead of a traditional wall-mounted hinge?

Some advantages described by Chicago Glass and Mirror include:

• Fewer holes in the tile during installation compared with some wall-mount hinge systems.
• The door can rest on the hinge hardware, providing a smooth swing.
• Less stress directly on the wall, potentially reducing the need for future adjustments in some installations.
• Pivot hinges are typically located at the top and bottom of the door, reducing visual clutter and supporting a cleaner frameless look.

Glass types and safety

What is tempered glass?

• Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that has been treated to increase its strength.
• When broken, it crumbles into small granular chunks rather than large, sharp shards.
• Tempered glass is required for shower areas and is also used where safety glass is specified.

What is the difference between frameless and semi-frameless shower doors?

• Semi-frameless shower doors have metal framing around the entire glass unit; when the door is open, the only visible metal framing on the door itself is along the hinged side.
• Frameless shower doors have no metal frame around the glass unit. Chicago Glass and Mirror typically uses a pivot hinge at the top and bottom of the door and a low-profile channel at the bottom and wall side of any stationary panel.

What is Starphire glass?

• Starphire glass is a low-iron glass option that appears much clearer than standard clear glass.
• Regular clear glass has a noticeable green tint at the edges; Starphire glass significantly reduces this tint for a more neutral appearance.

What is ShowerGuard glass?

• ShowerGuard glass is manufactured with a protective process that helps resist damage and aging from hard water, soap, humidity and similar exposures.
• It is designed to stay clearer with minimal cleaning and typically includes a manufacturer warranty.

For any questions not covered here, or for guidance on which glass type or configuration is best for your project, contact Chicago Glass and Mirror directly.

• Provide a modern, clean look for interior openings (such as closets, home offices or passage doors).
• Break up areas of a home or office without the closed-in feeling that solid doors can create.

A variety of glass options (including different colors and thicknesses) can be used to balance openness with privacy.

Interior glass walls and room dividers

Glass walls and partitions can be used to:

• Divide a large room into two separate spaces while maintaining a bright, open feel.
• Create defined zones (such as offices, conference areas or living spaces) without blocking light.
• Add a contemporary design feature to a home or commercial interior.

Chicago Glass and Mirror can design and install glass walls that coordinate with other interior glass elements such as doors, railings and backsplashes.

Wine cellars and specialty enclosures

Glass is also used for:

• Enclosed wine cellars
• Other specialty glass enclosures inside the home or workplace

These installations are typically custom-designed to suit the space and aesthetic.

For examples of prior work with glass entry doors and interior glass walls, Chicago Glass and Mirror refers customers to their brochures and catalogs, which showcase completed projects.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.