Square vs. Beveled Shower Door Hinges and Clamps
Square hinges and clamps have flat sides and crisp corners. Beveled ones have their outside edges angled off all the way around. Many come in matching pairs that are the same size with the same glass cut-out, like Geneva (square) and Pinnacle (beveled), so the edge style is what keeps your shower looking like one matched set.
Square edgesFlat faces, crisp corners (Geneva and Vienna)
Beveled edgesEdges angled off around the face (Pinnacle and Cologne)What is the difference between square and beveled hinges?
Only the shape of the edges. A square hinge has flat sides that meet at sharp corners. A beveled hinge has its edges angled off all the way around, which softens its look. CRL describes Pinnacle as the same as its Geneva hinge with one design change: rounded corners and beveled edges. Cologne is the same change made to Vienna.
Geneva and Pinnacle share the same size, door weight ratings and cut-out, and so do Vienna and Cologne, so the choice between them is about looks and matching.
Which hinge series are square and which are beveled?
| Square | Beveled | What they share |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva | Pinnacle | 3-1/2" x 2-3/16" on the glass, same cut-out, 5/16" to 1/2" glass |
| Vienna | Cologne | 3-15/16" x 2-1/4" on the glass, same cut-out, 3/8" to 1/2" glass |
| Victoria | Plymouth | Same cut-out, 3/8" to 1/2" glass |
| Cardiff pivot | Prima pivot | Same corner notch, 5/16" to 3/8" glass |
| Senior Cardiff pivot | Senior Prima pivot | Same corner notch, 1/2" glass |
Other square series: Junior Geneva, Trento, Zurich and Vernon. Other beveled series: Ultimate (CRL calls it the same rounded corners and beveled edges as Pinnacle, in 316 stainless steel), Petite and Atlas. A few hinges, like Lugano, Como and Bellagio, are neither.
Why does matching the edge style matter?
- It looks like one set. Hinges, clamps and the handle sit close together on a frameless shower. A beveled hinge next to a square clamp stands out.
- Replacing one hinge. If one hinge breaks, buy the same series so it matches the one that stays. A Geneva fits where a Pinnacle was, but it will look different.
- Changing the look. Because each pair shares a cut-out, you can change a whole shower from square to beveled (or back) without new glass.
Do clamps come in square and beveled too?
Yes. CRL makes most of its fixed panel clamps both ways, and says the beveled edges match beveled hinges:
| Clamp | Square | Beveled |
|---|---|---|
| Wall clamp, small leg | SGC037 | BGC037 |
| Wall clamp, large leg | SGC039 | BGC039 |
| Glass to glass 90° | SGC90 | BGC90 |
| Glass to glass 135° | SGC135 | BGC135 |
| Glass to glass 180° | SGC180 | BGC180 |
| 90° T-junction | SGC90T | BGC90T |
| U-clamp, notch in glass | SGCU1 | BGCU1 |
| Adjustable glass to glass | ADJSQ180 | ADJBEV180 |
Pair square clamps with square hinges (Geneva, Vienna, Cardiff) and beveled clamps with beveled hinges (Pinnacle, Cologne, Prima). See every style on the glass clamps page.
How can I tell if my hardware is square or beveled?
- Look at a corner. A square hinge or clamp has a sharp, crisp corner. A beveled Pinnacle or Cologne hinge has a rounded corner.
- Look along the edge. On a square piece the face meets the side at a right angle. On a beveled piece there is a narrow angled strip between them all the way around.
- Check the name. If you know the series, the table above tells you which it is.
Products in this guide
Most commonShower Door Hinge – Geneva 037 Wall Mount, Full Back Plate
Most commonShower Door Hinge – Pinnacle 037 Wall Mount, H Back Plate
Most commonShower Door Hinge – Vienna 037 Wall Mount, Full Back Plate
Most commonShower Door Hinge – Cologne 037 Wall Mount, H Back Plate
Square 90° Glass-to-Glass Clamp
Beveled 90° Glass-to-Glass Clamp
Common questions
What is the difference between a square and a beveled shower door hinge?
Only the edges. Square hinges have flat sides and crisp corners; beveled hinges have their edges angled off all the way around. Paired series like Geneva and Pinnacle are otherwise the same size.
Is Pinnacle the same as Geneva?
Yes, except for the look. CRL describes Pinnacle as its Geneva hinge with rounded corners and beveled edges. Both measure 3-1/2" x 2-3/16" on the glass and use the same cut-out.
Is Cologne the same as Vienna?
Yes, except for the look. Cologne is the beveled version of the square Vienna hinge, with the same size and cut-out.
Can I mix square and beveled shower hardware?
It works, but it looks mismatched. Pair square clamps with square hinges and beveled clamps with beveled hinges.
Are Prima pivot hinges square or beveled?
Prima pivots are beveled. Cardiff is the square pivot with the same corner notch.