I am remodeling my bathroom. 
The existing, shower glass and door are framed in a heavy cheap gold trim.
The glass area with the door, is approximately 7 feet wide and 6 feet high

I would like to install a new shower glass and door, with a thin chrome frame.
I do not want a frameless glass area.
However, I would like to have the thinnest standard chrome frame I can find.

What would the chrome size be, for the thinnest standard chrome frame.
And, is there a name for this type of chrome frame?

Hi clicker5,

Glass shower frames are most often made of anodized aluminum and come
in a variety of finishes, Polished Chrome being one of them (the other
two popular finishes being Polished Brass and Brushed Nickel).

Here are the names of two popular chrome finishes:
Polished Chrome: US 26 finish (bright chromium plated) 
Satin Chrome: US 26D finish (satin chromium plated)

The minimum frame is 1/4" and would be called "1/4" Minimal Frame".

Framed glass can be much thinner than Frameless glass:
Framed glass thickness: 5/32 inch, 3/16 inch or 1/4" inch
Frameless: 3/8" or 1/2"


Have you ever watched "This Old House" on PBS?  They actually have a
Step-by-Step Guide on Installing a new glass shower door online! Below
are two excerpts in regards to frames.

This Old House: Installing a Shower Door:
Contractor Rich Rosenfield's step-by-step guide to creating a
tempered-glass enclosure, by Joseph Truini
"These enclosures come in two types: framed and frameless. The
frameless systems, while elegant, require thicker glass, expensive
hardware, and flawless fabrication. Framed units weigh and cost less,
and can take more abuse. Says Rosenfield, "They're more rigid, so
they'll hold up better against kids yanking and slamming the door."
Copyright © 2003 This Old House Ventures. 
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/homehandbook/article/0,13422,214441,00.html

This Old House: Materials:
"Framed shower doors come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and
colors—as well as prices. A high-quality 5-foot standard model similar
to the one on these pages costs around $350, installation not
included. Low-end models start at less than $175. Higher-priced units
typically have thicker aluminum frames that won’t bend when squeezed.
Doors with full-length piano hinges tend to be sturdier than those
with two pivot hinges. The most durable finishes are anodized silver
and gold, which are actually fused to the aluminum. Colored,
baked-enamel coatings come in a rainbow of choices, but they can be
scratched or chipped."
Copyright © 2003 This Old House Ventures.
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/homehandbook/article/0,13422,214441-2,00.html

Additional Link:

National Glass Association:
"There is a wide range of framed and frameless styles available for
today's shower enclosure. The amount of metal used to hold the glass
panels in place determines whether an enclosure is considered framed
or frameless. A framed unit typically has aluminum extrusions
surrounding each glass panel and all edges of the glass door. Like the
big car manufacturers, many enclosures manufacturers have a number of
framed models to choose from based both on budget and taste. The
differences can be seen in the profiles of the aluminum extrusions
used to frame the panels and in the engineering details associated
with the door mechanisms-whether the door is hinged, on a pivot, a
bi-fold or a by-pass."
Copyright © 2002 NGA - National Glass Association
http://www.glass.org/consumer/h_solutions.htm

I hope this helps - if you have any questions, please ask for a
clarification before rating my answer.

Thank you - and good luck with your project!
hummer

Search Strategy:
://www.google.ca/search?as_q=CHROME+FRAME&num=100&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=GLASS+SHOWER&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&safe=images

Terms Used
chrome frame 
"glass shower
"

Hello hummer-ga:
A very informative answer.  
I am sure learning about glass showers.
Thank you,    clicker-ga

Hi clicker-ga,

Thank you for your thank you, I'm glad to hear I was able to help.
Yes, as with most things, the more you learn about glass shower doors
the more there is to learn!

Wishing you a leak free shower -
hummer