Total shoulder arthroplasty is an increasingly popular option for the treatment of glenohumeral arthritis. Historically, the effectiveness of the procedure has largely been determined by the long-term stability of the glenoid component. Glenoid component loosening can lead to clinically concerning complications including pain with movement, loss of function, and accumulation of debris which may require surgery to revise. In response, there has been a push to optimize the design of the glenoid prosthesis. Traditional contemporary glenoid components use pegs for fixation and are made entirely of polyethylene. Variations on the standard implant include keeled, metal-backed, hybrid, augmented, and inlay designs. There is a wealth of biomechanical and clinical studies that report on the effectiveness of these different designs. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing literature regarding glenoid component design and identify key areas for future research. Knowledge of the rationale underlying glenoid design will help surgeons select the best component for their patients and optimize outcomes following TSA.