When it comes to designing your bathroom, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right shower enclosure. Not only does it affect the overall look of your space, but it also influences how functional and comfortable your shower experience will be. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to consider, from layout to materials, ensuring you make the perfect choice for your bathroom.
Types of Shower Enclosures
Choosing the right style is key to creating a bathroom that feels cohesive. Here are the most popular types of shower enclosures and how to choose the best one for your space:
Frameless Enclosures:
A frameless shower enclosure is perfect for a modern, sleek look. These are usually made of thick glass and don’t have the bulky frame found in traditional designs, making your bathroom feel more open. They’re also much easier to clean as there are fewer areas for grime to build up.
Semi-Frameless Enclosures:
Semi-frameless designs offer a nice balance between structure and style. They still feature some framing, but it’s less intrusive than fully framed options, giving a clean, streamlined look without the premium price tag.
Framed Enclosures:
Traditional framed enclosures provide durability and a classic aesthetic. If you’re going for a more conventional bathroom style, a framed design might be your best choice, offering a solid structure and often a more affordable price. Head to Plumbworld for durable shower enclosures for your bathroom.
Bi-Fold, Pivot, and Sliding Doors:
These door types are great for smaller bathrooms or enclosures in tricky locations. Bi-fold doors fold neatly away, pivot doors swing open like a traditional door, and sliding doors are perfect for tight spaces where you don’t want the door to take up extra room.
Walk-In Showers:
For those with more space and a taste for luxury, walk-in showers are an increasingly popular choice. These enclosures provide a feeling of openness and allow for a minimalist design, perfect for creating a spa-like atmosphere.
Materials and Glass Options
The material you choose for your shower enclosure plays a big role in both functionality and design. Glass is the most popular choice, but there are several options to consider:
Glass Options:
Clear glass is a classic choice that allows you to see the full beauty of your tiles and shower fixtures. If you prefer a bit more privacy, frosted or patterned glass can still provide that open feel while offering extra seclusion. Tinted glass can help reduce glare and add a modern touch to your enclosure.
Material Durability:
In addition to glass, acrylic and polycarbonate materials are commonly used for shower enclosures. Acrylic is lightweight, durable, and offers good insulation, while polycarbonate is even more robust and offers greater resistance to impacts and scratches.
Water Repellency:
To keep your shower enclosure looking pristine, look for glass with an anti-limescale or water-repellent coating. This will help prevent water marks and soap scum from building up, making it much easier to clean and maintain your enclosure.
Door Mechanisms and Functionality
The type of door you choose can have a big impact on the functionality of your shower enclosure, especially when space is limited.
Pivot Doors:
Pivot doors swing open like a regular door, and they work best in larger bathrooms where you have the space for them to open fully. They’re great for creating a more traditional look.
Sliding Doors:
Sliding doors are ideal for smaller bathrooms or those with limited space for a door to swing open. These doors glide smoothly and don’t take up any extra space, making them a practical choice for tight areas.
Bi-Fold Doors:
Perfect for compact spaces, bi-fold doors fold up neatly, saving room while still providing access to your shower. These doors are ideal for enclosures that are located in smaller corners or alcoves.
Hinged vs. Folding Doors:
Hinged doors offer a more classic approach, while folding doors are more modern and space-efficient. The choice depends on the aesthetic and functionality you prefer for your bathroom.
How to Keep the Price Low for a New Shower Enclosure
Know What You Need
First of all, you need to think carefully about what you want from a shower enclosure. We’re talking about the material, size and other features. If you aren’t specific about what you want, you could end up overpaying for something you don’t really need. Therefore, before you do any shopping online, carefully consider what you want and what you’re willing to spend money on.
Look at the Sale
There are always going to be sales online that you can take advantage of. Indeed, you need to explore what suppliers have to offer and what their sales include. There could be some fantastic shower enclosures there that are perfect for your bathroom. At the same time, you’re grabbing a discount and keeping your expenses low. In particular, Black Friday is an ideal time to shop and see what a supplier has.
Use a Low Price Guarantee
Many suppliers will have a low price guarantee that you can take advantage of. You just have to be confident enough to do it. This means that if you see a supplier that’s offering the same shower enclosure but for a better price, it will be matched by the supplier, or you’re getting an even better figure.
