Choosing the right shower enclosure that matches the feel and functionality of your bathroom is crucial. You’ll want to choose one that not only meets your practical considerations such as space and purpose, but fits perfectly with your chosen bathroom style.
The Best Shower Enclosures
Shape Considerations
Showers can be installed over the bath or as a standalone cubicle. The latter tends to be the most popular option, as shower enclosures are generally easier to install in bathrooms of all shapes and sizes, and provide a much more convenient bathing solution for people of all ages and abilities. They are also more economical and can significantly enhance the overall look and feel of your bathroom.
If you’re considering a standalone shower in your dream bathroom, read on to find out more about the different types of enclosures you can choose from.
Quadrant Shower Enclosures
These are the most popular type of shower enclosure for a number of reasons. First and foremost they are great for making the most of a small space as they fit neatly into the corner. They are also very stylish, with elegant curved outer doors that slide apart smoothly to provide easy access. Quadrant shower enclosures tend to look best in modern bathroom suites.
Walk-in Shower Enclosures
Ideal for open wet room areas and alcoves, walk-in showers are a contemporary and stylish version of the traditional shower. They come in a variety of shapes, but typically consist of several curved screens that eliminate the need for a door.
Corner Shower Enclosures
The basic square-shaped corner enclosures feature a combination of a shower door and a side panel. They look neat and streamlined and can also help to make the most of a small space. These are ideal for both traditional and modern bathrooms.
Pentagonal Shower Enclosures
These enclosures offer a five-sided space in which to shower and can be placed in any corner. Like the quadrant enclosure, they are a handy space saving option for the bathroom and make a great addition to en-suites. The pentagonal design means there are a wide range of door options you can choose from, such as swing, pivot and hinged.
Shower Baths
Installing a shower over the bath is ideal if you have very limited space in your bathroom. If you choose this option, you will need a bath screen or shower curtain rail installed. A bath screen is uber practical and stylish, and you can choose from a wide range of designs to match your suite. A popular choice is one single screen, but you can also have a folding one, or a complete over bath screen installed.
The Best Shower Doors
There are five main door types for shower enclosures. Most showers come with doors already installed, but you can opt to have them installed separately. This may be necessary if you have a small-sized bathroom or one with a distinctive shape, where a particular style of shower door maybe required to provide ease of access and make the best use of space.
Hinged Shower Doors
These doors provide the widest opening, allowing for maximum accessibility to a shower. They feature a number of secure hinges attached to the side of the door panel so that the door can swing freely outwards.
Pivot Shower Doors
This type of door has two pivot points located at the top and bottom – allowing it to swing outwards into the bathroom. Although pivot doors provide a smaller opening than hinged doors, they are far sturdier and save space in the showering area. Pivot doors can be right, left or centre pivoted.
Sliding Shower Doors
Most typically used for large shower enclosures, sliding doors are made up of several overlapping panels that reach across the whole width of the entry space. Once opened, they efficiently compress into the size of a single panel. These shower doors make great space saving solutions.
Bi-fold Shower Doors
If you want a shower door that doesn’t swing out into the bathroom, bi-fold doors are a good option. Ideal for rectangular or elongated showers, these doors work by opening inwards and folding into each other. They can be used for both large and small shower enclosures and offer a highly compact shower for bathrooms of all sizes.
In-Swing Shower Doors
Ideal for smaller bathrooms or en-suites, in-swing doors swing into the shower area along a concealed track in a quick, smooth motion.
The Best Shower Heads
The shower head plays a crucial role in the overall showering experience, so choosing the right one is key to ensuring your shower is tailored to your needs. The following are common types of shower heads:
- Fixed – Attached to the ceiling or the wall, fixed shower heads look sophisticated and create a highly enjoyable showering experience. Although a perfect fit for both modern and traditional bathroom suites, they are not very practical for busy family bathrooms as the height cannot be adjusted.
- Riser Kit – This shower head slots into a fixed bracket on the wall; either above the bath or in a shower enclosure. It’s a versatile model as its position and height can be adjusted easily, and it can be detached for other uses. Available in a wide range of designs, it suits both traditional and modern bathrooms.
- Combination/Riser – This shower head set is both fixed and detachable, making it a great fit for a wide range of bathrooms.
At KNB we supply a wide range of shower enclosures and fittings, so you’re guaranteed to find the right design and model to complete your perfect bathroom. Take a look at our Fitted Bathrooms page for more information on our comprehensive service.