How to Choose a Shower Cabin for the Bathroom?

Purchasing a shower cabin is an important decision that significantly influences the appearance and functionality of the bathroom. The right choice can transform the space into a home SPA or a functional relaxation area. When planning the bathroom fittings, it's worth considering what type of shower cabin will meet our expectations and fit into the spatial capabilities of the room. To assist you in making the best decision, we present a comprehensive buying guide that will facilitate the selection of the ideal shower cabin.

How to Find the Best Shower Cabin?

Are you wondering what type of shower cabin to buy? The choice is not easy, especially since the "ideal cabin" should match both the interior design and our personal needs. What should you pay attention to before choosing a cabin?

• Dimensions and Layout of the Bathroom — the dimensions of the bathroom determine the maximum size of the cabin you can install. Pay attention to the layout of the space to ensure easy access to the shower.
• Style and Decor — match the cabin to the style and decor of the bathroom. Cabins are available to suit every style, from modern to traditional.
• Tray Type — the shower tray is the foundation of your shower cabin. Consider whether you prefer a shallow tray, which makes it easier to enter and exit the shower, or a deep one. You can also choose between acrylic, stone, ceramic trays, as well as modern composites.
• Budget — the costs of shower cabins vary significantly — it all depends on their type, materials used in production, and additional amenities.

Types of Shower Cabins

Which shower cabin will be the best? This question keeps many individuals awake as they plan bigger or smaller bathroom renovations in their apartment or house. It not only affects the comfort of use and the aesthetics of the space but also the functionality and durability of the entire room.

The market offers many types of shower cabins, differing in sizes, shapes, door types, and construction materials. Often, their selection and specifications are determined by the available space and budget. If a freestanding shower cabin (only suitable for large bathrooms) is not an option, there are plenty of proposals that utilize the bathroom walls:

• half-round shower cabins,
• square shower cabins,
• rectangular shower cabins,
• walk-in shower cabins,

Each model is constructed slightly differently, which significantly affects the functionality of the cabin. Therefore, it is worthwhile to understand the specifics of each of them. Below is the characteristic of each type of cabin and recommended models.

Square Shower Cabin

Square shower cabins are among the most popular and versatile options on the market, as they fit well in bathrooms of various sizes and layouts. Their main feature is their symmetrical shape, which facilitates installation in bathroom corners or along walls, optimizing the use of available space. They come with hinged doors (like the Mexen Pretoria), sliding doors (like the Mexen Rio), as well as folding doors (like the Mexen Lima).

Square cabins are based on a frame structure, making them suitable for both newer and older bathrooms. Such a cabin is a good choice if you're looking for a universal, timeless, and simultaneously practical solution. Each of our cabins is made from the highest quality components, and the Crystal coating protects against the buildup of limescale and makes it easier to keep the glass clean.

Characteristics of Square Shower Cabins

• Sizes — square cabins are available in various sizes, allowing them to fit small, medium, and larger bathrooms. The most popular dimensions are 80 × 80 cm, 90 × 90 cm, as well as larger models up to 100 × 100 cm. The choice of the right size depends on the available space and the individual preferences of users.
• Tray or Linear Drain — square cabins can be installed with both traditional trays and modern solutions like linear drains. Trays provide a clear separation of the shower zone from the rest of the bathroom and are available in various depths, allowing a choice between easier access and better water retention. In contrast, a linear drain offers a more minimalist and modern appearance and is an ideal solution for those who value simple and elegant lines, as well as for those with limited mobility.

Rectangular Shower Cabin

Rectangular shower cabins are an excellent solution for those who value space and comfort while bathing. A rectangular cabin (such as the Mexen Pretoria) features an elongated shape, making them an ideal choice for larger bathrooms, offering significantly more space inside than their square or half-round counterparts. This translates not only to greater freedom of movement for the user but also to the possibility of installing additional accessories (such as shower seats or shelves for cosmetics).

When browsing rectangular cabins, it is worth paying attention to the doors — they open in various ways. There are models with hinged doors (e.g., Mexen Roma) and sliding doors (e.g., Mexen Rio).

Without a doubt, rectangular models are the best shower cabins for those who value space and also for those who need additional amenities, such as a seat or grab bar.

Characteristics of Rectangular Shower Cabins

• Sizes — contrary to appearances, rectangular cabins can fit even in small bathrooms. They are available in a wide range of sizes, starting from relatively compact dimensions, such as 70 × 80 cm, to more spacious options, such as 140 × 100 cm. This makes it easy to adapt them to specific spatial requirements and user preferences.
• Tray or Linear Drain — similar to square cabins, rectangular cabins can be installed with both traditional trays and linear drains.

Half-Round Shower Cabin

Shower cabins with a rounded front are a popular choice among those looking to save space without sacrificing elegance and style. Their unique shape makes them an excellent solution for smaller bathrooms, where every centimeter of space matters. The rounded lines add a sense of modernity to the bathroom while seamlessly integrating into the space, creating an impression of spaciousness.

In our offer, you can find elegant half-round cabins available in various colors. You can choose both the color of the glass (transparent, graphite, black, or striped) and the profile color (chrome, gold, black). This allows for matching the cabin to the style of almost any bathroom!

Characteristics of Half-Round Shower Cabins

• Sizes — half-round cabins generally have standard dimensions, allowing them to be easily installed in most bathroom projects. The most popular are cabins with an 80 cm or 90 cm radius, although other dimensions are also available, allowing for adaptation to specific needs and spatial requirements.
• Tray or Linear Drain — just like with other types of cabins, half-round models can be equipped with both traditional trays and linear drains.

When choosing a half-round cabin, it is worth considering both its advantages and potential limitations to ensure it meets the user’s needs and preferences. It can be more challenging to fit a seat, grab bar, or additional shelves for cosmetics in a half-round cabin, although it is not impossible.

Walk-In Shower Cabins

Walk-in shower cabins, also known as barrier-free showers, are a modern and elegant solution that is gaining increasing popularity in bathroom design. Their main feature is the absence of traditional doors and a low threshold, making the shower space easily accessible and visually enlarging the bathroom. This solution is not only visually appealing but also practical — especially for people with mobility limitations.

Characteristics of Walk-In Shower Cabins

• Open Access — characterized by open access, which ensures exceptional ease of use and a minimalist appearance.
• Minimalist Design — simple lines and the lack of unnecessary structural elements make these cabins fit perfectly into modern and spacious bathroom designs.
• Size — walk-in cabins often take up more space than traditional shower cabins while offering more space inside the shower.

What Shower Cabin is Best for a Small Bathroom?

The shape of the cabin in a small bathroom is crucial. Ideally, a cabin should fit into the corner of the bathroom and feature a half-round finish with chrome profiles and tempered glass. In small bathrooms, the cabin doors can be selected based on the available space. It’s worth opting for sliding doors in such cases, as they take up significantly less space, thereby increasing the comfort of using a small bathroom.

Recommended models for small bathrooms:

• Square Shower Cabin — a square cabin measuring 70 × 70 cm or 80 × 80 cm with folding or sliding doors is an excellent solution for small bathrooms, providing an ideal compromise between space-saving and user comfort. Among the recommended square shower cabins, you can find models like Mexen Rio and Mexen Lima.
• Rectangular Shower Cabin — if you have managed to free up a bit more space in your small bathroom, you can opt for a rectangular cabin measuring 70 × 80 cm or 70 × 90 cm. This will undoubtedly be the most comfortable solution available for small bathrooms. Pay attention to models like Mexen Pretoria and Mexen Roma.
• Half-Round Shower Cabin — the best solution for bathrooms — especially the smallest ones. Among the small but still comfortable models is the Mexen Rio half-round shower cabin.

What Characterizes a Good Shower Cabin?

When choosing a shower cabin, you should consider not only the shape but also the aesthetics and quality of workmanship. In regions of Poland where hard water is present, keeping the cabin clean is quite difficult. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to ensure that the walls are made of safe tempered glass and also have an EasyClean coating to facilitate cleaning, which is undoubtedly an additional advantage is being resistant to clouding and corrosion. For those who want to maintain greater intimacy, it’s worth considering glass color and choosing a "frosted" version.

Types of Shower Doors

Shower doors play a crucial role in shaping the appearance, functionality, and user comfort of a shower cabin. They can significantly affect the overall aesthetics of the bathroom and the way the space is perceived and utilized. Various types of shower doors are available on the market, each with its own set of advantages and characteristics.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors for shower cabins are a choice valued for both their functionality and aesthetics. They are perfect for smaller bathrooms since the sliding mechanism does not require additional space to open, unlike hinged doors that open outward.

Sliding doors can consist of one or two panels that easily slide to the side, providing convenient access to the shower.

Characteristics of Sliding Doors

• Sizes — sliding doors are available in various sizes, allowing them to fit a wide range of shower cabins, from small to large solutions. The dimensions can be adjusted to specific spatial needs, making them a versatile option for many bathroom designs. Cabins with sliding doors are very popular in the market.
• Materials — the most popular materials used to create sliding doors are tempered glass and aluminum. Tempered glass provides strength and safety while allowing for a light and spacious appearance.

Hinged Doors

Hinged doors for shower cabins are an elegant and practical solution that provides easy access to the shower space. They can open both inward and outward, making them extremely functional for various bathroom layouts.

Their construction is based on hinges placed on one side of the door, allowing for free opening in both directions.

Characteristics of Hinged Doors

• Sizes — hinged doors are available in various sizes that fit a wide range of shower cabins. They can be used in both small and large cabins, offering flexibility in design.
• Materials — as with sliding doors, the most commonly used materials for hinged doors are tempered glass and aluminum. Tempered glass ensures safety and durability, while aluminum frames provide lightness and corrosion resistance.

Folding Doors

Folding doors are an innovative and space-efficient solution for shower cabins. They are ideal for small bathrooms, where every square centimeter counts. Their unique construction allows these doors to fold harmoniously in the opening, minimizing the need for free space to open and close, which makes a cabin equipped with them an excellent choice for tight spaces.

Characteristics of Folding Doors

• Sizes — folding doors can be customized. Their versatility makes them perfect for a wide range of bathroom designs, both in smaller and larger spaces.
• Materials — as with other types of shower doors, folding doors are often made from tempered glass which ensures safety and durability, and aluminum frames offer lightness and corrosion resistance. Tempered glass can also be customized in terms of finish, offering transparent, frosted, or patterned options.

Choosing a Shower Tray for the Shower Cabin

Selecting the right shower tray is a key element when designing a bathroom, affecting the comfort of use, aesthetics, and functionality of the shower cabin. The shower tray not only serves as the base of the shower but also ensures safe water drainage.

When buying a shower tray, pay attention to:

• Dimensions and Shape — shower trays come in various sizes and shapes. In our offer, you can find square, rectangular, or half-round trays. Custom sizes are also available on request, allowing for optimal use of available space.
• Material — made from various materials such as acrylic, ceramics, composites, natural stone, or high-quality steel. Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages, influencing durability, ease of cleaning, appearance, and price.
• Height — trays can feature low, medium, or high thresholds. Low trays offer easier access and a modern appearance but may require more precise installation. Deep trays provide better water insulation but can be less convenient to use.
• Type of Drain — choose the type of drain that fits your needs — central, corner, or linear. A linear drain, increasingly chosen in modern bathrooms, offers an elegant solution and is easy to maintain.

Types of Shower Trays Based on Material Used

Acrylic Trays

Acrylic shower trays are a popular choice among homeowners and interior designers, mainly due to their aesthetic appearance, functionality, and relatively affordable price. Made from acrylic, which is a type of plastic, these trays are characterized by several advantages, making them an attractive option for many bathrooms.

Ceramic Trays

Ceramic trays, made from clay materials coated with glaze, are a popular choice in bathrooms worldwide due to their durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. Ceramics as a material for producing trays have a long history, combining traditional manufacturing methods with modern technologies, which allows for the creation of high-quality products with diversity.

Composite Trays

Composite trays are valued for their exceptional durability and the ability to customize according to individual user needs. Their production involves combining resins with aggregates, creating a material with high resistance to stress, scratches, and chemical action. The surface of composite trays is usually smooth, which ensures ease of cleaning, but it can also be textured to increase safety through anti-slip properties.

Dedicating modern production technologies, composite trays offer a significantly wider range of aesthetic possibilities than traditional materials. They can mimic the appearance of natural stone, concrete, or even metal, enabling the creation of bathrooms with a unique character. Additionally, the possibility of making custom-sized trays is particularly appealing for bathroom designs with non-standard shapes or sizes.

Stone Trays

Stone trays are a luxurious solution for those seeking not only functionality but also exceptional design in their bathroom. Made from natural stones such as marble, granite, or travertine, or from composites that imitate natural stone, they offer a unique appearance and durability.

Made from natural stone, these trays are not only exceptionally durable but also resistant to moisture and mold. Natural stone is a 100% eco-friendly material.

Steel Trays

Steel trays, made of enameled steel, are a valued solution for those looking for durable and functional options for their bathroom. They combine the durability of steel with an attractive enameled finish, making them a popular choice in many homes.

Enameled steel is an extremely durable material that is resistant to damage, ensuring that trays made from it last for many years. Their resistance to chemical action allows the use of various cleaning agents without fear of damaging the surface.

Types of Shower Trays Based on Shape

The selection of the appropriate shower tray is not limited only to the material it's made from but also to its shape. The shape of the tray is crucial not only from an aesthetic point of view but also from a functional perspective, influencing how the bathroom space will be utilized.

Square Tray

Square trays are among the most universal solutions for bathrooms, combining functionality with simplicity of form. Their classic shape means they suit almost every type and style of bathroom, from traditional to modern. Thanks to symmetrical dimensions, square trays can be easily placed in bathroom corners, which is an effective way to optimize space.

Among the recommended square trays are:

• Mexen Flat Square Tray
• Mexen Rio Square Tray
• Mexen Hugo Square Tray
• Mexen Stone+ Square Composite Tray

Rectangular Tray

Rectangular trays are a choice for those who value space and comfort while bathing. Thanks to their elongated dimensions, these trays offer more room, which is especially appreciated in larger bathrooms or by individuals who prefer more spacious conditions while using the shower.

We particularly recommend the following models of rectangular trays:

• Mexen Flat Rectangular Tray
• Mexen Hugo Rectangular Tray
• Mexen Toro Rectangular Tray
• Mexen Stone+ Composite Rectangular Tray

Half-Round Tray

Half-round trays, with their elegant rounded front, are an ideal solution for modern bathrooms, where both aesthetics and functionality matter. Their unique shape not only saves space but also adds lightness and a modern character to the bathroom.

Choosing a Trap for the Shower Tray

Selecting the right trap for the shower tray is crucial for ensuring proper water drainage and maintaining hygiene and comfort of use in the bathroom.

The trap, being a part of the drainage system, also prevents unpleasant odors from the sewer from coming back into the space. To make the best choice, it's important to know the types of traps available on the market and the factors that should be considered when making your selection.

Pay attention to:

• Flow rate — choose a trap with a flow rate appropriate to the amount of water that may gather during shower use. This will ensure quick drainage of water and prevent its accumulation in the tray.
• Installation height — check how much space you have under the tray. Some traps require more installation space than others. Low-profile traps are ideal for trays mounted at floor level.
• Cleaning and maintenance — choose models that allow easy access to clean and maintain the waste trap, which will help maintain hygiene and prevent clogs.
• Compatibility with the tray — ensure that the chosen trap is compatible with your tray model in terms of size and type of drainage.

Types of Traps for Shower Trays

• Vertical Drain Trap — ideal for installations where the tray is close to the floor, and space for installation is limited. The drain is directed directly downward, which requires penetrating the floor.
• Horizontal Drain Trap — the most commonly used type of trap that directs water to the sewage system through the wall, not requiring penetrating the floor. It is easy to install and fits most setups.
• Low-Profile Trap — specially designed for trays installed close to floor level. Characterized by a low installation height, it is often used in modern bathrooms.
• Linear Drain Trap — increasingly popular in modern bathroom designs. It consists of a long, narrow drain that can be placed on the edge of the tray or directly on the floor, creating a shower without a tray. It offers not only an elegant appearance but also high flow capacity. Linear models are divided into wall and floor linear drains.

Each of the traps has its advantages and specific applications, which should be matched to individual needs and bathroom specifications. Choosing the right model will ensure not only aesthetics but also functionality and ease of daily use.

FAQ

What kind of shower cabin should I choose?

The shower cabin should be adapted to our bathroom (including the available space and room layout) as well as to our needs and preferences. We can choose between rectangular, square, and half-round shower cabins (the latter work well in smaller spaces). It’s also worth choosing the type of door wisely — you can choose between hinged, sliding, and folding doors. Walk-in showers, which have no doors at all, are also becoming fashionable.

What does it mean that a cabin is wall-mounted?

This is a shower cabin that uses the walls of your bathroom. You can build a large rectangular or square shower cabin using one bathroom wall — 3 glass walls, and in a small bathroom, a corner cabin will always fit, which is installed in the bathroom corner.

What does it mean that the shower cabin is a walk-in type?

A walk-in shower cabin is usually one that does not have a traditional tray. This type is most often used in modern bathrooms.

What should I consider when choosing a shower cabin?

Start by looking at your bathroom. Should it be a wall-mounted cabin? That is one that utilizes the bathroom walls. Or a freestanding one? Depending on the size of your bathroom, you can choose a model consisting of 3 panels of glass, and in a small bathroom, a corner cabin using two walls will fit.

Which shower cabin is easiest to clean?

When purchasing, pay particular attention to whether the cabin is made of safe tempered glass — ideally, it should have a thickness of 8 millimeters. And only secondly, pay attention to the coating that the glass should be covered with. The EasyClean coating has hydrophobic properties — water droplets run off the smooth glass surface, leaving no limescale deposits, which considerably facilitates cleaning and increases protection against corrosion.

Which shower cabin is the most comfortable?

Without a doubt, a walk-in shower cabin is the most comfortable solution available on the market. A walk-in shower cabin typically does not have a traditional tray. It’s characterized by a flat floor, often at the same level as the rest of the bathroom, providing easy access and a modern appearance. The floor in this part of the bathroom is usually equipped with an appropriate slope directing water toward the drain. This design allows for easier entry and exit, which is particularly helpful for individuals with limited mobility.

How much will I pay for a good shower cabin?

The price of a shower cabin depends on many factors: size, the type of door, and the number of walls. Prices start from 500 PLN.

Types of Shower Cabins

Shower cabins are divided based on:

• Shape: half-round shower cabins, square shower cabins, rectangular shower cabins, and walk-in cabins.
• Type of cabin door: sliding doors, hinged doors, foldable doors.