The popularity of shower enclosures is primarily due to the wide range of sizes, shapes, and designs available, as well as their functionality. Showers take up little space in the bathroom and are increasingly being installed in bathrooms that previously had bathtubs.
A Wide Range of Shower Enclosures
Before we start renovating or furnishing our bathroom, it is worth taking a close look at the range of shower enclosures available on the market today to choose the best solution for ourselves. You can choose from many types of enclosures, including:
- corner enclosures - suitable for installation in the corner of the bathroom and ideal for small bathrooms because they take up little space. They may vary in shape depending on the type of tray. Thus, we have semicircular, polygonal, and square shower enclosures
- wall enclosures - one wall is against the bathroom wall where the faucet is installed. This enclosure works best with polygonal, semicircular, and rectangular trays
- freestanding enclosures - these are relatively rare because they take up a lot of space. They do not touch any bathroom wall and are perfect for larger bathrooms and bathing salons. This is a strong decorative element in the interior, standing out for its modernity and originality. It is worth knowing that this enclosure requires a special water installation. It is sold as a set with the casing, tray, and faucet
- niche enclosures - only doors are installed, as the rest is the walls of the niche. You can also use a ready-made niche in the bathroom or create one with plasterboard covered with tiles. Special blocks, which offer an interesting design solution, are also used for this purpose.
Different Types of Shower Doors
When deciding to buy a shower enclosure, you must consider the type of door it will have. They must primarily allow for easy and comfortable entry and exit from the enclosure. The type of door should be chosen depending on the space available around the enclosure. Thus, we have several types of shower doors to choose from which differ primarily in the method of opening and closing. If you have doubts about choosing the right solution, it is worth contacting the manufacturer or the store employee where you found the model of interest.
When talking about shower enclosure doors, it is worth mentioning mainly:
- sliding doors - these are doors mounted on rollers that run on tracks, allowing them to be easily slid along the cabin wall. You can buy them in a single-leaf version (sliding in one direction) or a double-leaf version (sliding open from the middle on both sides). Doors with double rollers and metal bearings are somewhat more durable and ensure easy sliding. In cheaper models, a strong pull might cause the doors to fall off the tracks, which we want to avoid. These doors work perfectly in small bathrooms as they don’t require additional space in front of the enclosure.
- hinged doors - a model that opens like standard doors. They usually open outwards. You can buy a single-leaf cabin with left or right-side doors, as well as double-leaf ones (asymmetrical or symmetrical). This solution is undoubtedly very convenient because when the doors are open, you have wide, spacious entry access.
- pivot doors - these may resemble hinged doors, but their hinges are closer to the center of the door, allowing part to open into the cabin and the rest outside. When choosing this type, you have the option of single or double-leaf doors.
Accordion Doors and Walk-In Enclosures
There is also the option to purchase accordion doors, which - as the name suggests - fold like an accordion, saving space. However, it's worth noting that the accordion type of opening and closing may not be completely watertight. A modern and interesting solution can also be purchasing a walk-in enclosure, which is a doorless solution. The cabin design is such that the water stream cannot escape the shower area. The entry is wide, making it well-suited for older or disabled individuals. They take up a lot of space but also create an original and eye-catching arrangement effect, especially if the person opts for a tray-less option.
When looking for the right enclosure for your bathroom, you should also note the material from which both the doors and the walls are made. You can choose between two types of materials: plastic (polystyrene) and tempered glass, found in slightly more expensive cabinet models. This material is very hard and safe. In the event of accidental breakage, the glass shatters into small pieces with blunt edges, preventing user cuts. This glass can be smooth, transparent, colored, matte, or embossed.