Types of Shower Rails

14.11.2022

Category: Technical advice

Author: Mexen

Is your bathroom lacking space? You don't want to have just a shower cabin, but you also can't imagine life without a quick shower? Or maybe you want to use a shower niche without installing a tray? A great solution in this case is a shower rail. What is a shower rail? What are the types of shower rails? How do the different models differ from each other? Will you need a shower curtain?

Shower Rails - What Does This Term Mean?

Shower rails are an essential element in a bathroom where you shower in the bathtub. It is an excellent solution both for those with small bathrooms and for those who do not want to invest in an expensive shower cabin. A shower rail is essentially a tube mounted to the wall on which you can hang shower curtains.

Shower rails are used to hang shower curtains. These protect the bathroom from splashes while you shower. Moreover, the shower rail and curtain are significantly cheaper than a glass cabin. Installing a shower rail and curtain is also easier than installing a tray and cabin.

Straight, Curved, and Angled Rails - A Few Words About the Types of Shower Rails

On the market, in general building stores, and also, perhaps most importantly, in the online store Mexen, you will find various kinds of shower rails. They are divided, among other things, based on their shape. Thus, we distinguish:

straight rails - made from a single straight tube. They are perfect for bathtubs and open trays on one side;
curved rails - their construction is also made from a single tube. However, this one is bent. A curved rail fits perfectly for asymmetrical bathtubs and semicircular trays;
angled rails - such shower rails consist of several tubes that are mounted between the walls using angles. Angled rails are most often used when the shower or bathtub is exposed on three sides.

shower rail

Expansion or Screw-Mounted Rail - Different Installation Methods

We already know that shower rails used for hanging shower curtains differ from each other based on their shape. However, shower rails can also be divided based on the mounting method to the wall. In this case, shower rails are divided into:

expansion rails - ideal for a small bathroom where the bathtub or shower is exposed on one side. They can also be mounted to a shower niche. The expansion rail is very light and can be adjusted in length. No tools are needed to install it. It is mounted between two parallel walls. One side of the rail is placed against the wall, its length is adjusted, and the other end is pressed against the opposite wall;
screw-mounted shower rails - the mounting method of these shower rails requires interference with the ceiling. For installing such a rail, professional tools will be necessary. Remember that the quality of the suspension is very important because it is supposed to hold the weight of the shower curtain. This solution works excellently in a tall bathroom where an expansion rail would look less aesthetic.

Which Shower Rail to Choose?

The choice of both the shower rail and the shower curtain is an individual matter. Which model will work better depends on many factors. However, before you decide on a specific solution to cover the shower in your bathroom, consider the mounting method of the rail. If you do not plan a general bathroom renovation, hanging the curtain on an expansion rail might be a better solution.

However, if you are planning to renovate your bathroom, you can choose a different rail installation method. However, remember to choose the appropriate curtain length. The correct size will minimize any potential marks and wet spots on the bathroom floor.