Ask an Expert: What do I need to know when choosing a shower - Not only is it a shower solution for every style and size of the bathroom, to contemporary frameless walk-ins? more decorating options, you can also place a shower almost anywhere in the bathroom - as long as your plumbing permits. A corner is an obvious choice, but installing a shower in an alcove maximizes space while positioning a plate along a long wall and teaming with a glass panel will create a walk-in shower elegant and spacious. To avoid mistakes when buying and planning your shower, three experts guide you through the basic facts you need to know ...
Professional advice to from:
Jayne Barnes Aqata
Elliot Lees Bell Island bathroom
Marten Baker Crosswater
Professional advice to from:
Jayne Barnes Aqata
Elliot Lees Bell Island bathroom
Marten Baker Crosswater
B & Q
Select your style
The traditional shower has always been a square plateau surrounded by glass panels and a door, which slots perfectly into a corner. It still works fine, but there are many other options available, too.
Discover expert advice on what to consider when choosing new shower fittings
The traditional shower has always been a square plateau surrounded by glass panels and a door, which slots perfectly into a corner. It still works fine, but there are many other options available, too.
Discover expert advice on what to consider when choosing new shower fittings
Peter Landers Photography
go for a pregnant
1 shower cubicles built
a sunken shower that is between two walls is an excellent solution for small bathrooms, leaving the rest of the free floor space for other bathroom furniture. "With the walls already in place, the only necessary consideration is the type of preferred water barrier - completely closed or without appointment," says Jayne Barnes. (More on walk-ins shortly.)
doors Options available recessed shower cubicles fenced will hinge, folding pivot and doors sliding door (see below for more information on the doors). If space is limited, the sliding doors are ideal.
1 shower cubicles built
a sunken shower that is between two walls is an excellent solution for small bathrooms, leaving the rest of the free floor space for other bathroom furniture. "With the walls already in place, the only necessary consideration is the type of preferred water barrier - completely closed or without appointment," says Jayne Barnes. (More on walk-ins shortly.)
doors Options available recessed shower cubicles fenced will hinge, folding pivot and doors sliding door (see below for more information on the doors). If space is limited, the sliding doors are ideal.
MODEL Projects Ltd
2 Quadrant shower enclosures
on average, the British bathrooms were always weaker than their European counterparts and now, with the increased demand for housing, rooms bathrooms are tight in smaller spaces.
Quadrant enclosures are an excellent alternative space-saving corner square or rectangular boxes, taking the shape of a quarter circle, with two sides of the same length and a rounded outer edge.
"Losing one corner of your shower has little impact on the size of the speaker feels when you were inside, but saves floor space" Elliot says Lees Bell. Quadrant speakers often have one or two sliding doors, which makes it a great option for compact bathrooms where an outward opening door would cause a problem. "
on average, the British bathrooms were always weaker than their European counterparts and now, with the increased demand for housing, rooms bathrooms are tight in smaller spaces.
Quadrant enclosures are an excellent alternative space-saving corner square or rectangular boxes, taking the shape of a quarter circle, with two sides of the same length and a rounded outer edge.
"Losing one corner of your shower has little impact on the size of the speaker feels when you were inside, but saves floor space" Elliot says Lees Bell. Quadrant speakers often have one or two sliding doors, which makes it a great option for compact bathrooms where an outward opening door would cause a problem. "
Chris Snook
alternative angle 3 options
Similar to a quadrant shower enclosure, offset quadrant slots perfectly into a corner. How it differs from one side is longer than the other. "They have become very popular because they allow to vary the dimensions of the wall on each side," says Marten Baker.
Otherwise, opt for a saving shower pentagon space. Another corner solution, it looks like a square with a corner cut (as here).
Similar to a quadrant shower enclosure, offset quadrant slots perfectly into a corner. How it differs from one side is longer than the other. "They have become very popular because they allow to vary the dimensions of the wall on each side," says Marten Baker.
Otherwise, opt for a saving shower pentagon space. Another corner solution, it looks like a square with a corner cut (as here).
Peter Landers Photography
Consider a walk-in shower
the popularity of walk-in shower and a walk-through has increased significantly, driven by our desire to get a wet-look room without the expense of tanking the floor and walls. Composed of a single pane of glass, teamed with a low profile or hidden platform on the ground shower, one end is left open allowing you to "walk-in" or both ends are left open to "walk-through ' .
walk-in showers and walk-through low maintenance, according to Elliot . There is no disc to reach the seals or runners because they generally consist of a single piece of glass is sitting on a shower tray or a tile floor and waterproof, they say he explains.
They a number of practical advantages, too. A simple sign with a team flush shower tray of the soil is safe for all ages, as there is no awkward step up into the shower. "The sustainability and households with three generations living under one roof are hot topics, and easy walk-in access showers are a solution to this situation," says Marten. To create space for your appointment, consider trading in your bathroom; a standard tub is 1700 mm x 700 mm, which will give you enough space.
the popularity of walk-in shower and a walk-through has increased significantly, driven by our desire to get a wet-look room without the expense of tanking the floor and walls. Composed of a single pane of glass, teamed with a low profile or hidden platform on the ground shower, one end is left open allowing you to "walk-in" or both ends are left open to "walk-through ' .
walk-in showers and walk-through low maintenance, according to Elliot . There is no disc to reach the seals or runners because they generally consist of a single piece of glass is sitting on a shower tray or a tile floor and waterproof, they say he explains.
They a number of practical advantages, too. A simple sign with a team flush shower tray of the soil is safe for all ages, as there is no awkward step up into the shower. "The sustainability and households with three generations living under one roof are hot topics, and easy walk-in access showers are a solution to this situation," says Marten. To create space for your appointment, consider trading in your bathroom; a standard tub is 1700 mm x 700 mm, which will give you enough space.
Oliver Burns,
Decide on your doors
opting for a shower, always think about the type of doors that best fit your space and preferences.
1 H doors IngeD
A hinged shower door opens into the room - something to consider when planning the layout of your bathroom. Ideal for spacious bathrooms, swing doors provide wide access to the shower.
See how to choose an effective layout for your bathroom
opting for a shower, always think about the type of doors that best fit your space and preferences.
1 H doors IngeD
A hinged shower door opens into the room - something to consider when planning the layout of your bathroom. Ideal for spacious bathrooms, swing doors provide wide access to the shower.
See how to choose an effective layout for your bathroom
STUDIO
2 Pivot doors
pivoting doors rotate on a pin mechanism in the top and bottom of the door frame. They open outward in the bathroom, but because the far edge of the door pivots back in the shower, they need less space a hinged door.
pivoting doors rotate on a pin mechanism in the top and bottom of the door frame. They open outward in the bathroom, but because the far edge of the door pivots back in the shower, they need less space a hinged door.
Design Set match
3 Bifold doors
Bifolds consist of two or more glass panels; generally a glass plate is fixed on the periphery of the water, while the other panels folded in the hinge. "They are a good option when space is at a premium, while the door folds into the enclosure and does not interfere in the bathroom, said Elliot.
Bifolds consist of two or more glass panels; generally a glass plate is fixed on the periphery of the water, while the other panels folded in the hinge. "They are a good option when space is at a premium, while the door folds into the enclosure and does not interfere in the bathroom, said Elliot.
Cotton Tree Interiors
sliding doors 4
Available in both rectangular with a door and a side panel option or curved 'quadrant' shape, sliding doors excellent space saving solution as you do not have to allow free space in front of the shower. It is important to verify the actual size opening on some small doors sliding shower, 'advises Elliot. "Some 1,000mm wide-sliding doors have less input width of 370mm.
Available in both rectangular with a door and a side panel option or curved 'quadrant' shape, sliding doors excellent space saving solution as you do not have to allow free space in front of the shower. It is important to verify the actual size opening on some small doors sliding shower, 'advises Elliot. "Some 1,000mm wide-sliding doors have less input width of 370mm.
5 doors -on-measure
Bespoke design is one of the fastest growing trends in interiors, allowing you to create a unique solution for your space. 'A customized enclosure is a perfect way to create a statement in a large bathroom, or transform a space seemingly awkward or difficult, as under a sloping ceiling, said Jayne.
Bespoke design is one of the fastest growing trends in interiors, allowing you to create a unique solution for your space. 'A customized enclosure is a perfect way to create a statement in a large bathroom, or transform a space seemingly awkward or difficult, as under a sloping ceiling, said Jayne.
intelligent Beccy Photography
6 Framed compared frameless
Aesthetically, casings and screens frameless look great shower. 'Clear glass litters create the illusion of more space with clean lines that run right the way through, "said Jayne. "Combined with polished chrome edges, the overall look is sleek and stylish and that does not overwhelm the space.
Aesthetically, casings and screens frameless look great shower. 'Clear glass litters create the illusion of more space with clean lines that run right the way through, "said Jayne. "Combined with polished chrome edges, the overall look is sleek and stylish and that does not overwhelm the space.
Stiff and Trevillion
Check the thickness glass
All shower enclosures are made from tempered glass, also known as safety glass. 'glass comes in different thicknesses, which has an impact on the price, "says Elliot. Enclos cheap are often made from 4mm glass. you will usually find that when you open and close the door, it does not feel as smooth or substantial in due to the lighter weight. more expensive, but usually quite affordable, are shower cubicles made of glass 6 mm, while the high-end boxes often use 8mm or even glass 10mm.
But the glass thickness is not the only indicator of quality. Hinges, runners, wheels and design all play a role.
All shower enclosures are made from tempered glass, also known as safety glass. 'glass comes in different thicknesses, which has an impact on the price, "says Elliot. Enclos cheap are often made from 4mm glass. you will usually find that when you open and close the door, it does not feel as smooth or substantial in due to the lighter weight. more expensive, but usually quite affordable, are shower cubicles made of glass 6 mm, while the high-end boxes often use 8mm or even glass 10mm.
But the glass thickness is not the only indicator of quality. Hinges, runners, wheels and design all play a role.
TG-studio
Make easy to clean
untreated glass can undergo hard water deposits of color, which are difficult to remove, even with regular cleaning. To keep your cabin sparkling shower for longer, many manufacturers offer a protective coating as standard - so be sure to check
'This is a effective, invisible coating. which acts as a lasting protective barrier on the surface of the glass, helping to reduce water staining and harsh chemical deposits which accelerate the aging process, and make the glass easier to clean, "says Marten.
untreated glass can undergo hard water deposits of color, which are difficult to remove, even with regular cleaning. To keep your cabin sparkling shower for longer, many manufacturers offer a protective coating as standard - so be sure to check
'This is a effective, invisible coating. which acts as a lasting protective barrier on the surface of the glass, helping to reduce water staining and harsh chemical deposits which accelerate the aging process, and make the glass easier to clean, "says Marten.
Louise Room Interiors
Build your storage
'do not forget the storage in your case. You can ask your builder to create cubbyholes or an integrated shelf "suggests Jayne.
See smarter storage for bathroom practical items
'do not forget the storage in your case. You can ask your builder to create cubbyholes or an integrated shelf "suggests Jayne.
See smarter storage for bathroom practical items
Whitten Architects
Sit
"a nice seat installed inside a shower provides a safe place to rest for the shower, said Jayne, 'which is particularly useful for people with mobility problems. You can also consider folding options if space is tight or your shower is already complete.
"a nice seat installed inside a shower provides a safe place to rest for the shower, said Jayne, 'which is particularly useful for people with mobility problems. You can also consider folding options if space is tight or your shower is already complete.
Robert Nebolon Architects
Try before you buy
always choose branded products as opposed to cheaper imports: this will ensure quality performance and reliable after-sales service. "There is no substitute for a careful and personal inspection until says Jayne. "For pregnant and screens, doors should feel solid, not waver, and seal to prevent water from escaping. Sliding doors must have a nice smooth action and handles should feel sturdy and easy to grasp. You can not get that experience of watching a brochure or website.
Tell us ...
Are you planning to upgrade your shower? Or have you made recently? We'd love to hear your thoughts and tips and see the photos in the comments below.
always choose branded products as opposed to cheaper imports: this will ensure quality performance and reliable after-sales service. "There is no substitute for a careful and personal inspection until says Jayne. "For pregnant and screens, doors should feel solid, not waver, and seal to prevent water from escaping. Sliding doors must have a nice smooth action and handles should feel sturdy and easy to grasp. You can not get that experience of watching a brochure or website.
Tell us ...
Are you planning to upgrade your shower? Or have you made recently? We'd love to hear your thoughts and tips and see the photos in the comments below.