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KBSA Consumer Guide
Our FREE guide contains practical advice for consumers who are considering buying a new kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or home office.
Shower enclosures
Curved, contemporary shower enclosure
When showers first entered the market, they became popular because people with busy lifestyles did not have time for baths and needed a speedier option. Whilst this is still part of the ethos of showering, times have changed and in line with the general trend to use the bathroom as a haven for relaxation and pampering, showers have themselves become luxurious items.
The range of different shower enclosures can be overwhelming but a good starting point is to consider the size of enclosure that you want and the space you have available. With today’s technology, there is lots of choice and lack of space should no longer be a problem. You should be able to find the perfect shower enclosure for an en suite, luxury bathroom or family bathroom.
Ultra cool, contemporary enclosures that offer the ‘wow’ factor, don’t necessarily have to take up lots of space – you can even use them in en suites as there are many enclosures available that offer great flexibility. Many premier brands allow you to choose different arrangements and panels, so you can use as many or as few as you need.
Clear panelled shower enclosure
Another consideration is the style and shape of enclosure you require. Some enclosures can be very plain, whilst others are intricately detailed or extremely modern and contemporary. Your enclosure also doesn’t have to be a square or rectangular box anymore; there are many designs now that are made up of curves – offering a little uniqueness to a bathroom.
Curved shower enclosure
How the shower door opens is also another consideration; different types of openings are more suitable for different spaces. An in-fold door will open into the shower area and is useful if you do not have a lot of space around your shower for the door to open outwards. Similarly a sliding door will also free up valuable space in your bathroom.
If you have the space a walk in/wet room type of enclosure is possible and is certainly the bathroom trend at the moment. These are becoming very popular and are a good alternative for those who cannot afford the total wet room experience. Look for a design that creates a space that retains water well in the wet area, yet also provides a complimentary warm and comfortable walk-in area. Accessories for these types of showers such as teak shower mats and solid seats complete the look and provide an enclosure that really does make a design statement in the home.
Onfloor shower tray
Your shower tray is another element that will need careful thought. Once again there is much more choice and different price points available. Acrylic trays are most common but more modern materials such as ‘Cristalplant®’, offer a designer tray that is smooth, joint free and also warmer to the touch.
The glass in your enclosure is something that should be checked – safety glass should be used in all shower enclosures, which is available in a variety of thicknesses. The thickness you choose is dependent on the look you want to create and the price you want to pay.
Finally, you need to decide what you want from your shower – just to wash or a pampering experience with jets, hand held showers and seats.
The latest shower enclosures incorporate a column as part of the frame that holds all of these different functions. You will need to check with your plumber if you want to install this type of shower as they usually require a higher water pressure that is not available in most UK homes. A pump can easily be installed but this will mean extra work and costs.
Logic Active by Cesana
Wet rooms
Along with the growing importance of the shower in the bathroom has come the wet room experience – a luxury we all long for! Many people are even removing their bath or enlarging their bathroom and using part of a bedroom, in order to incorporate a wet room in their home.
Before you make a decision
Research the market well before you make any decisions and whatever budget and space you have available make sure you consult an expert before you start to draw up your plans.
