At New Image, we know that choosing the right shower enclosure for your bathroom can be a difficult task, especially when there are so many options on the market. That’s why we have a team of bathroom design experts on hand to help guide you through the process and help you select a product that meets your needs.

Below you can find out more about all the things you should consider when choosing a shower enclosure for your bathroom renovation or upgrade.

Get to know the space in your bathroom

Before shopping for a shower enclosure, you will need to decide where it will be positioned in your bathroom as this will have an impact on the available options. Traditionally showers are placed in the corner of a room but do not let this restrict your design choices as showers can be fitted anywhere as long as the correct plumbing is in place. Putting a shower in an alcove is a great way to maximise space. Or, if you have a large room, a walk-in shower placed in the centre of a wall can make an eye-catching design feature. Be aware of your ceiling height and consider any sloping ceilings. Some glassware  offer different heights and bespoke glass could be an option.

Shape and style

Once you have decided on the positioning of your new shower enclosure and how much space you have available, you will need to decide on the shape. There are pros and cons for each type, which you will need to carefully consider before purchasing your enclosure.

Walk in shower enclosures

Walk in showers are becoming increasingly popular and are the ultimate in bathroom luxury. They look incredibly sleek and stylish and can help create a focal point in your new bathroom or bathroom upgrade. Walk in showers are a great addition to wet rooms. One of the advantages of this style is that they are easy to maintain and keep clean. This is because there are no seals or fitting that can collect dirt or residue.

Quadrant shower enclosures

If you are short on space a quadrant shower may be an excellent solution. The sleek curve can add a modern touch to any room and the curved enclosure doesn’t restrict room when showering. Quadrant showers require less floor space; however, they must be installed in the corner of the room. If you like the curved door but prefer an alternative placement a ‘D shape’ enclosure may be a better suited option.

Rectangular shower enclosures

Rectangular showers or double showers as they are often called are a popular choice and offer a great showering experience due to the amount of space on offer. They are the perfect choice for larger bathrooms and can help make a design statement. For customers with limited mobility a rectangular shower enclosure may be the perfect choice as they offer plenty of room to manoeuvre.

Square shower enclosures

Square shower enclosures are practical and space saving and look great in smaller bathrooms or en-suites. This compact option is versatile and can be paired with a number of door types and fittings.

Doors

After you have chosen the enclosure you will need to consider what doors you would like and how you would like them to open. This is usually determined by the space you have available and the layout of your room.

Sliding

Sliding doors are great for larger shower enclosures such as a rectangular or quadrant shapes, they are also great for saving space.

Folding

Bi-fold doors open inwards and are ideal for compact bathrooms with limited space available.

Hinged

Hinged doors provide the largest opening to get in and out the shower. For smaller rooms the outwards opening door may be obstructed by another piece of bathroom furniture. In this case a pivot hinge may be the most suitable option. Pivot hinges reduce the opening.

Finishing touches

It’s important to think about the needs of your family when choosing finishing touches, such as glass thickness and finish. For instance, families with young children may want to invest in thicker glass to ensure it is durable and can withstand knocks and bangs. Typically shower doors are 6mm but 8mm toughened glass options are available.

If you don’t want to be spending your time cleaning you may choose to invest in easy clean glass. Although more costly in most cases this special coating can prevent residue, water staining and the build-up of oil and limescale. Most glassware comes with easy clean glass as standard.

For more help selecting your dream bathroom or to view our extensive range of shower enclosures, book an appointment with our bathroom design experts.