Shower enclosures: how to choose the right one

Posted on 13th June 2023

Are you ready to upgrade your bathroom? Well, you’re in luck because today we’re talking all about shower enclosures.

Not only do shower enclosures add a sleek and modern look to your bathroom, they also provide a practical solution for keeping water where it belongs. From glass doors to sliding panels, there are so many options to choose from.

A walk-in shower is on most people’s wishlists for the perfect bathroom. A fixed glass screen in an open-plan layout, supported by a single high-level bar anchored to the wall, will create a minimalist look. But if you want a bit more privacy and to contain the spray, simply add a second panel to create a rectangular enclosure with a large opening.

White tiled walk-in shower with gold brassware — This stylish set-up from Ripples includes a 120 x 120cm toughened 10mm-thick shower glass screen with brushed brass accessories and support bar. Prices start from £613.28.

Classic cubical enclosures

However, if you would prefer a completely surrounded cubicle, add a hinged door fixed either to the wall or a narrow side panel. Do check if you have enough clear floor area to open the door fully without hitting the wall. For example, if your layout is more compact, pay attention to which side the hinges should be placed on.

Generally available in a range of sizes, from 70cm to 170cm wide, shower screens with hinged doors will also fit with low-level trays. Whether you have a super-sized or a more compact space, it may be worth considering a bespoke shower enclosure. But do bear in mind this will be more expensive. Shower screens come either with or without a frame.

Curved frameless shower enclosure in a bold modern bathroom — The Design 8 Offset quadrant shower enclosure from Crosswater is made from 8mm toughened glass, with a frameless door that has a 15mm adjustment per panel for easy fitting. Priced £969.

Large bespoke shower enclosure with a frameless system — The Vienna range from CRL is a selection of hinges designed to be used with plain glass to create a frameless system. Ideal for a minimalist bathroom, they are available in a choice of finishes. Prices start from £83.99

cubical bathroom design — This enclosure features a two-sided 79 x 75cm inline return panel from The Shower Lab, with a 2m-high hinged door made from 10mm glass, plus bespoke bench seating. Prices start from £2497.

Stylish shower enclosures

If, for example, you are looking for an industrial feel, why not opt for a matt black steel-framed panel? If it’s privacy you’re after, the latest designs offer stylish fluted glass, which also adds an understated elegance to the bathroom.

The glass used for shower screens is toughened and extremely durable. The thickness ranges from 4mm up to 10mm. Be sure to talk to your bathroom designer about what would be the best option for your chosen size.

Modern sliding door shower enclosure from West One Bathrooms — West One Bathrooms used this Liberty sliding door with fluted 8mm toughened glass for a bespoke alcove. The door is priced £1778.

Freestanding shower in an elegant setting — Drummonds’ freestanding Test shower, from £24,774, has a painted enamelled tray and solid brass frame. It includes hidden pipework and jets, 20cm showerhead and in-built hand shower.

A quadrant enclosure with a curved front and sliding doors made from toughened glass is ideal for a corner shower. A recessed design is a great solution if you have more free floor area. This three-sided enclosure will simply need a glass door – if the width allows for it, you could add a stylish sliding solution.

Luxury pink bathroom — Matki’s EauZone brushed gold hinged clear glass shower door with a Radius-20 side panel can be fitted onto a shower tray or directly onto a waterproof tiled floor. Priced from £3828.

Shower enclosures for the whole family

If you’re a busy family, a shower-over-bath design is the perfect solution rather than a typical shower enclosure. With screens that take up about half the length of the tub, you can keep splashes to a minimum and save time. Plus, the dual functionality of a shower and bath in one space is a convenient way to maximise the use of your bathroom. This design is not only practical but also stylish, making it a great addition to any home.

Plus, they help to contain some of the steam. A fixed single screen can be hinged to the wall so you can pull it back to access the bath. Alternatively, a bi-fold door can be tucked away neatly against the wall when not in use.

There are freestanding units available from some retailers, too, that include a tray, showerhead and enclosure. They are ideal for a larger bathroom. Keep in mind that plumbing will need to be adapted depending on where you want to position it.