For a typical bathroom, the shower is often one of the most important features, not just for aesthetics but for practicality and comfort too. But with so many shower designs available, how do you know which one is the best fit for your home?
Understanding the different types of showers, their pros and cons, and how they impact your bathroom layout is important to ensure you make the right choice. Luckily for you, that’s exactly what we’re going to be doing in this blog – let’s get started!
Understanding shower designs
Walk-in showers
Walk-in showers are becoming increasingly popular for modern bathrooms, and it’s easy to see why. These showers offer a minimalist, open feel, with no doors or enclosures to worry about. They are perfect for those looking to achieve a clean, contemporary look.
Pros:
- Easy to clean with fewer parts.
- Great for creating a modern, luxury feel.
- Excellent accessibility for people with mobility issues.
Cons:
- Requires a larger bathroom space to avoid feeling cramped.
- Can be prone to water splashing if not designed properly.
Tip: If you’ve got the space to spare, a walk-in shower is a fantastic choice. Just be sure to plan the layout carefully to prevent water from spilling out and causing damage.
Quadrant showers
For smaller bathrooms, quadrant showers can be a real lifesaver. These showers are designed to fit snugly into the corner of your bathroom, allowing you to save valuable floor space. Their rounded, space-efficient design is perfect for homes where maximising every inch is key.
Pros:
- Space-efficient design ideal for compact bathrooms.
- Simple to install and maintain.
Cons:
- Can feel a little cramped for taller individuals.
- Less visually striking compared to larger, open showers.
Tip: If your bathroom is on the smaller side, a quadrant shower might be the perfect solution as it’s compact yet functional.
Sliding doors
Sliding door showers are a popular choice, particularly in bathrooms where space is limited. These doors glide smoothly to open and close, offering a lovely, modern look. Plus, sliding doors are usually easy to maintain and provide great ventilation because they often remain open, letting air circulate freely.
Pros:
- Space-saving, as the doors don’t swing out.
- Good ventilation as the doors are often left partially open.
- Suitable for smaller bathrooms.
Cons:
- Tracks may collect water and grime over time, requiring regular cleaning.
- Sometimes the space inside can feel smaller due to the door’s mechanism.
Tip: If you need a shower that doesn’t take up much room but still offers convenience, sliding doors are an excellent choice, especially for bathrooms that are on the smaller side.
Hinged vs. Pivot doors
Hinged and pivot doors are classic shower door designs that provide a more traditional look. Hinged doors are attached to one side and open outward, while pivot doors rotate around a central point.
Hinged doors:
- Pros: Classic, sturdy, and provide easy access. They also come in a variety of styles, from frameless to framed.
- Cons: They require ample space to open fully, which might not work well in smaller bathrooms.
Pivot doors:
- Pros: Because a pivot door pivots a few inches from the side, it means the door doesn’t swing out as much, which is ideal for tighter spaces where you don’t have much room for a swinging door.
- Cons: The space is typically narrower to get in and out of which some may find frustrating.
Tip: If you have the space, a hinged door can look fantastic and provide ease of access. For tighter areas, a pivot door offers a space-saving solution.
Bi-fold doors
Bi-fold doors are an excellent choice when you’re tight on space but still want the convenience of a door that can enclose the shower. These doors fold in half when opened, taking up much less room than a standard hinged or pivot door.
Pros:
- Very space-efficient and perfect for small bathrooms.
- Stylish and modern in appearance.
Cons:
- Can be harder to clean due to the multiple folds.
- May not provide the same sturdy feel as a hinged door.
Tip: Bi-fold doors are a good compromise between functionality and style in tight spaces, but be prepared for some extra cleaning work.
Why is shower functionality so important?
When choosing the right shower design for your home, you need to be thinking about more than just aesthetics. Functionality is arguably even more important, and that means taking into account factors like water leakage, space requirements, and long-term maintenance.
For example, a poorly planned walk-in shower design can lead to issues such as water splashing outside the shower area, which can result in damage to the flooring or walls. This can be both frustrating and costly to fix, especially if it’s not noticed until after installation.
Tip: Always plan your shower layout to reduce the risk of water damage. Professional advice can go a long way in avoiding expensive mistakes.
Making a practical choice for your bathroom
When choosing a shower, your specific needs should guide the decision. Is your bathroom small? You might want to consider a quadrant or bi-fold door option. Do you have mobility concerns? A walk-in shower with low entry thresholds might be the best choice.
Tip: Sometimes, it’s best to bring in an expert, especially if your space is tricky or you’re unsure about the layout. A professional can help prevent issues before they arise.
Need professional help for your bathroom renovation? Contact our friendly team, we’d love to help you create your dream home!