Choosing the Right Shower with a Door: Factors to Consider

Installing a shower enclosure can be an exciting part of your bathroom design or renovation project. With so many options to choose from, it's important to select the right shower with a door to suit your needs, space, and budget. 

We break down the critical factors to weigh when selecting a shower enclosure, helping you make the best choice that aligns with your bathroom vision.

1. Bathroom Dimensions and Layout

Your bathroom dimensions will play a significant role in determining the ideal layout and size of your shower enclosure. Carefully measure the footprint where you intend to install the shower enclosure before shopping. This includes the width, depth, height, and any existing plumbing or electrical lines to work around. 

Consider traffic flow around the shower as well. The shower door will need to open fully without hitting walls, windows, or fixtures. You also need to leave ample room to move in and out comfortably.

In many cases, it's wise to opt for the largest size your bathroom will accommodate. Though more compact models may save money upfront, the long-term frustrations of a small shower tend to outweigh short-term savings. 

2. Door Type

Understanding the different types of shower doors available is crucial for finding the one that best suits your space and style preferences. The most common options include:

• Pivot doors: These space-savvy doors hinge outwards, making them an excellent solution for smaller showers. They offer a smooth opening and closing experience while saving valuable space within the shower enclosure itself.

• Sliding shower doors: Perfect for tight spaces, sliding doors glide smoothly on rollers, eliminating the need for outward clearance. Sliding shower doors are a practical solution if a swinging door isn’t feasible.

• Bi-fold doors: Ideal for extra-compact spaces, bi-fold doors fold inwards, maximising the available room within your bathroom.

• Hinged doors: This type combines a fixed glass panel with a single attached hinged door, creating a clean, minimalist appearance that enhances the sense of openness in your bathroom.

3. Enclosure Material

When choosing a shower with a door, your choice of materials will impact not only the aesthetics of your bathroom but also its durability, maintenance requirements, and overall functionality. The most common materials used for shower enclosures include glass, acrylic, and fibreglass, each offering unique benefits and drawbacks.

Glass

Glass is popular for its sleek, modern appearance and ability to let light flow freely, creating a sense of spaciousness. It is highly durable and resistant to scratches, but it requires regular cleaning to prevent water spots and soap scum build-up. Always opt for toughened safety glass designed to withstand the rigours of regular use.

Acrylic and Fibreglass

These are more budget-friendly options, known for their lightweight and easy-to-install nature. They offer excellent resistance to mould and mildew, making them easier to maintain than glass. However, they may not provide the same high-end look and can be more susceptible to scratches and fading over time.

4. Shower Frame

The frame surrounding your shower door contributes significantly to your shower's overall aesthetic. Some of the most popular finishes include:

• Chrome: Timeless and versatile, chrome complements a wide range of bathroom styles and fixtures. It's a safe and classic choice.

• Black: A statement finish, black frames add a touch of modern edginess to your shower space. Consider pairing a black frame with black fixtures and hardware for a cohesive look.

• Brass/Gold: If you're looking to infuse your bathroom with warmth and a dash of luxury, brass or gold frames offer a beautiful touch.

• Frameless: The epitome of minimalist chic, frameless glass shower doors create a seamless, spa-like tranquillity. This option lets other design elements shine.

5. Existing Bathroom Style

Your new shower should become a seamless extension of your bathroom's overall design. Here's some inspiration to help guide your choices:

• Modern bathrooms: Sleek lines, frameless enclosures, or stark black-framed doors create a striking, contemporary look in modern bathrooms.

• Traditional bathrooms: Chrome-framed doors paired with classic shapes and fixtures blend beautifully in traditionally styled spaces. White frames can also work particularly well in this style of bathroom.

• Industrial-style bathrooms: Consider a black-framed door with a grid-style design for that distinctive industrial edge. This style complements exposed brickwork and raw textures.

6. Practical Considerations

Your ideal shower should not only look spectacular but also cater to your practical needs:

Accessibility

If you or someone in your household has limited mobility, consider choosing a wider door configuration or even a doorless walk-in shower design for effortless entry and exit. Frameless enclosures can also enhance ease of access.

Waterproofing

A shower's purpose is not just to provide a space for bathing but also to contain water effectively. The design of the door should incorporate features like seals and sweeps to prevent water leakage.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Frameless doors tend to offer the simplest cleaning experience, minimising nooks and crannies where dirt and soap scum can accumulate. However, framed options have their appeal, so it's worth considering how much time you're willing to dedicate to maintenance.

7. Budget

Your budget is arguably the top consideration, as it will ultimately guide your choices in terms of materials, design, and features. However, it's important to consider the long-term value of your investment. Opting for slightly higher quality materials and finishes can enhance the durability and appearance of your shower, potentially saving you money on future repairs or replacements. Moreover, remember that the cost is not just about the initial price tag but also about the value it adds to your home and your quality of life.

Wetroomstop: Creating Stunning Showers Without Limits

While weighing these factors, you might find your shower options too limiting. A luxurious and accessible alternative is to ditch the door in favour of a walk-in shower or even a complete wet room upgrade.

At Wetroomstop, we specialise in supplying everything you need to create a beautiful, functional wet room or walk-in shower. Our high-quality tanking kits, shower trays, linear drains, and enclosures are designed to integrate seamlessly into your bespoke design.

Browse our wide selection of wet room supplies, or get in touch with our expert team today. You’re just one step away from creating a spacious, stylish, and spa-like shower experience.