Planning a new shower can be one of the most exciting parts of a bathroom improvement project. Whether you're designing a compact en-suite, upgrading a family bathroom, or creating a stylish wet room, choosing the right shower enclosure and shower trays is crucial. With so many styles, shapes, and features available, it’s important to make informed decisions to ensure your new shower fits seamlessly into your space.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect shower enclosure, shower trays, and shower doors for your dream bathroom.

Planning Your Shower Enclosure: Location Is Key

Before choosing the design, first decide where your shower enclosure will go. Placement impacts the type of enclosure you’ll need and how easy it will be to use your shower alongside other bathroom fixtures.

One Wall Installation
For large bathrooms, placing the shower against one central wall can create a bold, luxurious statement. This setup requires two side panels and one shower door at the front.

Corner (Two Wall) Installation
The most common arrangement for small to medium bathrooms is tucking the shower enclosure into a corner against two walls. This requires one side panel and one shower door, maximizing available space while keeping the bathroom layout efficient.

Recessed (Three Wall) Installation
If you have an alcove or three surrounding walls, you’ll only need a shower door to complete the enclosure, creating a neat, built-in look.

Measuring Your Space

Once you've chosen the location, measure carefully to determine how much space you have for your shower enclosure. Consider not only the footprint of the enclosure but also clearance for shower doors and ease of movement around fixtures like the basin and toilet.

A helpful tip: use masking tape to mark out the size of your new enclosure on the bathroom floor to visualize how it will fit.

Choosing the Right Shower Enclosure Shape

The shape of your shower enclosure should suit your bathroom's size and layout. Here are the main options:

Square Shower Enclosures

Square showers are compact and versatile, making them perfect for most bathrooms. They fit neatly into corners and offer a wide range of styles, shower doors, and glass finishes. A square shower maximizes space efficiency while providing a comfortable area for showering.

Rectangular Shower Enclosures

If you're looking for a more spacious and luxurious feel, rectangular shower enclosures are an excellent choice. They’re ideal for replacing baths and provide a larger showering area, perfect for modern bathroom improvement projects.

Quadrant and Offset Quadrant Enclosures

A quadrant shower enclosure features a curved front that fits snugly into a corner, saving floor space while still offering a roomy showering experience. For larger bathrooms, an offset quadrant enclosure extends along one wall, providing even more space with the same stylish curved design.

Picking the Perfect Shower Doors

Your choice of shower doors affects both functionality and style. Depending on your space and enclosure type, you can select from several different door designs:

Pivot Shower Doors

Pivot doors swing outward like a standard door, offering a wide opening. Full pivot doors are ideal for larger bathrooms, while half-pivot doors provide a space-saving solution for smaller areas.

Bi-Fold Shower Doors

Bi-fold doors are a smart choice for compact bathrooms. They fold inward, minimizing the space needed for opening and keeping your bathroom floor dry.

Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding doors come in two-panel and three-panel designs. Two-panel sliders suit larger square showers or rectangular enclosures, while three-panel versions are perfect for smaller, more compact spaces.

Corner entry sliding shower doors are also available, especially useful for quadrant and square-shaped enclosures where space-saving is essential.

Walk-In Showers

For a truly modern and luxurious look, walk-in showers are the ultimate choice. Walk-in designs usually feature a fixed panel and an open entry, with optional additional screens for splash protection. They are ideal for wet rooms or anyone looking to create a minimalist, easy-access shower area.

Choosing the Right Shower Tray

Pairing the right shower tray with your enclosure is critical for ensuring a watertight and stylish finish. Our shower trays come in various shapes, sizes, and depths to suit all needs:

• High-walled deep trays: Perfect for traditional bathrooms needing a classic look.

• Low-profile trays: Ideal for modern aesthetics, offering easy access with a sleek, minimalist appearance.

• Ultra-low trays: Merge seamlessly with your flooring, ideal for wet rooms or creating an open-plan feel.

Always ensure you choose the correct tray orientation (left- or right-handed) to match your shower enclosure and space requirements.

Wet Room Solutions

If you’re opting for a walk-in shower or a fully open wet room, you’ll need special flooring solutions:

• Level access wet rooms: Waste fitted between floor joists (suitable for wooden floors) for a seamless, barrier-free floor.

• Raised wet zones: Perfect for solid concrete floors where waste can't be recessed, creating a slightly elevated shower area.

Complete wet room kits are available, making it easier to achieve a fully waterproof, tiled floor without complex installations.

Finishing Touches: Wall Coverings

Protecting your walls is essential when installing any type of shower enclosure or wet room. You can choose between:

• Tiles: Available in endless styles, from modern minimalism to classic designs. Pair tiles with waterproof backer boards for complete protection.

• Bathroom Wall Panels: A low-maintenance alternative to tiles, offering seamless coverage with finishes like marble, sparkle effects, or bold colors for a striking look.

Wall panels are particularly popular for bathroom improvement projects thanks to their easy installation and effortless cleaning.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right shower enclosure, shower trays, and shower doors is vital for creating a functional and stylish bathroom that meets your needs. Whether you opt for a classic square shower, a spacious rectangular enclosure, or a sleek walk-in design, thoughtful planning will help you make the best choice for your space. A well-chosen enclosure can transform your bathroom, adding value, luxury, and functionality to your home.

Ready to take the next step in your bathroom improvement journey? Explore our wide range of shower enclosures, shower trays, and accessories to find your perfect match today!