Bathroom Design Ideas

The shower tray is an important component of a standing shower enclosure since it prevents water from escaping and damaging the other items in your bathroom.  It is important that the shower tray you select and install fits well with your choice of shower cubicle. Poor fitting shower trays can lead to leakage and water damage.

Fortunately, shower trays are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and dimensions.  This shower accessory can also be customized to fit oddly shaped shower enclosures. Many plumbing experts recommend choosing a unit made of acrylic with a heavy weight stone-cast resin for the best performance.

To be sure your shower tray properly fits, and is properly installed, it is recommended that you consult a trained contractor or plumbing professional before installing it yourself.  For this reason, always fit the shower tray before purchasing the shower enclosure.  This might save you money and grief later down the road.

Don’t cut monetary corners in your purchase of a shower tray; quality is an important factor in such a key buying decision.  There are ways to lessen expenses while doing your next bathroom renovation, but purchasing a poor quality shower tray can cause more financial problems down the road. 

Once you’ve made your choice, a proper sealant is needed to secure the shower tray properly.  It should be watertight and extend all around the shower tray.  An improper installation can lead to water damage in the flooring and underneath tiles and other fixtures in your bathroom.

The latest trend in bathroom designs is walk-in shower cubicles. They are designed to enhance a small space, expand a larger area or provide extra accessibility for the disabled.

A walk-in shower cubicle is not a traditional form of a shower stall, but rather an enclosed area in the bathroom, generally made of tempered glass and customized for small bathrooms. An individual walks in near the shower spray area, and there is no need for anyone to step up over a shower stall sill or step down into a bathtub. This makes it an ideal option for those who have difficulties with a normal shower set-up.

For additional safety, handrails and stools can be utilized while a person is in the “wet” area of the shower. Most walk-in shower cubicles are designed with a drying area away from the shower spray. The walk-in shower cubicle is designed with either a wet floor or a wet tray technique. Both are similar, with drains in strategic places to forestall water accumulation. A wet floor is a more expensive method than a wet tray because of the installation requirements.

Newer models of the walk-in cubicle may feature sliding glass doors on any or all sides. This creates an illusion of deep dimension, offering a shower area that appears wider in proportion.

Walk-in shower cubicles blend appealingly with any décor or design in the bathroom. It is extremely easy to find walk-in shower cubicles, so know your measurements and budget requirements. UK Bathrooms has a great range of walk-in showers and can help you choose the right one to suit your bathrrom.

When choosing to remodel or update a current bathroom area, often people consider removing the bath completely and putting a shower enclosure in its place. The advantages of having both a separate shower enclosure and a bath are obvious, but what if there is only room for one or the other?

Shower enclosures take up less room than a bath, this helps when space inside the bathroom is at a premium. Showers are also cheaper to run than baths as less hot water is used per wash. This could be of help to those who are living within a tight budget each month. It is also the reason why those on a water meter often choose showers over baths.

The additional floor space gained by having a shower enclosure as opposed to a bath means that bathroom furniture, such as bathroom cabinets, could be used as extra storage space. A free standing bathroom cabinet is perfect in smaller bathrooms as it can be moved whenever needed to best utilize the area available.

Compared to taking a bath, a shower enclosure stays warmer longer, as the hot water fills the shower enclosure with steam and the space stays hot until the water is turned off. With a bath the water is cooling down immediately, and often a top up of more hot water is needed before the bathing has ended.

Shower enclosures can be as simple or as stylish as required; there are various designs to suit all styles of house and decor. Again, for those on a budget, plain square shower trays and regular shower doors can be bought cheaply from most DIY stores and are relatively simple to fit.

Very few of us have the luxury of a large bathroom. While we want something fabulous and showcase-worthy, we are restricted by size, shape, and budget. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of what you have:

• Replace floor-mounted sinks and toilets with wall-mounted ones. More floor space makes a room feel bigger than it is.
• Use mirrors wisely. Placing a mirror opposite a window reflects light and adding things like mirrored cabinets helps give the illusion of more space.
• Choose pale colours for floor and walls.
• Install vertical radiators instead of traditional ones.
• Keep the fixtures small. Shallow basins, small countertops, and slim-line accessories all work towards making your tiny bathroom feel grander than it is.
• Minimise the clutter. Unfortunately, the smaller the space, the more eye-drawing things like multiple shampoo bottles and loads of toiletries are. So keep your things put away and out of sight.
• Combine your shower and bath or get rid of the bath altogether.

Most importantly, don’t give in to the space; make the space work for you! Remember that which might look garish in a large room will often look quite wonderful in a small one. So don’t be afraid to make a statement.

A small bathroom doesn’t have to be a boring bathroom. With a little thought, a little planning, and a little creativity, you can make that small space feel larger and look amazing.

Choosing the proper hardware for your shower door can make the difference between a bathroom that meets your needs, and one that leads to frustration or costly repairs.  The following simple guide will help you determine the kind of hardware you need for your shower doors.

The most important and varied hardware category is hinges.  Depending on the type of shower enclosure (or shower cubicle) and the shower doors you have installed, you’ll want to select hinges that compliment your existing features.  There are generally three main types of shower door hinge:  glass to glass, back plate, and pony mount and it essential to obtain one suitable for the same range of shower cubicles or enclosures.  Consult your local home improvement store or a reputable contractor to advise you on the hinges that are appropriate for your shower enclosure.

A threshold is essential for keeping water inside the shower enclosure and off your bathroom floor.  Most types are rather inexpensive and easy to replace.

Full glass shower enclosures usually require panel support, a set of bars that hold the glass to the bathroom wall.

Not to be overlooked are shower door pulls or handles.  These come in a variety of styles and sizes to compliment your decor; some are drilled directly into the glass while others can be mounted on the door frame.

If your shower door slides along a track, it likely has rollers that make it glide smoothly open and closed.  Found on the top and bottom of the door frame, rollers are very inexpensive and easy to replace if defective.

Shower accessories come in all shapes and sizes, from soap-on-a-rope to shelving units and are a perfect addition to Mira showers and enclosures. There is something to suit all bathroom styles and decor. A chrome hanging bathroom shower caddy for instance, can hold all items needed for a shower, from shampoo and soap to a facecloth or sponge, everything is in one place. The chrome wire is also ideal for draining, so if it gets wet it won’t rot like wood will and is also easy to clean. It can hang over the door of the shower cubicle for easy access.

Tension pole caddies work on the same principle, except there is an extendable tension pole that fits from floor to ceiling and has several small shelves attached. These also come in plastic or chrome wire.

A unique shower accessory is a waterproof radio. There are even AM/FM digital radios available, an ideal accessory for those who love to sing in the shower. Most of the radios come with brackets for wall mounting inside the shower enclosure.

Shower mats are a perfect accessory to prevent slipping while showering. They help the feet to get a firmer grip to the floor, which also makes them an ideal shower solution for those who have mobility problems, or are unsteady on their feet.
Of course, shower accessories are not just limited to storage and entertainment, loofahs and back scrubbing brushes are essential accessories for the shower. Natural sea sponges are unbleached and better for the body, which all helps to heighten the showering experience.

Remodelling, especially when it comes to bathrooms, can be an intimidating project. There are a number of items available on the market when it comes to bathrooms. Sometimes the vast quantity of them can be overwhelming. It becomes an issue where to start – bathroom cabinets, designer radiators, sinks, faucets, etc – they are all available. If you are trying to give your bathroom a new look but don’t really want to redo everything then one of the items to consider is a new shower enclosure.

Shower enclosures come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. They are no longer merely square but can be a pentagon, an offset circle, rectangular, etc. Have a look at the available space in your bathroom and pick the appropriate style. If there is not a style that conforms to the size of your bathroom you can get one custom made. Above average skill is required to install these items, so some homeowners choose to get them installed by professionals. Check and see if the store you bought it from will install it for you.

There are many advantages to a shower enclosure such as the fact that they give your bathroom a modern look while being easy to clean and you will no longer need a shower curtain. Other shower accessories are available to add to the new look such as shower heads, shower trays, mirrors, soap dishes, or even speakers if you feel the need.

Do you love to go to the spa, to sit in the steam room for half an hour or so, then rinse off with a warm shower? It’s the ultimate in relaxation. Why not bring that luxury into your own home with a steam shower? Many are opting for steam showers instead of the traditional showers, when they undertake a bathroom remodel. Here are two of the more popular steam showers currently available, so that you can decide whether a steam shower will be a part of your new bathroom.

The Malindi Steam Shower – Available in single and double cabins, this steam shower features a steam generator and multiple water showers. There is an adjustable handset shower head, four massage jets, plus a rain shower built into the roof. It has a seat – or two if you choose the double cabin – for relaxing, and you can also enjoy the remote control digital AM/FM radio included. There is even a mirror for shaving, because everyone knows shaving in the shower delivers the best results.

The Svedbergs Cube Steam Shower – This luxury steam shower was inspired by the oriental steam bath. It has a steam generator and adjustable shower, plus a rain shower in the roof. There is a generous seat on which to sit, made of wooden slats for that spa effect. Halogen lights twinkle from above, setting the mood for relaxation. The shower tray on this model is cast marble.

In many homes, bathroom space is at a premium. Many homeowners are ripping out their bathtubs and installing shower enclosures, to allow for more room to navigate outside of the shower. Shower enclosures need not be an eyesore, though, as many designer options have come on the market in the past few years.

The Premium Nova Shower Enclosure has a curved design and two fixed doors, allowing for an easy in and out. Silver rails frame the clear glass, and coordinating silver hinges add a touch of elegance. This shower enclosure is available in multiple sizes, ranging from 80cm to 120×80cm and 120×90cm.

The Imperial Two-Door Quadrant Shower Enclosure has two sliding doors instead of fixed, and it comes in 80 cm, 90 cm and 100 cm sizes. Its chrome hardware will complement many bathroom decors.

The Sloegrin Shower Enclosure also has two sliding doors, but with magnetic closures, and chrome-finished profiles. It is available in 80cm, 90cm and 100cm.

For those without a corner available in their bathroom, the Exxklusiv D Shaped Shower Enclosure works well against a side wall. Its two satin chrome-finished doors can be opened both inward and outward, and it comes in two sizes: 96×82cm or 110×90cm.

In addition to the standard shower enclosures, many styles are available as offset; one side is longer than the other, allowing for a larger shower area. All of these shower enclosures require shower trays, which are sold separately.

It might seem like a simple thing to select a shower tray and enclosure for your bathroom, but when you actually get down to it you will find that there are a number of factors to be taken into consideration before making that choice.

The main restriction that you face when it comes to making a choice is that you will want to maximise the space you have in your bathroom. Your actual choice of shower enclosure and tray will depend on how much room you have available.

The simplest way to fit a shower enclosure and save space is to use a shower door to change an alcove into a shower enclosure. This can be done to cover a two, or even three sided space. All you need then is a suitable shower tray of the correct size and the job is complete. There are other shapes available if you prefer curved, rectangular, or angled designs, but it is always advisable to ensure that there is a suitable shower tray of the correct dimensions and shape available before deciding.

Before attempting to fit the shower enclosure, the shower tray needs to be fitted in place and the whole area should be tiled and sealed to the shower tray to avoid leaks. Before the final decision on which shower enclosure to purchase is made, check the measurements of the door and ensure that there is ample room to open and close the door and get in and out easily.  The last thing that you want is to open the door of your new shower enclosure and find that it hits other bathroom fittings and causes damage.