Design and rules for decorating a bathroom with a shower, layout ideas

Updated: August 9, 2021

Shower cabins are a stylish and very convenient solution for those whose bathroom sizes leave much to be desired. Read more about types and prices below. Photos are attached.

Shower cabins have been used in Western countries for quite a long time. But in our country they began to gain popularity only about ten years ago. Of course, in Soviet times, when the assembly line was supplied with, at best, several models of one or another piece of furniture, there wasn’t much to choose from. But on the other hand, given that the vast majority of our population lives in small apartments, where the size of the bathroom is very, very limited, it is a little strange that the use of shower cabins is not so widespread.

Not everyone likes to take long baths. Such acceptances relax, and very often, especially in the mornings, you need to do the opposite - to cheer up. Taking a shower has several other significant benefits:

• It's economical. Water consumption when taking a shower is much less than when taking a bath. On average, experts estimate water consumption in the shower to be approximately 3-4 times less than when taking a bath.
• It's fast. Taking a shower takes much less time. There is no need to wait for the bath to fill up, and the process itself is reduced to direct washing, and not bathing and splashing.
• It's compact. Even the most spacious shower cabin does not require as much space for its location as an ordinary bath.
• It's hygienic. Due to the fact that there is always only running water in the shower stall, dirt, bacteria and germs accumulate and multiply in it much less than in the bathroom.

Choosing the type of shower cabin

There are two types of shower cabins:

• Open
• Closed

Open showers

An open shower cabin is a small tray that is installed in the corner of the bathroom and two partitions - from wall to wall.

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These are the cabins:

• Inexpensive
• Compact

When choosing an open shower stall, try to give preference to higher partitions, otherwise water (while washing your hair) may pour out through the top.

Enclosed showers

A closed shower cabin is a sealed capsule that is closed on all sides (including the top). It doesn’t matter whether you place such a shower stall in the corner of the bathroom or just near one wall - thanks to the closed design, absolutely everything is protected from moisture.

The closed design also protects the bathroom from condensation, so neither the walls nor the furniture in the bathroom will be susceptible to temperature changes and high humidity.

Another undoubted advantage of closed shower cabins is that manufacturers supply them with all kinds of devices and gadgets. This could be a hydromassage, a radio, or even wi-fi.

Planning your shower installation

At this stage, I recommend studying the area of ​​your bathroom and deciding on the potential parameters of the planned cabin. In many cases, customers do not even know its structure.

To do this, I advise you to study the series diagram:

At this stage it is better to consult a specialist. But for some reason the main points happen when choosing these devices. To be honest, this is not entirely the right approach.

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Choosing a shower cabin model

Shower corner

A shower corner is the simplest open shower stall, without any special bells and whistles.

The shower corner can be:

• Frameless. In this case, the partitions are attached using hinges. Installation profiles can also be used for fastening. This design looks stylish and does not burden the interior.
• Frame. In this case, the frame for securing the partitions is located only along their perimeter. Most often, such designs have sliding doors, so from the point of view of functionality and space saving, this is the best option.
• Frame structure with internal partitions. These shower enclosures are the most common due to their stability.

Also, shower corners can be of different shapes: rectangular, square, semicircular.

Here you should focus not only on your taste, but also on the possibility of placing this or that design in your bathroom.

In a small bathroom, it is better to give preference to a small rounded shower stall. On the one hand, you need a minimum of space to place it, on the other hand, the streamlined, rounded shape of the doors will allow you to move around outside the shower stall as comfortably as possible (you won’t brush your teeth or wash your hands in the shower corner, will you?).

Rectangular shower enclosures are more appropriate for spacious bathrooms.
Shower cabin sizes

Shower cabin without roof

A shower stall without a roof (but closed with partitions on all sides) is a compromise between open and closed shower stalls. Such a cabin will not protect the bathroom from fumes, so condensation will collect on the ceiling (the walls will be protected from moisture). That is why take proper care of the design of the ceiling in the bathroom so that it does not lose its appearance.

Who then needs such a shower cabin - you ask? Everything is very simple. Such a shower stall should be preferred in two cases:

1. If you have low ceilings (less than 210 cm), as shower enclosures with a roof require more space for installation.
2. If you or your family members are very tall (above 195 cm).

In both cases, you will not be able to choose a completely closed shower capsule, as this will significantly affect the ease of use.

When installing a closed cabin without a roof, make special drains on the side of the walls so that water and condensation do not flow into the gap between the wall and the partition. Otherwise, this space will become an abode of mold and mildew.

Shower capsule

A shower capsule is a completely enclosed shower cubicle. Its main advantages:

• Completely sealed
• Protects the bathroom interior from temperature changes
• Protects the bathroom interior from moisture
• Equipped with all kinds of extras
• It does not have to be located in the corner of the bathroom

The disadvantages include the following:

• High price
• Requires space for placement
• Not suitable for very tall people

Combined shower cabin (with bathtub)

Combined cabins are also known as shower boxes or hydroboxes. The option when the shower cabin also includes a bathtub is very popular today, especially among parents with small children (newborns) who absolutely cannot be washed in the shower. In addition, this is an excellent option for those who like to romantically soak in clouds of foam. A hydrobox can also be a compromise solution for large families in which it was not possible to unanimously make a decision in favor of a bathtub or shower.

Among the negative aspects, perhaps only the following can be noted: the need for space for location and price.

Form

Which shower cabin to choose based on the shape of the tray? Here you need to know the main variations and the validity of their use.

The shape of the preferred bath determines the parameters of the cabin itself. Its enclosing frame is mounted directly on the pallet. The most commonplace versions: square or rectangular.

For wall models, the shapes of a circle, half or quaternary circle, as well as an ellipse are relevant.

Rounded models have a more elegant look and require less space in the room. If it is large, then preference is given to a rectangle or pentagon.

Pallets also differ in parameters. And the length of each side varies in the range of 0.6 - 2 m. Shallow modifications have a flat bottom and there are no ledges or stands. I recommend this option if you need a simple shower.

For your information

In deep versions, the height of the sides reaches 30 cm. And such models can be intended for lying or sitting. The second option has a slight angled protrusion on one side of the cabin. You can sit on it.

Square version of the shower cabin

Can be mounted in a corner or along a wall. The pallet has a large area.

Sliding doors are much more reliable, stronger and easier to use compared to other formats.

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Pentagonal corner shower cubicle

This is one of the quarter circle variations. This is a corner model, the front section of which is made in a broken line format.

In terms of functionality, it is not inferior to square modifications. But she needs more space to accommodate.

Rectangular front-mounted shower cabin

The pallet is larger in area than the square variation. Rarely placed in a corner. It usually fills a niche in the bathroom.

This is a spacious option in which the user will never feel cramped

Model of a shower cabin with a tray in the shape of a quarter circle

Today it is the most popular option. Suitable for rooms with a modest area. Mounted in a corner.

Significantly saves space, but has high price tags and is difficult to install.

Selecting pallet materials

Acrylic

One of the most popular materials for the production of shower trays. This is due to many reasons:

• Acrylic is a very malleable material; it can be given absolutely any shape, which allows you not only to make the pallet stylish, but also to shape it for the installation of various additions. Its average service life is 15-20 years.
• Acrylic is easy to care for. It is easy to clean, does not require special care products and retains its appearance for a long time.
• A special paste allows you to correct mechanical defects during use, which extends the life of the acrylic tray.

However, the acrylic tray can sag (and, as a result, break). Therefore, if the manufacturer has not previously reinforced it with metal plates, it will be necessary to additionally purchase a metal frame.

Cast iron

These are the most indestructible pallets, which, if used properly, can last for decades. Such trays take a long time to heat up, but accordingly they release heat much more slowly. In addition, these are the most budget-friendly pallets, their price is low. The disadvantages include heavy weight and a limited variety of shapes (several standard models).

Steel

Steel pallets are enameled. They are nicer than cast iron, but they also heat up slowly and have a very low sound insulation threshold. The service life of such a tray is determined by the quality of the covering enamel.

Ceramics

Beautiful and easy to use and care for shower trays. Warmer than steel or cast iron. However fragile.

Stone

Stone pallets are considered the most durable, stylish and, most importantly, warm up quickly. Most often, marble is used to create a stone tray, although other options are possible. The disadvantage of using natural stone is its high cost. Therefore, cheaper synthetic materials can be used, for example, porcelain stoneware. It is quite durable, and its similarity to natural stone makes it a very popular material for creating shower trays.

Tree

A wooden pallet is more suitable for a summer house than for a home. If the wood is not properly treated, such a pallet will not last long. However, it is permissible to use only some wooden elements in the shower tray in the shower, for example as a bottom on which a person directly stands. In this case, contact with the shower stall will be pleasant and comfortable thanks to the naturalness of the wood.

Choosing material for the partition

Waterproof curtain

A curtain in a shower stall is a simple partition that you can easily make with your own hands. By and large, these are echoes of the specifics of using ordinary bathtubs, in which taking a shower without a curtain is simply impossible: everything will be flooded with water. Please note that if the curtain is not secured at the bottom (but only at the top), the risk of flooding everything around in such a shower corner is even greater than in a bathtub, if its sides are not high enough.

PMMA

PMMA, acrylic or plexiglass are high-quality and popular materials for creating partitions in shower stalls. This material is easy to clean and looks quite stylish.

Plastic

The lightest, cheapest and most simple material for shower partitions. It is very easy to assemble a shower cabin from it yourself. However, the use of plastic can make your bathroom uncomfortable, because due to its cheapness it is often used in hospitals and inexpensive tourist centers.

Strained glass

Unlike ordinary glass, tempered glass is very durable and almost impossible to break. This is extremely important for shower stalls where there is a high risk of slips and falls. Tempered glass looks very stylish and adds special lightness and charm to any room. But limescale remains on the glass, so it is advisable to wipe it dry after taking a shower. An alternative would be to use frosted glass, as stains are almost invisible.

Features of installation of shower cabins

Whether it’s installing a shower cabin yourself or the work of specialists, this process has its own specifics. They are associated with a clear sequence of stages and strict adherence to instructions. An error at any stage results in an unreliable design that can cause harm to its user.

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Choosing a package

Faucets

Choosing a high-quality faucet that will not rust in a couple of months and will not fall off within six months is possible only with the help of an experienced and respectable specialist. He will help you choose a convenient mixer for each shower stall design, tell you which materials are more resistant to microelements contained in water, which manufacturers make the highest quality products, etc. However, some nuances are still worth remembering:

• Cranes are less likely to break than a lever
• Separate taps regulate water temperature more slowly but more accurately
• The taps must have a minimum non-metallic shell, otherwise the hot water tap cannot be turned off - it will heat up
• It is convenient when taps are opened completely with one turn, and not with endless torsion

Shower head

1. The density of the water flow depends on the frequency of the holes on the shower head. Girls with long hair will not be able to rinse their hair of shampoo if the water scatters in different directions like raindrops.
2. The shower head can be mounted into the ceiling, wall or side of an enclosed shower stall, but in this case you will always have to wet your head while taking a shower. It’s also not worth giving up the shower attachment completely - one hand will be occupied all the time while washing. The best option is a hose and a special mount, which will give you the opportunity to remove the watering can at any time and independently adjust the height and direction of the water stream.
3. It is better to choose a rubber or silicone one-piece hose for a watering can, since a regular metal spiral becomes unusable in a matter of months.

Varieties

Shower cabins can be open or closed.

Open

The glass cabin, made as a corner, is installed on the floor or on a slight elevation. The open-type shower cabin has no ceiling and no additional functions other than normal water supply. Before installing the structure, you need to lay the floor with waterproofing and install a drain. To prevent a short circuit, you need to lay the electrical wiring specifically for the cabin and ground it.

Closed

A closed shower box is a capsule with a tray, walls and a ceiling.

Pallet material

Materials for pallets are characterized by thermal conductivity, sound insulation and resistance to damage.

Acrylic

Acrylic trays maintain room temperature. The plastic material is given graceful angular shapes. If scratches appear on the surface, they are removed with a special paste.

Cast iron

Cast iron pallets are coated with enamel. They muffle the sound of falling water and retain heat.

Steel

Enameled coating on a steel tray, like on a cast iron one, is easily scratched. Metal does not absorb noise and retains heat worse.

Ceramics

Ceramic trays are easy to care for. But they are fragile and cold. Getting into the shower barefoot is not comfortable. For shower cabins with cold trays, special rubber non-slip mats with an anti-fungal coating are made.

Additional functions

The enclosed shower cabin has the usual cold and hot water supply, as well as additional functions. Multifunctional cabins increase energy costs but save water.

Hydromassage

The jets are directed horizontally and vertically. To use the function, you need a water purification system and high water pressure. Otherwise, lime deposits clog the injectors, and at low pressure the option does not work.

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Aromatherapy

The shower cabin is equipped with a compartment where an aromatic product is poured. The water flows through this compartment and smells pleasant. Washing is combined with inhalation.

tropical rain

A special system supplies water in small drops, and “rain” comes from the ceiling of the shower stall.

Cold and hot shower

In this mode, hot and cold water are supplied alternately.

Chromotherapy

Coloring water jets in different colors using LEDs.

Ventilation

The fan distributes steam evenly inside the cabin, and it does not make breathing difficult.

Voice control

The cabin is equipped with a voice sensor. To switch between hot and cold water or select a function, you need to say its name out loud.

Lighting

Shower cabins are equipped with LED lighting inside.

Mirrors

Thanks to the built-in mirror in the cabin, you can apply masks to your face and shave.

Dispensers

Containers for gels, shampoos, and liquid soap are suspended inside the cabin. You just need to fill them out on time.

Seats

For the convenience of older people, seats are installed inside the box.

Handrails

Vertical and horizontal holders will help prevent slipping and are also useful for the elderly.

Execution options

Typically, a shower cabin is a vertical capsule or box. But there is also a hybrid type.

Boxing

Vertical body with low, medium or high tray, equipped with a shower head with mixer or multifunctional system.

Hybrid

Hydrobox combines a shower and a bath. The deep tray also serves as a bathing bowl. In some models it is limited by walls and ceiling on one side, and on the other it goes into the bathtub.

Additional functions

Hydromassage

Nozzles are mounted into the walls of the shower cabin, thereby achieving a hydromassage effect. This feature will allow you to relax after a hard day at work and recharge your batteries in the morning.

Steam generator

This device is designed to create steam in a shower stall. This function is also called “Turkish bath”, since the steam temperature is not very high.

Built-in sauna

For connoisseurs of a real bath, manufacturers offer a wide range of built-in saunas. If the temperature of a Turkish bath is too low for you and you want more intense sensations, then it is better to choose this option. The specificity of such a shower cabin is that, despite the presence of a shower, it is intended primarily for bathing procedures, and not for washing.

Aromatherapy

Another useful feature for those who like to carry out spa treatments without leaving home. Aromatic oils are added to the steam generator and you enjoy not only tactile effects, but also aromatic ones.

Ozonation

Ozone has recently become a trend in medical and cosmetic procedures, but in the shower cabin the most important advantage of using ozonation is its undoubted killing effect on bacteria, microbes, mold, fungi and other microorganisms. Having such a device is very useful for asthmatics and allergy sufferers.

Infrared radiation

On the one hand, infrared radiation warms up the shower cabin, making bathing procedures much more pleasant and comfortable than in a regular cold cabin. And with an arc, it has a beneficial effect on the body. Thanks to infrared radiation, blood circulation is stimulated and all metabolic processes in the body are improved. As a result, fats are broken down, toxins are removed, and the skin becomes smooth and elastic.

Pleasant trifles

Radio

Wash and listen to the morning news at the same time! Save time with the built-in radio!

TV

And with a built-in TV, you can not only listen to news, but also watch it.

Video player

With such a device you can enjoy your favorite films, clips, programs without interrupting your bath procedures.