Shower stalls are a stylish, incredibly practical solution for people with small bathrooms. We invite you to discuss in more detail the choice of cabin and bathroom design.
So, in the West they have been using booths for a long time. However, they began to become widespread here almost a decade ago. Of course, what could you expect during the Soviet Union, when everything of the same type was on the assembly line, and even in not too large quantities.
Naturally, there wasn't much to choose from. Although it is very strange that in our country, where there are a lot of small-sized apartments, shower stalls are naturally not in demand. Just like in the West.
Besides, taking a bath and lying in it for a while is not to everyone’s liking. They relax perfectly, no questions asked. But, in the morning, for example, you need to cheer up! And the procedure of taking a shower has certain advantages over taking a bath. Namely:
- Saving. After all, taking a bath will require much more water than showering. On average, the amount of water consumed in one session is almost 4 times less than during the period of taking a bath.
- Efficiency. In fact, people take showers much faster than they relax in the bath. There is no need to wait at all for the bathing container to fill with water. Naturally, the procedure itself takes place in a minimum amount of time without any splashing.
- Compactness. After all, even if the cabin is spacious enough, it will still take up less space than a large bathtub.
- Hygiene ensured by running water. It regularly washes away bacteria and dirt that do not really have time to accumulate, or at least in smaller quantities.
Material for making the pallet
Acrylic
One of the most common ones used for making shower trays. This is due to many reasons:
- Acrylic is quite malleable, as a result of which it can be given any shape. Thanks to this, the shape of the product can be any, while being very beautiful and stylish. You can also create various add-ons. And this version of the pallet will last about twenty years!
- Acrylic is quite easy to care for. It is easy to clean, no special products are needed, and its appearance is maintained for a fairly long period of time.
- By using a special paste, you can correct any mechanical defects during operation, so the pallet can be used even longer.
However, acrylic pallets bend and may break as a result. If the pallet is not reinforced with metal plates during production, you will need to buy an additional frame.
Cast iron
These options are the most durable and indestructible. If they are used correctly, they will last for many decades. They are able to heat up quickly, but also cool down just as quickly, and they release heat very slowly. In addition, these pallet options are quite inexpensive and fall into the category of budget models.
Their disadvantage is their large weight, as well as their limited shape. After all, they are produced only in certain few models.
Steel pallets
They are opened with enamel. Compared to cast iron they are more beautiful. Although, they will also heat up very slowly. They also have a fairly low sound insulation threshold. Depending on what enamel is used in the manufacture of the pallet, its service life depends.
Ceramic products
They are beautiful and quite easy to care for. Warmer than steel/cast iron, although very fragile.
Stone Bathroom Shower Trays
Durable, stylish, and most importantly, they warm up in a short period of time. Marble or other types of stone are chosen for the base. The disadvantage is that it is expensive, which is why materials that are somewhat cheaper are used. For example, porcelain stoneware, which has a high degree of strength and similarity to natural types of stone, is perfect. Thanks to this, this material is popular enough to create shower trays.
Wood
Natural wood pallets are more suitable for summer cottages. In addition, if the material is not properly processed, it will only last for a very short period of time.
However, in showers it is permissible to use only some decorative elements, for example, to decorate the bottom on which people stand during hygiene procedures. This method will allow you to feel comfortable, since wood is a natural material.
Accessories and design of shower cabins
The design of the cabin must correspond to the overall style of the interior. When organizing the unit below, as well as in corner units and transparent glass boxes, the adjacent walls need cladding. Ceramic tile cladding is beautiful, practical and looks beautiful. It is important to seal the seams well. After all, the durability of the coating depends on this.
Surfaces decorated with mosaics look original and stylish. The cost of such registration will be higher. A combination of 2-3 shades of mosaic, close or contrasting, looks interesting. Also using this material, you can lay out fantasy patterns and thematic pictures.
Wood paneling is invariably associated with a steam room. And therefore, in such a cabin it is especially cozy and homely warm. This option is especially relevant in a private home.
An important nuance is that wooden panels should be treated with protective compounds; the lathing on which the panels are fixed also needs protection.
Stone finishing (natural or artificial) will appeal to connoisseurs of luxury. Such a cabin looks natural, most attractive and logical in large rooms. The most popular are marble, granite, brick cladding, as well as a combination of several stone textures.
When organizing corner devices and structures in a niche, curtains can be used instead of doors. They can be made of various materials. The most practical and attractive are glass curtains, which are not much different from profileless glass doors. Plastic options are close to them in their design, which have a more affordable price, but are somewhat inferior in their performance characteristics to glass options.
Fabric models are well-known variations of shower curtains. Today they are more practical, durable, made from environmentally friendly materials and delight with a variety of design options. An innovative type of fabric modification are those made from polyester.
Selecting material for partitions
Waterproof curtains
Using curtains in showers means using banal partitions that you make yourself. In general, they are echoes in the use of the most ordinary baths, where it is unthinkable to take a shower without curtains, otherwise the entire bathroom will be flooded with water.
Another nuance that should be taken into account is that the curtains must be secured both at the top and at the bottom if you do not want all the water from the stall to spill onto the bathroom floor.
PMMA
As for PMAA, plexiglass, acrylic, such materials are in demand and of high quality enough to make partitions. The material is easy to clean and looks quite stylish.
Plastic
Lightweight and cheap, it is very easy to organize partitions. The cabin can be assembled from it very easily with your own hands. Using plastic for the bathroom is not very comfortable. With it, the room can resemble a hospital environment, or like a cheap recreation center.
Tempered glass type
Compared to ordinary glass, the tempered version is very simple and almost impossible to break. Tempered glass is stylish and makes the room look lighter and has a certain charm.
At the same time, a deposit of lime will remain on the glass, which is why the glass should be thoroughly wiped dry after taking a shower. As an alternative, a frosted version of glass can be used, on which practically no streaks are visible.
Main types of shower boxes
Option #1 - open showers
The simplest option is open boxes that are integrated into the bathroom space. Their characteristic feature is the absence of a ceiling.
Structures of this type are usually mounted in a corner area, less often, against a wall. In the latter case, a tray is placed on the floor, which is connected to the sewer.
One or two partitions are installed along the perimeter, combined with sliding or swing doors. The role of the missing panels is played by the bathroom walls, finished with ceramic tiles.
Sometimes a design option without a pallet is used. The box is mounted directly on the floor, which is concreted at a slight slope. After this, a drain is made on a horizontal surface, and then tiled with a non-slip surface.
Despite the simplicity of the design, open booths can look original and impressive. Properly selected and beautifully designed boxes will decorate not only the bathroom interior, but also the bedroom
Let's look at the positive and negative aspects of this type of box.
The advantages of models in this category include:
- budget cost;
- simplicity of design, which ensures its durability;
- Possibility of installation even in a compact room.
The last factor is especially applicable to booths without a pallet, since in this case the size is determined arbitrarily.
But such devices also have noticeable disadvantages:
- Limited functionality . Open cabins provide a minimum of comfort. Most often, the functionality is limited to a shared shower. Other modes, as well as installation of a steam generator, ozonizer or other add-ons are not provided. You can only take a shower in open stalls while standing; rare models have a folding chair.
- Complexity of arrangement . The design requires major installation with pipes and drainage.
- Labor intensity of repair work . When installing an open box, access to water supply and sewerage communications is difficult, which complicates repairs.
- The need for a powerful hood . During operation of such shower cabins, steam enters the room, which increases humidity. This negatively affects the condition of the furniture and household appliances in the room.
Open boxes are more suitable for those who do not chase fashionable functions such as hydromassage or aromatherapy. Owners of small bathrooms will also appreciate them.
Option #2 - closed cabins
This category includes models with a completely autonomous design. Such systems consist of a shower tray, walls and a top panel. The boxes are installed on special legs, which allows you to move the structure if the need arises.
Comfortable and functional closed shower cabins are available in a huge range. This makes it easier to find a model that meets the user's criteria
Such designs are in high demand due to the high level of comfort and variety of functions offered.
Among the positive aspects of boxes of this type are:
- huge functionality;
- isolation of the structure;
- convenient filling;
- ease of installation and disassembly;
- a large selection of models on the market.
Closed models offer a variety of additional functions: rain shower, use of a steam generator, hydromassage, voice control, radio and much more.
The completely closed design effectively maintains the microclimate in the cabin, with almost no effect on the temperature and humidity characteristics of the environment. In addition, such boxes have excellent sound insulation.
Despite the apparent complexity, boxes of this type are easy to install and dismantle. If necessary, the systems are disassembled, transported to a new apartment and installed again.
The disadvantages of closed boxes include their higher cost compared to open booths.
It can also be noted that cabins of this category, which provide a large number of additional functions, require increased electricity consumption.
Option #3 - combined type boxes
Models in this category are boxes that have a deep tray or bathtub. Most of these systems have a closed design, but there are open options that do not have a ceiling panel.
Comfortable combined models can be primarily recommended for families with children. They are well suited for people who like to use relaxing water treatments.
The main advantage of this type of cabin is the increased level of convenience, because users can simultaneously enjoy the benefits of both a shower and a bath.
Different models have a different set of additional functions: from a jacuzzi to a sauna mode, from voice control to aromatherapy.
Disadvantages include:
- increased cost;
- big sizes.
In stores there are quite compact corner structures that can be installed even in a small bathroom.
Choice of equipment
Faucet selection
The mixer must be of high quality. It should not rust after a few months or fall off. To choose a truly high-quality option, you should contact an experienced specialist. Which will help you choose the most suitable option for a shower stall in each individual case. An expert will tell you what types of products behave consistently with respect to microelements in water, which manufacturers have better quality products, and other points.
However, it is worth remembering the following nuances:
- Compared to levers, taps will break less often.
- Adjusting the temperature using separate taps is accurate, but much slower.
- The faucets must have a minimum non-metal shell, since it will simply be impossible to turn off a “hot” faucet after heating.
- It is practical for taps to be opened with one turn rather than multiple twists.
Shower Heads
- The density with which the water will flow depends on how often the holes are located in the watering can. For example, it is quite difficult for those with long hair to wash their hair if water starts flying in all directions.
- The watering can also be mounted in the ceiling, bathroom wall, or shower wall. Then while taking a shower you will need to put a special cap on your head, or wash it every time. The best option is a hose with a fastener, thanks to which the watering can can be removed at any time, while you can adjust the height and direction of the water jet yourself.
- We recommend choosing a hose made of silicone or rubber, since ordinary spiral hoses fail very quickly.
We also advise you to look through the photos of shower cabins presented on our website, get inspired by ideas and create your own, individual image in the bathroom.
Closed cabins or shower boxes
The following types of shower enclosures are called shower enclosures. They are considered closed because they have a roof and represent a space closed on all sides.
They are not difficult to install in any place where water drainage and supply are installed.
They differ in a number of indicators:
- The number of functions is simple and multifunctional. A cabin is considered multifunctional if it has one or more additional functions in addition to the shower.
- Configurations and sizes. They can be round, semicircular, square, rectangular, corner. The sizes are 70x70, 80x80, 90x90, 100x100 cm depending on the size of the pallet, as well as for rectangular boxes 80x120-210 cm.
- Pallet height and material.
- Material of walls and doors.
