How to choose the right shower enclosure

The shower enclosure is a crucial element of your shower space, combining both design and practicality. But with so many models available on the market, how do you find the right enclosure? Explore our comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect shower enclosure.

Identifying your needs and constraints for an enclosure

Before diving into purchasing a shower enclosure, it's essential to clearly identify your requirements. Consider the following criteria:

• Shower Space Configuration

Is your shower going in a corner, against a single wall, or in a recess between walls? Do you prefer a traditional enclosure, or a walk-in?

• Available Space

What is the size of your bathroom? How much clearance space is there around your shower?

• Accessibility

Is the shower going to be used by elderly individuals or those with reduced mobility?

Choosing the right enclosure according to your space

A shower enclosure should be chosen based on your bathroom’s configuration. The first step is to decide between an open or closed shower.

Open showers have increased in popularity in recent years with the rise of walk-in showers. These bring a sleek and contemporary style to your bathroom. They offer easy access but provide less protection against water splashes. On the other hand, a closed shower ensures that all water will be contained by the enclosure and surrounding walls.

How to choose a walk-in shower?

Depending on the space configuration (corner, or against a wall, or recessed), a walk-in enclosure consists of one or two fixed panels placed perpendicular to the wall(s):

• Recess between walls

If the width of the recess is large enough, a fixed panel can be considered to partially close off the shower space, while still allowing sufficient space to enter and exit the shower.

• Corner

Only one fixed panel is installed, leaving the other side open.

• Against a wall

The space can be partitioned on two sides by fixed panels perpendicular to the wall, or more simply by a panel parallel to the wall, allowing access from both sides.

To add extra protection from splashes, you can opt for a fixed panel with a pivot door.

How to choose a closed shower enclosure?

A closed shower enclosure uses existing walls, fixed shower panels, and usually 1 or 2 doors to contain water withing a specified showering area. There are several types of door openings, each with its strengths and limitations:

• Sliding shower door

Consisting of one or more panels that overlap, the sliding door saves space in your bathroom as it doesn't require clearance around the shower. However, depending on the shower's dimensions, the opening width may be limited, affecting usability.

• Hinged or pivot shower door

A single or double door that usually opens outward from the shower. While they are comfortable to use thanks to a wider opening, pivot doors require additional external clearance space so they are generally preferred in larger bathrooms. The space required and opening width will depend on the pivot system and panel size of the enclosure.

• Folding shower door

Some enclosure panels can fold using hinges positioned in between two smaller panels. These can be closed accordion-style to save space and allow installation in smaller showering spaces where a standard pivot door may not be suitable.

On most shower enclosures, you can choose between a single door and a double door, depending on your shower's dimensions and available bathroom space. For a single door, consider the bathroom layout carefully before choosing the opening direction.

Once you've determined the door opening type for shower enclosure, you then need to choose the access type - with or without a threshold. A threshold-free shower undoubtedly appeals for its sleek design as well as better accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility. However, a threshold shower offers more robustness, stability to the entire installation, and better waterproofing.

Dimensions

Standard dimensions are available for ready-to-install shower enclosures. The height of fixed panels and shower doors typically range from 185 to 200 cm. Some walk-in shower panels are even larger such as the Ekinox Solo which is available in 207 cm, and the Smart Design Solo which is available in 225 cm, ideal for taller individuals. The width of fixed panels ranges from 70 to 140 cm, and shower doors from 70 to 180 cm, depending on the opening systems: sliding, hinged, pivot, or folding doors.

Some models also offer custom cutting if your dimensions are not standard or if your shower configuration requires specific cutting.

To meet all needs and preferences, Kinedo has developed the Smart Design range of shower enclosures. With sleek and modern lines, this range comes in various formats and configurations: fixed panel, pivot door, folding, sliding, or hinged door, with or without a threshold. To go even further, you can also opt for custom cutting.

Finishes

Complete your choice of shower enclosure with the selection of finishes to achieve the style you want.

The material

The material of a shower enclosure is usually acrylic or glass.

Acrylic is lightweight and inexpensive but may lack quality and be somewhat fragile in the long run. Although more expensive, glass is higher in quality and more resistant. Typically, glass enclosures have a thickness ranging from 3 to 8 mm. Thicker glass provides more strength to the panel, ensuring greater stability.

Enclosures may then feature various aesthetic finishes: complete transparency for absolute clarity, scribed glass for design, frosted or granulated glass for added privacy, or even mirror glass.

For example, Kinedo offers the Kinequartz Solo shower enclosure in three glass finishes: transparent, smoked mirror, and with a central mirror strip. This high-quality glass, with a thickness of 8 mm, is treated against limescale for easy daily maintenance.

The Profiles

Profiles are the elements surrounding the panels and forming the structure of your installation.

In entry-level models, profiles are generally made of PVC which are cheaper but less qualitative and less resistant. Higher-end ranges typically feature aluminium profiles, a more aesthetic and long-lasting material. Manufacturers continually innovate to offer new profile colours and finishes. For example, Kinedo offers the Ekinox Duo shower enclosure with 3 profile finishes: brushed stainless steel, copper, and brushed cobalt blue aluminium.

Choosing a shower enclosure is a process which involves careful consideration of various aspects of your bathroom, as explained in this article. Don't hesitate to speak to a showroom or professional installer before making your decision. Kinedo offers numerous ranges of shower enclosures, catering to all styles and budgets.