How to Choose a Shower Enclosure: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Whether you're renovating your bathroom or designing a new one, choosing the right shower enclosure is an important decision. A shower enclosure not only defines the overall style of your bathroom but also plays a key role in how functional and enjoyable your daily showering experience will be. With so many options in terms of size, style, door types, and finishes, it can be daunting to decide which enclosure is right for you. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the perfect shower enclosure for your space, covering types of shower doors, colour and finish options, how to measure your space, and tips on finding the best option for different budgets. 1. Why choosing the right shower enclosure matters2. What is the best shower door for my space?3. Colour and finish options4. How do I measure for a shower enclosure?5. Best shower enclosures for different budgets6. Final thoughts: choosing the right shower enclosure 1. Why choosing the right shower enclosure matters A shower enclosure is one of the largest fixtures in a bathroom, making it a central piece of both functionality and design. Choosing the right one can elevate your bathroom, making it more modern, sleek, and spacious. On the other hand, the wrong choice can leave you feeling cramped, or worse, lead to long-term functionality issues. A good shower enclosure should: Suit your bathroom layout and maximise space Be made from durable materials that stand the test of time Match your bathroom's design aesthetic, including finishes and colour schemes Provide a smooth, easy-to-use door mechanism 2. What is the best shower door for my space? Shower enclosures come in a variety of styles, each with different door configurations to suit the layout of your bathroom. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types: a) Pivot door shower enclosures Pivot doors are one of the most popular types of shower doors. They open outward on hinges that are offset within the frame, requiring less space to open outwards into than regular hinged shower doors. Pivot shower enclosures are ideal if you have space to have a door opening outwards, but still need to consider the space left in the room. b) Bi-fold door shower enclosures For smaller bathrooms or tight spaces, bi-fold doors are a great option. These doors fold in on themselves as they open, minimising the space needed in front of the shower. This makes bi-fold enclosures ideal for compact bathrooms or awkward layouts where an outward-opening door wouldn't fit. Their clever design doesn't compromise on style, and they come in modern finishes like chrome or matt black. c) Sliding door shower enclosures Sliding doors are a fantastic option for larger enclosures, offering a smooth, easy-glide mechanism. Since the doors slide along a track rather than opening outward, they save space and are perfect for bathrooms with limited clearance. Sliding shower enclosures tend to have a sleek, modern aesthetic and are great for creating a seamless look, especially in minimalist or contemporary bathrooms. d) Hinged door shower enclosures Similar to pivot doors but with a larger door opening, hinged doors open outward and are often used in bigger spaces. These doors typically come with frameless glass panels, offering a luxurious and modern appearance. While hinged doors require more clearance to open, they create a premium feel for larger bathrooms. e) Quadrant shower enclosures For bathrooms with limited space, a quadrant shower enclosure could be the perfect solution. These enclosures are designed to fit into the corner of a room and typically feature sliding or hinged doors. The curved front of the enclosure saves space while still offering plenty of room inside the shower itself. Quadrants are ideal for small or medium-sized bathrooms, if you have a bit more space in one direction, consider an offset quadrant to maximise the shower space. f) Walk In shower enclosures Walk-in enclosures are perfect for those looking for a more spacious, open feel. These enclosures are often frameless or semi-frameless and offer a minimalistic, streamlined appearance. Walk-in showers are ideal for larger bathrooms and provide easy access, making them a practical choice for those looking for a modern, luxury look. Consider walk-in screens with deflector panels for increased shower spray protection. See our buying guide on shower screens for more information 3. Colour and finish options The colour and finish of your shower enclosure can have a big impact on the overall look of your bathroom. Here are some popular options to consider: a) Chrome Chrome is a classic finish that works well with a variety of bathroom styles. It offers a sleek, polished look and pairs beautifully with other chrome fixtures like taps, towel rails, and accessories. If you're aiming for a bright, reflective surface that bounces light around the room, chrome is a great choice. b) Black For a bold and contemporary feel, matt black is a popular choice in modern bathrooms. Black framed shower enclosures make a striking statement and can be paired with other black fixtures for a cohesive look. Matt black is perfect for industrial, minimalist, or monochromatic bathroom designs. c) Brushed Brass For those looking to make a bold design statement, brushed brass shower enclosures are an elegant and luxurious option. Brushed brass provides a warm, golden hue to your bathroom, offering a sophisticated alternative to the more common chrome or matt black finishes. This timeless finish works beautifully in both modern and traditional bathrooms, adding a touch of glamour. It’s a perfect choice for homeowners and designers aiming for a high-end, unique look. d) Frameless Glass For those who prefer a minimalist, clean look, frameless glass shower enclosures are a popular option. The frameless design creates a sleek, open feel, perfect for contemporary or spa-like bathrooms. Pairing frameless glass with neutral or stone finishes on the walls can create a serene, luxury atmosphere. 4. How do I measure for a shower enclosure? Accurate measurements are crucial when choosing the right shower enclosure to avoid costly mistakes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring your space: a) Measure the space Use a tape measure to find the width and depth of the area where you want to install the enclosure. Measure from wall to wall and allow for extras such as tiles and adhesive if they are not already fitted. Take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom of the space, as walls can sometimes be uneven. Use the smallest measurement for your final enclosure width. Shower doors and enclosures all have an adjustment range that they are suitable for, so make sure your dimensions are within the adjustment range for your preferred enclosure. b) Measure the height Measure from the floor and make sure you account for the shower tray which will add to the shower door height. Most standard enclosures are around 1850-2000mm in height, but always check your available space, making sure you allow for any sloped ceilings or beams that might get in the way! c) Account for the door opening Consider the clearance needed for your chosen door style. For example, pivot or hinged doors require more space to open fully, while sliding and bi-fold doors are better suited for smaller bathrooms. A door opening of 500mm+ is usually preferable but if space is limited you might have to settle for a smaller opening. Top tip! - Measure out the shower enclosure on your floor with a tape measure, including the door opening and entrance space. Practice walking in and make sure you are happy with the layout. 5. Best shower enclosures for different budgets Your budget will naturally influence the type of shower enclosure you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the best options across different price ranges: a) Budget friendly options If you’re working with a limited budget, look for bi-fold, pivot or quadrant enclosures. These designs are typically more affordable and offer great functionality without compromising on style. You’ll find plenty of high-quality, durable enclosures in chrome or frameless designs at this price point. b) Mid range options In the mid-range, sliding shower doors are a great option for bigger spaces. At this price point, you can also find frameless or semi-frameless enclosures, offering a more premium look. Matt black and brushed brass finishes also become more widely available in this range. c) Luxury options For those with a bigger budget, hinged or walk-in enclosures provide the ultimate luxury shower experience. Frameless designs with large, clear glass panels create an open, spa-like feel. You’ll also find heavier framed designs that are in tune with industrial and traditional themes. 6. Final thoughts: choosing the right shower enclosure Selecting the perfect shower enclosure is a balance of style, function, and budget. By considering your space, the type of shower door, and the available finishes, you can find an enclosure that fits your bathroom’s aesthetic while providing the functionality you need. Remember to measure carefully, think about your door options, and invest in the highest quality enclosure your budget allows. At BathLab.co.uk, we offer a wide range of shower enclosures to suit every style, space, and budget. Browse our collection today to find the perfect fit for your bathroom!