7 Things to Consider to Create Your Perfect Shower
Think through these decisions so you can tell your designer exactly what you want
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re designing a new shower – there are many decisions involved. But once you know what to expect, the process will seem more manageable. Here are seven things to consider while you’re planning your new shower space.
You can create super-sized showers with trays as big as 1800mm x 1000mm. These spaces can fit multiple benches and shower heads and will never feel cramped.
If you’re building a new home, ask your architect to incorporate a large shower into your bathroom. If you’re renovating, you could perhaps get rid of a bath you don’t use and convert the space into an oversized shower.
If you’re building a new home, ask your architect to incorporate a large shower into your bathroom. If you’re renovating, you could perhaps get rid of a bath you don’t use and convert the space into an oversized shower.
2. Where the glass will go
The majority of showers have at least two full-height walls. Modern and contemporary designs may only have one wall for plumbing. This means homeowners, whether they’re renovating or building a new home, will probably have the option to include glass walls in their shower design.
Glass enclosures can instantly make a bathroom feel larger and more open. The effect can be more dramatic in smaller spaces. It does, however, involve more maintenance than a tiled wall. Glass must be cleaned frequently to avoid streaks. It can also cost more depending on your design.
The majority of showers have at least two full-height walls. Modern and contemporary designs may only have one wall for plumbing. This means homeowners, whether they’re renovating or building a new home, will probably have the option to include glass walls in their shower design.
Glass enclosures can instantly make a bathroom feel larger and more open. The effect can be more dramatic in smaller spaces. It does, however, involve more maintenance than a tiled wall. Glass must be cleaned frequently to avoid streaks. It can also cost more depending on your design.
You may prefer an enclosed shower design for privacy, or you may already have an enclosed shower and don’t want the added expense of knocking down walls. This type of shower normally has three walls with an open space for a glass door or shower curtain.
If you want an open-shower design but aren’t sold on an all-glass enclosure, half walls are a good compromise.
Tempted to revamp your bathroom? Find bathroom designers in your area and start the conversation.
Tempted to revamp your bathroom? Find bathroom designers in your area and start the conversation.
3. Your tile design
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of options available for your wall tile design. This can include porcelain and ceramic, natural stones such as travertine and marble, or even glass and glass mosaics.
Porcelain usually trumps ceramic and natural stone, as it excels at water resistance and offers low maintenance. Natural stones must be sealed.
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of options available for your wall tile design. This can include porcelain and ceramic, natural stones such as travertine and marble, or even glass and glass mosaics.
Porcelain usually trumps ceramic and natural stone, as it excels at water resistance and offers low maintenance. Natural stones must be sealed.
Since there are so many options out there, you may find yourself overwhelmed when you’re designing the look of your shower. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
In love with two tiles or shapes? Incorporate them both into your shower with a wainscot design. This classic bathroom space combines classic metro tiles with a herringbone pattern for extra depth.
Or you can use different tiles as an accent inside shower niches.
Run a mosaic border through your shower horizontally or vertically to add a decorative touch to your design.
A natural stone such as travertine is another option that can adorn your shower walls. Mixed colours or shapes will showcase the stone’s natural beauty and variety. No matter what kind of natural stone you install, always seal it.
If you’re looking for a clean and minimal design, stick with the same style throughout your shower.
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4. Whether to include a bench
A shower bench helps create a cosy and comfortable shower design and offers a convenient place to sit while you shave. It also provides a safe space for older or disabled homeowners to sit and reduces slipping hazards. Larger showers can fit long benches that have ample seating space.
A shower bench helps create a cosy and comfortable shower design and offers a convenient place to sit while you shave. It also provides a safe space for older or disabled homeowners to sit and reduces slipping hazards. Larger showers can fit long benches that have ample seating space.
If your shower is on the smaller side, a corner bench may be the best solution to conserve space. Corner benches can be built in or portable. A portable bench might save you money, but it won’t be as stable as a built-in one.
Older homeowners can install a bench underneath a handheld shower head to make bathing an easier and safer experience.
5. The type of shower floor you prefer
Slip resistance is usually top priority for homeowners of all ages. Low maintenance is also high on their wish list. The type of material you select will affect both of these factors.
Tumbled travertine, textured porcelain and pebbles, for example, have enough grip to reduce slipping and falling. But they might need more maintenance because they require grout.
Other types of shower bases, such as wood and acrylic, may require less maintenance, but not offer enough slip resistance to your liking. Weigh the pros and cons before you buy your shower floor.
Slip resistance is usually top priority for homeowners of all ages. Low maintenance is also high on their wish list. The type of material you select will affect both of these factors.
Tumbled travertine, textured porcelain and pebbles, for example, have enough grip to reduce slipping and falling. But they might need more maintenance because they require grout.
Other types of shower bases, such as wood and acrylic, may require less maintenance, but not offer enough slip resistance to your liking. Weigh the pros and cons before you buy your shower floor.
6. Your ideal fixtures
It isn’t just about the style and finish of your fixtures, though these decisions matter. One of the most important things to work out is what kind of shower head, and how many, you’ll require.
Most showers have one shower head, while some have two or three. Some homeowners install rain heads to give their space an extra spa-like feel; others love the convenience of a handheld design. Consider the best option for your needs and lifestyle.
It isn’t just about the style and finish of your fixtures, though these decisions matter. One of the most important things to work out is what kind of shower head, and how many, you’ll require.
Most showers have one shower head, while some have two or three. Some homeowners install rain heads to give their space an extra spa-like feel; others love the convenience of a handheld design. Consider the best option for your needs and lifestyle.
That said, the finish and style of your fixtures can make or break your design. Sleek fixtures can maintain the simplicity of contemporary schemes; ornate fixtures will complement details in traditional, rustic or farmhouse-style showers.
Stainless steel, chrome and even brushed nickel are considered contemporary styles, though they can all work in traditional and rustic spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze typically works best in traditional spaces.
Stainless steel, chrome and even brushed nickel are considered contemporary styles, though they can all work in traditional and rustic spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze typically works best in traditional spaces.
7. Soap and shampoo storage
Do you prefer a built-in niche or wall-mounted shampoo corners? Built-in niches fit more seamlessly within your shower design and can offer more storage space. But they’re also more costly and require additional planning, such as knowing which wall you’re going to place them on. On the other hand, shampoo corners can save you money and don’t take up much space.
Do you prefer a built-in niche or wall-mounted shampoo corners? Built-in niches fit more seamlessly within your shower design and can offer more storage space. But they’re also more costly and require additional planning, such as knowing which wall you’re going to place them on. On the other hand, shampoo corners can save you money and don’t take up much space.
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If you’re renovating an existing shower space and aren’t planning to expand, the size of your shower is predetermined. But if you’re building a new home or tearing your bathroom down to the studs, you’ll have to determine the best size for your space.
Minimum shower tray sizes in the UK are around the 800mm x 800mm mark, which should provide enough space to stash shampoo and have a little wriggle room, but some homeowners might prefer a bigger area.