How to Choose a Shower Enclosure: The Complete Buying Guide

Introduction

Choosing the right shower enclosure can feel overwhelming with so many styles, sizes, and configurations available. Whether you're renovating a compact en-suite or designing a spacious family bathroom, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the right decision with confidence.

Step 1: Measure Your Space

Before anything else, measure the area where your shower will sit. Key dimensions to note are:

• Width and depth of the shower area
• Ceiling height — standard enclosures are 1900–2000mm tall
• Door swing clearance — critical for pivot and hinged doors

As a general rule, allow at least 700mm × 700mm for a comfortable shower, though 800mm × 800mm or larger is recommended for everyday use.

Step 2: Choose the Right Door Type

The door style you choose will depend primarily on the space available and the layout of your bathroom.

Sliding Shower Doors

Sliding doors are ideal for wider shower trays (typically 1200mm+). Because the door panels slide along a track rather than swinging outward, they require no additional clearance space in front of the shower — making them a great choice for bathrooms where space in front of the enclosure is limited.

Bi-Fold Shower Doors

Bi-fold doors fold inward on themselves, making them one of the most space-efficient options available. They work well in smaller bathrooms or alcove shower spaces where a swinging door would be impractical. Ideal for openings from around 700mm wide.

Pivot and Hinged Shower Doors

Pivot and hinged doors swing outward (and sometimes inward) like a traditional door. They create a bold, open feel and are best suited to bathrooms with generous floor space in front of the shower. They're available in a wide range of widths and are often the most straightforward to install.

Quadrant and Offset Quadrant Enclosures

Quadrant enclosures fit neatly into a bathroom corner, with curved or flat sliding doors. Standard quadrant enclosures have equal-length sides (e.g. 800mm × 800mm), while offset quadrant models have one longer side (e.g. 900mm × 760mm), giving more showering room without taking up extra floor space. These make a stylish statement in any bathroom corner.

Corner Entry Enclosures

Corner entry enclosures feature two doors that open from the centre, providing a wide entry point. They're a practical, space-efficient solution that works well in both compact and larger bathrooms.

Wetroom Screens

For a sleek, contemporary look, a wetroom screen creates an open shower area without a fully enclosed cubicle. The floor is fully waterproofed and drains freely. Wetroom screens are available as single panels or walk-in configurations and suit modern, minimalist bathroom designs.

Step 3: Select Your Shower Tray

Your shower enclosure and tray need to be compatible in size and shape. Key considerations:

• Shape: Square, rectangle, quadrant, or offset quadrant — match to your enclosure type
• Material: Stone resin trays are the premium choice — heavier, more rigid, and with a solid underfoot feel. They're also more resistant to flexing and cracking over time.
• Height: Low-profile trays (40–45mm) give a sleek, modern look and are easier to step into
• Waste position: Check the waste outlet position matches your plumbing layout

Step 4: Choose Your Glass and Finish

Glass Thickness

Shower enclosure glass is available in different thicknesses:

• 4–5mm glass — lightweight and budget-friendly, suitable for basic enclosures
• 6mm glass — a good mid-range option offering solid rigidity
• 8mm glass — premium thickness, noticeably more substantial and luxurious in feel. Our brushed bronze range features 8mm toughened safety glass as standard.

All glass used in quality shower enclosures should be toughened safety glass, which shatters into small, blunt fragments rather than sharp shards if broken.

Frame Finish

The frame and hardware finish should complement your wider bathroom scheme. Common options include:

• Chrome — timeless, versatile, and easy to maintain
• Matt Black — bold and contemporary, pairs well with monochrome schemes
• Brushed Brass / Brushed Bronze — warm, premium feel suited to luxury bathroom designs

Step 5: Check the Guarantee

A quality shower enclosure should come with a meaningful manufacturer's guarantee. Our full range of shower enclosures comes with a 10-year manufacturer's guarantee, giving you long-term peace of mind on your investment.

Step 6: Consider Easy-Clean Glass

Easy-clean glass coatings repel water and soap residue, making your enclosure significantly easier to maintain. If you want to keep your shower looking pristine with minimal effort, look for enclosures with an easy-clean glass treatment included as standard.

Summary: Which Shower Enclosure Is Right for You?

• Limited space in front of the shower? → Sliding or bi-fold doors
• Compact bathroom or alcove? → Bi-fold doors or corner entry
• Generous bathroom with space to spare? → Pivot or hinged doors
• Fitting into a corner? → Quadrant, offset quadrant, or corner entry
• Contemporary open look? → Wetroom screen

Still unsure? Our team is happy to help. Contact us by email at info@kwbathrooms.co.uk or call us on 0203 750 0025 and we'll guide you to the perfect solution for your bathroom.