Alternatives to a shower enclosure - shower ideas

What can be used in the bathroom instead of a shower enclosure may be considered from different perspectives. Alongside an ordinary bathtub, popular solutions include a recess shower, a shower with a screen, and a bathtub with a bath screen. Walk-in enclosures are also installed in many bathrooms. Unlike a traditional enclosure, they do not have doors, which is where their name comes from. In their case, the showering area may be separated from the rest of the bathroom simply by a glass panel.

Which of these options will work best depends on the layout and size of the room, the location of the plumbing, and the budget. It is very important to take into account the needs of all household members. A separate issue is the bathroom décor. Although, due to the nature of the activities carried out there, the bathroom must above all be functional and comfortable to use, the aesthetic aspect should not be overlooked. A carefully designed and harmonious interior will contribute to fuller relaxation while bathing. Different interior styles involve the use of different materials, shapes and colours. This should be borne in mind when looking through shower enclosures or their alternatives, so that the design works well with the other bathroom fittings.

This is an interesting shower idea that forms a kind of bridge between installing a traditional shower enclosure and creating a completely open space. A shower with a screen is simply the already mentioned walk-in enclosure, where instead of a fully enclosed structure there is a glass screen. Depending on preferences and the décor, it may take different forms. In modern and minimalist bathrooms, a smooth pane of toughened glass is recommended. In minimalist interiors, black profiles can also be considered. Some people also prefer frosted glass panels.

Investing in a shower with a screen comes with many advantages. Its simple form makes it easy to clean, especially if it is a model with a hydrophobic coating that prevents water marks and deposits from forming. The glass panel separates the showering area, so water will not splash outside too much. In addition, a walk-in enclosure looks elegant and visually adds space. What else can be used in a bathroom instead of a shower enclosure?

Another solution worth considering is a recess shower. It is suitable for bathrooms in which one of the walls is used as the back part of the shower. Sometimes the room already has a recess, and turning it into a shower makes the most of the room’s potential and possibilities. An interesting option is a shower with a half-wall, where the homeowner deliberately builds an additional partition. In that case, there is also no need to buy a ready-made shower enclosure. A shower mixer and a low-profile tray are enough, or alternatively a linear drain, provided that proper waterproofing and floor gradient are prepared. A recess shower can work well even in a very small interior. The showering area may have dimensions different from standard enclosures, but comfort while showering must not be forgotten.

Another option available is a shower with a curtain. This is an excellent alternative to a traditional enclosure when you are looking for something that does not involve high costs, is original, and offers a certain degree of flexibility. In classic enclosures, the showering area is separated by shower doors. Here, this function is performed by a curtain. There are many models to choose from, differing in material, pattern and colour, so it is easy to find something that refreshes the look of the bathroom. All that is needed is to install a rail and a curtain that can be drawn across for showering. This is a good way to refresh the bathroom without renovation when there is already a bathtub and the household is considering a shower. Thanks to the curtain, they will be able to shower in the bathtub without the risk of splashing water around. So, when considering the question of bathtub or shower, it is possible to enjoy both solutions.

With at least several ideas for replacing a shower enclosure, it is worth considering another question - what can be used instead of a shower tray?

Where a bathtub is concerned, this issue is resolved entirely, because naturally there is no shower tray. With the remaining options, however, it requires some thought. In the past, deeper shower trays with a height of at least several centimetres were popular. Now, more and more people would like to give them up, whether because of reduced comfort of use, the need to lift the legs when stepping in, the wish to save space, or simply for visual reasons.

What can be used instead of a traditional shower tray? Ultra-low-profile trays are certainly a good option. They are so low that they are almost level with the floor. They look modern and elegant, and at the same time make the bathroom appear larger. Another popular solution is to give up the tray altogether in favour of a linear drain. This is also an attractive option because, in some cases, the same tiles can be used as on the bathroom floor. Such a solution creates an excellent visual effect. However, unlike a low-profile tray, it involves higher costs and the need to prepare a screed in order to create a gradient directing the water towards the drain.

Based on the above, it is easy to see that there are many options available, suited to different bathrooms. Feeling reluctant to buy a traditional shower enclosure does not mean that a shower has to be given up altogether. There may well be an alternative that fits the buyer’s taste and expectations perfectly.