What shower unit to choose for a small bathroom?
August 2023

Size and shape of the shower unit
Since the space we’re arranging is small, we will need a small shower enclosure. Looking through the offer of various stores, we can easily find a 60 cm model. Such a version will fit into any bathroom, but it’s not exactly the most comfortable choice. If it’s possible, it’s best to focus on 80 × 80 cm models. Such an enclosure is spacious, while its dimensions still allow us to incorporate it into a smaller bathroom arrangement. If the investor is planning to make use of a recess, then instead of a shower enclosure in a small bathroom they can install a recess door.
A small bathroom requires that the shower enclosure take up as little space as possible. This applies not only to its width. The shape also matters. In small bathrooms, square and curved enclosures are installed most often. The former provide a little more space inside, while the curved ones are visually subtler and allow to increase the ergonomics of the bathroom. There is also an option in between - a pentagonal enclosure. Such an enclosure will also find its use in a small bathroom. Rectangular enclosures, on the other hand, aren’t recommended as most of them are too large.
What shower tray for a small bathroom?
Most shower enclosures are equipped with a shower tray. The ideal shower enclosure for a small bathroom will have a shower tray that is as low as possible. Such models look delicate and do not optically shrink the bathroom, which is very important in this case. When searching for the perfect tray, it’s worth looking at slim shower trays from SanSwiss, which are only a few centimeters high. On the other hand, we need to give up on high shower trays. A small bathroom where the shower enclosure comes with a bulky tray looks even smaller.

Types of shower doors and screens
When thinking what kind of shower enclosure to choose for a small bathroom, we need to take into account the way it opens. One type of door that we can come across quite often is a swing door. Depending on the model of the shower enclosure, it can be a single- or double-swing door. If it opens outward only, we need to keep in mind that it needs a lot of free space. For this reason, shower enclosures that come with such a door aren’t very suitable for small bathrooms. An excellent suggestion, on the other hand, will be a sliding door, which moves on guiding rails mounted to the walls. We can also find enclosures equipped with a pivot or bi-fold door. As with a hinged door, space is needed to open it, however not as much.
Another thing to consider when wondering what kind of shower enclosure will suit a small bathroom are the transparent elements. They can be made of plastic or tempered glass. The first option is cheaper and lighter, while the latter is more expensive, but shows high resistance to damage. The color of the screens also matters. A small shower enclosure can have classic clear panes, or transparent glass in a different shade. Equally good would be different kinds of patterns or frosted glass. The final choice, of course, depends on the investor’s preference, but to optically enlarge the bathroom, it’s best to opt for minimalism. A clear pane will make the bathroom look more spacious, while more patterns will have a contrary effect.
Corner shower enclosure - space saving
Theoretically, a shower unit can be put anywhere in the bathroom, provided that it can be connected to the plumbing system. Nevertheless, a shower enclosure in a small bathroom will most often be placed in the corner, which is not accidental. Such a location saves spaces, and that’s what we care about when it comes to smaller bathrooms. At the same time, it’s convenient to use.
Walk-in shower enclosure - minimalism in the bathroom
Arrangement inspirations for smaller interiors encourage us to reach for non-standard solutions. Shower enclosures for small bathrooms can also look different from the majority of models. Walk-in enclosures are an interesting option. This solution doesn’t have a traditional door, and the shower area is separated from the bathroom only with a screen of glass. Such an enclosure can be of any size, so it will work for any metric area. Besides, walk-in is a contemporary and elegant choice that will make the bathroom look super stylish. What enclosure to choose for a small bathroom when the investor also dreams of a bathtub?

The 3-in-1 principle: shower, bathtub, whirlpool
With a small area, it’s difficult to dream of having both a shower unit and a bathtub. However, there are options that combine these. What kind of shower stall will be suitable for a small bathroom then? There are special shower cabins with a high shower tray the size of a small bathtub. They are often equipped with whirlpool jets, which will help us create a home spa.
If, on the other hand, our home will have a bathtub, we can opt for one with a whirlpool, and complement it with a bath screen. This option allows us to put the qualities of a bathtub and a shower unit into one.