Small Shower Enclosure - Which is best?

Here in the UK, the average size of a bathroom is just 4.4m2. Compare this to the USA where master bathrooms run at around 15m2 and you’ll notice the stark difference. We are a nation of small bathroom owners here in the UK. And sometimes, having limited space to work with can turn the process of injecting personality and style seem even more daunting. Can you really make a bathroom look grand and luxurious, even without loads of space? 

Monochrome bathroom installed by Imperfect Interiors | Featuring The Shower Lab View 03 Recess

Here at The Shower Lab, we’ve worked with hundreds of customers over the years. And, one of the things we’ve seen is the skill of bathroom designers when it comes to doing just this. For us, this means we have to create small shower enclosures that work - no matter how compact the square footage. In this blog, we’ll help you find the right small shower space for your home and decide which is best? 

Still want a bath? Go for a screen

Whether you’re a shower or bath lover, there’s no need to compromise in today’s interior design world. Gone are the days of mouldy shower curtains that stick to your body as you wash and clog up with excess moisture at the end. Modern bath screens, like the ones we design here, are chosen as a sleek and contemporary alternative. Designed to fit the side of your bath seamlessly, they offer the same splash protection as full-size shower screens and can be configured to fit your needs. 

Want something that folds back and becomes near-on invisible when you’re done with it? The View 18 has a hinged design that means it can be folded right back against the wall. If you struggle with access in your bath, this is an ideal choice. The versatility of the design means you can fold it to the left or the right. And, they can be personalised with coloured hinges, glass colours and even digital print. 

The Shower Lab | View 18 Hinged Bath Screen | Chrome & Clear Glass

If you prefer the look of a fixed panel, go for the View 16. Or, for extra detail, the View 14 is our double-hinged screen that sits perfectly on flat-topped baths. All options give you the sleek luxury of shower enclosures while still allowing you to hold on to that well-loved bath tub. 

Got a free corner? Opt for a neo-angle enclosure

The Shower Lab | View 25 Neo Angle Shower Enclosure | Chrome & Clear Glass

Sometimes, the only realistic free space in a small bathroom is a corner. And, while there are a multitude of corner shower enclosure styles out there, a neo-angle enclosure generally takes up less floor space. The three-panel design of our View 25 features 135° angles and can be configured to fit your measurements. A spacious door allows for easy access while two fixed side panels help to hold this luxurious space together. As with our bath screens, this shower space can be customised with a variety of component finishes, glass colours and digital print. 

Got a free alcove? Choose a recess shower space

Older builds are known for having unusual nooks and crannies built into the walls. And, many homeowners who first fell in love with the authentic charm of the building choose to hold on to these in their interior design. If you’re lucky enough to have an alcove already built into your bathroom or are having one constructed, a recess shower is ideal. Essentially, this is a door that sits between two parallel walls. You can choose to have fixed panels or simple hinges, depending on the space in question

The Shower Lab | View 02 Recess Shower Door Shower Enclosure | Black & Satin Etched Glass

Our View 02 is the simplest recess shower within our range. These 10mm toughened safety glass doors can be satin-etched for privacy or produced in our complete range of glass colours. You can also add a personal tough by choosing coloured shower components, hinges and brackets. Our View 05 is also a very popular choice - particularly if you’ve got more space to play with. Or the View 03 is a perfect blend of both styles, if you’re having trouble choosing. 

Go frameless 

A brilliant way to make a smaller space appear bigger is to do away with as many lines as possible. Frameless shower enclosures do just this. They are constructed with toughened and extra-strong glass along with a variety of strengthening methods to ensure they sit sturdily. Some use stay-bars that seem to blend into the design and can be finished to match the other fittings around your bathroom. Others benefit from carefully designed, perfected hinges and brackets that do an excellent job of keeping your bathroom functional and secure. 

Be bold with small shower enclosures

Just because you’re limited on space, don’t feel like you have to hold back. With the right support and experience, you can still design a showstopping space that has guests wandering upstairs for a closer peep. We always recommend working with a talented bathroom designer to make sure you get the most out of every square meter. 

Find your local The Shower Lab partner showroom for some of the most talented bathroom designers in the UK on our website today.