Shower Enclosures: The Cornerstone of Contemporary Bathrooms
An upgrade over shower curtains, shower enclosures in modern bathrooms blend functionality with style and aesthetic appeal offering a multitude of benefits, writes Mrinmoy Dey
Today, the washroom has evolved from a mere functional room to a space for relaxation and rejuvenation. What it means is that it has become ever so crucial that it has been well-designed keeping in mind both the functional as well as style and aesthetic aspects.
Shower enclosures have come across as an apt solution that enhances both the style and functionalities of a bathroom. It offers designers or homeowners a multitude of benefits in terms of optimising the spatial layout, ensuring privacy and uplifting the designs with multiple designs and options available in the market.
Why Opt for Shower Enclosures?
Most important of all, shower enclosures help segregate the wet areas from the dry areas making bathrooms safer. This split also helps designers optimise the layout and broadens the materials palette for the dry area.
Shower enclosures also offer privacy for the users. One can use frosted, etched or patterned glass and adjust the level of transparency desired. Shower enclosures can also be useful where multiple users are going to use the washroom at the same time; for example, while one is taking a shower, the other user can use the basin.
Further, a significant upgrade from outdated shower curtains, shower enclosures can not only enhance the bathroom décor but also make the space look larger, more hygienic, and clutter-free. This could prove to be a pivotal factor in a compact bathroom. The aesthetic can be further elevated with modern, customised shower enclosures.
Types of Shower Enclosures
Shower enclosures can be categorised into three major types – frameless, framed and semi-frameless. In recent times, frameless shower enclosures have gained popularity for their clean, modern look and the illusion of space they create. Without frames, the glass panels are secured with hinges to the wall and base.
On the other hand, framed shower enclosures use aluminium or stainless steel frames to hold the glass panels and doors. These are available in various finishes like brushed gold, bronze, or matte black. These enclosures offer a timeless, classic look.
The semi-frameless one tries to combine the aesthetic appeal of the frameless ones with the structural solidarity of the framed enclosures. It blends both styles, with minimal frames around the larger parts of the shower screen but not around the door panel.
Further, there are various options in terms of opening of the doors. While a rolling shower door creates a modern or farmhouse look and saves space by rolling along a header, a swinging shower door works like a standard door, opening outward with pivoting hinges. And, for the compact bathrooms there is the sliding shower door with two glass panels that slide horizontally along tracks.
Design Considerations
With options a plenty, deciding on the right shower enclosures depends on several factors which vary from project to project. However, there are some broad considerations which can act as a guideline.
Anand Santhanam, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Saint-Gobain India – Glass Business states, “The shape and size of the bathroom are crucial in determining the configuration and door mechanism that will ensure optimal space efficiency. Also, the placement of the wash basin and WC will help determine the zoning of wet and dry spaces, door swing direction or sliding possibility better.”
He further recommends that if the shower is closer to the window or ventilator, clear or frosted glass would be a good option to allow light in for the rest of the space, whereas, if the shower area is away from the window, then experimentation with tints, etc can also be possible.
Gaurav Singhal, Director, JB Glass, however, asserts that the selection of the shower cubicle does not change based on the overall size of the bathroom. “However, sometimes due to psychological reasons, the architect can decide to not go for a door but only a fixed glass partition to help the user move in and out without any issue. For a compact bathroom, the door opening can be adjusted to open outside to take care of the crunch space.”
Ranjeet Oak, MD, K&B South Asia, Kohler adds, “We begin by harmonising the enclosure’s size and shape with the bathroom layout, maximising space efficiency while maintaining an open and inviting feel. We also prioritise selecting premium materials that reflect our commitment to durability and aesthetic appeal. Whether opting for sleek glass panels or robust frame materials, every choice is crafted to withstand the rigours of daily use with ease. Choice of stainless-steel frames vs aluminium frames for example makes the products more robust.”
Throwing light on design and maintenance, he informs, “We infuse the enclosure with Kohler’s signature style, seamlessly integrating it into the bathroom’s overall design theme. From different finishes to various glass materials, each detail is meticulously crafted to enhance the space and personalize each bathroom. We also incorporate features like easy-clean coatings and intuitive maintenance solutions that simplify upkeep, keeping the enclosure pristine and inviting over time.”
Shower Enclosures for Compact Bathrooms
Experts emphasise that the selection of shower enclosures varies based on the bathroom’s size and style preferences. “In smaller bathrooms, space constraints may prevent a door from swinging open, and hence just a shower partition would be the right choice. For a rectangular bathroom, a straight cubicle with a sliding door can be an excellent option. In a more square-shaped bathroom, a corner pentagonal or L-shaped cubicle with two fixed panels and one openable panel may be ideal,” opines Santhanam.
According to Oak, in a compact bathroom, space optimisation is key. Here, the focus is on maximising functionality without compromising on style or comfort. He recommends the following types of shower enclosures for compact bathrooms:
- Corner Shower Enclosures: These fit neatly into the corner of the bathroom, utilising space efficiently. For instance, a frameless glass corner enclosure provides a modern look while making the bathroom appear larger.
- Bi-Fold or Sliding Doors: These types of doors save space compared to traditional swinging doors. A bi-fold or sliding door enclosure allows easy access while conserving valuable floor space.
- Quadrant Shower Cubicles: Ideal for smaller bathrooms, these enclosures feature curved glass panels that fit snugly into a corner, offering a compact yet stylish showering solution.
Shower Enclosures for Larger Luxurious Bathrooms
In a spacious luxury bathroom, the focus shifts towards enhancing aesthetics and creating a spa-like experience. Oak’s recommendation for larger luxurious bathrooms includes the following:
- Walk-In Shower Enclosures: These feature expansive glass panels with minimal framing or no doors at all, creating a seamless and luxurious showering experience. A large walk-in enclosure with rainfall showerheads and built-in seating epitomizes luxury.
- Frameless Glass Enclosures: These enclosures provide a sleek and sophisticated look, enhancing the bathroom’s spacious feel. For example, a frameless glass enclosure with high-end fixtures and multiple showerheads offers a deluxe bathing experience.
- Steam Shower Rooms: These are enclosed spaces designed to provide a therapeutic steam experience. In a luxury bathroom, a fully enclosed steam shower room with integrated seating and mood lighting exemplifies opulence and relaxation.
As per Santhanam, for a more luxurious bathroom, a linear setup with one door and two fixed panels, or a larger L-shaped cubicle in a square bathroom, can work well. “In larger bathrooms, you could use separate glass enclosures for both the shower and the WC, allowing simultaneous usage of the space. Tinted, reflective, and frosted glass can be useful in providing a degree of privacy between these spaces.”
Innovations and Trends
While the primary purpose of a shower enclosure is to separate wet and dry areas, cubicles have now evolved into essential design elements in bathrooms. “Tinted and frosted glass panels are becoming popular choices, and matching the frame finish with other bath fittings creates a cohesive look. Additionally, water-repellent coatings, now gaining popularity, make the cubicles much easier to maintain and clean,” shares Santhanam.
Oak adds, “There is a growing demand for customisable shower configurations that cater to individual preferences and bathroom layouts. This includes options for varying frame finishes and glass types like fluted and sandwiched to fit different consumer tastes.”
He further shares that recent design trends are focusing on making shower enclosures more accessible and inclusive, with features like low or barrier-free thresholds, grab bars, and seating options that accommodate users of all ages and abilities.
Manufacturers are also integrating eco-friendly materials and water-saving technologies into shower enclosures to reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance and durability.
Experts' Take on shower enclosures
Anand Santhanam
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Saint-Gobain India – Glass Business
We offer a variety of glass solutions for shower cubicles. For cubicles, we recommend toughened glass that has undergone a special heat-soaking process to enhance impact resistance and eliminate the risk of spontaneous breakage. Our range includes extra clear, 654 PPM clear, and tinted glass to suit any bathroom style. Furthermore, each of these variants can be converted to water-repellent. SGG Colormaxx, lacquered glass that is available in a variety of colours to choose from, can be used to complement the aesthetics of shower enclosures by using as the wall panelling for faucet fittings. One can explore our Saint-Gobain My Home range of shower cubicle offerings that come in more than 500+ possibilities with bespoke hardware options.
Gaurav Singhal
Director, JB Glass
JB Glass takes pride in innovating and introducing new-generation shower enclosures which are being followed in the industry such as
- Introducing a magnet to help the door stay closed which eliminates the plastic/silicon strip
- Framed and completely modular fittings for shower enclosure for better aesthetics and zero damage to existing walls
- Concealed hinges in the frame to avoid any glass cut-out
- Nano coating which helps to avoid hard water stains
- Anodised frames compared to any powder coating whose results on a longer time frame are not appealing
Ranjeet Oak
Managing Director, K&B South Asia, Kohler
Our product range is expertly crafted around two dynamic trends: performance and self-expression. In terms of performance, our designs showcase a sleek, slim profile with hidden hinges, ensuring a clean, uncluttered appearance that enhances any modern bathroom. For self-expression, we offer finishes in frames and multiple glass options, allowing one to create a shower door that is a true reflection of one’s personal style and taste. Each design element is meticulously engineered to provide both unparalleled functionality and a unique aesthetic, setting new benchmarks in luxury and individuality.
We offer a diverse range of design options and materials to suit various bathroom styles and preferences. We offer multiple finishes in our full frames including Matt Black, French Gold, and Rose Gold which can help create a fully customisable bathroom as per consumers’ unique tastes. We also offer varied glass options including transparent, fluted and the most luxurious sandwiched glasses.
The fusion of sandwiched glass with fabric heralds a captivating synergy of materials, marrying the transparency and sleekness of glass with the warmth and texture of fabric. This innovative combination not only elevates the visual appeal but also adds a tactile dimension to the design.