🕑 6 minutes read
Choosing the right shower for your bathroom design can be a daunting task, but it's important to make the right choice. When selecting a shower, it's important to consider both its functionality and appearance. You'll want a shower that complements the overall design of your bathroom and compliments its size and shape. If you're in London, you can rely on professional shower installation services to guide you towards the best decision. Ensure that your chosen shower is efficient, high-quality, and within budget. Remember, a shower plays a vital role in your and your family's daily routine, so it's important to be satisfied with its performance and design.
We will guide you through the process of selecting the ideal shower for your bathroom, considering the various bathroom layouts and designs.
Your Bathroom Space
Before you even begin looking at different shower options for your shower Replacement in London, it's essential to assess your bathroom space. Measure the available space, consider the layout, wall dimensions, and any fixtures or obstacles that might affect your shower choice. Also, consider water pressure and flow, as some showers may look the ideal choice but might not suit the water pressure, and instead of an invigorating relaxing shower, you end up with a trickle!
Consider Your Bathroom Layout
Different bathroom layouts require different types of showers. Here are some common bathroom layouts and shower options that are best suited:
Once you've considered your bathroom layout, it's time to decide on the type of shower. There are several options to choose from:
Selecting the right shower door is a crucial part of your shower choice. The type of door you choose can affect the aesthetics of your bathroom. Some common shower door options include:
Once you've selected your shower type and door, consider the fixtures and accessories. Whether it's a shower replacement or a new shower installation, choosing the right shower accessories is important.
Choose showerheads, taps, and handles that complement your bathroom's design and meet your functional requirements. Think about additional features like built-in storage, shelving, and seating if required. With such a diverse selection of bathroom furniture available, you are bound to find the fixtures and fittings that perfectly complement your shower installation.
In the following sections, we'll explore some of the most sought-after shower options.
- Shower Cubicles
Shower cubicles are an easy choice in the shower installation process. They typically include a waterproof tray, doors, and optional wall panels, eliminating the need for expensive tiling. They come in various sizes but have a standard height of 185cm. Ensure your ceiling height can accommodate the cubicle of your choice. These cubicles are cost-effective and come with a raised tray, which may not suit people with mobility issues and can affect the overall lines of your bathroom design.
- Over-Bath Showers
If you want to make the most of your bathroom space, consider an over-bath shower. It's a stylish way to combine a bathtub with a shower for a luxurious experience. Just remember to add a curtain or screen to protect your floor from water damage.
- Walk-In Showers
A walk-in shower brings a modern, luxurious touch to your bathroom. You have full control over the size and shape by arranging the panels. You can even create a chic wet room with no enclosure. Choose a tile-over shower tray or a flush-fitting design for a seamless, elegant look.
Selecting the Appropriate Shower for Your Water System
The nature of your water system profoundly influences the selection of your shower. Making an informed choice in this regard is crucial to avoid the discomfort of showering with insufficient water pressure. Below, we will provide comprehensive insights into the three primary shower types to help your decision-making.
- Electric Showers: Efficient and Versatile
Electric showers heat cold water independently of your existing hot water system. They're perfect for busy households. They're energy-efficient, cost-effective, and quick to install. However, lower 7.5kW models may have weaker pressure, while higher 10.5kW showers require good mains pressure and robust wiring. For installation, consult a qualified electrician. Keep in mind that the appearance of electric showers may involve a wall-mounted heating element box, impacting your smooth lines design.
- Mixer Showers: Stylish and High-Pressure
Mixer showers need plumbing into your hot water system, blending hot and cold water for better pressure. They work best with at least 1 bar of mains water pressure. They are ideal for combi boilers or unvented mains systems. However, gravity systems may struggle. Mixer showers come in sleek designs, from built-in valves to mixer bar and rail systems. While they offer great pressure, be aware of water usage elsewhere in your property, as it can affect temperature and pressure. High-quality mixer showers feature thermostatic controls to maintain safe and consistent temperatures.
- Power Showers: Boost Your Shower Pressure
Power showers enhance water pressure and are compatible with low-pressure gravity systems. Avoid using them with high-pressure vented or unvented systems. They provide a high-pressure, luxurious shower but come at a higher initial cost and require more water and energy, making them less ideal for those with water meters. The pump is typically housed in a wall-mounted box, resembling an electric shower design, which may be less visually appealing than built-in alternatives. However, they can be concealed if space is available.
- Digital Showers: Modern Convenience
Digital showers function like mixer showers but offer digital controls. You can set the exact temperature and flow rate through an LCD screen, remote control, or smartphone app. Most allow multiple presets for family members. While digital showers are a pricier option and may be more complex to repair, they provide convenience.
Budget and Maintenance
Finally, consider your budget and the long-term maintenance of your bathroom fixtures and fittings. High-end materials and features may be appealing but may impact the budget.
Selecting the perfect shower for the available bathroom space is crucial in creating a functional and practical space. Discuss your shower Installation in London with serviceteam London.
We will guide you through the process of selecting the ideal shower for your bathroom, considering the various bathroom layouts and designs.
How to Pick a Shower to Suit Your Bathroom Layout?
Your Bathroom SpaceBefore you even begin looking at different shower options for your shower Replacement in London, it's essential to assess your bathroom space. Measure the available space, consider the layout, wall dimensions, and any fixtures or obstacles that might affect your shower choice. Also, consider water pressure and flow, as some showers may look the ideal choice but might not suit the water pressure, and instead of an invigorating relaxing shower, you end up with a trickle!
Consider Your Bathroom Layout
Different bathroom layouts require different types of showers. Here are some common bathroom layouts and shower options that are best suited:
- Small Bathrooms: In compact bathrooms, space is at a premium. Consider space-saving options like corner showers, quadrant showers, or sliding door enclosures to maximise the available space.
- Master Bathrooms: Larger bathrooms offer more flexibility. Based on your preferences, there are luxurious walk-in showers with glass enclosures or even bathtub and shower combinations.
- Ensuite Bathrooms: Ensuite bathrooms are typically connected to a bedroom, and their layout may vary. Consider the proximity to the bedroom and the overall design of your ensuite when choosing a shower.
- Family Bathrooms: Family bathrooms need to be functional and versatile. Consider shower-bath combos for families with children and separate showers for adults if the available space allows.
Once you've considered your bathroom layout, it's time to decide on the type of shower. There are several options to choose from:
- Enclosed Showers: These showers are fully enclosed by walls and doors, offering privacy and preventing water from splashing outside the shower area. They are ideal for small bathrooms or those with limited space.
- Walk-In Showers: Walk-in showers are spacious and often feature a glass panel or wall to keep them apart from the rest of the bathroom. They create a modern and open feel.
- Shower-Bath Combos: These versatile solutions combine a bathtub with a shower, perfect for bathrooms where space is a concern or for families with varying needs.
- Corner Showers: Ideal for small bathrooms, corner showers maximise space by fitting snugly into the corner.
Selecting the right shower door is a crucial part of your shower choice. The type of door you choose can affect the aesthetics of your bathroom. Some common shower door options include:
- Sliding Doors: These are space-saving options, great for small bathrooms. They slide along a track, removing the need for a swinging door.
- Hinged Doors: Hinged doors swing open like traditional doors. They offer a wide opening but require extra space for clearance. They can swing in or out.
- Pivot Doors: Pivot doors pivot on a central point, giving wider access. These doors are suitable for larger showers with ample space.
- Frameless Glass Doors: These doors provide a clean and modern look, creating a seamless appearance for walk-in showers.
Once you've selected your shower type and door, consider the fixtures and accessories. Whether it's a shower replacement or a new shower installation, choosing the right shower accessories is important.
Choose showerheads, taps, and handles that complement your bathroom's design and meet your functional requirements. Think about additional features like built-in storage, shelving, and seating if required. With such a diverse selection of bathroom furniture available, you are bound to find the fixtures and fittings that perfectly complement your shower installation.
In the following sections, we'll explore some of the most sought-after shower options.
- Shower Cubicles
Shower cubicles are an easy choice in the shower installation process. They typically include a waterproof tray, doors, and optional wall panels, eliminating the need for expensive tiling. They come in various sizes but have a standard height of 185cm. Ensure your ceiling height can accommodate the cubicle of your choice. These cubicles are cost-effective and come with a raised tray, which may not suit people with mobility issues and can affect the overall lines of your bathroom design.
- Over-Bath ShowersIf you want to make the most of your bathroom space, consider an over-bath shower. It's a stylish way to combine a bathtub with a shower for a luxurious experience. Just remember to add a curtain or screen to protect your floor from water damage.
- Walk-In Showers
A walk-in shower brings a modern, luxurious touch to your bathroom. You have full control over the size and shape by arranging the panels. You can even create a chic wet room with no enclosure. Choose a tile-over shower tray or a flush-fitting design for a seamless, elegant look.
Selecting the Appropriate Shower for Your Water System
The nature of your water system profoundly influences the selection of your shower. Making an informed choice in this regard is crucial to avoid the discomfort of showering with insufficient water pressure. Below, we will provide comprehensive insights into the three primary shower types to help your decision-making.
- Electric Showers: Efficient and Versatile
Electric showers heat cold water independently of your existing hot water system. They're perfect for busy households. They're energy-efficient, cost-effective, and quick to install. However, lower 7.5kW models may have weaker pressure, while higher 10.5kW showers require good mains pressure and robust wiring. For installation, consult a qualified electrician. Keep in mind that the appearance of electric showers may involve a wall-mounted heating element box, impacting your smooth lines design.
- Mixer Showers: Stylish and High-Pressure
Mixer showers need plumbing into your hot water system, blending hot and cold water for better pressure. They work best with at least 1 bar of mains water pressure. They are ideal for combi boilers or unvented mains systems. However, gravity systems may struggle. Mixer showers come in sleek designs, from built-in valves to mixer bar and rail systems. While they offer great pressure, be aware of water usage elsewhere in your property, as it can affect temperature and pressure. High-quality mixer showers feature thermostatic controls to maintain safe and consistent temperatures.
- Power Showers: Boost Your Shower Pressure
Power showers enhance water pressure and are compatible with low-pressure gravity systems. Avoid using them with high-pressure vented or unvented systems. They provide a high-pressure, luxurious shower but come at a higher initial cost and require more water and energy, making them less ideal for those with water meters. The pump is typically housed in a wall-mounted box, resembling an electric shower design, which may be less visually appealing than built-in alternatives. However, they can be concealed if space is available.
- Digital Showers: Modern Convenience
Digital showers function like mixer showers but offer digital controls. You can set the exact temperature and flow rate through an LCD screen, remote control, or smartphone app. Most allow multiple presets for family members. While digital showers are a pricier option and may be more complex to repair, they provide convenience.
Budget and Maintenance
Finally, consider your budget and the long-term maintenance of your bathroom fixtures and fittings. High-end materials and features may be appealing but may impact the budget.
Selecting the perfect shower for the available bathroom space is crucial in creating a functional and practical space. Discuss your shower Installation in London with serviceteam London.
