What size shower enclosure will suit your bathroom?

Renovating a bathroom usually involves replacing the shower enclosure. Choosing a new one can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure what to look out for when buying. In this article, we’ll discuss all the aspects involved in finding the right solution, such as standard and minimum shower dimensions, as well as alternative options for small bathrooms. Read on!

The shower tray first: what should you look for when choosing?

Choosing the right shower tray can be crucial for the comfort and functionality of your bathroom. Here are a few important points to bear in mind when looking for the ideal solution for your space:

Dimensions and shape of the shower tray

To fit the tray to your bathroom properly, start by determining the available space and the dimensions that will best meet your needs. Look at different tray shapes, such as square, rectangular, semi-circular or irregular, which can influence the optimal use of the room.

Allow for the free space needed to use planned appliances and furniture — if you want to save a little space, you can opt for doorless cabinets and a top-loading washing machine.

Shower tray material

The choice of shower tray material is key to its durability, appearance and ease of cleaning. The most popular materials are acrylic, ceramic and stone. Compare their properties to find the material that best suits your needs, preferences and budget.

Height and depth of the shower tray

The height of the tray affects shower comfort, especially for people with limited mobility. Low, flat trays are easier to use, while high trays protect the bathroom better against splashing or flooding.

Safety and anti-slip properties

If there are people in the family with limited mobility or reduced coordination, the shower tray should be made of a material that provides anti-slip properties. This is important for safety while bathing, especially for children and older adults. Make sure the chosen tray has an appropriate surface and meets safety requirements.

Style and aesthetics

Of course, we want our bathroom to be not only practical but also beautiful. When choosing a shower tray, pay attention to its style and finish, which should match the overall bathroom design. Trays are available in a variety of colours and patterns that can add unique character to your interior — check, for example, the Rea Savoy acrylic shower tray in black.

Shower tray dimensions: the key to choosing the right enclosure

The shower tray forms the base of the shower enclosure. As such, its dimensions are crucial when choosing the entire enclosure. The most common tray sizes are 70×70 cm, 80×80 cm, 90×90 cm and 100×100 cm. It’s worth choosing a larger tray if you can allocate more space to the shower.

What’s more, in some cases a rectangular tray may be the better solution — in such designs the shorter side is usually 70 to 100 cm, and the longer from 80 up to 180 cm.

Advantages of rectangular shower trays

First and foremost, rectangular trays offer space and comfort when showering. Thanks to the longer side, they allow free movement inside the shower enclosure and comfortable use by users with different needs. Meanwhile, the shorter side allows more practical installation in particularly small or tight bathrooms.

What’s more, they can be easily matched to various interior design styles. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or want to create a space with classic elegance, a rectangular tray will certainly fit right in.

Finally, rectangular trays are practical to keep clean, thanks to their straight lines and lack of hard-to-reach nooks — square trays offer similar ease of cleaning.

How to measure the radius of a semi-circular shower tray?

To measure a semi-circular tray, subtract the length of the straight side section — from the edge to the point where it turns into the arc — from the tray’s basic dimension.

For example, calculating the radius of a 90×90 cm semi-circular tray:

900 mm (basic dimension) – 350 mm (length of the straight section of the tray) = 550 mm (tray radius)

Minimum shower dimensions: when space is limited

When bathroom space is limited, you don’t have to give up the comfort and functionality of a shower. By choosing the right dimensions, you can create the ideal solution that saves space while maintaining essential comfort.

The smallest standard shower dimensions available on the market are 70×70 cm. Such a shower can be an ideal solution for small bathrooms where every centimetre counts. Although this may seem a small space, with the right layout and practical shower doors it can prove sufficient for everyday use.

For even smaller bathrooms, you can consider non-standard solutions such as a shower without a tray, i.e. a walk-in. It requires only minimal space for installation, and the drain is placed directly in the bathroom floor. This way you can save even more space while maintaining comfort and aesthetics.

A comfortable shower: enclosure dimensions for large bathrooms

For larger bathrooms, where space is not a constraint, it’s worth investing in more comfortable shower enclosure dimensions. This will allow greater freedom of movement when showering, providing a sense of luxury.

In spacious bathrooms, popular shower enclosure sizes are 90×90 cm, 100×100 cm or even 120×90 cm. Depending on individual needs and taste, you can also opt for non-standard solutions such as large corner showers or enclosures with a seat and a wide rainfall shower head.

Choosing the right shower tray and enclosure can significantly affect the comfort and functionality of your bathroom. By taking dimensions and your own needs into account, you can tailor the ideal solution to your space. Whether you have a large or small bathroom, there are many options to consider that will let you enjoy relaxing moments under the shower!