Apr 20 2010
Shower Enclosures With a Difference
Shower enclosures are taking over the place once reserved for shower curtains. They are getting more popular these days because of their functionality and style. There are different designs to choose from that can complement existing or preferred bathroom furniture and accessories.
The primary function of shower enclosures is to keep the water from spilling out to the rest of the bathroom. Thus, it is important to look first at the quality and workmanship before purchasing one. The material should be durable to withstand wear and tear. It should be easy to clean, as it can readily accumulate dirt and grime because of soap scum. The frames, hinges, door pulls and other accessories should be non-corrosive.
Shower enclosures can be made of tempered glass or acrylic. Tempered glass is often a better choice because it combines safety with strength and durability. There is less danger of injury because tempered glass breaks into pieces when shattered. Depending on one’s budget, tempered glass can be thick or thin, with or without frame. Frames can be made of nickel or bronze, with colors ranging from chrome to gold and silver. The glass finish can be clear or matte.
Acrylic, on the other hand, usually comes with a water-drop design. Therefore, it makes the bathroom look more fashionable. Acrylic costs lower but it can easily contain scratches and is generally lighter than tempered glass.
Shower enclosures help make the bathroom look spacious and bright. Hence, the size of the bathroom should play an important role in choosing the type and style of enclosures. A large bathroom can afford a full-scale enclosure, with ample space to move about when stepping out of the shower. It can have a swing door or a two-way door for easy access. Conversely, the shower enclosure on a smaller bathroom can be located on one corner, with a sliding door to save on space. Some smaller bathrooms opt for an enclosure without a door, in which case, one side is open to provide a roomy feeling. To contain the water, the shower area can be one or two steps lower than the bathroom floor. The room will not only look bigger, it will also appear stylish.
The shape of the enclosure can also enhance the appearance of the bathroom. A circular, semi-circular or quadrant shape looks traditional, while square or pentagonal ones are more modern. At any rate, it should be in harmony with the rest of the room.
The color of the shower enclosure should match the color of the other bathroom furniture and accessories. Different colors are available: clear and transparent, silver, pewter, copper and matte. For small bathrooms, a clear and transparent enclosure is the best choice, as it gives an unobstructed feeling of light and space.
Shower enclosures make a lot of difference in the bathroom. It gives the bathroom character, life, light and class. There is a rich source of diverse shower enclosures in the internet. Or, you can visit the nearest home depot showroom. To make it more distinctive, though, you can always have one custom-made according to your specifications and budget.
The primary function of shower enclosures is to keep the water from spilling out to the rest of the bathroom. Thus, it is important to look first at the quality and workmanship before purchasing one. The material should be durable to withstand wear and tear. It should be easy to clean, as it can readily accumulate dirt and grime because of soap scum. The frames, hinges, door pulls and other accessories should be non-corrosive.