When deciding to fit a new bathroom suite, many people are taken aback at the amount of alternatives available when it comes to shower enclosures.

Often, people simply think of a shower enclosure as the square cubicle in the corner of the bathroom, or even don’t think of a shower enclosure at all as they have a shower unit attached to the wall to go along with their bathtub.

Here though, I give a quick rundown on some of the shower enclosures available and each unit’s advantages.

Space Saving Option: Bi Fold Enclosure

If you are pushed for space when fitting a new bathroom, the best option for you could well be a bi fold shower enclosure, the reason being that the door folds inwards and across the shower unit, rather than the usual out swinging door which requires the room to be able to open it before you can take a shower.

Skip the Formalities: Walk In Enclosure

Very similar in essence to a wet room, which I discuss further below, a walk in enclosure is a good way of giving your bathroom a modern edge to it without the usual compact environment of shower enclosures.

Skip the bother of a door, and get straight down to business in your great new shower unit, pick a frameless offering to give your bathroom a real edge to it.

Slide To The Left Slide To The Right: Sliding Door Enclosure

Another space saving option; the sliding door enclosure once again cuts out the need of a door which opens outwards, taking up valuable space, which as you know is often not available in your bathroom.

Old Faithful: Quadrant Enclosure

Typically designed to fit into the corner of a bathroom, a quadrant enclosure is often the go to pick when it comes to shower enclosures as not only does it save space, but the unit itself can be quite spacious too. Therefore you can take a shower in spacious peace, while knowing that the space in your bathroom can be used more effectively too.

A Showering Of Alternatives

Of course alternatives to shower enclosures include opting for a bath instead, combining the two into a shower bath or you could ditch them completely and go for a wet room which in essence can turn your whole bathroom into a shower enclosure, unless you opt for a frameless unit to divide the shower from the rest of the bathroom

Louisa Jenkins is an interior design expert. She offers advice for people looking at shower enclosures as well as suggesting alternatives such as wet rooms, shower baths or even just bathtubs.