Shower cabins in the bathroom: photos, views, design features, design options

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If the bathroom area is modest, a shower stall will be an excellent alternative to a regular bath. What types exist, what materials are such plumbing structures made from, and what are the differences? Let’s look at the types of booths and their features in this article. Owners of apartments and small private households in Europe install shower cabins in rooms for water treatments. In Russia, shower stalls have come into fashion relatively recently.

They first began to be installed in the apartments of our compatriots about ten years ago. During the years of Soviet power, the choice of goods, and along with them, furnishings, was small, and the design was frankly second-rate. Soviet production offered only a few options for certain products.

Considering the limited area of ​​apartments located in buildings built during the Soviet Union, it is surprising that shower stalls were not used in small bathrooms. There was still a lot of time left before the active introduction of these ergonomic items into interior design.

Shower cabin, photo

One of the best ways to relax is to take a bath, but don't forget that it can be harmful for certain health problems. A shower, on the contrary, will have an invigorating effect: after waking up in the morning, such a water procedure will come in handy.

There are several advantages of the shower:

1. Economical water consumption . It takes a lot more water to fill the bathtub.
2. Saving time . To take a bath, you first need to fill it with water, and this will not take a couple of minutes. The actual water procedure takes longer because you want to lie in the soapy foam, splash around and dream. In the shower, you simply turn on the water and immediately stand under it, quickly wash yourself and rush about your business.
3. Space saving . Even if the bathtub is small, it will require more space compared to a built-in shower model.
4. Purity . Using a shower stall is more hygienic than using a bathtub; dirt and pathogens do not collect in it, because the water in the stall does not stagnate.

Model selection

There are several models of shower stalls available on the plumbing equipment market.

Open

Open models, i.e. shower cabins with an open top, are simple but beautiful designs that include a tray installed in the corner of the water treatment room and a pair of partitions running from one wall to the other.

Corner shower cabin, photo

The advantages of open booths are their compactness and affordable cost . When purchasing an open model, give preference to higher partitions to ensure protection from splashes.

Closed

The closed type of hydrobox is made in the form of a sealed structure. The pan and drain are complemented by a roof. The peculiarity of the capsule is its tightness .

Such a booth prevents moisture from entering beyond its boundaries and protects the room from evaporation. Pieces of furniture in the room for water procedures will not be subject to temperature changes or come into contact with moisture.

Shower cabin in the bathroom, photo

The closed model does not have to be placed in the corner of the room.

On a note! The advantage of closed cabins is that they are equipped with innovative functions, for example, hydromassage or radio.

How to determine comfortable cabin sizes

Typical recommendations for the selection of designs are aimed at the “average” person. Determining the size of a shower stall that is suitable for specific people is not difficult at all.

You need to do 2 simple steps:

1. Stand up straight, bend your elbows, leaving them to the side.

The hands should be resting on the sides.

1. Measure the distance from elbow to elbow.

To the obtained value you need to add from 100 to 200 mm.

Piping in the bathroom: plumbing connection diagrams, installation stages

The shape of the cabin is selected based on the availability of free space where the module is supposed to be installed.

Classification of types of shower cabins

Let's take a closer look at the main types of shower stalls.

Open shower enclosure

It has no rear partitions and is equipped with screens on the sides.

Bathroom with shower, photo

Fixing the walls of a shower enclosure can be done in different ways:

• the walls are fixed with hinges or specially installed profiles, due to which the boundaries of rooms with modest footage are visually expanded;
• partitions are attached to a frame base; such cabins often have compartment doors, which makes it possible to arrange them as compactly as possible;
• The inner walls are attached to a frame that is stable. Such models are one of the best options for buyers as they are also durable.

Design of a bathroom with a shower corner, photo
According to the configuration, shower corners are divided into square, semicircular in shape and rectangular-type designs. The cabin configuration is selected based on the area of ​​the room for water procedures.

Advice. Rectangular cabin models are more suitable for spacious rooms.

What sizes of shower cabins are there? The maximum height of shower stalls is 170 cm, width – 90 cm. The smallest models reach 75 cm in both width and height.

Rectangular models and structures with a square configuration take up more space than semicircular ones, especially if a corner model is chosen.

Design of a small bathroom with a shower, photo

If you want to use the space ergonomically, choose partitions that have a half-round shape. Smoothing out sharp corners saves space, allows you to build in a box of compact dimensions and makes it possible to place a washbasin next to the cubicle or leave space for unhindered movement.

Another option is a room for water procedures with a shower, but without a cabin: the water drains into a hole in the floor.

Without top partition

A capsule without a top wall has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Small bathroom with shower, photo

Advantages:

• affordable cost (when compared with closed-type models);
• the structure can be easily placed in a room with low ceilings (maximum 2 meters);
• the cabin allows tall household members to take water treatments in comfortable conditions;
• the rear walls provide a certain degree of surface protection from water splashes.

Shower stall in the bathroom, photo
Cons:

• inadequate sealing leads to water droplets settling on the capsule partitions and ceiling; Taking this into account, you should finish the surfaces with moisture-resistant materials and select moisture-resistant furniture, otherwise you will have to wipe everything down every time after using the booth;
• moisture often penetrates into the cracks between the walls, resulting in the formation of mold on the surfaces; the solution will be to arrange a complete drainage system;
• in open-type models it makes no sense to install a steam generator: for those who love a sauna, this option is unacceptable;
• In open cabins you won’t be able to take a cascade shower, just like a tropical one.

Closed design

Quite a high cost, massiveness, reduction in area due to the upper wall - these are the disadvantages of closed capsules, compensated by numerous advantages.

Bathroom with shower, photo

By choosing a sealed capsule model without a top, you can take advantage of the following advantages:

• place the capsule in any area of ​​the room, including a corner location;
• install a tray with a large depth, which is important for families with small children and pets (the tray can also serve as a mini-bath);
• use additional functions (cascade shower on top, tropical, steam room, hydromassage).

Beautiful bathroom with shower, photo
Important! The absolute closeness of the capsule protects surfaces and furnishings from temperature fluctuations in the room, provides good sound insulation and autonomy from external conditions.

Hydraulic module

The design, which combines a shower stall and a bathtub, is a hydrobox. This option is chosen by people who have children, as well as those who like to take water procedures while lying down.

Bath with shower: design, photo

The hydraulic module has the same advantages as a closed corner. It can accommodate a small TV, shelves and bedside tables for bath accessories.

Door designs

Hinged door. Popular for medium/large bathrooms. Not suitable for small children, as the door opens outward and requires free space.

Hinged door. This is an example of ergonomics. The panels move along metal guides using a roller mechanism.

Door with swivel hinges. Opens along a swing trajectory with an opening angle: 90/135/180°. This is a functional and visually attractive mount.

Harmonic. This opening system is relevant for small rooms. Installed in rectangular cabins.

Rotary. The door opens and seems to “move away” to the side. Suitable for small spaces.

Pallet selection

The main criterion that you should pay attention to when choosing a pallet is the material of manufacture, since the service life of the product depends on this. Sound absorption and sound absorption parameters are paramount.

Also check the coating to make sure it is not too slippery.

Acrylic

Acrylic pallets are the leader in popularity; they retain heat for a long time and require a minimum of time to heat up. Such products do not slip, are safe to use and do not make noise when exposed to water jets.

In addition, acrylic lends itself well to processing, can take any configuration, and makes it possible to attach additional elements.

It is easy to remove dirt from acrylic pallets; they do not lose their presentability for a long time.

The service life is from 15 to 20 years, and defects can be eliminated with a paste specially designed for this purpose.

Bathroom with shower tray, photo

The only drawback of acrylic pallets is that if you do not secure them with plates, they will bend and break over time. When choosing, you should take this into account.

Important! If the pallet is not initially reinforced, it is recommended to also purchase a metal frame.

Cast iron

It is difficult to damage a tray made of cast iron even if desired.

Main advantages:

• durability;
• retains heat well, but it also needs a lot of time to heat up;
• reasonable cost when compared with other options.

Flaws:

• heavy weight, identical shapes: there are only a few similar options on sale;
• makes noise when in contact with water. If this factor is important to you, keep in mind that thick structures are less noisy;
• On a cast iron product with an enamel coating, chips may form and the outer layer will need to be replaced.

How important is it to choose the right bathroom furniture and which set or items should be preferred? Read in detail about the selection of furniture for the bathroom.

You can see photos with small toilet design ideas in this article.

Steel

Steel products last longer and are stronger than acrylic ones. But their outer coating is enamel, its quality affects the durability of the pallet. Lightness and reasonable price are advantages, but there are also disadvantages.

Steel pallets slide; It is preferable to buy structures whose bottom is corrugated, or to lay a rubber mat.

They take a long time to warm up and retain heat poorly.

They lose out to cast iron in sound insulation.

Ceramic

Main advantages:

• have a presentable appearance and are durable;
• undemanding in care;
• have a high degree of sound absorption;
• Ceramic structures take a long time to warm up, but also retain heat longer than steel and cast iron.

Disadvantages: they weigh a lot, are expensive and are not resistant to damage: just drop a shower head on them and a crack will form.

Stone

[ads2] Marble is mainly used as a material, but there are other options.

Advantages of pallets made of stone:

• strong, have an aesthetic appearance;
• require a minimum of time to warm up and do not cool down for a long time;
• give pleasant tactile sensations.

Pallet structures made of real stone are quite expensive. An alternative for repairs is products made from synthetic materials, for example, porcelain stoneware: they are strong, indistinguishable in appearance from natural stone, and are cheaper.

Wooden

They are the best option for a country house.

It is important that the wood is properly processed, otherwise the pallet will be short-lived.

A good solution is to make the bottom exclusively from wood. The wood flooring feels good on your feet.

Feet do not freeze on a wooden pallet, but a wooden structure is more difficult to maintain.

Corner options

Such designs are optimal for small bathrooms: thanks to the corner installation option, a lot of free space is freed up. Shower corners come in a variety of shapes and, in order to increase usable space, are often made with a spherical front wall. It is worth noting that not all models are equipped with rear panels, which also affects the overall dimensions.

Asymmetrical cabin

If we talk about parameters, the width of the wall can vary between 70-150 centimeters. The height of the booths usually does not exceed 2,400 mm.

Multifaceted hydromassage box

Typical option for installation in a corner. Visually, the shape looks complex, but it is easier to manufacture than options with a smooth contour.

“Quarter circle” - spaciousness with modest dimensions

It is quite natural that this form was initially intended for small bathrooms, but there are also larger models on the market designed for spacious rooms.

Partition selection

The material of manufacture is the main selection parameter for the partition.

Curtain with water-repellent properties

It is impossible to take water procedures in an open cabin; drops of water will splash everything around. A curtain with waterproof properties is a barrier that protects the room from water.

For the manufacture and design of such curtains, polyethylene, fabric with a rubberized base, or oilcloth are often used.

On a note! If the booth has low sides, hang a curtain with a weight at the bottom. Such a curtain will provide better protection against splashes and absolute tightness.

Strained glass

Shower stall doors made of plexiglass are resistant to damage. Glass surfaces gain strength by being treated at high temperatures, which makes them safe to use in high humidity conditions in bathrooms, where you can slip on wet tiles and hit nearby furnishings.

Plexiglas cabins look luxurious and give the interior of the water treatment room a special coziness. But there is one drawback - they are predisposed to the appearance of plaque, so after using the shower stall, glass doors need to be wiped.

Polymer walls

Partitions made of polymer materials are very popular, they are easy to care for, and they also look aesthetically pleasing. Such partitions are always finished in the form of a decorative coating, due to which they fit into the interiors of bathrooms in various styles.

They are similar in appearance to glass partitions, but are not as heavy and are scratch resistant, so they need to be washed carefully. Do not use tin brushes or chemical cleaners when cleaning them.

Plastic screens

Plastic is the cheapest of all materials used to make shower partitions. It is easy to process, this material makes it possible to easily assemble a shower stall.

True, plastic is actively used for decoration in clinics and other institutions; this is not the best option for creating a cozy interior.

But the plastic finish is inexpensive, but such a screen requires a frame, since the material has the property of bending.

Find out how to successfully place a washing machine under the sink in the bathroom: photos with examples of compact installation of equipment will tell you the right solution.

See here photos with examples of the design of a small bathroom in Khrushchev.

For design ideas for suspended ceilings in the bathroom, see the photo at: https://prostilno.ru/komnaty/vannaya/foto-natyazhnyh-potolkov.html

Curtain (door) materials

High-quality models are equipped with door leaves made of tempered glass, organic and triplex. There are also models with plastic doors.

Tempered glass is characterized by increased strength, is not afraid of mechanical stress, and is difficult to break. Even when broken, fragments with sharp edges are not formed.

Triplex is made using the same technology as hardened. Its peculiarity is two or three tempered glasses superimposed on each other, between which a special material is laid that enhances the strength and does not allow the glass to shatter into small fragments. Such panels are used for curved structures without a frame.

Plexiglas (acrylic) has many of its characteristics similar to tempered glass, but is scratchable and can be flammable.

Plastic curtains are light, durable, inexpensive, but not durable. Very hot water can cause them to deform.

Selection of components

Faucets

The main requirement for a faucet equipped with a tap intended for a shower stall is reliability and functionality. With such a mixer, water treatments in the shower will only be a pleasure. There are no leaks or rust in the shower hose, the faucet does not fall off... Beauty!

When purchasing a mixer you should consider:

1. The principle of the cabin design . Depending on your needs - a regular shower or with a massage.
2. Manufacturing company . Buy products from trusted brands.
3. Manufacturing material - it must be resistant to aggressive substances and water, which is characterized by increased hardness.
4. Mixer design: with taps or lever type.

Despite the demand for the former, products with separate taps have their own advantages:

• last longer;
• with their help it is easier to regulate the water temperature;
• the tap that opens the water has a small turn (for some models);
• valves made of special material do not heat up (for some models).

On a note! If the bathroom is very small, you can use a shower stall with a separate faucet for washing.

Watering can

Criteria to pay attention to when choosing a shower head:

1. Option for mounting the watering can: on the side partition in a small booth, on the ceiling or on the wall of the room. If the watering can has a rigid fastener, water will pour from above, which allows you to wash yourself both completely and partially. Special, non-rigid fastening: if you take the watering can in your hands, you can direct the stream of water and choose its height.
2. What material is the shower hose made of ? Rubber and silicone products are more durable and stronger at bends than their metal hose.
3. The ability of a watering can to pass water is determined by the number of holes . Numerous holes provide more powerful pressure and spray.

An experienced seller will be able to select a faucet for a specific model of shower stall, taking into account the wishes of the buyer who has planned a renovation.

An interesting aspect is the choice of shower head from a medical point of view:

Additional options

Modern models of shower cabins are equipped with various options:

1. Hydromassage , which allows you to invigorate after waking up and relax before bed. The hydromassage function is achieved by moving the nozzles, which are built into the shower partitions, in a certain direction.
2. A steam generator that creates a “Turkish sauna” . The steam is not too hot, you can stay in the cabin for a long time, enjoying it and relaxing.
3. Aromatherapy – for performing spa treatments at home. To activate this option, you should use aromatic oils; they are added to the steam generator. Aroma oils provide pleasant sensations.
4. Built-in sauna for lovers of high temperatures. Bath connoisseurs will love the combined models of showers and saunas.
5. Ozonizing function , which has a cosmetological and healing effect. Ozone in the shower stall eliminates mold and harmful bacteria. The ozonating option is ideal for those diagnosed with asthma and for people suffering from allergic reactions.
6. Infrared radiation , which warms up the cabin and makes showering more comfortable. Infrared radiation is good for health: blood circulation and metabolism are accelerated, toxins are broken down, and toxins are eliminated. Due to infrared radiation, the condition of the skin improves and it becomes more elastic.

Shower cabins are equipped with various useful items:

• radio - you can take a shower and listen to music;
• TV, which makes it possible to combine water procedures and watching a TV series.

Just a few years ago, a shower cabin equipped with a radio was the most luxurious, but in modern shower models you can relax with the help of wireless, moisture-resistant speakers that broadcast the signal via Wi-Fi.

Shower stall in a small bathroom, photo

Minimum sizes that can be offered to you

Given such diversity on the market, a logical question arises: “What dimensions of a small shower stall and tray can be considered the minimum?” The answer will be relevant for owners of small apartments who are trying their best to save internal space.

For shower stalls, the smallest size will be considered the following values:

• Width – 75 cm.
• Length – 80 cm.
• Height – 198 cm.

With such compact dimensions, the booth has full functionality and provides comfort when performing hygiene procedures.

Folding shower - an example of radical minimalism

And there are such things. Unfortunately, the author of this article did not come across a folding, compact copy in hardware stores.

Care instructions

In order for a shower stall to last for a long time, it needs to be properly cared for. There is nothing difficult about this, just follow these recommendations:

• seal areas where water can penetrate;
• Keep the cabin clean.

Follow these rules, and you will not have any difficulties using the shower cabin, and water procedures will only bring you pleasure.

The models of cheap cabins are varied; you can choose an option for any bathroom - both spacious and even the smallest.

Photo gallery

For those who are just planning a renovation and are looking for ideas for decorating a bathroom, we suggest looking at the photos in the photo gallery below with interior design options for a bathroom with a shower cabin and varieties of modern shower designs:

Design of shower rooms built into a niche: bathroom design options

Renovating a bathroom requires solving many issues, which are especially acute in the case of a combined bathroom or a too small room. You need to think about how to optimally place plumbing fixtures and furniture for storing hygiene items, and also find a separate place for the washing machine.

Color in the design of a bathtub (shower) plays a significant role, especially if the room is small. In this case, it is better to use light colors and glossy surfaces - this is how you can visually increase the space. For decoration, shades of white, blue, blue, and gray are often chosen, but brighter colors can also be used.

An example of the layout of a shower room combined with a toilet in a niche

If the size of the bathroom allows, then black will look stylish and luxurious, especially in marble. A red tint combined with gray or white looks impressive. You can also make an accent wall in turquoise, orange or green tones. A great idea for the bathroom is to paint it completely snow-white. To prevent the interior from looking monotonous, you need to add bright details. These could be cabinets in bright colors, towels, curtains or tile borders.