When there is little space in the bathroom, many people abandon the bath in favor of shower stalls. This allows you not only to save space, but also to equip your bathroom with a convenient device and a variety of useful functions. When choosing such boxes, you must take into account the size of the shower cabin, because this is the main criterion when purchasing a product. Only after deciding on the height and width of the structure can you begin to select a booth from the point of view of design and functionality.
Why are dimensions so important?
But it is important to know not only the size of the shower stall, but also the dimensions of the room where you plan to install it. It often happens that hydroboxes simply do not fit in the height of the bathroom, and a tray that is too wide does not fit in the space allotted to it. Therefore, when buying a shower cabin, you should take into account the size of the room so that bathing is comfortable, and at the same time the shower does not take up much space.
Before installation, carefully measure the height of the ceilings, because in some models the tray exceeds 40 cm, and shower cabins with bathtubs are even higher. Thus, if the height of the pallet is 40 cm, and the walls of the cabin are 175 cm, then the minimum ceiling height in the room must be 235 cm, otherwise the structure simply will not fit. Not every bathroom has such dimensions, and it is worth paying attention to the more modest sizes of shower trays.
Additional functions
Hydromassage
Nozzles are mounted into the walls of the shower cabin, thereby achieving a hydromassage effect. This feature will allow you to relax after a hard day at work and recharge your batteries in the morning.
Steam generator
This device is designed to create steam in a shower stall. This function is also called “Turkish bath”, since the steam temperature is not very high.
Built-in sauna
For connoisseurs of a real bath, manufacturers offer a wide range of built-in saunas. If the temperature of a Turkish bath is too low for you and you want more intense sensations, then it is better to choose this option. The specificity of such a shower cabin is that, despite the presence of a shower, it is intended primarily for bathing procedures, and not for washing.
Aromatherapy
Another useful feature for those who like to carry out spa treatments without leaving home. Aromatic oils are added to the steam generator and you enjoy not only tactile effects, but also aromatic ones.
Ozonation
Ozone has recently become a trend in medical and cosmetic procedures, but in the shower cabin the most important advantage of using ozonation is its undoubted killing effect on bacteria, microbes, mold, fungi and other microorganisms. Having such a device is very useful for asthmatics and allergy sufferers.
Infrared radiation
On the one hand, infrared radiation warms up the shower cabin, making bathing procedures much more pleasant and comfortable than in a regular cold cabin. And with an arc, it has a beneficial effect on the body. Thanks to infrared radiation, blood circulation is stimulated and all metabolic processes in the body are improved. As a result, fats are broken down, toxins are removed, and the skin becomes smooth and elastic.
Main dimensions of shower stalls
The modern plumbing market offers a wide selection of shower cabins of various types and sizes. Typically, manufacturers produce standard sizes of shower cabins of the most popular models and shapes, focusing on the typical dimensions of bathrooms.
If we take the criterion of wall length as the basis for classification, then all shower stalls can be divided into three groups:
- small-sized (the minimum wall dimensions of these models are from 70 to 100 cm);
- medium (here the minimum wall size ranges from 80-130 cm);
- full-size (in this case, the wall length reaches 170 cm or more).
Based on the height of the structure, there are low and high models. In the first case, the height of the shower stall, including the tray, is in the range of 170-190 cm, and in the second case, the height of the product can reach 210-240 cm.
The dimensions of the smallest shower cabin, according to the parameters listed above, are as follows: the walls are about 75 cm long and 170 cm high; such models may not have a tray. Some manufacturers produce structures with a minimum wall size of 70 cm, which is a non-standard size for asymmetrical structures.
Shower rooms: recommendations for finishing the room
The design of a bathroom with a shower requires good and high-quality finishing that matches the style. All necessary materials must be waterproof.
Ceramic or stone tiles are most often used for flooring. She is not afraid of water, evaporation and high temperatures. In addition, it does not require special care and is easy to clean.
Tile or stone are suitable for wall cladding in the shower room.
PVC stretch fabrics look best when finishing the ceiling. This coating is seamless, and the ceiling itself can withstand flooding from above. Usually the color chosen is light, but other unusual solutions are possible. The canvas for the ceiling can be colored, with photo printing, glossy or matte. A mirrored ceiling looks very stylish.
Tile or stone are best for wall decoration. You should not use wallpaper. The walls can be plain or with a pattern, you can also try to combine different types of masonry. Vertically placed tiles will make the walls visually longer, while horizontal tiles, on the contrary, will expand them. Diagonal masonry is unprofitable from a material point of view, but it looks unusual and also visually expands the space. The simplest wall decoration is painting with water-based emulsion. This coating has no restrictions in the choice of color.
Helpful advice! The floor tiles should be rough enough to prevent your feet from slipping.
Shower cabin with equal sides
The equilateral design is one of the most common models. It is much easier to install such a shower cabin yourself than large or non-standard products. The front part of this model can be not only round, but with sliding walls.
The minimum sizes of shower stalls with equal sides are 70x70 cm and 80x80 cm. The first model with a straight front panel will fit perfectly into a small room, and the second option is more suitable for a small room if the front panel is rounded.
Square shower stalls can also have dimensions of 90×90 and 100×100 cm. Such designs can save space in a small room, as well as advantageously decorate the interior of the bathroom.
Some manufacturers periodically make limited releases of equilateral shower cabins of larger sizes, the length of which can be 120x120 cm. The height of the shower cabin in this case can exceed 240 cm. However, these models have one significant drawback - the front panel with hinged doors takes up a lot of space places when they open.
Choosing a package
Faucets
Choosing a high-quality faucet that will not rust in a couple of months and will not fall off within six months is possible only with the help of an experienced and respectable specialist. He will help you choose a convenient mixer for each shower stall design, tell you which materials are more resistant to microelements contained in water, which manufacturers make the highest quality products, etc. However, some nuances are still worth remembering:
- Cranes are less likely to break than a lever
- Separate taps regulate water temperature more slowly but more accurately
- The taps must have a minimum non-metallic shell, otherwise the hot water tap cannot be turned off - it will heat up
- It is convenient when taps are opened completely with one turn, and not with endless torsion
Shower head
- The density of the water flow depends on the frequency of the holes on the shower head. Girls with long hair will not be able to rinse their hair of shampoo if the water scatters in different directions like raindrops.
- The shower head can be mounted into the ceiling, wall or side of an enclosed shower stall, but in this case you will always have to wet your head while taking a shower. It’s also not worth giving up the shower attachment completely - one hand will be occupied all the time while washing. The best option is a hose and a special mount, which will give you the opportunity to remove the watering can at any time and independently adjust the height and direction of the water stream.
- It is better to choose a rubber or silicone one-piece hose for a watering can, since a regular metal spiral becomes unusable in a matter of months.
Asymmetrical rectangular booths
So, we found out that the dimensions of standard booths can be:
- symmetrical (square): 70×70, 80×80… 120×120 cm;
- asymmetrical (rectangular): 80×100, 80×110, 80×120, 90×110 and 90×120 cm.
The dimensions of the shower stall of the standard asymmetrical model allow the structure to be placed on the bathtub, while simultaneously combining two possibilities for taking water procedures. However, a shower cabin and a bathtub are incompatible if the design is equipped with the functions of a steam room, hydromassage, or tropical shower.
Therefore, before combining a bath and shower, you need to study the functionality of the product and its dimensions.
How to choose a shower corner.
The shower corner has become a must-have piece of equipment in bathrooms. It is suitable even for tiny bathrooms, turning them into a convenient, functional place for water procedures. Shower equipment is installed both in cramped bathrooms and in fairly spacious ones with a bathtub.
If you urgently need to buy a shower enclosure, do not rush to choose this equipment. One model has a good design and functions, but the dimensions are too large, another has a door opening system that doesn’t fit in any way, and the third doesn’t suit the shape or material of the tray.
To ensure that the purchase is successful and brings pleasure to every family member, we suggest considering all types of such sanitary equipment on the market and their characteristics.
Shower with bathtub or tray
If the bathroom already has a bathtub, and you don’t want to give it up, then you can supplement it with a shower stand and partitions, turning it into a shower stall with a bathtub. It should be taken into account that the standard height of a bathtub is about 70 cm, and a shower is 170 cm, so the ceiling height in such a room should be at least 240-250 cm. A shower in which there is a bathtub instead of a tray is called a combined shower.
Shower cabins can be installed on a tray with low (10-15 cm) or high (40-60 cm) sides. The first model is installed almost on the floor, but when installing such a structure, you need to take into account that communications must fit under it: a siphon and sewer pipes. A shower with a bathtub or tray is installed only in a large or medium-sized bathroom.
Shower trays come in different shapes and sizes. The height of the structure with a tray or bathtub ranges from 210 cm to 245 cm, and the length of such a product is about 150-170 cm. Thanks to these dimensions, the cost of the equipment increases accordingly.
Selection of partition material
Partitions are made in several versions:
- A waterproof curtain is the simplest option, available to everyone for independent execution on the principle of a bath curtain.
- PMMA, plexiglass and acrylic are the highest quality materials for the production of partitions in shower stalls.
- Plastic partitions weigh little and are inexpensive. You can build a simple shower stall out of plastic with your own hands, however, the bathroom will not look like a cozy room. Cheap plastic partitions are usually used in hospitals and camp sites.
- Glass partitions are made of durable tempered glass. It looks stylish, but gradually accumulates limescale on the surface. After each shower you will have to wipe it thoroughly. Although the tempered frosted glass does not show any stains or streaks.
From the options presented in the catalogs, you can choose the most suitable cabin, which will be equipped with the most convenient plumbing and other appliances. At the user's discretion, the cabin can have additional functionality in the form of hydromassage, steam generator, built-in sauna, ozonation and infrared radiation.
All of them will make your cabin a comfortable place for hygiene procedures and maintaining good health.
Semicircular corner shower model
This type of shower fixture is installed in a corner. The door width ranges from 70 cm to 90 cm, so this design is ideal for a small room where every centimeter is worth its weight in gold. The minimum dimensions of this hydrobox with compartment doors are 70x70 cm, which allows you to minimize the occupied space.
Such a shower cabin, as a rule, is installed on a low tray from 10 cm to 15 cm. The doors themselves and the panel of the product are attached to the walls of the bathroom. The semicircular shower cabin has standard dimensions of 70x70 cm - 110x110 cm, and the dimensions of larger models vary from 125x125 to 150x150 cm.
Design Features
The shower corner (hydrobox) has a closed design, similar to a shower stall, but in a more simplified version. The device consists of two walls that limit the water. There are versions with one wall and three partitions. The corner does not have a top cover, and a tray acts as the bottom. Functionally, it all comes down to the standard procedure for taking a shower.
The factors that made them so popular are that due to their simplicity of design, the cost of hydroboxes is affordable for the majority of the population, and their small dimensions make their installation possible in any bathroom.
Dimensions of booths without rear walls
The shower stall may not have back walls; their function is performed by the walls of the bathroom. Such models are installed on a thin pallet, and shower cabins are small in size - from 70x70 cm to 100x100 cm. The most reliable and stable is the corner design, on the pallet of which sliding or hinged doors are installed.
The height of the product, as a rule, does not exceed 200 cm. Cabins without back walls are usually used only for taking water procedures in the shower. If you want to combine a cabin and a bathtub, then it is better to choose a closed-type hydrobox with high tray walls.
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.
Closed shower boxes
This model is closed on all sides and is considered completely sealed. It is these expensive structures that are equipped with all sorts of functions: steam room, lighting, hydromassage, radio, tropical rain, etc. Only in a sealed hydrobox can you install all the necessary equipment for additional functions.
Products can be equipped with a low or high tray. The length and height of this type of booth are quite large, so when choosing a design, you must take into account the distance from which the product is connected to the drain, sewerage system and water supply system. Closed shower cabins have a minimum size of 90x90 cm.
Pallet options
The choice of materials from which the pallets are made does not depend on the size of the cabin itself. In order not to get confused when choosing, you need to know about the main advantages and disadvantages of each product:
- Acrylic coated tray is the most popular option. You can make a pallet of any shape from acrylic, which will last 15-20 years. It is convenient to clean and correct defects. True, such products are very susceptible to deflection, so during production they are reinforced with metal plates or a frame is used.
- A cast iron pan is the most durable and inexpensive option, which, if properly used, will last a hundred years or more. The disadvantages of such products include weight and standard shape.
- Enameled steel pallets look more interesting than cast iron options. They can retain heat well, but have poor sound insulation. The service life depends on the quality of the enamel coating.
- Ceramic trays look great, are easy to use and hold heat well. Compared to their metal counterparts, these products are more fragile.
- Pallets made of natural stone are durable, heat up quickly and look stylish. Cost is their main drawback, so synthetic stone, such as porcelain stoneware, is used to make such products.
- Wooden pallets are a good option for a country house, and not for an apartment in a multi-story building. You should not count on a long service life for such a product, especially if the wood has not undergone the necessary processing.
From the listed variety, it is easy to choose an option that will completely suit everyone who will use a particular shower stall.
Non-standard dimensions and dimensions according to SNiP
Even with a wide selection of different shower designs, it is not appropriate to install a standard-sized shower stall in every bathroom. This may be hampered by a certain arrangement of furniture, other plumbing fixtures, communications, doors, etc. Standard hydroboxes can make it difficult to access other items in the bathroom. Therefore, some consumers order shower stalls of non-standard dimensions and shapes.
These can be small structures with dimensions of 70x70 cm or, conversely, huge models with a width of 150x150, or exact dimensions along the length of the walls 97x97 cm. Sometimes it becomes necessary to install shower products with a trapezoidal, oval or other tray. Non-standard sizes also include designs with dimensions of 110×85 cm, 170×85 cm, 150×85 cm or 170×110 cm.
The cost of custom-made plumbing is much higher, but it allows you to choose the most optimal size of the shower stall. Therefore, non-standard shower designs are in demand and are installed both in small bathrooms of small apartments and in spacious rooms in private houses.
In the modern world there are no standards or restrictions regarding the size, type and shape of plumbing products. Initially, shower cabins with a high tray were used in a variety of health complexes, for which regulations were provided.
For booths installed in public premises, standards according to SNiP 2.09.04-87 are still provided to this day. Expensive and high-quality models from trusted manufacturers have certificates of compliance with GOST, but the vast majority of shower stalls are not subject to certification.
Shower in a niche: advantages and disadvantages of using this design
A shower in a niche is, in many ways, more practical and convenient than a finished stall:
For a shower in a niche, no special equipment is required, a mixer is enough
- The wall of the completed partition can be used to secure hanging furniture, electric water heaters or a sink.
- It is characterized by easy maintenance, since there are no complex components and coatings that are especially susceptible to the accumulation of pollutants.
- Thanks to the use of wear-resistant materials (tiles and glass), the niche can last a long time. The only weak point is the pallet, but if you buy a high-quality model, it will last about 10-15 years.
- In the niche you can organize additional functions, including an overhead shower, hydromassage, additional lighting, and arrange shelves for hygiene accessories.
In addition, such a shower does not require complex equipment and does not require any labor-intensive care or expensive maintenance. Everything is as simple and reliable as possible.
The shower located in a niche is easy to clean, and the structure lasts a long time
Like any design, a shower in a niche has its drawbacks. The main one is that the area is small, which means the cabin will be cramped. It is almost impossible to install a high tray. Such showers are not suitable for people who suffer from a fear of enclosed spaces. Due to the fact that not enough light comes through the narrow door, additional lighting will have to be installed. Also, the disadvantages include the need to perform labor-intensive work when creating a shower stall in a niche. You can eliminate most of the shortcomings by building a larger niche. But the area of bathrooms does not always allow such an idea to be realized.
Helpful advice! You can make your bathtub visually larger by finishing the shower walls and floor in the same style as the rest of the room’s interior. Transparent glass doors for a shower in a niche will also help to visually enlarge the room.
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.
PRESENCE OF LEGS, FRAME
The shower tray is installed in a niche at a distance of 7-15 cm from the floor. This is necessary for installing a siphon and correctly draining water into the sewer. There are several ways to raise the pallet off the floor:
— install on bricks using a shock-absorbing gasket made of rubber or similar material (the gasket minimizes the likelihood of damage to the pallet); — install on a metal frame; - installation on legs. Installation using or other blocks is rarely used, since it is extremely difficult to perfectly align the pallet so that the load is distributed evenly and so that it does not wobble when you step on one of the edges. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase models with legs or a frame included. Eastern European manufacturers, as a rule, have them (Radaway, Ravak, etc.), while Chinese manufacturers often do not, especially models made of plastic and enameled steel. You can make the frame yourself, or order it from a company that manufactures metal structures. Some craftsmen make frames from unusual materials, for example, from PVC water pipes.
Installation of shower enclosures
When installing corners, it would be correct to use the help of a trusted plumber. The technician will install the equipment using the correct technology, which will eliminate problems with the operation of the cabin.
The corner is placed only on a flat floor surface. Waterproofing of walls, ceiling and floor is required. Exhaust ventilation should be located directly next to the structure. Initially, the pallet is mounted on a metal frame. What is important here is reliable fixation of the structure, proper organization of the drain and tightness at the junction of the pan and the siphon.
For models with a low tray, installation can be done without a frame. Here the siphon is connected directly to the pan; sealing at the joint is required. Next, communications are connected. The final stage is the installation and fixation of walls and doors with special bolts.
Due to the simplicity of the design, installation of shower enclosures is not difficult. All procedures - installing a tray and frame for the walls, inserting side panels, doors, connecting communications, applying sealant - are completed by experienced plumbers in 2-3 hours.
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.
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.
Round looks amazing
Installing round shower cabins is a rather interesting solution for interior design. The advantages of such structures include the following features:
- Thanks to their unusual shape, round models fit organically into the area of small bathrooms.
- The round shape guarantees various installation options: the cabin can be mounted against a wall or in the center of the bathroom.
- Given the various color options, booths can make the interior unforgettable and interesting.
If we talk about sizes, the standard radius of round cabins usually varies between 900-1,200 mm.
DECORATIVE SCREEN
A decorative screen covers the space between the shower tray and the floor.
If necessary, it can be easily removed. If the tray does not come with a screen, you will have to mask the gap in a different way. As a rule, ceramic wall tiles and a small plumbing hatch with latches are used.
In any case, in the SanSmail online plumbing store you will choose the model of shower tray that will completely suit you.
Is it possible to equip a shower area without buying an expensive and bulky shower cabin? Where and how to organize a shower area, taking into account the design features and size of the room?
- 1 of 1
On the picture:
Functional
If you are not interested in purchasing a standard hydrobox, consider models with advanced functionality. Such cabins turn every hygiene procedure into a real wellness relaxation, relieve fatigue, stress, and improve blood circulation.
Hydromassage due to nozzles built into the walls, which can be adjusted in different directions;
Tropical shower - imitation of a tropical shower. Such corners are made with a roof; a nozzle is built into it, dividing the flow of water into drops. Calms and restores the nervous system;
Ventilation for cabin ventilation and steam distribution;
Turkish bath - a steam generator is installed in closed cabins;
The cost of such multifunctional corners, depending on the functions, is more expensive than the standard set.
