Walk-in Showers vs. Shower Enclosures
Walk-in showers and shower enclosures have become increasingly popular in modern bathroom designs, offering both style and practicality. Beyond adding a touch of luxury, these shower screen options can also boost the value of your home by creating a sleek, functional space.
Whether you’re renovating your bathroom or building a new home, it’s likely you’re considering a walk-in shower or a shower enclosure/shower cubicle for your layout. But to decide which is right for you, it’s important to understand the differences between these two shower screen types and how they fit your needs.
In this post, we’ll compare walk-in showers and shower enclosures, breaking down their benefits and differences. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the best shower screen for your space.
Showers Comparison Table
| Feature | Walk-In Showers | Shower Enclosures |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Open, modern, and luxurious with no doors or large glass panels. | Traditional, enclosed with framed or frameless glass panels. |
| Space Requirements | Suitable for bathrooms of all sizes; can make tight spaces feel larger. | Better suited for small bathrooms; prevents water from spraying beyond the shower area. |
| Waterproofing | Requires extensive waterproofing throughout the bathroom. | Requires less extensive waterproofing, limited to the enclosed shower area. |
| Maintenance | Easier to clean due to lack of doors and glass panels. | Requires cleaning of glass panels and doors. |
| Tile Design | Consistent tile design across the entire bathroom. | Allows for more variety in wall and floor tiles within the shower area. |
| Cost | Generally more expensive due to its modern look and design. | More affordable and traditional option. |
| Water Containment | Open design may result in more water spreading outside the shower area. | Contains water within the enclosed area, reducing bathroom cleanup. |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Sleek, contemporary, and minimalist look. | Classic and defined look, especially with framed glass panels. |
| Products Available | Curve Top Walk-In Glass Shower Panels, Walk-In Glass Shower Panels (Ross’s Discount Home Centre). | Brighton Showers, Torquay Square Slider Shower (Ross’s Discount Home Centre). |
As you can see, there isn’t a clear winner between walk-in showers and shower enclosures, as the choice depends on individual preferences, bathroom size, budget, and maintenance priorities. Here’s a breakdown of how to decide:
- Walk-In Showers are ideal for those seeking a modern, luxurious look and are great for people with larger or more open bathrooms. They offer easier maintenance and make smaller spaces feel more open, but they come with higher waterproofing needs and a potentially higher cost.
- Shower Enclosures are more traditional and affordable, making them a better option for small bathrooms or those looking to contain water within a defined area. They offer more flexibility with tile design but require regular cleaning of glass panels and doors.
In short, if you value style, ease of maintenance, and have more space, a walk-in shower might be your winner. However, if you have a smaller bathroom or a tighter budget, a shower enclosure would likely be the better fit. Continue reading to discover more about these two popular shower options.
Walk-In Showers
Walk-in showers are essentially rooms without the shower screen or tree. Unlike traditional shower screen enclosures, they don’t have any doors or large glass panels. Rather, the entire shower area is open and fully tiled.
Walk-in showers look incredibly stylish and contemporary, and they are great for bathrooms of all sizes. In tight spaces, shower screens can be used with a walk-in shower to prevent water from spraying all over the bathroom. Removing the bath area and keeping the shower space open also frees up a lot more space.
Generally, a walk-in shower is easier to clean and maintain than a shower enclosure. This is because there are no doors or large glass panels to clean. If you include a wall-hung vanity and toilet suite in your space, it will be even easier to clean and maintain. Also, the flooring under walk-in showers is better protected than standard enclosures.
If you’d like to go with a walk-in shower for your new or renovated bathroom, you’ll find just what you’re looking for here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Take a look at our Curve Top Walk-In Glass Shower Panels and our Walk-In Glass Shower Panels. Either of these products will allow you to create the wet room of your dreams in your space. And if you’re after a little inspiration, check out our Best Shower Panels to get some ideas flowing.
Shower Enclosures
Shower enclosures are a classic and practical option for any bathroom, offering a complete shower cubicle with a range of styles to suit different needs. These screens are available in framed, semi-frameless, and frameless designs. Framed glass screens use aluminium frames to secure the panels, while frameless screens rely on hinges and bolts for a sleek, modern appearance. Semi-frameless glass screens offer the perfect balance, combining a contemporary look with added structure and support.
For small bathrooms, these complete shower cubicles are an excellent choice, especially when placed in a corner. Their compact design helps maximise space while containing water effectively within the shower area. The corner placement also frees up the rest of the bathroom for other essential fixtures and makes the room feel more open and organised.
Shower enclosures also provide great design flexibility, allowing you to use different tiles on the floors and walls outside the enclosure to personalise your space. This makes them not only functional but also a stylish addition to any bathroom.
If you’re looking for affordable, high-quality shower screens, Ross’s Discount Home Centre has you covered. Explore our Alpine Sliding Door & Return Silver Either and Alpine Pivot Door & Return Silver—both fantastic choices for your next shower enclosure.
Conclusion:
If you’re considering adding a wet room to your bathroom, you can go with a walk-in shower or a shower enclosure. Shower enclosures offer a complete shower cubicle—a shower area enclosed with glass panels. On the other hand, walk-in showers are open shower areas that do not include a shower tray or glass panels—they are more luxurious and modern. Walk-in showers are also easier to clean and maintain and are suitable for bathrooms of all sizes. Shower enclosures, on the other hand, are more affordable and better suited for smaller bathrooms as they prevent excess water spraying.
Whether you choose to go with a walk-in shower or a shower enclosure, you’ll find just the shower style you need here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. To look at our range of quality showers in Perth, visit our showroom in Guildford or shop from our online store today!