Bathrooms are rapidly becoming one of the most important spaces in the home, offering a sanctuary for relaxation and wellness. Central to this evolution is the shower enclosure, which is increasingly viewed as the focal point of the bathroom. Recent research by MERLYN highlights that most people design their bathrooms around the shower, with 66% of participants purchasing the shower first and making it the centrepiece.
Choosing the right shower enclosure can be a daunting task, with various factors to consider, such as the type of enclosure, style of door, and whether to opt for framed or frameless designs. To ease this process, MERLYN provides a comprehensive checklist to guide consumers through these decisions.
When planning your bathroom, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of the space, including who will use it, the importance of storage, and safety considerations. The way you currently use your bathroom should not limit your vision—think about how you’d like to use it in the future. Many MERLYN stockists offer design advice and even 3D design services to help you create your dream bathroom, keeping you informed about the latest trends and innovations.
Once you have a clear plan, you can start selecting the main components, such as your shower enclosure. The placement of the shower within the bathroom will influence the type of enclosure you can choose. For example, a corner shower offers flexibility in size and shape, while a recessed shower is ideal for saving space and can be enclosed by walls on three sides. Quadrant showers are also a popular choice, known for their eye-catching, curved design and sliding doors.
There are several types of shower doors to choose from, each offering unique benefits. Hinged doors, which open on pivoting hinges, are a popular option for contemporary bathrooms, providing a sleek and simple aesthetic. Sliding doors are perfect for saving space and are easy to operate, making them an ideal choice for walk-in showers. Pivot doors, which swing open in either direction, are versatile and can fit almost any bathroom layout. For smaller spaces, bi-fold doors are an excellent space-saving solution, with panels that fold inward, requiring less room to open.
Another key decision is whether to choose a framed or frameless shower enclosure. Frameless designs offer a minimalist, modern look, helping to make the bathroom appear larger and more open. On the other hand, framed enclosures, especially those with industrial-style black frames, have seen a resurgence in popularity, offering a striking visual element.
When selecting shower glass, thickness is an important factor. Glass typically comes in 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm thicknesses, with thicker glass providing a more luxurious feel and greater durability. MERLYN offers a range of options, including their Series 8 Collection, which features both framed and frameless designs, and the Arysto Ten range, which offers premium, designer-led enclosures. All MERLYN glass is treated with a protective coating to resist soap scum, watermarks, and limescale, ensuring the glass remains clear and easy to clean.
Colour finishes are also a significant trend in modern bathrooms. Brushed Brass adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, while Stainless Steel offers a contemporary, industrial look. Matt Black is a bold choice that adds contrast and class, and Brushed Bronze provides a regal, luxurious finish. MERLYN’s colour options are designed to be durable, with the black finish, for example, being fully integrated with the aluminium substrate to prevent chipping or peeling.
The bathroom has evolved into a key space in the home, with the shower enclosure serving as its centrepiece. With careful planning and the right choices in design, materials, and finishes, you can create a bathroom that is both functional and luxurious, tailored to your personal needs and style preferences.
Norcros plc (LON:NXR) is a leading B2B producer of branded bathroom and kitchen products for its UK, South African and selected export markets. The portfolio of eleven operating companies (7 UK, 3 South Africa) is characterised by strong individual brands, together providing product breadth and channel diversity from a strong supply chain base.
