Shower Baths Buying Guide
Let's face it not every bathroom is designed for a separate shower enclosure and that’s where shower baths really come into their own. With the possibility of providing both a long hot soak and a revitalising shower what more could you want?
What is a shower bath?
Shower baths are simply a way of combining an individual shower enclosure and a bath into one. With the ability to have either a bath or a shower, shower baths are the perfect choice for a family bathroom that otherwise wouldn’t fit both a bath and a shower enclosure.
Which type of shower bath do I need?
Now the style of shower bath that you need will depend on the size and shape of your bathroom. If you have a smaller bathroom then a standard straight shower bath might be the best option as this style takes up less floor space.
However, if you are looking for a larger bath with more space to stand and shower then an L-shape or P-shape bath might be a better suit.
Straight
If your bathroom is tight on space, then consider purchasing a straight shower bath. Taking up less floor space than other designs such as P and L shapes, straight shower baths are perfect for small spaces and awkward alcoves.
L shape
L-shaped baths are somewhat similar to P-shaped baths, just without the curve, they have sleek modern lines instead. So, if you’re looking for a shower bath to fit a contemporary space then look no further than a stunning L-shaped bath.
P shape
P-shaped baths are as they say in the title, shaped like the letter P, meaning one end of the bath has a larger rounded curve to it. Making them perfect for larger bathrooms and providing more maneuverable space whilst showering.
J shape
If you’re looking for a shower bath without harsh corners and straight lines but feel a P-shaped bath is too big for your space, then why not consider a J-shaped bath with a beautifully curved edge.
J-shaped baths are also a perfect solution if you find yourself constantly hitting your leg against the corner of your current bath. You’ll have no more bruised knees with the curved lines of a J-shaped shower bath.
Traditional
It’s not always easy to find a shower bath for a traditional bathroom as they tend to be few and far between but once you find a gorgeous traditional freestanding shower bath you won’t turn back. With beautifully designed classic ball or dragon feet, you can achieve a traditional look even with the modern practicalities of a shower bath.
Showers
Once you’ve chosen your new shower bath you might be wondering which shower is best. Whether you’re starting from scratch or replacing an existing shower you need to choose the design and features that best suit your home.
With hundreds of showers on the market, the best place to start is to decide whether you want a standard electric shower or one with more functionalities such as a thermostatic or smart shower.
Both thermostatic and smart showers are brilliant choices for family homes as they control the temperature of the shower more precisely and in most cases, feature temperature cut-off settings helping to prevent scalding.
Smart showers, however, feature the ability to pre-set water temperature and to warm up the shower remotely from your smartphone, perfect for both busy and lazy mornings.
If you’re looking to add a touch of glamour to your bathroom then why not consider a stylish black or chrome shower instead of a standard clinical white finish? A beautiful shower can really make all the difference to the feel of your bathroom.
Taps
When installing a shower bath, it can be easy to forget about taps but without them, your shower bath wouldn’t be complete. With multiple styles to choose from, such as bath mixers and pillar taps, you first need to decide which type is best suited to your home.
Bath mixer tap
Combining both hot and cold water into one tap, mixer taps are perfect for easily controlling the temperature of your water, ideal for filling the bath ready to relax after a long day!
Pillar taps
A blast from the past, pillar taps are no longer the main style of tap fitted in households, with bath mixer taps coming out on top. However, this doesn’t mean your bathroom wouldn’t benefit from them. If you feel you would rather control your hot and cold taps individually then pillar taps are the choice for you.
Wall mounted
However, if you have chosen a traditional bath without any tap holes then a wall-mounted tap is the way forward. Available in both modern and traditional styles wall mounted bath taps do take more time to fit than a standard tap however, their style and individuality make up for it!
Bath shower mixers
A bath shower mixer tap is a clever style of tap that combines your bath tap and shower head into one unit. The best of both worlds. The handset is perfect for a quick wash but you still have the ability to fill the bath quickly with the mixer tap if you want a long hot bath.
Shower screens and curtains
Shower screens or shower curtains are an essential part of a shower bath, preventing water splashes from reaching the rest of your bathroom as well as providing some much-needed privacy when showering, especially in a busy family household.
If you’re renovating on a budget, then a stylish shower curtain might be your best bet. With plenty of sizes and designs to choose from you're guaranteed to find the right one for your bathroom.
However, if you’re budget can stretch a little further then why not choose a shower screen? While not all shower screens give you the same privacy as an opaque shower curtain they do, however, work better at keeping puddles and water splashes from reaching the rest of your bathroom, making them perfect for a family home.
Coordinated bathroom
If you’re creating your shower bath with a black colour theme then you’ll be pleased to know we offer a wide variety of black showers, shower screens, and taps allowing you to create a truly beautiful colour coordinated bathroom.
If you're looking for further information on baths or showers take a look at the following handy posts - How to Replace Your Bath with a Shower - Shower Room Ideas For Small Spaces - Rainfall Showers and Rainfall Shower Heads.
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