Curved Shower Enclosures

Understanding Curved Shower Enclosures and Their Benefits

Having a basic understanding of the benefits of curved shower enclosures can help you make a more informed decision when choosing the right option for your bathroom. Some of the main benefits that make them such a practical and attractive choice include:

• They save space by projecting less into the room
• They can fit neatly into the corner of almost any bathroom
• They typically use sliding doors, which require no outward clearance
• They come in a wide range of sizes to suit different bathroom layouts
• They are easy to maintain and keep clean

Popular Shapes and Styles of Curved Shower Enclosures

When it comes to curved shower enclosures, they are available in various shapes and styles. Here is an overview of the three most popular:

Quadrant Curved Shower Enclosures

Quadrant shower enclosures are the most popular curved design. This type of shower enclosure features a symmetrical curved front with two straight sides that fit neatly into a corner, making it perfect for small to medium-sized bathrooms where space is limited.

Offset Curved Shower Enclosures

Offset curved shower enclosures have one longer side, which creates a wider internal showering space while still fitting comfortably into a corner. This type of enclosure is a practical option for homeowners who need a little bit extra showering space while still making efficient use of their bathroom's floor space.

Pentagonal Enclosures

As the name suggests, pentagonal enclosures feature a five-sided design with a slight front angle rather than a full curve. As a result, this type of enclosure offers a more angular and contemporary look, which makes it a good alternative for people who prefer shaper lines over a rounded design.

Curved Shower Enclosure Door Options Explained

Curved shower enclosures are available in various door configurations. Some of the most popular options that you can choose from include:

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are the most popular option for curved shower enclosures, especially in bathrooms where space is limited. This is largely due to their space-saving design, as the door panels glide along a smooth track instead of opening into the room.

Hinged Doors

Hinged doors are designed to open on a fixed pivot, which allows them to swing outward and provide wide and direct access to the shower area. As a result of this outward motion, sufficient clearance is required in front of the enclosure to allow the door to open fully without obstruction.

Bifold Door Curved Enclosures

Bi-fold doors are another popular space-saving option. These types of doors are designed to open neatly into the shower area, reducing the amount of space required directly in front of the enclosure. This makes them the perfect choice for compact bathrooms where every inch counts.

Choosing the Right Size Curved Shower Enclosure

Choosing a curved shower enclosure in a size that suits your bathroom is essential for creating a comfortable and functional space. Fortunately, due to their popularity among UK homeowners, curved shower enclosures are available in a wide range of sizes that you can choose from.

If you have a small bathroom, and want the most compact option available, that would typically be an enclosure that measures 700mm x 700mm. If you'd like a little bit more showering space, you can also consider an 800mm x 800mm model.

If you have a larger bathroom, you'll have a lot more flexibility in terms of enclosure size - as you can go for both a compact model as well as a larger option such as a 900mm x 900mm curved enclosure or an offset curved design that will provide you with even more internal space.

Important Features to Consider Before Buying a Curved Shower Cubicle

Before you buy a curved shower cubicle for your bathroom, there are a couple of important features that you should consider, including:

Glass Thickness & Safety Ratings

Though most curved shower cubicles use toughened safety glass, the thickness of the glass can vary between the different models, which will have an impact on the cubicle's durability and overall feel. The most popular glass thickness for a shower enclosure is typically between 6mm and 8mm.

Easy-Clean Glass Treatments

If you want to spend less time cleaning your glass to keep it shiny and clean, consider choosing a curved shower enclosure with an easy-clean glass coating. This treatment will create a protective layer on the surface of the glass, which will help repel water, soap residue, and limescale.

Frame Materials & Designer Finishes

The frame material and finish will have a direct impact on both the durability and overall appearance of the shower enclosure. So, make sure that you choose an option that complements your overall interior to achieve a cohesive look.

Door Mechanisms & Roller Quality

The quality of the rollers and the door mechanism are crucial for long term performance and smooth operation. So, definitely pay close attention to these seemingly invisible components, as they play a major role in ensuring quiet and effortless door movement over time.

Curved Shower Tray Compatibility

When buying a curved shower cubicle, matching its dimensions with a suitable shower tray is essential for ensuring a secure fit, proper water drainage, and lower risk of water damage over time.

Curved vs Square Shower Enclosures: Which One Should You Choose?

Curved and square shower enclosures are the two most popular options on the market, and choosing between the two can be quite tricky. To help you make the right choice, here's a simple overview of when each style is likely to work best:

• Choose a curved shower enclosure if you have a small bathroom and want to make the most out of the available space while still having a comfortable area to take a shower
• Choose a square shower enclosure if you have a medium or larger bathroom and comfort is your top priority

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on the size of your bathroom and the amount of internal space you need to comfortably have a shower.

Measurement and Installation Tips for Curved Enclosures

If you plan to install your curved enclosure yourself, taking accurate measurements is the first and most important step to ensure a secure fit and a smooth installation. Even the smallest inaccuracies can lead to alignment issues, leaks, or compatibility problems with the shower tray.

So, before you purchase the shower enclosure you're interested in, measure the width, depth, and height of the installation area. You should also check the walls and make sure that they're straight and level.

Before you begin the installation, make sure that you have the manufacturer's instructions at hand and all the tools and equipment you'll need for the job. If you're unsure whether you can handle the job on your own, hiring a professional installer from your local area is always a good idea.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Curved Shower Enclosure

Taking proper care of your curved shower enclosure will go a long way in preserving its appearance and performance over time. Here are a couple of handy tips that will help keep your enclosure looking its best:

• Use non-abrasive cleaning products
• Clean the rollers and tracks regularly
• Wipe down the glass after every shower
• Checks the seals and joints every few months
• Use a soft cloth or a sponge when cleaning the enclosure

With simple, regular maintenance, your curved shower enclosure will remain clean, functional, and visually appealing for many years to come.

Why Choose Heat and Plumb for Curved Shower Enclosures?

We have been in the business of supplying homeowners throughout the UK with curved shower enclosures for decades. With 25,000+ positive reviews across Google and Trustpilot, we have slowly but surely built a reputation for reliability, product quality, and customer service you can depend on.

Other reasons why you should choose H&P for your curved shower enclosure include:

• We stock 140+ different curved models in various sizes, finishes, and configurations
• We only source curved enclosures from the industry's leading brands and manufacturers
• We offer fast, free, and reliable shipping to 98% of addresses across the UK
• The satisfaction of our customers has and always will be our number one priority