Although it may seem a matter of little importance, the materials and elements that make up the bathroom have as much importance in the decoration as the rest of a house. At a functional level, perhaps we are talking about a greater relevance than that of other rooms. A clear example of this can be seen when choosing between the different types of shower enclosures.
It is a crucial element, but we do not always have access to all the information we might need when purchasing one. Do you know what types of shower enclosures exist? The truth is that the possibilities are very varied and that we can find different types of classifications, so any attention is little in this sense.
Important factors in choosing between all types of partitions
When choosing between all types of shower enclosures, it is important to take into account certain factors, since not all options are suitable for every bathroom. Both aesthetically, as well as practically and spatially, it is important to consider the following issues.
The materials
The materials of a shower enclosure, in general, must be resistant and durable, in addition to showing a certain capacity to withstand the inevitable constant flow of water and limescale that they will receive with the passage of time. Oxidation and calcification are risks we should not take when choosing the composition of our shower enclosure.
Profiles
In this case, in addition to the aforementioned durability that has to do with the material -aluminum being one of the most used-, we must also stop to think about the aesthetic factor. And is that the color of the profiles of a screen influences more than we think in the decoration of the bathroom; Are you looking for matte or glossy tones? Better chrome, white or black? These are the most common, but as long as there is harmony, your imagination will set the limits.
Shower dimensions and shower enclosure
With regard to space, it is clear that not all screens are valid for any shower. Moreover, we should not look only at the measures, because it is not only a question of whether a screen fits or not, is that sometimes it is preferable to reduce its size for aesthetic reasons, although it is possible to install it.
Bearings
The bearings affect the behavior of the screen, so in this case we are talking about a completely practical issue. However, not all types of shower enclosures have bearings, as this is an element of the sliding ones.
It can be located at the top or bottom, although there are also models on the market with bearings at both ends. It goes without saying that they must be of a minimum quality, since they have a direct influence on the durability of the screen.
The type of closing and opening
In this case we are talking about a factor that affects all the factors mentioned about the choice of a shower enclosure. On the one hand, it is important to take into account the space, since we can not always resort to any type of opening or do it in the way we would like.
On the other hand, the practical aspect is also relevant, because sometimes, although we can make any type of installation, not all of them are functional for the daily use of the screen and, finally, adjusting to these needs, we must look for an option that satisfies us aesthetically, which there are always some.
The location
The location of the shower and, consequently, of the shower enclosure, has a lot to do with the previous indication. If the shower tray is located in a corner, the shower enclosure should surround it completely, while if it is located between two walls, we should only use a one-sided shower enclosure.
The needs of those who will use the shower
This is perhaps the most important aspect when choosing a shower enclosure. You may never have considered it because you do not need it, but those who have special needs when entering and exiting the shower, know perfectly well the relevance of this element. In fact, there are many people who take this into account as a foresight for the future, even though it is not necessary at the time of installation.
The distribution of the rest of the elements
Regardless of the types of shower enclosures you are considering when making a decision, it is important to consider the elements that may interfere with their location, the type of closing and opening and the direction in which they will open. If it is going to hit against the sink when opening, for example, it is advisable to use a sliding shower enclosure system.
Bathroom size
The sliding screens are again the protagonists when we refer to the size of the bathroom. And is that when the room is large you do not have to consider this situation, but if we talk about a small room, the folding doors would be an obstacle to enjoy the little space available.
Types of shower enclosures according to their structure
Once we are clear about the factors to be assessed before choosing between the different types of shower enclosures, we can classify them by their structure. Obviously, this diversification is closely related to the structure of the shower where it will be installed, although small variations can always be introduced.
Front screens
Suppose you have an elongated shower tray, which runs from one wall of the bathroom to its front on the narrow side of the room. Or you have simply decided to install a partition wall as a side enclosure for the shower tray. In this case we would speak of a front partition, since it should only cover one side of the installation.
Semicircular screens
Semicircular shower enclosures are located in shower trays that are placed in a corner of the bathroom and whose external ends -those that are not located next to the walls- form a semicircle or a curvature. Of course, the shower enclosure must be adapted to its shape, something that is usually chosen for aesthetic reasons, but in some cases for practical reasons.
Angle partitions
The same applies when the shower tray is square or rectangular, with perfectly shaped corners, and is located in a corner of the bathroom. The shower enclosures should be properly adjusted to these angles to prevent water leakage through any gaps.
Types of shower enclosures according to the closure
Finally, the most common classification when listing the different types of partitions is based on the different closing and opening systems that they can have. In this case, we are talking about the most important decision in this regard because it influences the functional, aesthetic and spatial aspects.
Folding partitions
Folding screens are a highly recommended option for small spaces. They are folding doors, but composed of several leaves that fold together so as not to occupy the entire length of the surface they cover when they are open.
Fixed partitions
Surely, among all types of shower enclosures, the fixed ones are the most recurrent for aesthetic trends in recent times. However, in order to use them, we need a shower tray of a considerable size, which allows us to leave one side open to enter and exit, but which is far enough away from the faucet, so that the water does not fall on the outside.
Tilting screens
They are a type of shower enclosures similar to the folding ones, but whose closing system is located in the center of the leaf, so that it turns on itself taking one of its ends towards the outside and the other towards the inside of the shower.
Sliding partitions
They are, together with the folding ones, the most common type of shower enclosure in shower trays. It is a system of guides -which can be located at the top, bottom or both, as we pointed out- that allows the leaves to slide to either side to open and close. They can be single or double-leaf.
Folding partitions
In the same way that the sliding ones, the folding screens can be formed by one or two pieces. It is a system of opening to use as any interior door and is recommended for spacious bathrooms for what it occupies when it is open.
Why is it important to make the right choice among all types of shower enclosures?
What we expect from the elements and materials that make up a bathroom is that they are as durable, practical and aesthetic as possible -in that order-. Therefore, among all the types of shower enclosures that we can find, we must choose the one that best suits our needs and conditions. In this way, it will meet the expected requirements in complete safety.
Now, beyond the types of shower enclosures that we have indicated, it is important that you take into account the quality of the materials and components. Keep in mind that this is an element exposed to two factors of great wear and tear: daily use on multiple occasions and the calcification of the water that it will constantly endure.
Sometimes, saving a little at a given moment, can have economic consequences in the not too distant future, and this is an element in which it is worth investing to avoid major costs. When you go to choose, beyond the type of screen you choose, think that an expensive product is usually more economical than two cheap ones.
