Types of shower cabins: varieties, best manufacturers + tips for choosing

Specialized stores offer various types of shower cabins equipped with all sorts of additional functions.To make the right choice, it is important to take into account a number of parameters, the reliability of the manufacturer and the design of the product.

You must admit that at first glance at the variety of models, it is quite difficult to evaluate all the characteristics and buy suitable plumbing fixtures. We will try to make your choice easier.

The article provides a detailed classification of shower boxes, describes the strengths and weaknesses of each option, and identifies the best manufacturers of plumbing fixtures in different price categories. The information provided will help you navigate the range of offers and choose the best cabin option.

Main types of shower boxes

All manufactured models are divided into two large categories: open and closed. Additionally, there is one more type of cabin – combined.

Option #1 - open showers

The simplest option is open boxes that are integrated into the bathroom space. Their characteristic feature is the absence of a ceiling.

Structures of this type are usually mounted in a corner area, less often, against a wall. In the latter case, a tray is placed on the floor, which is connected to the sewer.

One or two partitions are installed along the perimeter, combined with sliding or swing doors. The role of the missing panels is played by the bathroom walls, finished with ceramic tiles.

Sometimes a design option without a pallet is used. The box is mounted directly on the floor, which is concreted at a slight slope. After this, a drain is made on a horizontal surface, and then tiled with non-slip surface.

Despite the simplicity of the design, open booths can look original and impressive. Properly selected and beautifully designed boxes will decorate not only the bathroom interior, but also the bedroom

Let's look at the positive and negative aspects of this type of box.

The advantages of models in this category include:

• budget cost;
• simplicity of design, which ensures its durability;
• Possibility of installation even in a compact room.

The last factor is especially applicable to booths without a pallet, since in this case the size is determined arbitrarily.

But such devices also have noticeable disadvantages:

1. Limited functionality. Open cabins provide a minimum of comfort. Most often, the functionality is limited to a shared shower. Other modes, as well as installation of a steam generator, ozonizer or other add-ons are not provided. You can only take a shower in open stalls while standing; rare models have a folding chair.
2. Complexity of arrangement. The design requires major installation with pipes and drainage.
3. Labor intensity of repair work. When installing an open box, access to water supply and sewerage communications is difficult, which complicates repairs.
4. The need for a powerful hood. During operation of such shower cabins, steam enters the room, which increases humidity. This negatively affects the condition of the furniture and household appliances in the room.

Open boxes are more suitable for those who do not chase fashionable functions such as hydromassage or aromatherapy. Owners of small bathrooms will also appreciate them.

Option #2 - closed cabins

This category includes models with a completely autonomous design. Such systems consist of shower tray, walls and top panel. The boxes are installed on special legs, which allows you to move the structure if the need arises.

Comfortable and functional closed shower cabins are available in a huge range. This makes it easier to find a model that meets the user's criteria

Such designs are in high demand due to the high level of comfort and variety of functions offered.

Among the positive aspects of boxes of this type are:

• huge functionality;
• isolation of the structure;
• convenient filling;
• ease of installation and disassembly;
• a large selection of models on the market.

Closed models offer a variety of additional functions: rain shower, using a steam generator, hydromassage, voice control, radio and much more.

The fully enclosed design effectively maintains the microclimate in the cabin, with almost no effect on the temperaturehumidity environmental characteristics. In addition, such boxes have excellent sound insulation.

Despite the apparent complexity, boxes of this type are easy to install and dismantle.If necessary, the systems are disassembled, transported to a new apartment and installed again.

The disadvantages of closed boxes include their higher cost compared to open booths.

It can also be noted that cabins of this category, which provide a large number of additional functions, require increased electricity consumption.

Option #3 - combined type boxes

Models in this category are boxes that have a deep tray or bathtub. Most of these systems have a closed design, but there are open options that do not have a ceiling panel.

Comfortable combined models can be primarily recommended for families with children. They are well suited for people who like to use relaxing water treatments.

The main advantage of this type of cabin is the increased level of convenience, because users can simultaneously enjoy the benefits of both a shower and a bath.

Different models have a different set of additional functions: from jacuzzi before sauna mode, from voice control to aRomatherapy.

Disadvantages include:

• increased cost;
• big sizes.

In stores there are quite compact corner structures that can be installed even in a small bathroom.

Structural features of shower boxes

The designs of shower boxes differ according to the following criteria: the type of cabin, size and shape, depth of the bowl and the material from which the tank is made, features of the door systems. We'll look at these factors in detail below.

Criterion #1 - size and shape of boxes

Shower stalls also differ in parameters and shape, which are determined by the configuration of the pallets.

By size range There are three main types of cabins:

• small-sized - up to 100*100 cm;
• average - up to 130-130 cm;
• full size - 170*80 cm.

The minimum parameters of a shower cabin are 80*80 cm; using a smaller box is inconvenient and even dangerous.

The shape of the model also depends on the pallet. More often on the market there are universal designs designed for installation both in the corner and along the walls. Special options are also available for installation in corner or wall areas.

The height of shower box structures varies between 170-250 centimeters. As a rule, the instructions indicate the recommended height of the room where the booth will be installed

The following types of structures are considered the most popular:

• square;
• rectangular;
• trapezoidal;
• semicircular;
• asymmetrical.

The choice depends on the parameters of the bathroom, the personal preferences of the owner, and the design intent of the space.

Criterion #2 - depth and material of the pallet

When choosing, you should pay attention to the tank of the shower box, since ease of use largely depends on it.

The following categories of pallets are distinguished:

• flat, up to 3 cm deep;
• small, depth 10-18 cm;
• deep – up to 45 cm.

In the latter case, it is important to provide comfortable access to the bowl, for which it is advisable to install one or two steps.

When choosing a shower cabin model, it is important to consider the size of the room. For small bathrooms, miniature corner boxes are suitable, while in spacious rooms, designs with an asymmetrical or semicircular configuration look better

The quality of the shower cabin is affected by the material of the tray.

The most common options include:

• cast iron;
• steel;
• artificial marble;
• a natural stone;
• faience;
• acrylic.

Cast iron pallets – a classic option, characterized by increased durability. Products made from this metal are designed to last for decades. However, cast iron is unnecessarily heavy and also heats up slowly.

Steel options are also strong and durable, and also weigh less than cast iron. Disadvantages include lightning-fast cooling of products and excessive noise caused by falling streams of water.

Artificial marble pallets or natural stone They are not afraid of chemical and mechanical influences, heat up quickly, and retain heat for a long time.

In addition, such pallets have a refined appearance that is beyond the control of years. The only disadvantage of stone pallets is their excessively high cost.

Plumbing faience It has a massive, presentable appearance, but requires careful handling due to its fragility. When handled with care, such products last for a long time.

Products made from acrylic are highly hygienic because they hardly absorb dirt. They are practical, since minor damage is invisible on a glossy surface, and serious damage can be restored

Acrylic products are most widespread today. They look good in the interior, are cheap, and easy to install. In addition, modern technologies make it possible to produce models of different colors and shapes from this type of plastic.

Criterion #3 - method of opening doors

Both the design of the model and ease of use depend on this factor.

According to the method of opening the door, the following types are distinguished:

• swing;
• sliding;
• hinged;
• folding (“book”).

Swing doors. The folds are attached using hinges to the room wall or side panel. In this case, they fold outward, forming the widest possible passage.

Sliding systems consist of one or two panels, sliding along the facade using rollers or guide rails. In order for the cabin to serve for a long time, it is important to use a high-quality sliding mechanism.

Hinged structures. They are characterized by the use of rotating mechanisms (hinges) at the upper and lower ends of the door. This ensures convenient and safe opening with the formation of a wide passage. Experts consider this type of fastening to be the most reliable.

Folding doors. The doors open inward and overlap each other. This option is most often used for rectangular shower boxes or elongated cubicles.

The pallet should be edged with sides 1-2 cm high. They are designed to retain water, which is drained through special grooves to the bottom, preventing leakage to the floor

If during installation you have to count every millimeter, it is better to use sliding or folding structures as the most compact ones.

Since swing and hinge options require additional opening space, they are best used in spacious rooms.

Glass doors are most often used to furnish a shower stall. Read more about choosing and installing a partition in this article.

The best shower cabin manufacturers

The stores offer a wide selection of plumbing products belonging to various price categories. We will mention only a few reliable manufacturers whose products deserve attention.

Elite products from famous companies

Among the companies supplying goods VIP-class can be called:

• Jacuzzi (Italy);
• Villeroy & Boch (Germany),
• Esbano (Spain);
• Huppe (Germany);
• Laufen (Austria).

The products of these companies are distinguished by high quality, attractive design, and a long service life. Elite materials and fittings are used in production, so the products last a long time while maintaining an attractive appearance.

However, models from well-known brands are expensive, since in this case the buyer pays for the name.

Mid-priced products

The upper segment of the middle price range includes products from such respected brands as:

• Roca (Spain);
• Geberit (Switzerland),
• Timo (Finland).

More affordable prices from manufacturers from Eastern European countries, for example, Ravak (Czech Republic), Cersanit (Poland). The products of these companies are distinguished by decent quality, practicality, pleasant design, and excellent fittings.

Budget market segment

Thrifty buyers should turn to products produced by domestic manufacturers, as well as boxes from well-known Chinese companies that have been producing shower cabins for many years.

Decent products are supplied by such companies as:

• Niagara (China);
• Apollo (China);
• Optima (China);
• River (Russia);
• Watercolor (Russia).

The quality and design of shower boxes is quite acceptable, although it naturally lags behind elite brands. You should first pay attention to budget brands if you plan to purchase a simple model with a minimal set of functions.

Recommendations for potential buyers

Since shower cabins are expensive plumbing products, the cost of which starts from twenty thousand, the choice must be approached carefully.

Before going to the store, it is advisable to draw up a diagram of the bathroom, designating the area for installing the box. The size of the product must be commensurate with the area of ​​the room, where it is also necessary to leave space for other plumbing fixtures.

Unpretentious open-type shower structures are indispensable in the countryside. They allow you to wash in almost any conditions, because even low water pressure is enough for them to function

The plan should also indicate the location electro- And water networks, as well as sewerage. As a rule, the drain in the pan is placed in one of the corners, which is installed near the wall with a sewer outlet. The shorter this section, the greater the risk of clogging it is exposed to.

It is important to take into account that you need to add an additional 1-3 cm to the size of the booth for installation seams.

If you plan to install the box in a compact room, it is better to limit yourself to a shower corner or a small stall with a low tray. In the latter case, special attention should be paid selection and assembly of the siphon.

It is advisable to choose a shower stall with sliding doors, which will also help save space.

The cost of models is dramatically influenced by the functionality offered. It is advisable to purchase a design with a steam generator, ozonizer and other “bells and whistles” if you plan to use such functions constantly.

If you need the box for taking a shower, it is better to buy a basic and, accordingly, budget model.

For multifunctional shower enclosures, high pressure in water pipes. In case of problems that sometimes occur on the upper floors, it is better to abandon the expensive design and limit yourself to an open cabin, which works great at a pressure of 1-1.5 bar.

A low shower tray is convenient for older people, as it is the most comfortable and safe to use. At the same time, such structures are more prone to blockages than others.

For a family with small children, a combination box with a bathtub or deep tray is best suited. A useful feature would be precise temperature control. It is better to choose this option if you plan to use the tank for washing or soaking clothes.

Some restrictions are also related to the quality of water supplied to the house. If it is too rigid, it is better to abandon complex models that include a “tropical shower” mode.

The small holes provided in the sprinklers quickly become covered with lime deposits and fail.

Before making a final decision to purchase in a store, you need to make sure the strength of the materials from which the frame and pallet are made. It is also necessary to check that the thickness of the parts is correct.

Try going into the box to determine the degree sagging pallet, as well as the level of comfort. It is important that the surface of the tank is rough and not slippery.

Check the functioning of the doors: the doors should open smoothly, without noise or effort, and be airtight when closed.

The walls and doors of shower stalls are usually made of plastic or tempered glass 6-8 centimeters thick. The latter option costs more, but is more reliable and prettier.

Study carefully cabin assembly instructions and rules for using plumbing equipment. Check the manufacturer's obligations and the possibility of warranty repairs.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Below is a video about open and closed shower stalls:

The specialist gives advice and recommendations on choosing shower boxes:

In modern plumbing stores, an inexperienced buyer may become confused due to the abundance of products, in particular shower stalls. To ensure that an expensive purchase fully meets your expectations, before going to the store, clearly define your preferences and price category.

In this case, it will be easier to consider the positive and negative sides and make an informed choice with an ideal balance between quality and cost.

To select the optimal model from a huge range of different types of shower cabins, you need to take into account a number of factors: design features, brand reputation, compliance with the desired characteristics.

Share with readers your experience of purchasing and using a shower box. Tell us what the choice of booth was based on, and whether you are satisfied with the purchase. Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.