A design trend that combines practicality and aesthetics in a single space: the walk-in shower enclosure - and we are sure you will love it
Featured topics:
- What is a walk-in shower enclosure?
- Distinguishing features of a walk-in shower
- Advantages
- Drawbacks
- Differences between walk-in and flush-to-floor showers
- Walk-in shower panel
- Prices
For those who are always on the lookout for impressive design ideas, the walk-in shower enclosure is a modern and comfortable alternative to the classic shower cubicle. It’s no coincidence that this solution is increasingly popular among interior design enthusiasts.
What is the secret of its charm? The ability to create depth in the bathroom environment, with unrivalled aesthetic results. Just browse through the range in the Ercos shower catalogue and you will fall in love with it at first sight.
But let’s discover together what a walk-in shower enclosure is and why you should buy one for your bathroom.
What is a walk-in shower enclosure?
A walk-in shower enclosure is an open shower that you can access simply by walking in, created by installing a glass panel, usually parallel to the wall and with the shower head positioned on the opposite side to the entrance.
It is an open space shower, with a shower tray that is very shallow or flush with the floor and separated from the rest of the room only by a glass panel. This makes it particularly suitable for small bathrooms, to give an impression of space and depth, amplified by the lack of barriers at the entrance.
Distinguishing features of a walk-in shower
One of the main characteristics of walk-in showers is that on one side they are completely free and open, without doors, shutters or sliding panels. The glass panel is usually fixed to a wall or can be fixed from above using special metal supports.
Another distinctive element is the shower tray, which usually has a shallow profile or is flush with the floor, tiled and with a slight slope to let the water run off through a drainage channel. This solution eliminates any height difference with the floor, making access to the enclosure even easier and faster. Furthermore, when installing a walk-in shower enclosure, the position of the shower head should be chosen carefully to avoid water spraying out during use.
Advantages
Walk-in showers have many advantages compared to traditional shower cabinets. These are the main ones:
- it gives depth and brightness to the bathroom: thanks to a compact design and the presence of a glass wall, the walk-in shower enclosure reduces the footprint, amplifying the feeling of space and making the environment brighter and more harmonious;
- it simplifies access to the shower space: the absence of steps, obstacles, doors or barriers makes access easier and the space more comfortable, also for those who have difficulty in walking;
- it is suitable for narrow and long bathrooms: in long rooms, it is a useful way to recover valuable space, without compromising the visual aspect and the practicality of the shower;
- it offers a wide range of customisation options: from the type of glass to the choice of tiles for the shower tray, the walk-in shower enclosure can be assembled as desired, blending in perfectly with even the most modern and sophisticated interior design choices;
- it ensures easy maintenance and cleaning, thanks to quick and easy access.
Is the walk-in shower enclosure your preference? Choose an Ercos model! The REX series walk-in shower enclosure is perfect for anyone who wants a shower area with minimalist style and high visual impact. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it offers many other advantages: easy to clean, hygienic, resistant and practical. DISCOVER THE REX
Drawbacks
While appreciated for their beauty and comfort, walk-in shower enclosures can have some drawbacks if they are not designed properly. Here are the possible weaknesses to bear in mind before installation:
- possible escape of water: if the shower head is not positioned correctly at the furthest point from the entrance or the enclosure is not wide enough or the wrong drainage system is chosen, annoying water leaks from the enclosure could occur;
- difficult to heat: since it is open at least on one side, the walk-in shower enclosure is often colder and more difficult to heat than an ordinary cubicle, unless there is good radiator nearby.
Types of walk-in shower enclosures
Depending on the number of openings and how the glass panels are positioned, it is possible to distinguish between different types of walk-in shower enclosures:
- corner walk-in shower enclosure, made with 2 closed sides and 1 glass panel;
- recessed walk-in shower enclosure, designed with 3 closed sides and 1 glass panel;
- floating walk-in shower enclosure, designed with 1 closed side and 1 glass panel, with access from both left and right.
Differences between walk-in and flush-to-floor showers
Walk-in showers are often confused with flush-to-floor showers. The difference lies in the choice of shower tray or drainage channel.
Walk-in showers are generally created with one or two shower walls and a shower tray with a low profile or level with the floor. Flush-to-floor showers, on the other hand, have an open floor plan and a drainage channel installed directly on the floor. In the latter type, the tray blends in perfectly with the floor, since it is placed at exactly the same level and usually tiled with the same material.
Walk-in shower panel
As one of the distinctive elements that can make it a true design feature, choosing the walk-in shower panel becomes a key element in the overall choice. This is not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because of durability and ease of cleaning and maintenance.
The most common choice is a walk-in shower panel made of transparent glass, preferably tempered for greater durability. Alternatively, one can opt for walk-in shower panels with a satin finish, or with smoked glass or even with silk-screen printing and graphic motifs. As regards size, it is recommended to choose panels measuring at least 600 mm.
Prices
Now all we need to ask is how much does a walk-in shower enclosure cost? Prices can vary greatly depending on whether it is a corner, floating or recessed model, but also on the size and type of glass chosen. The price can vary from about EUR 160 for an 8 millimetre tempered glass shower panel to more than EUR 1,450 for a walk-in shower enclosure complete with splash guard and slate shower tray.
Browse the Ercos catalogue to find the shower enclosure of your dreams.