What are the Most Popular Sizes of Walk In Showers?
(Image Source: Pixabay)
A walk in shower can be one of the most elegant additions to any bathroom. However, whether you have a smaller space of a large one to play with, you need to make sure that your shower is not overpowering the space. Here are some of the most popular sizes of walk in showers, to give you an idea about what could work for your space.
A Standard Size
Many walk in shower enclosures are designed to fit a space where there was a bath previously. This means that you ideally want to find an enclosure that is roughly the same size as the bath was, if you are replacing one.
This usually equates to roughly 170 cm in length and 70 cm in width. This is usually big enough to fit a standard bath. However, you should also consider the size of your bathroom as a whole. If your bathroom is on the larger size, you can always scale things up. Likewise, if you are tight for space you will most definitely still have room for a walk in shower, you might just have to be more economical with your space.
Scaling Down
If you have a bathroom that is on the smaller size, you can definitely still include a walk in shower in this space. The minimum size for a walk in shower can be as small as 90 cm in length and 76 cm in width. While this is a greater width than with a standard size, it needs to be this way to avoid water escaping the walk in shower enclosure.
Unless you want a wet room style bathroom, going smaller than this is not recommended. If you are looking for a smaller walk in shower, consider investing in one with a curved enclosure as opposed to a rectangular one. This may help you to avoid unnecessary splashing.
Going Big
Those who want a spa-like experience in their home and have the space to do so should consider a walk in shower on the larger size. It is possible to find showers with widths of 100 cm and lengths of 200 cm. This should create a large space perfect for the inclusion of a bench or an overhead shower, if you are searching for a more luxurious finished product.
If you are considering investing in a larger shower, you need to ensure that you have the room for it. Take careful measurements if you are updating an existing bathroom, and don’t forget about the other fixtures if you are creating a bathroom from scratch. With careful measurements, you should be able to find the right shower for your space.
Take a look at some of the walk in shower enclosures we have here at JT Spa. No matter what size of bathroom you are working with, we may have the perfect solution for your space. Whether you have a smaller bathroom or a large and opulent space to work with, the perfect shower for you is out there!
How Do I Choose the Right Walk In Shower Enclosure?
A walk-in shower can be a great addition to any bathroom. As with any renovation choice you care to make, you need to think carefully about what style of walk in shower enclosure you have. Here are some of the things you need to take into consideration when selecting a walk-in shower enclosure.
The Room Itself
What size of room will this shower be going into to? If you have a sizeable bathroom, this might not be too much of an issue. However, you need to think carefully about the room if your bathroom is on the smaller side. A walk-in shower can be a great option here, but you need to make sure that it is not going to take up too much of the floor space.
One of the great reasons to invest in a walk-in shower can be because of its ability to fit into a small space. The glass walls of a walk in shower enclosure can easily be lost against a tiled background, and this together with some clever placement of mirrors can make a small bathroom feel much bigger than it actually is.
The Shape of the Enclosure
You can buy walk in shower enclosures in many different shapes so it is important to find the one that is exactly right for you. Take the time to explore some of the different shapes you can opt for.
One of the most important types of walk in showers has a rectangular base. This is incredibly practical as it can be arranged against any wall with a matching shower enclosure encapsulating it. You can also find shaped trays, such as those in a P-shape, that help to add a little more form and elegance to the shower if that is your preference. No matter what style you have in mind, there will be a beautiful shower enclosure out there that could match it.
Budget
Luckily, walk in showers enclosures are one of the more affordable styles of showers you can invest in. If you are searching for a bathroom fitting that is more affordable than most, you should definitely consider investing in a walk-in shower.
The main cost of this type of shower can be from the fittings and the tiles, as opposed to the unit of the enclosure and the tray. By reusing an existing shower unit and simply upgrading the enclosure, you may even find that this renovation is far more affordable than you could have first thought.
Are you considering adding a walk-in shower to your bathroom? It could prove to be one of the best decisions you could make in your home. Whether you are completely remodelling your bathroom or just switching a bath for a stylish walk in shower, you will be able to find everything you need at JT Spas.
Browse our selection of shower enclosures today and find the perfect shower for you and your home.
Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting the Best Freestanding Bath for Your Needs
Freestanding baths are a style statement, allowing your bathroom to look fabulous and elegant with hardly any effort. If you are indeed looking to replace your old and worn out bath with a new one or are in the midst of building a new home, the bath you choose needs to be the best according to your taste and preference, budget, theme, and functional and practical requirements. Freestanding tubs are an investment, and you would surely want your investment to be well worth it. Here, then, is your ultimate step-by-step guide to selecting the best freestanding bath for your needs.
- Decide its position
The first step is to decide where you’ll place it. What do you think is the best position for it? Are you thinking of putting it in the centre, or one corner? This will depend on the shape and size of your room, and your options may be limited to a single place or several. If you have a window, this is a good place to install a freestanding bath as other fixtures such as toilets or washbasins don’t often go well underneath windows. The same is true if you have a feature wall or alcove; placing your bath here is also a good choice.
- Choose your material
The material you choose matters as you don’t want the bath to be too heavy. Natural stone and cast iron, for instance, are heavier than materials like acrylic, and acrylic may also be better in terms of shapes and budget. If you aren’t sure about your flooring’s strength, consult a structural engineer or builder so they can tell you if you need to strengthen your floors before installing your freestanding bath.
- Select the style
The style will be based on what you prefer and what your theme is. If you have a contemporary theme, you’d do better with a modern-styled bath, for instance. You have a lot of choices – from double-ended baths to single-ended ones, slipper baths, clawfoot baths and pedestal tubs. For a sleeker look, you can opt for egg-shaped baths, oval baths, and even round baths. It’s also good to think about your room’s overall design as opposed to your entire home’s design – if it could fit with your entire theme, this would be excellent as well.
- Consider colour and that unique factor
Whilst white will always be a classic choice, you can opt for black freestanding baths, which may be brilliant as a feature on its own. But if you are looking for that extra unique factor that makes your bath stand out, you can go for an unusual or unique shape or material. Aside from popular materials like fibreglass or acrylic, ceramic or porcelain, you can also opt for copper or stainless steel, wood, marble, stone, or rock – but make sure, as mentioned, that the material is suitable for your flooring.
- Select the taps
Once you have decided on your bath, whether it’s to be modern or traditional, it’s time to select the taps. You can opt for taps that are mounted straight on the bath, which is cost-effective since you can fit them at the bath’s end or the centre but check the bath for the right taphole placement as well. You can go for taps on the floor or wall, although they can be more difficult to install. Chrome is an affordable option for the taps’ finish, but you can also choose copper, brass, or silver nickel depending on your budget.
Image attributed to JTSpas.co.uk
Your Step-By-Step Guide to the Best and Most Relaxing Bath Time Ever
One of the best things you can do for yourself if you want to relax is to take a bath, and a lot of us look forward to our bath time late at night, especially on the weekend or at the end of a long and busy day. With a good bath, you can relax and de-stress and forget about all your worries, and if you have your bath with a glass (or two) of wine and some other ‘bath essentials’ you can definitely feel like a new you. But getting into and enjoying a bath is a ritual in itself, so before you begin your soak, you should make sure that everything is in place. Are you wondering how you can have the most relaxing bath time ever? Here’s your step by step guide.
Gather the essentials
First of all, gather all the essentials. This, of course, includes a nice soap or bath bubble or wash, your favourite magazine or book, some aromatherapy candles (preferably with a lavender or chamomile scent, which have definitive relaxing properties), essential oils (in the same scents, of course), and whatever else you can think of to enhance your bath time or which suits your fancy. Foaming bubbles are particularly brilliant, so make sure you get the right scent and a lot of foam before you step in.
Know the benefits of scented oils
Scented oils are particularly popular nowadays and for good reason. Once your bath is half full with water, add your chosen scented oil. As mentioned, lavender is an excellent scent for relaxation, but you can also go for rose oil, which has a distinctive and delightful feminine scent.
Determine the proper temperature
There’s indeed nothing like stepping into a warm bath with just the right temperature. But before you step in, make sure to dim the bathroom lights and dip your toe into the water just to be sure that it’s not too hot. If your bathwater is too hot, it could make you feel dizzy, and you certainly don’t want that.
Don’t forget the candles and the music
There are two other elements which make up the best and most relaxing bath: candles and music. If you have a music playlist, set this up to play some relaxing and soothing music which can really set your mood. You can, of course, play something more upbeat, but your best choice would be music that’s positive and calming as well. Candles will also do the trick at turning your bath experience into a truly memorable and relaxing one, so make sure to light a few scented candles and place them around your freestanding bath or in different areas of the bathroom.
Bring in the snacks
Another way for you to really enjoy your bath is to bring in the snacks. This doesn’t mean that you ought to bring in crisps and binge on them; look for snacks that are easier to eat and more luxurious, such as strawberries, grapes, chocolates, and so on. Don’t forget the wine or champagne, either – but if you want something equally relaxing, you can bring in a cup of your favourite tea as well. Enjoy!
Image attributed to JTSpas.co.uk
How You Can Freshen Up and Enhance Your Bathroom without a Major Remodel
The winter season is upon us, and we all know how harrowing it can be. But spring and summer should be here before you know it, and you will definitely have something to look forward to then. Lots of homeowners choose to do remodels and refurbishments during the spring and summer seasons, and rightly so. But if you would like to do a remodel of your bathroom in the coming months and aren’t keen on spending hours of work and effort as well as money, here’s how you can freshen up and enhance your bathroom without a major remodel.
Do it with paint
Painting your bathroom seems like such a simple solution, but it’s a solution which has worked for many. You’d be amazed at the whole transformation of your bathroom with just a fresh and simple coat of paint. Paint can easily lose its lustre even after only a few years, and if you want your bathroom to look fresh, choose colours which are bright, cool, and crisp, such as nautical colours or plain and pure white.
Light it up
Another way you can freshen up the look and feel of your bathroom (and make it more functional) is with the use of the right lighting. Lighting elements can do a lot for your bathroom, especially if your bathroom has existed for years with just a single central fixture. Install wall sconces on either side of your bathroom mirror or place recessed downlights or spotlights in the corners. These can do wonders and make it easier for you to do some essential functions as well.
The power of de-cluttering
You may de-clutter the other rooms in your home on a regular basis, but have you ever thought of de-cluttering your bathroom? When you organise your bathroom, it will instantly look cleaner and brighter since there won’t be too many elements which distract the user and limit the space. Don’t forget to clear out cupboards, drawers, and shelves, and keep only those products which you use regularly. If you want your bathroom to become more functional, you can also hang open shelves to display your towels and linens as well as toiletries. You can even make use of open shelving to display knick-knacks such as picture frames, potted plants, and other personal elements which can give your bathroom more character.
Scrub it up
Of course, there’s nothing like cleaning your bathroom until it sparkles and shines if you want to freshen up the space. Scrub the floors and walls, and when you do, make sure to remove everything which isn’t nailed down, including rugs, holders, furniture, hanging photos, and so on. Clean your shower enclosure from top to bottom and do the same with your bath as well. On a side note, you can also freshen up the space by replacing an old shower enclosure or unit with a new one; shower cabins come in all shapes and sizes nowadays, and a beautiful new shower cabin can definitely give your bathroom a more modern look.
Replace fixtures
You can also replace your bathroom fixtures whilst you’re at it; fixtures can quickly look dingy and outdated and can make your bathroom look old and decrepit. Replace taps, basins, and the above-mentioned shower enclosure, and your bathroom will look as good as new.
Image attributed to JTSpas.co.uk
Do You Want to Enhance Your Bathroom Without a Total Remodel? Here’s How to Do it Right
Bathrooms can easily become worn out and run down, as we all know because they are one of the busiest rooms in any home. Even if your bathroom looked spotless and beautiful a few years ago, it might start showing some wear and tear after just a few years, which can well affect your experience in this supposedly relaxing and rejuvenating space. But if completely remodelling your bathroom every few years is out of the question, there are some simple things you can easily do to spruce up and enhance the look and feel of your bathroom – and it needn’t cost an arm and a leg, either. So if you would like to enhance your bathroom without a total remodel, here’s how to do it right.
- Upgrade your basin or bath/shower
If you don’t have the time or the resources for a complete remodel, there is one thing you can do, which can make a vast difference: upgrade your basin or bath/shower. Basins or baths/showers are bathroom statement pieces, and if you upgrade or replace them, you can create a unique focal point in your bathroom, which can also contribute to a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation. For instance, you can go for a standout basin or one made from a unique material, or you can go for a shower cabin, which is pre-made. Shower cabins nowadays are also filled with all sorts of features, from hydromassage jets to special lighting, built-in radios and speakers, and this can definitely give your bathroom an entirely different feel, not to mention, it will make your shower experience memorable.
- Enhance it with mirrors
Another way you can enhance your bathroom space is to make use of mirrors. Mirrors can definitely add the illusion of space in your bathroom, and this can be particularly useful if you have a small space. With the right mirrors, you can also light up your bathroom and make it look airier. Make use of tall and long mirrors so you can exaggerate your bathroom’s size more effectively.
- Light it up
A typical bathroom will only have one central ceiling light, which is hardly enough for you to groom yourself or apply makeup or shave. The lighting in your bathroom can give your bathroom a more dramatic look, so pay attention to other lighting sources such as sconces, wall lights, track lighting, recessed lights, downlights, etc. Here’s a tip: if you have a central mirror, place two sconces on either side of it (make sure they are at a higher level than the mirror, so there are no shadows); this can change the atmosphere in your bathroom and make it easier for you to perform different functions as well.
- Experiment with paint
One sure way you can enhance your bathroom’s appeal is to change the colour of the walls. You can do this with the right paint, especially contemporary paint colours such as grey or spicy colours such as tangerine. You can also experiment with a bit of colour blocking, or take advantage of a style called ombre, which is where one particular tone of a certain colour will gradually fade into a different tone of the same actual colour. Another option would be to opt for modern laminate wood panelling for your walls, which can give your bathroom a nice, minimalistic look. If you want, you can go a bit bolder with patterned wallpaper (a combination of wallpaper and paint works especially well), and if you’re a bit concerned about overwhelming your bathroom’s look, you can simply create a single accent wall covered in the patterned wallpaper, to serve as a statement piece.
Image attributed to JTSpas.co.uk
Top Tips for the Best Maintenance of Your Freestanding Bath
If you are already the owner of a gorgeous freestanding bath, then you may have already derived hours and hours of pleasure from luxuriating in the hot bath, especially after a long and hard day. And even if you are still thinking about acquiring your own freestanding bath, you would know that your bath is an investment and you should take care to keep it as spotless and beautiful as possible. If you want your beautiful bathroom to be a complete retreat, your freestanding bath should be clean, of course, and the surrounding area should be fresh and clean as well. But the basic maintenance and cleaning of a freestanding bath aren’t difficult, especially since most freestanding baths today are made with the best materials which can prevent mould and mildew from building up. Here, then, are some top tips for the best and easiest maintenance of your freestanding bath.
Top tips for maintaining and cleaning your freestanding bath
- If your bath has recently been installed by a contractor, they will not always leave the area in the best condition. Expect to have some construction debris around and inside the bath, but for this, all you need is a mild soap or detergent. You can also use a cleaner which is non-abrasive or denatured alcohol. If there is some dried caulk or plaster on the surface of the bath, you can try removing it using a wooden stick, but don’t ever use tools that could potentially damage your bath, such as wire brushes or putty knives.
- After you use your freestanding bath, wipe it down with a piece of cloth. This will help keep it spotless and sparkling clean.
- If there is any dry dirt or dust on the bath, remove this with a soft cloth that has been dampened with water. You can then dry the tub with another piece of dry cloth.
- If you are planning to use bath oils in your bath, make sure to rinse it once you are finished. This will help you avoid the build-up of sediment or grime in the bath.
- Rather than waiting until your bath is dirty before cleaning it, it’s better if you set a regular schedule for cleaning. Even if the bath doesn’t look dirty, it’s still best to clean it so you can keep the tub looking as good as new for a longer time.
- When you use cleaning products for your freestanding bath, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer, and read their precautions or warnings as well. If your freestanding bath is made of acrylic, make sure the product you use is safe for acrylic.
- Never use any harsh solvents or chemicals on your freestanding bath, and avoid abrasive cleaning products, too. Harsh solvents can damage the bath’s surface and sheen. Avoid other products such as kerosene, gasoline, pine oil, and wintergreen oil as well. Stay away from cleaners that are abrasive (you’ll know it’s abrasive if it has a gritty feel).
- Avoid the use of any metal scrubbers or other sharp products or materials which can scratch the tub’s surface.
- If your freestanding bath acquires a scratch, stain, or smudge, you can try removing it with very fine sandpaper, rubbing the sandpaper on the surface using a gentle circular motion. Afterwards, you should wipe the surface dry using a soft cloth.
How You Can Really Open Up Space in Your Small Bathroom
Bathrooms are undoubtedly necessary in any home, and most homes nowadays have more than one. The master bathroom, however, is the most important bathroom in any property, but if it is small, this can be a bit of a problem. A small bathroom can be more challenging to move around in, and you want to maximise its space as much as possible without it being too cramped or crowded. So, if you have a small bathroom in your home, it’s definitely in your favour if you can find a way to open up its space and make it work for you. Here, then, is how you can really open up the space in your small bathroom.
Use a sink console 
One of the best ways you can open up your bathroom space is to use a sink console rather than a traditional or standard vanity cupboard or cabinet. The console will make the bathroom look larger, giving the illusion of space, especially if the space underneath it is open, giving you some extra storage space as well.
The beauty of organisers and baskets
You can avoid too much clutter in the bathroom – and make it look more organised as well – with the use of baskets and organisers. Organisers come in various kinds, from tiered stands to open shelves to baskets and totes as well as glass canisters. You can easily place smaller bathroom items in these organisers, such as toilet paper, small towels, hairbrushes and combs, and more, and the glass canisters can serve as excellent storage for even smaller items such as cotton pads and dainty bars of soap.
Add more lightin
g
The beauty and elegance of any bathroom can be enhanced with the proper lighting, and this is even truer if you have a tiny or small bathroom. Lighting can make an immense difference in your bathroom, and don’t just settle for a strong overhead light – think wall sconces, down lights or spotlights in the corners, and so on. One of your best options for lighting would be to place sconces or wall lamps on either side of your bathroom mirror (don’t place a single light on top of the mirror, because this can lead to shadows). The sconces or lamps can easily illuminate the space and make it easier for you to do specific functions, such as styling your hair, applying makeup, shaving, and so on. If you want to make even more of a statement, opt for decorative lighting such as an elegant mini-chandelier, Victorian-style or vintage lamps, and so on.
Opt for space-saving shelves
Another way to open up your bathroom space is to opt for space-saving shelves. Do away with closed shelving and go instead for open shelving. You can even go for combination open shelves and towel bars, which allow you to store different items on the top shelves and use the bottom towel bar for towels. There are also shelving units now available which you can install over the toilet, offering you better options for storage as well.
Make use of shower or bath caddies
Shower or bath caddies are also great space-savers, and instead of wasting the space in your shower enclosure or your bath alcove, you can choose to install caddies where you can place shower and bath essentials such as shampoo, body wash, and so on.
The beauty of your small bathroom can definitely be emphasised with these small changes, and if you want to make your bathroom even more appealing and functional, you can also take advantage of freestanding baths in smaller sizes, which are the perfect fit for a smaller space.
Your Guide to Bathroom Tiles and How to Choose the Proper Ones for Your Floors and Walls
If you are aiming to revamp your bathroom with new tiles on the walls and floors, you have a lot of options from which you can choose. Tiles play an important role; they not only make your bathroom look much better and have more appeal, but they also serve to protect your bathroom’s walls and floors as well as the areas behind your bath or shower and basin. You have a lot of choices indeed – you can opt for natural stone such as marble, or you can go for ceramic, glass, or porcelain as well. Along with this comes a multitude of finishes and shapes, but all these choices can make it even more difficult for you to settle on a single one. Here, then, is your guide to bathroom tiles and how to choose the proper ones for your floors and walls.
The materials
You have two choices in regard to materials: either human-made tiles or natural stone tiles. Natural stone tiles have a lot of personality and character, but they require more care, and you will need to reseal the tiles over some time to maintain their quality and the protection they give. Human-made tiles, on the other hand, are a great choice if you are on a budget, although they will not have the same unique character you will find in natural stone.
- Natural stone
Natural stone tiles such as marble appear elegant and opulent, and you can choose from a wide array of tones and colours which vary from light to dark, with different patterns of veining thrown in as well. But while you can opt for both wall and floor marble tiles, you should avoid installing polished marble on your floor because it can be quite slippery. You should also make sure that the marble is properly sealed, and ensure that any spills are wiped up right away.
Another natural stone, travertine, can also be a good choice with its beautiful and natural pitting, but you should choose filled travertine, so water doesn’t penetrate through the stone. You can use it for both your walls and floors, but make sure it is adequately sealed.
Your other choices include limestone and slate, with limestone being timelessly stylish, although it can be easily scratched because it is a softer stone. If you want, you can use it for your en suite bathroom; it goes well with the look of pre-made steam showers. Slate can also be great if you want a darker shade, but it’s recommended that you use it either for just the walls or only the floor, as too much of it can be quite overwhelming.
- Human-made tiles
When it comes to human-made tiles, you have choices between ceramic, porcelain, matt, and gloss. Ceramic tiles are quite affordable and easy to maintain, and although they’re not as sturdy as porcelain, you can make use of them for both walls and flooring. Make sure, though, that the ceramic you want is suitable for flooring because some aren’t. Porcelain tiles are a lot denser and are also easy to maintain, and they can be used for walls and floors.
If you want, you can also go for gloss bathroom tiles, which are known for reflecting light. They’re particularly useful for smaller bathrooms as they make it look brighter and more spacious, and the gloss finish of the tile makes them easy to clean as well. Meanwhile, you can also opt for matt bathroom tiles, which can look similar to other materials like stone, wood, or cement. Matt tiles are also good at hiding watermarks, so you may want to consider this if you are concerned about having a clean look for your bathroom.
How You Can Best Maintain Your Shower Enclosure and Cabin
When you have a clean bathroom, this will play a significant role when it comes to your good spirits, not to mention your good health. The thing about bathrooms is that they can easily become dirty, not only because we use them every single day, but also because a good number of people can use these areas. What’s more, bathrooms are generally places where a lot of mould and mildew can build up in just a little time, so it’s really important to keep it as clean and free from mould and mildew as possible. But there’s one particular area in the bathroom which can get quite dirty if you’re not mindful, and this is the shower cabin or enclosure. How, then, can you maintain your shower enclosure and cabin so that it stays clean and fresh throughout the week and the years ahead? Here’s how you can best maintain your shower enclosure and cabin.
Keeping the air fresh
First of all, you’ll want to keep the air as fresh as possible by keeping your bathroom well-ventilated. A poorly ventilated bathroom can easily harbour mould and bacteria, so the air should be kept flowing. If there is too much moisture in your bathroom, this can also affect the chrome-plated fixtures in your shower as well as the basin. It’s best if you can open all the windows and the door after using the shower, and if you can, install an exhaust fan or extractor fan that vents outdoors. It’s essential to maintain a humidity level between 40 to 60% if you want to keep your bathroom free from mould, bacteria, and mildew.
Cleaning the glass in your enclosure or cabin
After some time, limescale can accumulate on the glass in your shower enclosure or cabin, especially if you have hard water in the area where you live. The residue of soap and shampoo can also collect over time, and this can take away the sheen of the glass and affect its finish, making it translucent rather than transparent.
To keep the glass in your shower cabin or enclosure clean, wipe it down after every use. Make it a point to remove excess soap and water from the glass so the residue will not dry up and leave streaks. Also, when you are in the process of cleaning the shower glass, use a standard cleaner expressly for glass rather than ordinary or standard soap. Leave this solution on the glass for a minute or more so it can take full effect. Once you are done cleaning the shower glass with the solution, wipe it with a paper towel. It would also be best to clean the shower glass as often as possible – stay on top of the job so that the process will be easier as well.
Cleaning the showerhead
Your shower enclosure’s shower head can become clogged, particularly if you live in an area with hard water. The culprit for this is often mould and limescale, and if you ignore this, the problem can worsen, and your showerhead can become blocked. To clean your shower head, unscrew the head and clean as well as brush or scrub off any dirt. Clean the other parts of the showerhead by placing them in a basin filled with a mix of water and white vinegar; soak the parts for at least 15 minutes.