Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Shower Enclosure

A stylish, well-chosen shower enclosure doesn’t just elevate the look of your bathroom — it also plays a huge role in keeping the space dry, healthy and free from mould. With so many designs, shapes and sizes available today, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. This quick, practical guide walks you through the essentials so you can confidently choose a shower enclosure that fits your bathroom and your lifestyle.

The Three Main Types of Shower Enclosures

Start by understanding the basic styles. Everything else builds from here:

• Frameless – Sleek, minimal, and spa-like. Frameless shower enclosures use thick glass panels supported mainly by discreet hinges. They offer a premium look with maximum openness.
• Semi-frameless – Slimline metal bordering supports thinner glass. A great middle-ground option if your walls are slightly uneven.
• Framed – With metal surrounding the entire structure and door, these offer affordability and excellent stability — a practical choice for busy, family bathrooms.

Choosing the Right Door Style

Door style affects both usability and how the enclosure fits into your bathroom layout:

• Sliding doors – Space-saving and ideal for compact bathrooms. Perfect for sliding shower enclosures built into alcoves or corners.
• Pivot doors – A timeless classic. These swing open on a pivot mechanism and create a clean, modern look.
• Hinged doors – Similar to a traditional room door, offering wide access and a solid, high-end feel.
• Bi-fold doors – Folding neatly inward, these are ideal for very small bathrooms where every centimetre counts.

Understanding Shower Glass Options

Not all glass is created equal. Here’s what to consider:

Glass Thickness

• 6mm – Lightweight and affordable, typically used for smaller enclosures.
• 8mm – Ideal for frameless and semi-frameless styles for extra stability.
• 10mm – A luxury option often seen in high-end bathrooms and hotels.

Glass Type

• Clear glass – The classic; has a slight green tint due to natural iron content.
• Low-iron glass – Beautifully crisp and ultra-clear; perfect for showcasing tiles and stone.
• Patterned / textured glass – Adds privacy and visual interest, with options such as frosted, ribbed, and tinted.

Is a Walk-In Shower the Right Choice?

Walk-in showers are stylish, spacious, and perfect for modern bathrooms. They feature a large walk-in enclosure with no door — a simple screen, open access, and a sleek tray. They’re ideal for accessibility, larger bathrooms and anyone who prefers an uncluttered, contemporary look.

However, they may not suit very small bathrooms, as the open design can result in water splashing outside the screen.

Accessories to Enhance Your Shower Enclosure

• Handles – From simple knobs to statement pull bars.
• Towel bars – Often built into the door for convenience.
• Hinges – Continuous hinges or soft-close options create a premium feel.
• Protective glass coating – Helps repel soap scum and hard water for low-maintenance cleaning.
• Shower trays – Choose from acrylic, resin, stone or modern slate-effect shower trays.

Planning Your Space

Before buying, take accurate measurements and consider:

• Where your enclosure will sit
• Door clearance and usable floor space
• Lighting, pipework, and ventilation
• The shape of your walls — especially in older properties

Once you know the basics, choosing the right enclosure becomes simple. Always check warranties, compare brands, and buy from trusted suppliers for long-term peace of mind.

Looking for More Inspiration?

Explore more guides and buying advice in the JT Spas Bathroom Ideas Blog, or browse our full collection of shower enclosures and shower doors.