A Guide to: Shower Baths
For most of us, modern-day living means jumping in the shower in the morning to freshen up for the day ahead. However, a soothing hot bath at the end of a hard day is a luxury most of us are unwilling to relinquish. Not many bathrooms have enough space for both a bath and a shower cubicle so compromise is inevitable, creating the concept of a shower bath.
What is a shower bath?
Take one standard long, straight-sided bath. Fit a shower attachment to the wall above and add a shower curtain. Bingo! You have a shower bath, the ideal compromise in a space-challenged bathroom. However, DIY shower baths are not known for being stylish, screaming student bed-sit rather than boutique bathroom.
There’s no need to panic. Purpose-made shower baths are the new buzz in the world of bathroom fittings. Flush away your old, boring bath with its rickety shower attachment and mouldy shower curtain and plunge into the modern designs appearing in bathroom showrooms. These stylish shower baths will give even the smallest, dingiest bathroom a hint of luxury and glamour.
What makes a purpose-made shower bath different?
The new shower baths are perfectly designed for their dual purpose, whether you prefer to be invigorated in a refreshing shower or to luxuriate in a hot, sensuous bath. The shower end is wider, giving the bath an “L” or “P” shape, thus allowing more room for movement as you stand and splash under the shower spray. However, the length required for a comfortable bath is still there. The shower baths are made from strong, hard wearing acrylic and come with specially shaped and fitted shower screens to prevent any water splashing onto the bathroom floor.
What if I have specific requirements?
Like standard baths and shower cubicles, shower baths have a variety of shape and feature options. The “L” shaped shower bath is ideal for a standard square or long bathroom whilst the “P” shaped shower bath will look stylish in a bathroom full of curves and fluid lines. Both designs are usually available with the shower area protruding from the left or right side and in different lengths, allowing you the freedom to choose which side of the bathroom you want them fitted.
If you are really tight for space, space-saving shower baths are available in shorter lengths. The innovate designs do not stop there – you should be able to find the ideal-shaped shower bath to fit into a corner or alcove, if that is all the space you have available.
If the bathroom is your favourite hideaway for a spot of pampering, you could go for the height of luxury with the whirlpool bath option. If someone in your household is elderly or has restricted movement, walk-in options are available for some shower baths meaning no-one should need to struggle to enjoy a bath or shower.
