Your premise of tranquillity and rejuvenation, yes, we are talking about your bathroom; it deserves nothing but the best. If you have a small home or an apartment or merely looking for a means to make your larger one more efficient, a corner shower can provide a very practical and eye-catching solution. In this blog, delve into the world of corner showers, exploring their wonderful features, a variety of styles, installation considerations, and the benefits of choosing them for your bathroom makeover.
What is a Corner Shower Unit?
A corner shower unit is an enclosed shower installed in the corner of the bathroom to maximize space whilst offering a sleek, modern design. These units are available in an array of shapes and sizes, comprising two glass sides and a shower door, usually fitting in a diagonal angle against the corner.
Types of Corner Shower Units
Corner showers come in a myriad of styles.
Quadrant Showers
Quadrant showers are popular corner showers with curved, space-saving design. Two types exist - offset quadrant and the simple quadrant. The latter is equal-sided, with a rounded frontage providing a stylish and smooth appearance. The offset variety provides more room inside, with one side longer than the other.
Neo-Angle Showers
Neo-angle showers or diamond-shaped showers are ideal if you desire ample space but still desire to keep the shower in the corner. They comprise three glass sides with a shower door, forming a diamond shape.
Round Corner Showers
Round corner showers are like quadrant showers but lack the straight sides. They save space and are perfect for smaller bathrooms due to their compact profile.
Rectangle Corner Showers
Rectangle or square corner showers maximize the use of corner space, offering a larger area compared to quadrant or round corner showers.
Key Elements of Corner Shower Units
Every bathroom is unique, and so are your preferences and needs. Understanding these core elements can assist you in choosing an appropriate corner shower:
- Size: From compact 32" x 32" showers to spacious 36" x 48" solutions, corner showers offer a viable option for every space.
- Glass Types: Options include clear, frosted, and rain. Clear glass makes your bathroom appear larger, whereas frosted and rain glasses provide privacy.
- Frame Options: Choices range from frameless minimalistic designs giving a sleek look to more traditional framed options.
- Door Styles: Choose from sliding doors best for tight spaces, pivot doors for a wider opening, or hinged doors optimal for larger showers.
Top Benefits of Corner Showers
There are countless reasons why corner showers are becoming a favorite addition to any bathroom makeover. Here are the most significant ones:
- Space Saving: Corner showers are the ideal answer for tighter spaces as they slot perfectly into the bathroom's corner, opening up the rest of the room.
- Vast Design Choices: From a simple frameless design to elegant French neo-angle showers, the choice of design options are limitless.
- Ease of Cleaning: Most corner showers have easy-to-clean surfaces, providing a hassle-free cleaning experience.
- Easy Installs and Upgrades: Whether it’s a new installation or upgrading your existing bathroom, corner showers cause minimal disruption.
- Increased Home Value: Aesthetically pleasing and with a high utility factor, installing a corner shower is likely to increase the value of your home.
Installing a Corner Shower: Key Considerations
While corner showers aren't as demanding to install as traditional tub or shower combos, there are still several factors to consider:
- Space Assessment: As before any home project, an accurate assessment of space is critical. Your bathroom's size and layout will determine the size and style of the corner shower unit you can install.
- Drainage Location: The drainage location will also influence your corner shower choices, depending on whether it's centrally located or along one of the walls.
- Building Code Compliance: Always ensure your project complies with local building codes. Consulting an experienced professional during the planning phase is always a wise idea to ensure your bathroom remodel goes smoothly.
- Budget: Corner showers come in a range of prices, with elements such as material, design, and brand all influencing the cost. Bearing in mind these factors and planning accordingly can prevent any unnecessary expenditure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Corner Shower
What sizes do corner showers come in?
Corner showers come in a variety of sizes, catering to different bathroom sizes and personal preferences. Common dimensions range from compact 32"x32" models for really small spaces, to larger 42"x42" or 48"x48" editions that provide a spacious shower experience. Always measure your available space carefully before making a purchase to ensure a perfect fit.
Can you customize a corner shower?
Yes, you can customize a corner shower. Customization can involve a variety of design elements, such as door style, frame finish, back-wall design, or the inclusion of specific features like shower benches, shelving, grab bars, and more. Depending on the manufacturer, you may have a significant range of customization options to make your corner shower exactly fit your needs and style.
Are corner showers easy to clean?
Generally, corner showers are easy to clean because of their design. The large, smooth surfaces and minimal nooks and crannies decrease the number of places for grime or mold to accumulate. However, the level of maintenance can change based on the materials used. For instance, glass doors require regular cleaning to prevent water spots and streaks.
What are the alternatives to corner showers?
While corner showers are an excellent choice for many, alternatives are available if they don't fit your style or needs. Examples of these alternatives include walk-in showers, bathtub/shower combo units, stall showers, curved quadrant showers, or even wet rooms. The choice greatly depends on your space, budget, and design preferences.
What is the typical installation process for a corner shower?
While specific steps may vary based on the type of corner shower being installed, the process typically involves:
- Preparing and measuring the space
- Installing the shower base
- Assembling the shower walls
- Adding the door assembly
- Finishing with any necessary hardware or features such as a showerhead or knobs.
Professional installation is recommended unless you have significant DIY skills, to avoid plumbing or leakage problems down the line.
How long does it take to install a corner shower?
Installation time for a corner shower can vary depending on the complexity of the model, condition of your bathroom, and the skill level of the installers. A straightforward installation by an experienced plumber could be completed within a few hours. However, if the project involves complicated plumbing work or if you are installing a more complex model, it might take a couple of days.
Are corner showers suitable for small bathrooms?
Corner showers are an excellent choice for small bathrooms. Because of their design, they efficiently utilize bathroom corners, freeing up valuable floor space. They can make a small bathroom look more open and airy without compromising on the functionality of having a comfortable shower area.
Can corner showers have more than one door?
Yes, a corner shower can have more than one door. These are known as dual or double-door corner showers. Having two doors can make the shower more accessible and allows more options for entering/exiting the shower, especially in bathrooms with more space.
Are corner showers less expensive than traditional showers?
The cost of corner showers can vary significantly based on size, material, and brand. However, in general, they can be less expensive than full-sized traditional showers because they are smaller and require fewer materials. On the other hand, custom or high-end corner shower models could be quite pricey.
Pros of Corner Shower
Space Saving Design
One of the significant benefits of the corner shower is its design is meant to save space. Given its triangular shape, the corner shower fits snugly into the corner of the bathroom, maximizing the remaining space. This makes it an ideal option for smaller bathrooms where a bathtub or a full-sized shower enclosure might not fit.
Cost Efficiency
In general, corner showers can be more cost-effective to install than full-sized shower enclosures or bathtubs. They require fewer materials to build and can be installed faster, lowering labor costs. Plus, since they take up less space, they can be cheaper to maintain and repair as well.
Easy Installation
Most corner showers come as kits that can be easily assembled and installed. This could save you the cost and hassle of a professional installation team. However, even if professional installers are used, the process is typically quicker and less invasive than installing a full-sized shower or bathtub.
Variety of Styles and Designs
The market is awash with a large variety of corner shower designs. From frameless designs that offer a sleek, modern look to ones with striking frames available in a variety of finishes. They also come in different sizes, allowing homeowners to choose one that fits their bathroom's dimensions and their personal style.
Eco-friendly option
Due to their smaller size, corner showers also tend to use less water than larger showers or bathtubs, making them more eco-friendly. This could also mean lower water bills in the long run.
Cons of Corner Shower
Limited Space
The most obvious disadvantage of a corner shower is the limited space. These compartments might not offer the same level of comfort as a large shower enclosure or bathtub. This could be a deal-breaker for those who enjoy long, luxurious showers or have mobility issues that require more spacious accommodations.
Limited Storage
Given their compact size, corner showers usually offer limited storage options, making it hard to keep toiletries within easy reach. Items like shampoos, soaps, and scrubs might need to be stored elsewhere, which could be inconvenient.
Accessibility Concerns
While corner showers can save space, they might pose accessibility challenges for people with mobility issues or disabilities. Their doors are often narrower, and they might need to be stepped into, which could be problematic for some individuals.
Drainage Issues
Because of their location, corner showers can be more susceptible to drainage issues. If not installed correctly, water can accumulate and not drain properly, leading to potential water damage to the surrounding areas.
Resale Value
While a corner shower can be a good solution for small spaces, it may not boost the resale value of your home as much as a larger, more luxurious bathroom renovation. Some potential buyers may view the lack of a full-sized shower or bathtub negatively, potentially impacting the selling price of your property.
Potential for Poor Craftsmanship
While corner shower kits can be more straightforward to install, there's also a risk of poor craftsmanship if the job isn't handled by professionals. Improper installation could result in leaks, structural damage, and the need for expensive repairs.
Myths and Misconceptions about Corner Showers
When it comes to home renovations or new home designs, bathrooms, and more specifically, showers, are a crucial part of the plan. One shower style growing increasingly popular is the corner shower. However, like many subjects in home décor and design, corner showers have a fair number of misconceptions and prevalent myths tied to them.
Corner Showers Are Not Suitable for Small Bathrooms
Myth:
Many people believe that corner showers take up too much space, making them unsuitable for small bathrooms.
Reality:
This is probably one of the most prevailing misconceptions about corner showers. In reality, corner showers can be an incredible space-saving solution for small bathrooms. Unlike traditional bathtubs or even some regular showers that require large amounts of floor space, corner showers tuck neatly into the corner of the bathroom, utilizing space that would often otherwise go unused, thus maximizing the remainder of the bathroom floor.
Corner Showers Are Expensive
Myth:
Some people may think that corner showers are always more expensive than regular or traditional shower setups.
Reality:
The cost of a corner shower can vary greatly, depending on the materials used, extra features included, and the labor required for installation. However, basic corner shower units can be quite affordable and comparable in cost to traditional showers. Furthermore, the potential space saved with corner showers could potentially free up space for other additions to your bathroom, possibly increasing its overall value.
Corner Showers Are Difficult to Install
Myth:
Many homeowners dread the thought of installing a corner shower in their bathroom, thinking that it requires significant plumbing work and skill.
Reality:
While it's true that some corner shower installations can be complex, particularly if it involves rerouting plumbing, many modern corner shower units are designed for easier installation. Some corner showers come as complete kits that include the shower pan, the wall panels, fixtures, and detailed instructions for installation. Hiring a professional is also an option for expert and quick installation.
Corner Showers Are Less Durable
Myth:
A popular misconception is that corner showers are less durable than their traditional counterparts.
Reality:
The longevity and durability of a corner shower (like any other shower or bathtub) depend greatly on the quality of materials used and the installation process. Quality corner showers, when properly installed and maintained, can serve you for many years without needing significant repairs or replacement. Besides, many of these units are made from high-quality acrylic or fiberglass, materials known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Corner Showers Are Not Stylish
Myth:
A common belief is that corner showers are not as stylish or elegant as traditional showers or bathtubs and thus cannot enhance the aesthetic appeal of a bathroom.
Reality:
Contrary to this belief, corner showers can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a bathroom. They come in various designs, sizes, and finishes, offering plenty of options for homeowners who want their bathrooms to express their personal style. Also, the glass doors usually associated with corner showers can make a bathroom look more modern and spacious.
Only Square or Rectangular Corner Showers Exist
Myth:
Some people believe that corner showers only come in square or rectangular shapes.
Reality:
While it's true that the most common corner shower designs are square or rectangular, they're not the only available shapes. These days, corner showers are available in a variety of designs, including round and neo-angle (an irregular hexagon) styles, providing more flexibility for homeowners in terms of design and space utilization.
Corner Showers Are Hard to Clean
Myth:
Many people think that cleaning a corner shower is more difficult than cleaning a conventional shower or bathtub.
Reality:
No significant difference exists between cleaning a corner shower and a traditional shower. Most corner showers are made from materials that are easy to clean, like acrylic or fiberglass. Smooth, seamless designs are also common, which prevent buildup of dirt and soap scum.
Summary
Corner showers are the ultimate game-changers when it comes to maximizing space in small and medium-sized bathrooms. They are the go-to solution for homeowners and designers, owing to their economical use of space. The smart design of a corner shower allows you to have a luxurious bathing space without compromising on your bathroom's overall aesthetics and functionality.
In terms of variety and personalization, corner showers offer a wide range of options. You can choose from different types of doors, such as sliding, hinged, or even curtain-style for a vintage look. Besides, there are various materials, colors, and textures available, so a corner shower can easily blend with any bathroom decor. It's like getting a custom-made shower solution that perfectly matches your style and needs.
What sets a corner shower apart is not only its space-saving attribute but also its easy installation and maintenance. The fact that most models are designed to fit against two walls makes them easier to install compared to traditional showers. Moreover, due to their size, maintaining a corner shower doesn't take as much time or effort as cleaning a large bathtub. Thus, a corner shower is the perfect blend of style, functionality, and convenience.
About Solid Construction & Design
At Solid Construction & Design, based in Sacramento, CA, we're not just a construction company, we're a dedicated team aiming to craft remarkable and long-lasting spaces that significantly adds value to your home. Backed by years of hands-on industry experience, advanced construction techniques, and a keen sense of detail, we effectively translate your vision into a reality that exceeds expectations. Whether you're longing for a home renovation or a kitchen remodel, our blend of creativity and practical expertise ensures we deliver work of the highest standard. We don't just build houses - we create homes.
