For one reason or another sometimes an off the shelf shower enclosure will just not do…
Perhaps you have an awkward spot your shower needs to go in, or perhaps you have a bathroom that needs a little extra something special.
Whatever the reason – more and more people are seeing the value in getting a bespoke custom made shower enclosure.
This article will guide you through the options you have available and provide little hints and tips on how to make the whole process a little smoother.
Design Choices
The first thing you will need to decide is if you want a frameless shower enclosure or not. This means
This is one stunning, very custom shower enclosure. That is certainly the focal point of this room!
(while taking the risk of stating the obvious!) that there will be no frame or edge to the enclosure.
This means you have a very modern and very contemporary look right off the bat. It is really quite astonishing how much better enclosures can look just by making them frameless…This is by far the most popular option – not many people will get a bespoke shower enclosure and ask for it to be framed – although it is certainly possible, they are bespoke after all!
You should also give some thought to the shape of your enclosure – the great thing about getting a shower enclosure custom made is that they by no means have to be the typical square shape you will find in home depot. All manner of curves are available – creating some amazing sweeping lines that will really draw the eye. From circular to slightly curved, you can have whatever your heart desires.
You probably already know where you would like your shower to be located right? But do you have other options?
If so – think about if you would you like a freestanding shower that is the focal point of the room? Or perhaps you would like it tucked away into a corner with curved sweeping glass breaking up the usually harsh lines of a bathroom? Perhaps you would like to build a solid wall around the shower and only have a glass door? The sky is the limit.
Materials
The most popular material for a bespoke shower enclosure is without doubt glass. It is the perfect ultramodern material that will give the contemporary and clean look many people are after. You can have it frosted, semi frosted – or even completely transparent if you are feeling particularly daring!
What colour would you like the door glass? You can have it slightly tinted in whatever colour you like. You can even have one way tint if you wish (so you can see out and others can’t see in obviously!)
This curved bespoke shower door shows what is possible in terms of curvature. The doors can easily be more curved than this – but it should give you a good idea.
The next thing to consider is what you are going to accentuate the showers door glass with? The handles and other trimmings on the enclosure will be much more obvious to anyone using your bathroom – after all a bespoke shower enclosure is probably going to be unique and interesting, right?
What does the rest of your bathroom feel like? Does it need the natural touch? Then perhaps ask for driftwood style wooden handles and hinges? Or even natural stone?
Looking to go ultra modern? Then brushed steel or even titanium may be your best bet. Or better yet – why even bother having a handle at all? Just have an eyelet (hole) cut in the glass to use as a handle – they surprisingly are quite good at keeping the water in the shower when correctly designed.
How Much Do Bespoke Shower Enclosures Cost?
Surprisingly bespoke shower enclosures are not that expensive. The word is getting out, which is why they are soaring in popularity. Providing you do not go super extreme with curves or get silly with super rare materials.
The aluminium or steel trimmings and fittings on this shower enclosure make a stunning effect for minimal extra cost
If for example you have a loft conversion and are creating an en-suite. The angles of the roof will probably mean you cannot get an off the shelf shower. In most situations like this you will find that you will not pay a huge amount more than a standard shower enclosure.
However if you are going crazy with it then you can expect the price to increase – dramatically. Typically speaking the majority of any added costs will come from curved glass in your enclosure. As this is hand made to measure and is much more of an artisan’s task than simply cutting the correct size sheet of glass.
As they are bespoke, there can be a great difference in quality and price between different builders. You should certainly do your research online and look around at various companies in your area.
Nearly all of them will have a website where you can look at past shower enclosures they have done. They will also list all of their options for customization online… But if you do not see what you are after, send them a quick email. In this custom industry – the customer is king.
Do you have a bespoke shower enclosure? Did we miss anything out in the article that you would like answers to? Let us know in the comments below!
