Quadrant Shower Enclosures

What are Quadrant Shower Enclosures?

Quadrant shower enclosures, characterised by their curved front and sliding doors, are designed to optimise space while offering an elegant solution to your bathroom’s design. Typically quarter-circle-shaped, these units fit smoothly into the corner of a bathroom, maximising the use of available space. The enclosures usually come in two main variations: framed and frameless designs, each giving a different aesthetic and performance level.

The distinct shape not only enhances the bathroom's visual appeal, but also makes entering and leaving the shower an effortless task thanks to the sliding doors that do not encroach into the bathroom space. Their versatility in size and style makes them a perfect fit for both compact city apartments and spacious suburban houses. Whether you’re renovating a small bathroom or updating a bigger one, a quadrant shower enclosure can be a smart and stylish choice.

Choosing the Right Quadrant Shower Enclosure for Your Bathroom

Selecting the perfect quadrant shower enclosure involves several factors, each adding to the usefulness and the overall aesthetics of your bathroom. Here’s what to consider:

Size and Measurement Considerations

Firstly, measure the available corner space in your bathroom to ensure the enclosure will fit properly. Most quadrant showers are available in standard sizes, which are usually 800mm x 800mm or 900mm x 900mm, but there are also larger or bespoke sizes to fit specific needs. It’s crucial to allow for extra space for the doors to open and close smoothly, especially in tighter bathroom layouts.

Material Choices

The choice of materials can greatly affect both the look and longevity of your enclosure. Glass thickness, for example, varies from 4mm to 10mm; thicker glass often suggests higher quality and better durability. Frame materials also vary, with options running from polished chrome to matte black, allowing further customisation to match your bathroom’s decor.

Door Types

The type of door is another important thing to consider. Sliding doors are most popular in quadrant enclosures due to their space-saving nature. However, some models offer pivot or bi-fold doors that can suit different tastes and needs. Each type has its own set of benefits, such as easier access or better water sealing, so consider what’s most important for your usage and bathroom plan.

Benefits of Quadrant Shower Enclosures

Quadrant shower enclosures offer several distinct advantages that make them an attractive choice for many homeowners:

Space Efficiency: Their corner design makes quadrant enclosures ideal for small bathrooms, as they make use of often under-utilised space. This layout allows for a larger central floor area to remain open, enhancing the feeling of space within the room.

Aesthetic Appeal: With their sleek, curved lines, quadrant enclosures can add a touch of modern elegance to any bathroom. They are available in a variety of styles that can be tailored to fit your bathroom’s decor, from minimalist frameless models to more traditional framed options.

Ease of Cleaning: The sliding doors on most quadrant shower enclosures mean there are fewer crevices and hard-to-reach spots, making cleaning simpler. Many modern enclosures also feature glass treated with anti-limescale coatings to further reduce cleaning time and effort.

Accessibility: Many quadrant enclosures come with sliding doors that do not require outward space to open, making them an excellent option for bathrooms with accessibility considerations. They can be equipped with additional features such as low-threshold bases, which make stepping in and out easier and safer.

The Best Brands for Quadrant Shower Enclosures

Let's start strong with a leading brand in this niche of shower enclosures: Novellini. Novellini stands out as a premier manufacturer in the realm of bathroom solutions, especially when it comes to quadrant shower enclosures. Their products are top-of-the-line and brilliantly innovative, making them a first choice for enhancing modern bathrooms.

Novellini Young Series

The Young R1 and Young R2 models from Novellini are particularly noteworthy. The Young R1 features a combination of hinged and fixed panels, available in multiple sizes and glass options, including clear, aqua, and satin. Its versatility is enhanced by the trim options available in silver, black, and chrome, catering to different aesthetic preferences. The Young R2, similarly, offers a practical design with rise and fall hinges that enable the doors to open both inwards and outwards, providing easy access. These doors are designed with a focus on accessibility and ease of use, featuring a luxurious touch with metal handles and a sleek chrome finish. Additionally, the inclusion of Novellini's Crystal Clear glass treatment ensures that the enclosures remain easy to clean while preventing limescale and bacteria buildup.

Zephyros 2.0 Series

The Zephyros 2.0 R is another excellent choice, known for its sliding doors and the option of custom finishes. This model offers flexibility and practicality, with glass options like clear, niva, and satin, as well as additional features that allow for a tailored bathroom design.

Lunes 2.0 Series

The Lunes 2.0 series showcases models like the Lunes 2.0 R, which is a robust option featuring two sliding doors complemented by fixed panels. This series is celebrated for its durability and the range of sizes and customisations available, making it suitable for diverse bathroom layouts and sizes.

Roman Showers Quadrant Enclosures

Roman Showers is renowned for its wide range of high-quality bathroom products, especially its quadrant shower enclosures, which are known for their durability and elegant design. Their offerings include various models that cater to different tastes and bathroom sizes, ensuring a combination of style, usefulness, and a premium feel.

Innov8 Curved Quadrant Shower Enclosures

The Innov8 series stands out for its sleek, frameless design, which is a major draw for those seeking a minimalist yet sophisticated bathroom setup. Available in several finishes, like chrome, brushed brass, and matt black, these enclosures are intended to offer flexibility in design while maintaining high standards of durability and ease of cleaning. These models are available in dimensions such as 800 x 1000mm and 800 x 1200mm, making them versatile for different space needs.

Haven8 Quadrant Shower Enclosures

The Haven8 series is particularly known for its robust construction and practical designs. These enclosures come with features like 8mm toughened safety glass and chrome-finished aluminium profiles, improving both the aesthetics and longevity of the goods. The Haven8 models, such as the one-door and two-door quadrant enclosures, are available in sizes like 800 x 800mm and 1200 x 800mm, catering to both compact and more spacious bathroom plans.

Haven6 Black Frame One Door Quadrant Shower Enclosure

For those looking for a modern touch, the Haven6 series with a black frame offers a contemporary take on the traditional quadrant enclosure. This model combines the practicality of toughened safety glass with the striking visual appeal of a black frame, making it perfect for modern bathroom decor.

Roman Showers prides itself on manufacturing in the UK and offers a robust guarantee on its goods, underscoring their commitment to quality and customer happiness. Their quadrant shower enclosure range demonstrates their ability to mix style with practicality, making them a preferred choice for those renovating their bathrooms.

Dawn Showering Quadrant Enclosures

Dawn Showering's quadrant shower enclosures are a class apart, highly appreciated for their stylish style and usefulness. Dawn Showering offers the following in brief:

Athena Range: Any bathroom can look sleek and contemporary with the frameless quadrant shower enclosures from the Athena range. These are offered with hinged doors and in black, brushed brass, and chrome finishes. With 6mm toughened safety glass, the series is renowned for its robust design that offers both security and flair.

The Apollo Range offers sliding and hinged door options to suit a variety of bathroom designs and tastes. Strong and adaptable, the Apollo collection fits a range of bathroom sizes.

Thalia series: The Thalia series is perfect for contemporary bathrooms and offers practicality combined with a minimalistic appearance. It is well-known for its single-panel bath screens in brass and chrome.

Shower enclosures from Dawn are highly regarded for having Trident Guard hydrophobic coating, which keeps things clean by fending off germs and soap scum. Their attention to sustainability is further demonstrated by their environmentally friendly building and packaging methods.

Dawn Showering offers a range of options, so there is a more conventional framed enclosure or an opulent frameless design to suit every taste. Every product range guarantees an excellent bathing experience that will improve the look of any bathroom and offer useful advantages.

For those interested in viewing the complete range and learning more about each model's specific features, our dedicated page on Bathroom Supplies Online is the best place to go.

FAQs on Quadrant Shower Enclosures

What is a quadrant shower enclosure?

A quadrant shower enclosure is a shower unit designed to fit into the corner of a bathroom, maximising space while providing a stylish, curved front. These enclosures typically feature sliding or hinged doors and are available in various sizes and finishes to suit different bathroom layouts and designs.

How do I choose the right size quadrant shower enclosure for my bathroom?

To select the appropriate size, measure the corner where you plan to install the enclosure. Standard sizes generally range from 800mm x 800mm to 1200mm x 1200mm. Consider the door opening and the internal movement space to ensure the enclosure fits comfortably within the bathroom's layout.

What are the benefits of installing a quadrant shower enclosure?

Quadrant shower enclosures are space-efficient, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. They offer a modern look with clean lines, and the curved glass adds an element of elegance. Additionally, the sliding doors minimise the space needed for door clearance, making them practical for tight spaces.

Can I install a quadrant shower enclosure on my own?

DIY installation is possible if you have basic plumbing and construction skills. It involves preparing the site, installing the shower tray, assembling and mounting the frame and doors, and ensuring all seals are waterproof. However, for the best results and to avoid any potential issues, hiring a professional is recommended.

How do I maintain my quadrant shower enclosure?

Regular cleaning with appropriate glass cleaners and soft cloths will help prevent limescale and soap scum buildup. Many modern enclosures come with treated glass to resist dirt and grime, but keeping the tracks and rollers free of debris will ensure the smooth operation of sliding doors.

What should I look for in terms of materials and build quality?

Look for enclosures with toughened safety glass, which is durable and shatter-resistant. Aluminium frames are common due to their rust resistance and strength. Check for a good warranty that can provide peace of mind regarding the quality and durability of the enclosure.

Are quadrant shower enclosures more expensive than other types?

The cost can vary greatly depending on the materials, brand, and specific features, such as frameless designs or special glass treatments. Generally, quadrant enclosures are competitively priced with other shower types, considering their durability and space-efficient design.