Bath or shower: what to choose for a small bathroom?

The bathtub is child-friendly, but not for the elderly

A bath is a useful thing for a family with a baby. Evening water procedures are an important ritual before a night's sleep. They provide hardening of the child, give pleasure, help develop and cleanse the skin. In a large tank, bathing a baby is much more convenient.

On the other hand, if people with disabilities or the elderly live in the house, the bath can be a source of danger. The risk of slipping is increased, it is inconvenient to step over a high board, and hot water is contraindicated in hypertension and varicose veins.

To balance the pros and cons of a shower and bathtub with regard to their safety, choose a tank with a low or opening rim, a non-slip surface and comfortable handrails.

The best open-type shower cabins in terms of price-quality ratio

Shower cabins of open type are used in various spheres of human activity. They are perfect for installation in low rooms, in cramped bathrooms, in cottages, attics, etc.

Polar 601

Rating: 4.9

In many respects, the Polar 601 shower cabin deserves the first place in the ranking. First of all, consumers are attracted by affordable price and stylish design. Wood effect inserts in combination with the same color of the pallet captivate the eye. The translucent front walls further add to the aesthetics. To save space in a cramped bathroom, a quarter-circle tray allows you to save space. The design is based on a durable metal frame, which is reliably protected by a special coating against corrosion.

The hydromassage shower cabin will suit lovers of simplicity and functionality. The model has such modern options as vertical hydromassage, tropical shower, back hydromassage. The set includes a classic faucet and a shower head.

• affordable price;

• a large number of useful functions;

• elegant design.

not expressed.

Aquanet Penta

Rating: 4.8

The Aquanet Penta shower cabin is not inferior to the leader in appearance. It is made in light and sparkling colors, which allows it to fit into any bathroom interior. The model is made in a pentagonal shape, patterned glass is used to make the walls. To create a profile, the manufacturer used aluminum coated with matte chrome.The pallet is made of cast marble. This material has not only an attractive appearance, but also a warm surface.

A distinctive feature of the model, experts call excellent sound insulation. Taking water procedures, extraneous sounds will not distract the user. The complete set of the shower cabin is quite modest, the set includes only a classic faucet.

• quality assembly;

• reliable design;

• cast pallet.

• high price;

• minimal feature set.

Band Hours Eureka

Rating: 4.7

The right to be among the leaders of our rating, the Band Hours Eureka shower enclosure has earned its elegance and practicality. Experts consider the combination of affordable price and cabin quality to be successful. The model has an acrylic pallet that can withstand high loads (up to 500 kg). The manufacturer used safety tempered glass with tinting. To increase the service life and easy opening of the doors, double chrome-plated rollers with bearings are used.

The shower cabin has the shape of a quarter of a circle, which allows you to economically use the space of a cramped room. The set is quite modest, in the set there are only shelves.

• elegant design;

• optimal combination of price and quality;

• secure door opening system.

• modest equipment;

• lack of modern features.

Luxus L012

Rating: 4.7

Practically in no way inferior to the leaders of the rating shower cabin Luxus L012. It is praised by users for its accessibility and practicality. But she did not make it into the top three for several reasons. The package does not include a faucet and shelves, and there is no such interesting option as a rain shower.In terms of safety, thanks to the Antislip ribbed acrylic shower tray, you can shower without fear of slipping.

It should be noted a number of advantages of the cabin. It's a tall pallet, tempered glass 5 mm thick, galvanized metal frame under the tray, double metal rollers top and bottom, white magnetic seals. Compact dimensions of 90x90 cm allow you to install a shower cabin in the cramped bathroom.

• reliable design;

• quality manufacturing;

• compactness;

• deep tray.

modest set.

Timo TL-9001

Rating: 4.6

When only one simple “rain” function is required from a shower cabin, then you should pay attention to the Timo TL-9001 model. It is made in the form of a quarter circle with walls 90x90 cm, which allows you to fit into the cramped room.

The design is simple and convenient, the basis is an aluminum frame. To protect against moisture, the metal is covered with a layer of chromium. A low (15 cm) acrylic pallet reinforced with a metal profile is used as a floor. Double-leaf doors are easily moved apart and moved thanks to the roller system with bearings.

The Timo TL-9001 shower cabin does not have such modern features as hydromassage or rain shower. There is no faucet, no shower head, no shelves. Therefore, it is difficult to claim the role of leaders with such parameters.

Differences in design

Bath device

Bath device

Any bath is a monolithic bowl with high sides and a hole for draining water. The exception is the combined models made of acrylic and glass, which have sealed seams on the body.Due to the large capacity, bathtubs provide an opportunity not only to wash, but also to relax, enjoy the bathing procedure.

Bathtubs from various materials

Standard models are oval and rectangular in shape, which allows a person to lie down comfortably and straighten his legs, if, of course, the size is correctly selected. For small spaces, there are corner models in which you can comfortably sit in a reclining position. And then there are sitz baths, which appeared not so long ago, but are already in demand. They are compact, ergonomic, ideal for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Bathtubs of an unusual shape

Baths for the elderly and disabled

Baths differ in size, height of the sides, the presence of additional accessories. Many models have legs, which makes it easier to connect to the sewer. Lightweight structures require a supporting frame, which is usually covered with a decorative screen.

Bath shapes and sizes

Depending on the type, bathtubs are installed close to the wall, in a corner or in the middle of the room, in addition, they can be built into the floor.

Dimensions of a standard rectangular bath:

• length 150-180 cm;
• width 70-85 cm;
• the height of the sides is 40-75 cm.

Depending on the material, the weight of the product varies over a very wide range - from 25 kg (acrylic) to 1200 kg (natural stone).

Freestanding oval bath

Built-in bath

Bath massage systems

Shower cabin device

Unlike a bathtub, a shower enclosure includes several elements: walls, a shower panel, a tray and a cover.There are three types of such structures - with an open top, completely closed and combined.

Components of a shower cabin

Cabins without a top cover (open) are the most budget option. To assemble the cabin, a pallet is installed in one of the corners of the bathroom, connected to the sewer, walls and a door are mounted on an aluminum profile from the open side along the edge.

A shower cabin today is not just an alternative to a bath, but also an interior detail that should harmoniously fit into the bathroom.

The faucet and shower head are attached to the walls of the bathroom. Due to the simplicity of the design, the dimensions of the cabin can be selected at your discretion, and the installation process does not require special knowledge. But open cabins also have disadvantages: due to the lack of a top cover, it is not possible to install additional options in the form of a steam generator, several shower modes and ozonation, and during procedures, wet fumes spread throughout the room.

Shower cabin - convenient and practical

Simple shower cabin

Closed models are a self-contained design, isolated from the bathroom microclimate. It consists of a pallet, walls with a door, a top base and a multifunctional panel. Such a cabin can be placed in any convenient place, the main thing is to be able to connect it to the water supply and drain pipe. In the case of a major overhaul of a bathroom or a move, the structure can be easily dismantled and folded, and it will not be difficult to install it even for a non-specialist.

shower roof

Shower cabins of the closed type

Combined structures, or shower boxes, are equipped with bathtubs instead of a pallet, and the walls are attached along the edge of the bowl. They are made both in open and closed versions, depending on the model. Here all the advantages of both cabins and baths are combined, for example, you can install a cascade shower or a Charcot shower at the same time as a jacuzzi. Design cons: high price and large dimensions (compared to a conventional cabin).

Bath and shower combination

Standard sizes of shower cabins:

• open and closed models of a symmetrical shape - 80x80, 90x90 and 100x100, 120x120 cm;
• asymmetrical shape - 100x80, 120x80, 110x90, 120x90 cm;
• height - from 170 to 240 cm.

Dimensions (dimensions) of shower cabins

Which option is best if you have children

In a family with small children, the question of choosing a plumbing device - a bath or a shower, does not even arise. For parents, the conclusion is unambiguous - the bath is many times better. After all, it is difficult to imagine how to bathe newborn babies in the shower, which requires very thorough skin care. Simply bathing under running water will not make it possible to do this fully. Moreover, if you abandon the bathroom in favor of a shower, then you thereby deprive the baby of his first pool in his life, and swimming is extremely useful in order to strengthen the muscular corset.

Now look at the situation through the eyes of a child. What do you think he would like more? Naturally, a child will enjoy playing in the bath much more than taking a shower. The fact is that the bath is not just a vessel filled with heated water, but a small sea that will become a source of joy and children's delight. Be sure - the child will not want to exchange the bathroom for anything else.

Which is better: a shower with a roof or without, but with a rain shower?

If the priority is a closed shower box, then it already has a roof and walls. The interior space is closed on all sides.

It is possible to carry out such water procedures that were previously available only to clients of expensive salons. This device can perform a number of functions:

• Suitable for aromatherapy.
• Equipped with a ventilation system.
• In hydroboxes there are lanterns of lateral and top lighting.
• There will be no mold and dampness in the room.

Open cabins do not have a roof. Therefore, it will not be possible to use a Turkish shower, hydromassage or a mini-steam room. But such a cabin is cheaper and easy to install. It can be installed directly on the bathroom floor. On sale you can find showers without a roof of various shapes: round, angular and rectangular.

Pros and cons of a device without a top

If you choose a budget shower cabin that will be mounted on the bathroom floor, an open type of device is the best solution.

The advantages of these products:

• Inexpensive.
• They have a simple package. Their installation requires less effort, time and special knowledge.
• Low. They can be placed in rooms of any height.
• Quality. For example, the semi-circular OBI Jakarta cabin without a roof is characterized by increased strength due to the metal frame elements. Made from abrasion and corrosion resistant materials. The surface is easy to clean.
• Illumination inside the cab. Thanks to this, the process of taking a shower becomes comfortable.

Photo 1. An example of an installed shower cabin without a top in the interior of a real bathroom.

Minuses:

• Impossibility of use in bathrooms with insufficient waterproofing.Steam escaping from the top of the appliance settles on the walls, furniture and ceiling. If the finishing materials are not resistant to moisture, the appearance of the room will be lost, mold and insects will appear.
• Open models have a limited set of functions. You will not be able to use a steam bath or sauna, as well as equip a cascade or rain shower.

Advantages and features of using a bath

Having familiarized yourself with the advantages of a shower cabin, you undoubtedly want to make a choice in its favor, but it would be wrong without getting to know the strengths of the bath:

• Opportunity to relax and unwind. In the shower, it is almost impossible to achieve the effect of complete relaxation of the muscles, but the bath makes it possible not only to relax the muscles, but also, if necessary, to warm them up well (if you try to do this while taking a shower, you can only achieve a significant waste of water).
• The ability to wash the body well if it is heavily soiled, which is unlikely to be done in the cabin. In the bath, it is enough just to relax for half an hour, and then it remains only to thoroughly wash off all the dirt with a washcloth with your favorite fragrant soap.
• Possibility to take a therapeutic bath. In the bath, you can qualitatively improve your body by adding medicinal herbs, salts, oils, etc. to the bathing water. What is worth hydromassage, which will thoroughly work out all the muscles of the body.
• The possibility of using the bath as a container for rinsing clothes or, for example, bathing a small child. This can only be afforded in a high-quality shower box with very high sides, and the price of such a product is oh so high.

Unfortunately, for older people, the process of taking a bath is quite complicated and dangerous due to impaired coordination.You can solve this issue by mounting special handles on the wall and putting a good anti-slip mat in the bath.

The bath promotes complete relaxation

Advantages of a shower cabin

• Safety. Cases of falling in the bathtub with unpleasant traumatic consequences - unfortunately, are not uncommon. The cabin is much safer - it is almost impossible to fall in it, damaging something. Yes, and they are often made of soft plastic.
• Dear time. In our world, everyone is in a hurry somewhere - home, work, parents, children, cottage ... In this cycle, there is simply no time to soak for hours in the bath. A shower comes to the rescue: turn on the water, lather, rinse and run on - convenient!
• Convenience of accommodation. The really compact cabin is easy to place even in a small corner. Therefore, they are often chosen by owners of small bathrooms, as well as combined bathrooms. And if the room allows, then the shower can be placed next to a regular bath, thereby giving the opportunity to all family members to choose how to take water treatments. This is especially true for residents of private houses - they usually have much more space in the bathrooms than those who live in apartments.
• Do it Japanese. Place a shower stool in the shower, they even sell this in IKEA. Quite often, people refuse modern shower systems due to the fact that it is impossible to sit down in them. Of course, a cab with a seat is a good plus.
• A wide range of. Unlike bathtubs, where you can consider on average 3-4 main options available, showers provide an unrealistic scope for choice. And even in relatively inexpensive categories.Any style, size, function - interior gourmets will be able to enjoy plenty while shopping and browsing sellers' websites.
• Home sauna. Not everyone knows, but closed models of showers, among other things, often have a wonderful “sauna” function, which can please those who like to take a steam bath and do home treatments for the skin of the face and body.

Functions

One of the most attractive features of many cabins is hydromassage, which can be performed in vertical, horizontal and zonal versions.

The degree of functionality of modern shower cabins is determined by the possibilities of various types of shower, bath and hydromassage procedures.

Among the shower functions, an ordinary shower stream poured from above, a shower resembling a hand watering can, tropical and contrast shower types predominate. The first three differ in the intensity of the water flow and have varying degrees of relaxing effect.

A contrast shower involves a programmed alternate supply of hot and cold water. It shakes and tones the body, puts it into working condition.

In the "Turkish bath" mode, with the help of a built-in steam generator, a 50-60 degree temperature inside the cabin and high humidity are created. This function can be supplemented by the effect of aromatherapy as a result of the passage of steam through a container filled with healing aromatic substances.

Functional comfort in the cab is provided by luminaires mounted in the cab ceiling. In addition to uniform and soft lighting, the electronics make it possible to color water jets in different colors.

An important functional element is the ventilation system. It evenly distributes steam inside the cabin and ensures effective ventilation.

Pros and cons of a shower

The creators of the shower cabins declare the undoubted advantages of the design, namely:

• saving space - shower cabins are optimal for installation in small bathrooms;
• safety - for the manufacture of booths, materials with anti-slip treatment are used, thanks to this solution, the risk of injury is minimized;
• using a shower allows you to save on water consumption - as a rule, it is 2-3 times lower than when taking a bath;
• modern cabins can be equipped with additional functionality, for example, options for switching moisture supply modes, using inhalations, aromatherapy is allowed, creating a bath effect and even installing a radio;
• shower cabins are installed easily and quickly;
• designs are available in a variety of designs.

Thus, shower enclosures in most situations are planned as the optimal solution to save space and money - in theory, they are. And yet, before making a final choice, be sure to visit the outlet and test the booth offered to you: stand inside, raise your hands, bend over. Most likely, you will understand that a design that is small in size is not entirely comfortable, and a spacious one will take up so much space that ergonomics will be very doubtful.

In addition, please note that the height of a typical shower cabin is usually 2 m. If you install it in standard apartments with low ceilings, then there is an effect of hiding space even if the cabin occupies a very modest area. Do not forget about such necessary cosmetics as soap, scrubs, as well as masks, shampoos and all kinds of creams.

It is important that in the process of bathing all these accessories are at hand. You can always hang a shelf above the font, and the necessary jars are placed on the sides of the bath without any problems.

It is also possible to question the savings by reducing water consumption. Let's make small calculations: the volume of a standard size bath is approximately 200 liters, respectively, it is this volume of liquid that you will spend while bathing. If you carry out the procedure every evening, such procedures for many will become too costly. Those users who prefer to rinse in the shower will use 3-4 times less water, and this will be more economical for the budget. However, there is a small “but” here as well.

We wrote “rinse” for a reason – this verb suggests that the user will spend only a few minutes in the shower just to get rid of the dirt and sweat accumulated during the day. If you do not like to rush, but prefer to stand under jets of water for a long time, then its consumption will not be lower than necessary to fill the font. In this case, there is simply no question of any savings.

In addition, users highlight a few more difficulties with using showers:

• practical models made of good materials are usually quite expensive;
• the functionality of the design directly depends on the strength of the water pressure - if it is low, then you can only take a shower, and all additional functions will become inaccessible;
• with use, a whitish coating begins to accumulate on the walls and door of the cabin, therefore, after each bathing, they will have to be washed thoroughly.

Which is better, a bathtub or a shower?

We should analyze two options - the simplest plumbing fixtures and modern plumbing, with a certain set of procedures, electronics and controls. As you understand, it would be wrong to consider the durability of a cast-iron bathtub and a shower cabin with hydromassage jets.

But, even if we talk about sanitary ware of a single price niche, you should always pay attention to the initial requirements, primary quality and manufacturer.

Naturally, the nozzle can become clogged, but it is possible in the bath and in the shower. The drain may also break, but this defect can also be attributed to the bath and cabin. Therefore, it seems to us that this issue is either incorrect, or it should be considered very deeply, with production materials, assembly technology, characteristic features, and so on.

Shower cabin without tray

Sometimes a situation may arise when a factory-made pallet is not needed

This is important for people for whom stepping over its side becomes a problem.

In a small room, the option of such a cabin will help to better organize the space. It is worth thinking about this before purchasing a shower cabin. Indeed, for the installation of a drain system, an inclined floor for this, cement screeds and waterproofing, a height margin of 15-20 cm is required.

Otherwise, the floor in the cab must be higher than its level in other rooms. Ideally, such a solution should be laid down while designing the first floor of the building. Qualitatively performed work will lead to the creation of a stylish shower cabin, convenient for the elderly, children, and the disabled.

The best inexpensive shower cabins: budget up to 20,000 rubles

Inexpensive shower cabins cannot boast rich functionality.Therefore, the buyer should focus on build quality, materials and overall dimensions.

Niagara NG 6708

Rating: 4.8

An example of compactness, accessibility and functionality is the shower cabin Niagara NG 6708. Experts join the high ratings of users and give this model the first place in the rating. The shower cabin of the closed type is equipped with a high tray, the bottom of which has a corrugated surface. Thanks to the Antislip anti-slip system, safety is guaranteed during the adoption of water procedures. The high demand in the domestic market is explained by the reliability and durability of the structure. The metal framework represents the strong basis which is regulated on height.

The shower cabin looks impressive both outside and inside. The central panel is made of black plastic, and frosted glass is installed in front. The model is equipped with a 2-mode siphon and a rain shower option.

• affordable price;

• practicality;

• compactness;

• good ventilation.

not detected.

Niagara NG 3501

Rating: 4.7

An interesting combination of black, gray and white is implemented in the Niagara NG 3501 shower cabin. The second place in the rating is due to a number of reasons. It is objectively inferior to the leader in terms of the height of the pallet (26 cm versus 45 cm), the absence of a seat. At the same time, the model has compact dimensions (90x90 cm) and beautiful tinted glass. It is worth noting the safe acrylic pallet, which has a corrugated anti-slip surface. All of the above factors and low price helped to get ahead of other competitors.

The shower cabin was highly appreciated by consumers and experts for its practicality. It has everything you need for the average Russian buyer.The model perfectly copes with its main purpose, which deserves a place on a pedestal. It is bought for an apartment, a private house and a summer residence.

• affordable price;

• compactness;

• safe tray.

modest set.

Aqualux AQ-41700GM

Rating: 4.6

The Aqualux AQ-41700GM shower cabin has a good value for money. She managed to get into the top three among budget models due to the rich content. Many will not like the low pallet (15 cm), but the model has a full-walled fence. But even more admire and ordinary consumers and professionals functionality. The manufacturer has provided such options as vertical hydromassage, tropical shower, hydromassage of the back. The ventilation works well, and in order not to get bored while taking water procedures, a radio is installed in the cabin.

The user does not have to adjust the mixer handles, as the model is equipped with electronic control. The set includes a faucet, a shower head, shelves and a mirror.