Shower cabins are in increasing demand among the average consumer, this is due to the small area of occupied space and water savings when taking water procedures in comparison with a bath. When carrying out renovations in the bathroom for the purpose of further installation of plumbing equipment, it is important to know what the standard height of the shower cabin is - this will help to avoid mistakes when choosing the design and materials for the ceiling, installing the floor (with or without heating), and installing ventilation.
Sometimes during repairs situations arise when the sewer pipes that drain waste from the shower stall are technically impossible to lower below floor level and they have to be raised - accordingly, the height of the shower stall from floor to ceiling increases. This creates certain problems when using and lighting the internal space; a way out of the situation may be to purchase a cabin with a height different from the standard indicators or with its adjustment, but for this you need to know whether similar models are presented on the domestic market of plumbing equipment.
Open corner booths
Rectangular shower enclosures - a time-tested classic
One of the most common options for shower cabins is the classic rectangular shape. Asymmetrical structures with a radius at one of the corners have a similar useful area - we will talk about them below. The picture shows an option with a 440mm deep tray:
These models are characterized by the following parameters of width and length in centimeters:
| Length | Width |
| 90 | 70 |
| 100 | 80 |
| 110 | 90 |
| 110 | 80 |
| 120 | 85 |
| 120 | 90 |
| 140 | 80 |
| 145 | 85 |
| 150 | 85 |
| 150 | 90 |
| 158 | 85 |
| 168 | 85 |
| 170 | 85 |
| 170 | 88 |
| 170 | 90 |
If the cabin is equipped not with a tray, but with a bathtub, the width of the product can reach 170 cm . The height of the structure can also be different: 190, 210,215, 230 and 240 centimeters, taking into account the top cover.
Cabin with symmetrical walls
The most common, compact model of a sanitary washing unit is considered to be a product with equal sides. This cabin has the simplest design, consisting of 4 walls of equal size. The configuration may include different types of doors: sliding or hinged.
If, according to calculations, there is enough space left in the room after installing the cabin, then you can purchase a box with one hinged or two hinged doors. If there is very little space in the bathroom, then it is better to give preference to a cabin with sliding doors.
In small, closed square cabins, the air and the bottom bowl heat up quickly, so if you often need to take a quick shower, choose compact symmetrical models
The most compact models are considered to be cabins with sides of 70*70 and 80*80 cm, but an adult is unlikely to find it comfortable to bathe in a mini-shower. Standard models have dimensions of 90*90 and 100*100 cm. Such products will fit in any bathroom, will save space and will be convenient for a person of any size to take a shower.
Standard models are the most common, so the plumbing market offers a large selection of models with flat, rounded faces, various doors, frosted, transparent and colored glass. This variety allows you to choose a shower cabin to suit any style and design of the room.
On websites, brochures, and manufacturers you can find quite voluminous products. The width and depth of such cabins are 120*120 cm, and the height reaches 240 cm; such boxes are placed in cottages and private houses.
If the package includes a full-size swing door, it is necessary to leave a significant distance in front of the front wall, since it has a wide span.
Corner shower options for the bathroom
Such designs are optimal for small bathrooms: thanks to the corner installation option, a lot of free space is freed up. Shower corners come in a variety of shapes and, in order to increase usable space, are often made with a spherical front wall. It is worth noting that not all models are equipped with rear panels, which also affects the overall dimensions.
A relative of the rectangle is the asymmetrical corner booth
If we talk about parameters, the width of the wall can vary between 70-150 centimeters. The height of the booths usually does not exceed 2,400 mm.
| Width | Length |
| 80 | 110 |
| 85 | 110 |
| 80 | 120 |
| 85 | 120 |
| 90 | 120 |
| 76 | 122 |
| 85 | 130 |
| 85 | 150 |
Multifaceted hydromassage box. The client's desire is the law for the manufacturer
Typical option for installation in a corner. Visually, the shape looks complex, but it is easier to manufacture than options with a smooth contour.
| Length | Width |
| 80 | 80 |
| 100 | 85 |
| 110 | 85 |
| 120 | 85 |
| 90 | 90 |
| 100 | 90 |
| 110 | 90 |
| 120 | 90 |
| 95 | 95 |
| 110 | 95 |
| 120 | 95 |
| 100 | 100 |
| 110 | 100 |
| 120 | 100 |
Corner quarter-circle cabin - spaciousness with modest dimensions
It is quite natural that this form was initially intended for small bathrooms, but there are also larger models on the market designed for spacious rooms.
| Length | Width |
| 80 | 80 |
| 90 | 90 |
| 95 | 95 |
| 98 | 98 |
| 100 | 100 |
| 110 | 110 |
| 125 | 125 |
| 130 | 130 |
| 135 | 135 |
| 140 | 140 |
| 150 | 150 |
Helpful tips for making the best choice
Purchasing a shower cabin requires financial costs, repair and installation work, and a waste of time. To ensure that the efforts are not empty, it is necessary to approach the choice competently and responsibly.
First you need to decide on the shape and type of structure. Assembling and using closed or combined types of plumbing in a small room can be difficult.
Recommendations for selection:
- The ratio of the size of the finished product and the area of the bathroom. Taking measurements of the installation site of the system will allow you to select its optimal shape and avoid difficulties with plumbing work or movement.
- Quality of parts and equipment, selection of the necessary functions. It is necessary to study the operating conditions and characteristics of the product; the tightness, safety and durability of the booth are of great importance.
- Additional options provide more opportunities for relaxation and relaxation, but they affect the cost of the product and require additional energy and water resources.
- Design features. Hinged doors are more convenient to use, but they take up additional space in the room. Sliding doors make the structure more durable, but hide the interior space.
- Pallet material. It is preferable to choose a solid base with high thermal conductivity.
- Availability of warranty service.
A shower cabin is a good alternative to a bath in a small room. In addition, it has many additional functions. With the right choice of model and size, such a product can last for many years.
The semi-circular shape is the epitome of minimalist chic
Unfortunately, in this area there is some confusion in terminology and often a semicircular shower stall is called the “quarter circle” option, therefore in all dialogues (especially telephone) with sellers you should clarify the number of angles in the form of the proposed option.
However, in the case of dimensions, you can focus on the dimensions for the “quarter circle” shape given in the table above.
Curtain (door) materials
High-quality models are equipped with door leaves made of tempered glass, organic and triplex. There are also models with plastic doors.
- Tempered glass is characterized by increased strength, is not afraid of mechanical stress, and is difficult to break. Even when broken, fragments with sharp edges are not formed.
- Triplex is made using the same technology as hardened. Its peculiarity is two or three tempered glasses superimposed on each other, between which a special material is laid that enhances the strength and does not allow the glass to shatter into small fragments. Such panels are used for curved structures without a frame.
- Plexiglas (acrylic) has many of its characteristics similar to tempered glass, but is scratchable and can be flammable.
- Plastic curtains are light, durable, inexpensive, but not durable. Very hot water can cause them to deform.
Round shower cubicle - looks amazing
Installing round shower cabins is a rather interesting solution for interior design. The advantages of such structures include the following features:
- Thanks to their unusual shape, round models fit organically into the area of small bathrooms.
- The round shape guarantees various installation options: the cabin can be mounted against a wall or in the center of the bathroom.
- Given the various color options, booths can make the interior unforgettable and interesting.
If we talk about sizes, the standard radius of round cabins usually varies between 900-1,200 mm.
Asymmetrical rectangular booths
So, we found out that the dimensions of standard booths can be:
- symmetrical (square): 70×70, 80×80… 120×120 cm;
- asymmetrical (rectangular): 80×100, 80×110, 80×120, 90×110 and 90×120 cm.
The dimensions of the shower stall of the standard asymmetrical model allow the structure to be placed on the bathtub, while simultaneously combining two possibilities for taking water procedures. However, a shower cabin and a bathtub are incompatible if the design is equipped with the functions of a steam room, hydromassage, or tropical shower.
Therefore, before combining a bath and shower, you need to study the functionality of the product and its dimensions.
You can't go anywhere without them. Custom sizes
The non-standard shape of shower cabins can satisfy the most demanding consumer tastes. We present proportions that do not fit into the standard size range, but are present in the line of models of some manufacturers.
Here you can find the following sizes:
- 115*85
- 105*85
- 97*97
- 126*85
- 112*80
- 150*85
- 170*110
Pallet materials
Trays for shower enclosures are made from the following materials:
Steel
Enameled steel trays are durable, but they bend when the user weighs heavily; their obvious disadvantage is that they make noise when water falls.
Cast iron
Cast iron is the strongest, but the heaviest, which is why it is rarely used.
Ceramic (sanporcelain)
Ceramic - ideal for booths. They are quite massive, durable, an example of hygiene, and look very aesthetically pleasing.
Natural and artificial stone
Pallets made of natural/artificial stone look massive and very beautiful. They don't make any noise at all.
Acrylic
Acrylic pallets are lightweight, wear-resistant, and hygienic. They retain their original appearance and shine for a long time. One caveat - due to insufficient strength, such a pallet must be strengthened from below when installed.
Manufacturers produce models of corner booths with pallets on which an anti-slip coating is applied. They ensure user safety, which is important for children and the elderly.
Minimum sizes that can be offered to you
Given such diversity on the market, a logical question arises: “What dimensions of a small shower stall and tray can be considered the minimum?” The answer will be relevant for owners of small apartments who are trying their best to save internal space.
For shower stalls, the smallest size will be considered the following values:
- Width – 75 cm.
- Length – 80 cm.
- Height – 198 cm.
With such compact dimensions, the booth has full functionality and provides comfort when performing hygiene procedures.
Folding shower - an example of radical minimalism
And there are such things. Unfortunately, the author of this article did not come across a folding, compact copy in hardware stores.
Dimensions of booths without rear walls
The shower stall may not have back walls; their function is performed by the walls of the bathroom. Such models are installed on a thin pallet, and shower cabins are small in size - from 70x70 cm to 100x100 cm. The most reliable and stable is the corner design, on the pallet of which sliding or hinged doors are installed.
The height of the product, as a rule, does not exceed 200 cm. Cabins without back walls are usually used only for taking water procedures in the shower. If you want to combine a cabin and a bathtub, then it is better to choose a closed-type hydrobox with high tray walls.
Shapes and sizes of shower trays
With the minimum height of the pallets, things don’t look so clear. There are models in which the side of the pallet is flush with the floor level, and therefore has zero height. Such products not only perform a design function, but are also suitable for older people. If we talk about accepted standards, the following categories are distinguished:
- Deep – from 25 to 45 cm
- Medium – from 5 to 20 cm
- Low – up to 4 cm
Why are dimensions so important?
But it is important to know not only the size of the shower stall, but also the dimensions of the room where you plan to install it. It often happens that hydroboxes simply do not fit in the height of the bathroom, and a tray that is too wide does not fit in the space allotted to it. Therefore, when buying a shower cabin, you should take into account the size of the room so that bathing is comfortable, and at the same time the shower does not take up much space.
Before installation, carefully measure the height of the ceilings, because in some models the tray exceeds 40 cm, and shower cabins with bathtubs are even higher. Thus, if the height of the pallet is 40 cm, and the walls of the cabin are 175 cm, then the minimum ceiling height in the room must be 235 cm, otherwise the structure simply will not fit. Not every bathroom has such dimensions, and it is worth paying attention to the more modest sizes of shower trays.
Types of door designs for booths
| Door design | Description |
| Swing | A door with standard hinges is used similarly to any interior or entrance door. Of course, it is a familiar and therefore popular option, but it requires free space in the room, since it always opens to the outside. |
| Articulated | Rotary hinges are mounted at the ends, thanks to which the door opens along a trajectory identical to the previous version. Possible opening angles: 90°,135°,180°. Used on doors with an accordion in 2-3 folds, inward and outward. Safe, functional and very aesthetically pleasing. |
| Sliding | A true classic of ergonomics. The movement of the panels is provided by roller mechanisms that slide along metal guides. A practical, reliable and time-tested option widely used in corner booths. |
| Rotary | The door opens and “slides” to the side. Designed for small spaces, and it would seem that this mechanism should be popular in our latitudes, but today the choice of such a design is rather the exception than the rule. |
| Folding | A popular door is the accordion door, which is also relevant for small spaces. A classic and logical attribute of rectangular cabins. |
Installation of shower enclosures
When installing corners, it would be correct to use the help of a trusted plumber. The technician will install the equipment using the correct technology, which will eliminate problems with the operation of the cabin.
The corner is placed only on a flat floor surface. Waterproofing of walls, ceiling and floor is required. Exhaust ventilation should be located directly next to the structure. Initially, the pallet is mounted on a metal frame. What is important here is reliable fixation of the structure, proper organization of the drain and tightness at the junction of the pan and the siphon.
For models with a low tray, installation can be done without a frame. Here the siphon is connected directly to the pan; sealing at the joint is required. Next, communications are connected. The final stage is the installation and fixation of walls and doors with special bolts.
Due to the simplicity of the design, installation of shower enclosures is not difficult. All procedures - installing a tray and frame for the walls, inserting side panels, doors, connecting communications, applying sealant - are completed by experienced plumbers in 2-3 hours.
Functions of modern shower cabins
Thanks to the capabilities of modern shower cabins, every hygiene procedure can be turned into a real holiday. Here are the functions:
- Hydromassage . Nozzles are built into the cabin walls and are adjustable in different directions. Tight water jets stimulate blood circulation and relieve stress and fatigue.
- Tropical shower . A special nozzle is installed in the roof of the shower cabin, which divides the flow of water into individual drops. As a result, a complete imitation of a tropical downpour is created, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.
- General volume ventilation . This function helps to ventilate the interior of the cabin or distribute steam evenly when the product is operating in sauna mode.
- Turkish bath . The option is due to the installation of a steam generator, which provides optimal humidity and high temperature inside. As a result, you can enjoy the unforgettable effect of a steam room without leaving your home.
- Air ozonation . In such models, a special ozonizer is installed, which effectively destroys any pathogenic microflora and prevents the formation of mold inside the shower stall. In addition, ozone eliminates the characteristic odor that often occurs in rooms with high humidity.
- Infrared heating . This function creates the effect of an infrared sauna with a targeted effect on a person. Gentle warmth not only allows you to quickly warm up, but also dilates blood vessels, activating the circulatory system.
- Aromatherapy . Models with this option have a special container into which aromatic oil is poured. When the cabin operates in bath mode, oil vapors fill the interior space, creating a unique sensation.
- Inhalation . The function operates on a similar principle to aromatherapy. Extracts of medicinal plants are poured into a special container on the back wall.
- Chromotherapy (color therapy) . In this mode, the shower cabin lighting emits several color shades, each of which affects a specific system of the human body. The effectiveness of this technique has been confirmed by clinical trials.
It is worth noting that the cost of such multifunctional cabins is noticeably higher than models with standard configuration.
Types of shower cabins
The design of the shower device is a closed product, inside of which one takes a shower. The booth has various options to improve the quality of hygiene procedures. There are three types of devices depending on the structure of the booth: open, closed, combined design.
Open design
Cabins of this type have walls on the sides and no ceiling. The device is placed close to the wall of the bathroom, or in the corner of the room. The structure is placed on a pallet connected to sewer pipes. The advantages of plumbing include ease of installation, operation, compactness, and long service life.
Closed design
Closed cabins are considered popular models. They have a roof with walls around the perimeter of the structure. Plumbing can be installed even in the middle of the room by running sewer and water pipes to it. When installing this type of booth, high-quality waterproofing and ventilation should be ensured. The advantages include convenient use, easy maintenance, electrical control, and various options.
Attention! The cabins can be equipped with functions: hydromassage, chorotherapy, aromatherapy, tropical rain.
Combined design
The combined type has a complex design. In this case, the shower stall is combined with a bathtub. These devices are convenient and ergonomic. You can take a bath if you wish, you can use the functions built into the cabin.
List of verified manufacturers
Brands are a blur to the eyes, I would like to choose a good manufacturer the first time. To make life easier for customers, here are 5 trustworthy brands on the Russian plumbing market.
- TIMO . Finnish company that produces shower cabins of various sizes and price categories. The side panels and doors are made of impact-resistant materials, which significantly increases the service life of the product.
- NIAGARA . A Russian brand that confidently competes with Western manufacturers, yet is located in an affordable market segment. All models are characterized by the installation of acrylic trays, built-in ventilation, radio and lighting.
- SERENA . These models were created by hardworking Chinese and organically combine interesting design and advanced functionality. It is worth noting that the products attract buyers with build quality, durability and affordable cost.
- RIVER . Another Chinese brand that is confidently conquering the Russian market. These models are characterized by the installation of acrylic trays, removable screens and sliding doors. Only environmentally friendly materials are used in production.
- ERLIT . A Russian brand that produces shower cabins in high-tech style: an organic combination of glass and chrome elements. The models are equipped with steam generators, hydromassage, music and lighting.
The products of these manufacturers have long enjoyed the well-deserved trust of Russian consumers.
Pros and cons
It is inappropriate to say that a cabin or hydrobox is better than a bathtub, and vice versa, since these are two different plumbing fixtures and each person chooses a model to their taste. Let's look at the advantages that made booths so popular:
- the cabin takes up less space than a bathtub, so it is installed even in small rooms;
- taking a shower saves water and time, unlike procedures in the bathroom;
- a cabin or hydrobox has more functions than a bath (tropical shower, massage, inhalation, chromotherapy, built-in radio, etc.);
- a huge number of shapes and dimensions allows you to choose a booth regardless of the size of the bathroom and budget;
- Even people with disabilities can take a shower in the cabin;
- Taking a shower stimulates blood circulation and accelerates tissue regeneration, has a general strengthening effect on the body, and improves immunity.
Among the disadvantages, the following factors can be noted:
- high cost compared to baths;
- the difficulty of caring for glass and plastic surfaces, which constantly collect deposits from poor-quality water;
- with low water pressure, many additional functions (for example, hydromassage) will be absent;
- If glass partitions are mechanically damaged, replacing them will cost a pretty penny.
