Sleek, luxurious and modern – three words that probably spring to mind when you think of a walk-in shower or wetroom. 

As well as their aesthetic beauty, the incredible versatility of the modular walk-in shower is one of its major draws, being able to transform almost any space beyond recognition.

And now – after making the successful move from posh hotels and spas to homes of all shapes and sizes across the country – a new era has dawned for the walk-in shower, meaning you can now enjoy a design that is fully custom-built to meet the exacting needs of you and your home, whatever your style, scale or budget.

Thanks to our intelligent designs and market leading engineering here at Lakes, our new modular walk-in range provides more solutions than most, with 28 showering configurations and six colour finishes to choose from.

Our modular walk-in systems can either be installed onto a shower tray or flush fit directly to a tiled wet room floor, providing great accessibility for the specific needs of individuals of all ages, whatever their needs or physical challenges.

Lakes’ modular walking showers and wet rooms are one of very few ranges that are compatible with almost any bathroom layout, size and user needs, combining safety, style and versatility in bathroom design and creating that much sought-after spa look and feel.

Follow our detailed breakdown to design a walk-in shower system or wet room that is perfect for you and your home.

1: SELECT YOUR SHOWERING SPACE:

Recess/alcove: These showers are ideal for smaller bathrooms, en-suites, guest rooms or loft conversions, but more often installed in the space where a bath is being removed and replaced with a shower. 

Using one main fixed front panel on a floor substrate allows homeowners the flexibility to design a personalised and contemporary showering space

Corner: A corner space is often the most common area available and can offer more options in terms of form and function. 

With more floor space often available, two panels [main/front with a return/side or return panel] can be used. This allows the walk-in layout to work more like a standard corner shower enclosure. 

The side panel is a practical solution to simply preventing water splashing outside the showering area. Corner walk-in set-ups offer as much splash protection as a normal moving shower door. 

Flat Wall (3-sided): More often reserved for larger bathrooms or spaces created by replacing a bath with a shower. Unlike standard moving doors, creating a 3-sided enclosure with a modular walk-in set up is much easier than trying to design and install a customary enclosure with a sliding, bifold or hinged door. It’s also much more cost effective. 

Alternatively, a flat wall walk-in shower can also be configured as a ‘walk-through’ shower with double entry points, featuring a single fixed glass panel. 

2. MEASURING THE SPACE:

It might sound obvious, but correctly measuring the floor space (width X depth) to include all wall tiles and coverings is key. 

Here’s some hints and tips when measuring:

• Take the measurements at least twice to ensure they are correct
• When measuring the space, ensure the dimension includes final wall coverings and tiles
• Allow a minimum 500mm access gap between panels
• It’s not unusual to find some walls are not 100% straight for their entire height. Lakes wall profiles offer up to 20mm adjustment
• If you’re replacing an existing shower enclosure and shower tray, check there haven’t been any water leaks and that the intended floor area or tray is sound
• Check the position and height of the shower valve, shower head etc to ensure all users can comfortably access the controls and shower head

3. CHOOSE YOUR GLASS PANELS:

Our huge choice of walk-in showers come in either 8mm or 10mm glass – both considered the best options overall. Choosing which one to go for really comes down to quality and feel. The thicker the glass in the shower door, the more solid it feels, as will the sound when the door closes, as thicker material creates less flexibility. What people are buying in to with thicker glass is the feeling of robustness and quality, particularly with moving shower doors, as the heavier weight feels better.

While the extra thickness offers more safety and protection, the other benefit is that because of the extra weight that is being supported, the quality of components and fixtures around the glass must be more durable as a result.

Despite this, 10mm glass does have its pitfalls. The extra weight can put additional strain on other components, as well as the glass itself, reducing their lifespan, so bear this in mind before you decide.

But for more food for thought…why not upgrade to a frameless glass walk-in shower?

STREAMLINED STYLE 

Frameless walk-in shower glass brings a touch of refinement to any bathroom, instantly improving its aesthetic appeal. The clean lines and virtually seamless design create a look that’s timeless, contemporary, deluxe, and comfortable. 

SPACIOUS 

Say goodbye to the restriction of traditional shower doors and curtains. Frameless walk-in showers introduce a sense of openness, making a bathroom appear larger and airier. 

PERSONALISATION 

Whether a bathroom style is modern, classic, or contemporary, a frameless glass shower enclosure will complement most designs and decors. The simplicity of the glass allows for easy mixing with different room colour schemes, taps and showering hardware. 

EASY MAINTENANCE 

Cleaning becomes so simple with frameless glass. No more nooks and crannies where mould, mildew or grime hides and builds up. A quick daily wipe down, and your shower area will shine like new. 

DURABLE 

Engineered in the UK to be long-lasting, our frameless glass enclosures are built to last the test of time. The absence of large frames reduces the risk of visual deterioration caused by limescale, cleaning products and general wear and tear, ensuring your walk-in enclosure stands the test of time. This is backed up by the Lakes Lifetime Guarantee. 

NATURAL LIGHT IMPACT 

The frameless design allows more natural light into the open showering area, contributing to a brighter and more welcoming bathroom environment. 

SPA-LIKE EXPERIENCE 

Our frameless walk-ins will transform your daily shower into a spa-like retreat. The clear nature of the glass enclosure enhances the overall feel, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. 

FUTURE PROOF 

Frameless glass walk-in shower enclosures can be considered an investment for the future and can even influence the sale of your home, especially if showering access and stability is potentially challenging for new owners. Property buyers often appreciate modern and stylish features that require minimal maintenance. 

SUSTAINABLE 

Frameless walk-ins use less metal, less packaging and requires less cleaning. And, with far fewer moving parts, frameless walk-ins suffer less from wear and tear and the need for spare parts. All parts within our frameless walk-ins are fully recyclable. 

4. SELECT YOUR BRACING/STABILISING PREFERENCE

Whether your bathroom demands 1, 2 or 3 walk-in screens and a deflector panel, our elegant bracing bars will provide the perfect blend of form and function. Each option is engineered for durability and strength with screw points discreetly concealed from view, on the wall or ceiling. 

Our bracing bars range from a minimal design, to glass to wall, inline, or angled which require no assembly, glass to ceiling or floor to ceiling – each with their own plus points depending on your home and needs.

In addition, our wall and corner profile solutions offer maximum versatility and stability, whilst featuring concealed fixings plus plenty of adjustability for those out-of-square walls. 

All of our aluminium wall profiles and bracing bars are designed to ensure:

• Anodised aluminium 
• No rust or corrosion 
• Easy to clean 
• Super strong, yet lightweight for ease of installation 
• Scratch and chip resistant anodised finish 
• Resilient to humidity in the bathroom, day to day wear and tear and cleaning products 
• Conforms and exceeds EN 12373-1 
• Brushed or smooth polished finish depending on colour choice 
• Colour finish lasts a lifetime – no fading or discolouration 
• Sustainable – each component part can be 100% recycled 

5. CHOOSE YOUR GLASS DEFLECTOR OPTIONS

To enrich your walk-in shower design and provide water overspray protection, your next choice is from one of our sumptuous deflector panels options. These allow you to truly personalise your showering space by selecting from our friction-free rotating panels to provide easy walk-in access or opting for the ultimate spa/hotel style fixed deflector panel with clear seals. Rotating panels can also be retrofitted. 

6. CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR FINISH

To provide the ultimate in bathroom personalisation Lakes has carefully developed a collection of beautiful colour finishes for all metallic parts to suit individual tastes and complement any bathroom design scheme.

MONOCHROME 

Choose from either our timeless Silver which offers a near mirror quality finish or make a statement with our distinctive and bold Matt Black. Either colour will complement most wall tile colours and designs. 

URBAN NEUTRAL 

If you’re looking for something a little softer than dramatic black, Lakes’ Gun Metal will add calm sophistication to your bathroom – the perfect colour to complement woods, concrete and other metallic finishes. 

Brushed Nickel will grace any modern or classically styled bathroom design scheme, and provides a wonderful alternative to traditional chrome colours. The silky texture and colour tones are an ideal companion for marbles, terracotta, concrete, and mid-tone woods. 

NATURAL/WARM 

Create a soothing bathroom sanctuary with a hint of luxury. Brushed Brass – a gentle hint of gold combined with delicate brushing, makes a genuine and soothing bathroom design statement. For those looking for a hint of finesse, our Brushed Bronze will elevate any bathroom scheme. Both finishes are perfect when paired with paler woods and stones. 

MIXAGE 

The modular format of our walk-in system allows true bathroom personalisation. Why not combine Black with Brushed Brass or Brushed Nickel, for example? 

7. ENJOY!

And now you’ve chosen your dream modular walk-in shower, there’s just one more thing to do…enjoy it!

Lakes Showering Spaces is one of the UK’s longest established showering brands with a strong history and pedigree, having been founded almost 40 years ago. In that time Lakes has built up an award-winning reputation based on trust, quality and first-class customer service levels. 

Our huge range of walk-in showers has been designed to provide the perfect sanctuary and ultimate showering experience, customised to you and your needs. 

Lakes’ no-quibble Lifetime Guarantee covers all our showering spaces and spare parts and is also transferable. So even if you move home, the new owner will still be covered. And, if you have a problem with any part of your Lakes showering space, we promise to sort it out, quickly and efficiently.

Walk-in showers and wet rooms offer two attractive ways to transform your bathroom into a spacious, stylish, and practical space for luxurious lathering.

Historically, both were considered necessities for people with mobility issues, such as those with disabilities, injuries, or the elderly. Today, however, walk-in showers and wet rooms are popular due to their stunning aesthetics and ability to open up a space, along with their undeniable accessibility advantages.

Luxury hotels and spas have long recognized the benefits of replacing traditional, often claustrophobic, shower enclosures with walk-in showers and wet rooms. Homeowners across the country have been quick to follow suit.

It’s easy to see why, but if you’re considering a walk-in shower or wet room, there are many questions to consider. How do they work? What choices do you have? How do you go about fitting one? And which option is right for you?

What is the difference between a wet room and a walk-in shower?

A true wet room is completely open-plan, with water draining directly through the floor, while a walk-in shower typically features one or two glass screens and a low-level shower tray. Both options provide easy access and make a real statement in any bathroom or en-suite. Your decision will depend on budget, time constraints, and personal style.

An introduction to walk-in showers

Walk-in showers allow you to walk in without stepping up, unlike traditional showers or those over baths. They typically use low-profile trays, which are smaller in height than those in traditional shower enclosures. Standard trays can measure 35mm and above, requiring a small step up. In contrast, low-profile trays in walk-in showers usually sit at 25mm, allowing for easier access. Walk-in showers are not fully enclosed and can be configured in various ways, from single glass screens to three-sided enclosures.

Pros of walk-in showers

Perfect for small bathrooms: Walk-in showers create the illusion of more space, unlike bulky enclosures that require space for doors and high trays.

Stylish: Walk-in showers provide a contemporary, streamlined look that exudes luxury and style. Their flexible design allows for greater creativity with tiles and materials, offering a timeless high-end appearance that adds value to homes.

Ideal for those with limited mobility: The doorless and almost step-free design makes walk-in showers accessible for people with limited mobility and the elderly. Curbs and doors can be removed to allow for seating or even wheelchair access.

Versatile: Walk-in showers can fit into various bathroom spaces. Options include recessed (fitting into an alcove), corner (fitting into a corner with two glass screens), and floating (a single glass panel allowing walk-through entry).

Easy maintenance: With fewer nooks and crannies to clean, walk-in showers are easier to maintain compared to traditional enclosures. Choose screens with easy-clean coatings to repel grime and soap scum.

Durable design: With minimal fittings and no moving parts, walk-in showers are durable and robust, lasting for many years.

Cons of walk-in showers

Temperature: Without an enclosure, warm air and humidity escape, potentially making the bathroom feel colder. Solutions include radiators, glass-walled enclosures, or under-floor heating.

Water can build up: Without a bath or high tray to catch water, excess water can splash around the bathroom. Properly designed walk-in showers should have a slight slope towards the drain to prevent this.

Cost: Walk-in showers can be pricier than traditional enclosures due to the high-quality glass and drainage required. However, this investment pays off with a stylish and functional bathroom for years to come.

An introduction to wet rooms

Wet rooms are open-plan, with the shower floor flush with the rest of the bathroom and a slight gradient to direct water towards the drain. Some wet rooms are completely open, while others use a glass screen to prevent splashing.

Pros of wet rooms

Adds value to your home: Wet rooms create a stunning focal point and can increase property value if designed and installed properly.

Easy access: Wet rooms are ideal for those with mobility issues, disabilities, or the elderly, as there are no trays or ledges. Non-slip tiles make wet rooms safe and accessible for all ages.

Creates a designer look: Wet rooms offer a stylish option, resembling high-end spa designs and creating a practical focal point.

Ideal for small bathrooms: Wet rooms enhance a sense of space, eliminating the need for bulky fixtures. They can adapt to unusual architectural features and make the most of small second bathrooms or en-suites.

Easy to clean: Wet rooms are easy to maintain, with no runners or creases to collect dirt. A simple squeegee can remove excess water.

They last longer: Properly installed wet rooms are resistant to moisture damage and leaks, requiring less maintenance and retaining a new appearance longer.

Easily customizable: Wet rooms can be configured in various ways to fit any bathroom size, from small en-suites to large luxury spaces.

Cons of wet rooms

Excess water: The “splash zone” can make the entire space wet, requiring full waterproofing.

Slippery floors: Non-slip tiles are essential to prevent slips.

Dampness: Proper ventilation is necessary to prevent excess moisture and steam buildup.

Installation: Wet rooms are complex to install, requiring careful drainage planning.

Re-selling: Personal preferences may make wet rooms less appealing to some buyers.

Cost: Wet rooms are expensive to install but are built to last, requiring a significant budget for a well-designed space.

Bathroom transformations are a popular trend in home renovations. Both walk-in showers and wet rooms, when well designed and installed, add style and value. At Lakes, we’ve been designing, engineering, and manufacturing showering spaces since 1986. Contact our expert team at 01684853870 to discuss the best option for your home.

Bathrooms have evolved from merely functional spaces for personal hygiene to thoughtfully designed sanctuaries where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. A well-designed bathroom should be both soothing and practical, which is why it’s worth investing time and effort into creating a space that meets your needs and enhances your lifestyle.

At the heart of your dream bathroom design, a stunning shower enclosure can serve as a focal point. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of shower enclosures for over 35 years, we offer a wide range of solutions to suit your lifestyle, all backed by a lifetime guarantee for lasting peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Shower Enclosure for Your Home

Consider Your Space Before you start, determine if your bathroom can accommodate a shower enclosure. Replacing an old enclosure or swapping a bathtub for a shower can be straightforward. However, if you’re installing a shower enclosure for the first time, you’ll need to carefully assess the room’s dimensions and layout, especially for a main bathroom, ensuite, or separate shower room.

Positioning Decide where you want your shower enclosure to be located. Options include a corner of the room, a recess, or a separate enclosed space. These decisions will influence the type of shower tray and enclosure door you need. For instance, a recess might only require a door rather than a full enclosure. Keeping your shower in the same location as the old one can minimize plumbing work, utilizing existing water pipes and drainage.

Glass Thickness Shower glass must withstand force and be resilient to moisture and regular cleaning. Thicker glass offers more safety and durability but also adds weight, which can strain other components. Consider these factors:

• 8mm or 10mm tempered glass is durable, long-lasting, safe, and easy to clean.
• Thicker glass requires more support due to its weight and may not be suitable for certain designs.
• Thinner glass (4mm or 6mm) is a budget-friendly alternative that still offers good performance.

Our AllClear® coating and PureVueHD low-iron glass are innovations that ensure exceptional quality and performance, reducing cleaning time and enhancing your showering experience. These features have earned us multiple “Best Bathroom Brand – BMJ Industry” awards.

Tray or No Tray? An all-in-one solution with a tray is often the best option, as it fits the enclosure perfectly, reducing leakage risk. When buying an enclosure and tray together, consider the sizes carefully to ensure compatibility.

Types of Shower Enclosures

There are various types of shower enclosures to choose from, depending on your preferences, needs, and available space. Our designers have created collections for both classic and contemporary spaces, suitable for corner, alcove, recess, walk-in, or straight wall enclosures.

Corner Showers Corner showers are installed in the bathroom’s corner, generally featuring two internal surround walls and coming in curved, square, or rectangular designs.

Pros of Corner Showers:

• Ideal for small spaces, making a bathroom feel larger with glass on two or more sides.
• Available in multiple shapes, allowing for stylish and functional designs.
• Generally affordable and easy to install.

Cons of Corner Showers:

• Limited space can be restrictive, especially for larger individuals.
• Framed shower doors might not be the most aesthetically pleasing.
• Smaller showers have a higher risk of water overflow.

Alcove Showers Alcove showers are enclosed between two walls with three internal surround walls, usually rectangular in design.

Pros of Alcove Showers:

• Wide variety of options, including sliding, pivoting, bypass, or walk-in designs.
• Can use shower curtains as a cheaper alternative to glass doors.
• Customizable with tiles or glass to fit most spaces.

Cons of Alcove Showers:

• Can feel confined, especially in smaller spaces.
• Generally have less light inside due to fewer glass sides.
• Require more planning and work, potentially increasing costs.

Conclusion

Since our founding in 1986, Lakes has been committed to designing and creating top-quality, innovative bathrooms that suit all homes, tastes, and budgets. As bathroom designs have evolved, so has our collection of stunning shower enclosures, complementing any home style from traditional to trendy. Our team of designers and advisors is ready to help you create a beautiful shower space that transforms one of the most important rooms in your house. Contact us at 01684 853870 to start your journey to a perfect bathroom.

Walk-in showers, once exclusive to luxury hotels, are now a coveted feature in modern homes, offering a touch of elegance and convenience. They bring a spa-like ambiance into everyday life, making them a top trend in home interiors. This article delves into the allure of walk-in showers, exploring their aesthetic and practical advantages, along with the latest design trends.

The Allure of Walk-In Showers

Aesthetic Appeal Walk-in showers create a sleek, contemporary look that exudes luxury and style. Their design flexibility allows for creative use of space and materials. Features like stylish wall niches and unique shower fittings can be showcased, creating a standout bathroom.

Luxurious Experience Designed for a more indulgent bathing experience, walk-in showers offer a spa-like retreat at home. They transform the bathroom into a sanctuary for relaxation, reminiscent of a high-end wellness resort.

Spaciousness Unlike standard shower/bathtub combos, walk-in showers are highly adaptable in size and shape. They make any bathroom feel more open and airy, whether in a large wet room or a smaller space.

Accessibility and Safety Ideal for seniors or those with mobility issues, walk-in showers eliminate the need to step over a bathtub edge. Curbs and doors can be removed for easier access, accommodating seating or wheelchair use.

Ease of Cleaning Walk-in showers are simpler to clean than traditional showers or bathtubs. Their design reduces hard-to-reach areas, and they eliminate the need for scrubbing down grout while standing in a bathtub.

Increased Resale Value As walk-in showers grow in popularity, they are becoming a highly desirable home feature, potentially boosting property resale value.

Design Trends for Walk-In Showers

Bold Tile Colors With natural light flooding through glass walls, vibrant tiles can create a lively, energizing shower space. Diagonal patterns can also enhance the sense of space.

Dual Shower Heads Walk-in showers are perfect for dual shower heads, maximizing functionality and minimalist design even in limited spaces.

Textured Tiles Textured walls add a glamorous touch, especially when paired with brass fittings.

Shower Benches A built-in, waterproofed bench tiled to match the walls or floor enhances both the functionality and luxury of the shower space.

Patterned Flooring Distinctive flooring can create an impressive entrance to the shower area, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Good Lighting Practical and stylish lighting is essential. Wall-washing lights can make the shower area feel larger, while statement lighting adds a touch of glamour.

Marble Marble exudes opulence, making it a popular choice for luxury bathrooms. While costly, it is a long-lasting investment.

Pros and Cons of Walk-In Showers

Pros:

• Variety of Layout Options: Choose from recessed, corner, or floating designs.
• Improved Accessibility: Ideal for those with mobility issues, featuring grab rails and slip-resistant floors.
• Enhanced Space: They make small bathrooms feel larger and more open.
• Easy Cleaning: Fewer crevices mean simpler maintenance.
• Eco-Friendly: Generally use less water than baths, reducing water and energy bills.

Cons:

• Potential Draughts: Without an enclosure, showers can feel chilly. This can be mitigated with heating solutions.
• Water Build-Up: Proper design is crucial to ensure water drains correctly.
• Higher Cost: Walk-in showers can be pricier due to high-quality materials and specialist installations.

In Summary

Walk-in showers combine simple elegance with practical benefits, making them a standout feature in any modern bathroom. Whether for their luxurious feel, spacious design, or ease of maintenance, they are a worthwhile investment that can transform your home. By incorporating the latest trends and considering both pros and cons, you can create a walk-in shower that not only meets your needs but also adds significant value to your home.