With so many types of shower enclosures on the market, it can be tricky to decide which one is right for your bathroom design idea. However, this will ultimately depend on the size of your space, your budget and how the shower will be used on a daily basis.
For example, walk-in showers may look sleek and elegant and offer easy access, but they don’t provide as much splash protection as enclosed options, and can take up more valuable space in the room.
To help make your decision easier, we’ve rounded up the most popular types of shower enclosures below and called on bathroom experts to explain the pros and cons, as well as how to choose the right one.
1. Square shower enclosure
Perfect for small to medium-sized bathrooms, square shower enclosures have – yes, you guessed it – square-shaped dimensions and can fit neatly into a corner without taking up too much room.
“Square enclosures are ideal for compact bathrooms where you need to maximise your space. They have a symmetrical design which provides a clean, balanced look, and when it comes to installation, it fits neatly into corners. However, the shape can sometimes feel a bit boxy in larger rooms," says Alex Woods, bathrooms expert at Victorian Plumbing.
We love the glossy gold framing on this square shower enclosure.
Alex Woods is a bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing, a major online bathroom and kitchen retailer based in Merseyside, UK.
2. Rectangle shower enclosure
Rectangle shower enclosures are versatile and comfortable, offering more room for movement compared to a square option, with the flexibility to choose different door openings to suit your needs.
They work particularly well in narrow bathrooms, where their elongated shape helps maximise the length of the space. However, Alex Woods warns that they may not be the best choice for a small bathroom, as can sometimes disrupt the sense of openness.
This matt black shower enclosure will look sleek in your bathroom and comes with easy-grip handles.
3. Quadrant shower enclosure
If you're working with a small bathroom but hate the boxy feel of a square enclosure, we recommend installing a quadrant option, as shown in the photo above. It offers the same space-saving qualities, but with a gentle, curved design.
“Quadrant enclosures feature curved fronts that optimise corner space, making them perfect for smaller bathrooms or if your bathroom has an awkward layout. They create a softer look compared to square or rectangular designs," says Alex Woods. "These enclosures can be difficult to install due to the curved glass, and some users report that some enclosures have a small opening.”
This quadrant shower enclosure features a brushed brass finish with quick-release wheels for easy cleaning.
4. Frameless shower enclosure
Thanks to their sleek, minimalist design, frameless shower enclosures are well suited to modern bathrooms where you want to achieve a bright and airy feel.
"These can be on the more expensive side, simply due to them requiring precise installation, high-quality glass, and custom fittings to ensure stability and watertight seals," says Alex Woods.
Available in five sizes, this frameless glass panel resists grime and limescale build-up.
5. Walk-in shower enclosure
One of the best ways to give your bathroom a spa-like glow-up is by installing a walk-in shower. Typically made with frameless glass (though adaptable for many options), these enclosures help the space feel bright, open and luxurious, and offer great accessibility.
“If you’re looking to install a walk-in shower, it’s important to plan for proper drainage. This usually means sloping the floor correctly toward a drain and using water-resistant flooring, like tiles or stone, to prevent water from escaping onto the bathroom floor," says Alex Woods.
Offering maximum splash protection, this enclosure includes a side panel, framed screen, and shower tray.
6. Corner-entry shower enclosure
Awkward bathroom layouts can be difficult to work with, but corner-entry shower enclosures offer a practical solution if you don’t want the doors to block your fixtures when opened. They come in a range of shapes, including the square, rectangular and quadrant designs mentioned above.
While the angled doors allow for easier movement, Alex warns that they can sometimes feel a little tight, as the shape provides less interior space.
With its corner entry and sliding door design, this enclosure is both stylish and practical.
7. Half-wall shower enclosure
If glass panels aren't your thing, you'll be pleased to hear that they're not the only option when it comes to designing a bathroom. Half-wall enclosures, as shown in the photo above, keep the majority of water contained and can tie in nicely with your scheme.
That being said, they don't offer as much protection compared to a full glass screen, which is why some people choose to pair the two together by adding a glazed screen to the top of the wall. They can also block light and flow in a small bathroom, so they tend to be better suited to larger spaces.
8. D-shaped shower enclosure
If you want the space-saving design of a square enclosure but like the curves of a quadrant, a D-shaped option offers the best of both worlds, with a compact form and sliding doors to reduce wasted space.
However, due to the curved glass, you can expect to pay a little more compared to square or rectangular options.
This D-shaped enclosure offers a sleek, modern design with a polished chrome finish and twin sliding doors.
9. Semi-frameless shower enclosure
Love the frameless look but hate the price tag? Semi-frameless enclosures are more affordable and easier to install, but will still give you that sleek, minimalist feel (just with partial metal framing).
Steve Maguire, Director of Group Product at Bathroom Brands Group, says, "Semi-frameless enclosures offer a well-judged balance between form and function. By combining precision-engineered framing with generous areas of clear glass, they provide a modern, lighter look while retaining the structural support needed for ease of installation and long-term durability."
This semi-frameless enclosure has minimal metal framing and comes with an acrylic tray.
Steve Maguire is the Director of Group Product at Bathroom Brands Group, a leading bathroom product designer with brands such as Crosswater, Showerwall, and Brittingdon.
10. Sliding door shower enclosure
Steve Maguire says, "For bathrooms where access and space are as important as aesthetics, sliding door enclosures offer a highly practical solution. Removing the need for swing clearance, they are particularly effective in narrow or awkward layouts, without compromising on style."
However, from personal experience, sliding doors can be trickier to clean – whether it’s scum and mould building up on the tracks or the limited access where the two doors meet. I’ve also had issues with the wheels coming off the tracks, which caused gaps and leaks.
Ideal for smaller bathrooms, this shower enclosure features sliding doors to help maximise space.
FAQs
How do you choose between shower doors and shower screens?
According to Oliver and Vic Slovak, founders of VOSC Bathrooms & Interiors, shower screens are a popular choice from a design perspective, offering a modern, clean look while also being cheaper to buy and maintain.
"That said, screens don’t always perform as well in real-world use, especially in the UK. Because they’re open, they allow water spray and heat to escape, which can make the bathroom colder and lead to more water outside the shower area.
"For that reason, we often recommend a shower enclosure with a door, particularly in smaller bathrooms or family homes. A fully enclosed shower keeps water contained and holds warmth much better."
Frameless sliding-door enclosures are a good middle ground (although they can be more expensive).
Oliver and Vic Slovak are the founders of VOSC Bathrooms & Interiors, a specialist bathroom installation company based in St Albans, working across Hertfordshire and North London. Founded in 2021, VOSC delivers multiple full bathroom installations each month, focusing on high-quality workmanship, waterproofing expertise and practical, well-executed wet room solutions.
How to choose a shower enclosure
Choosing the best type of shower enclosure comes down to three factors: the size of the room, the layout, and your budget.
"If the bathroom is large and budget allows, we would always recommend a walk-in shower. The ideal size is around 2000 x 900mm, paired with a minimal or frameless glass panel. A popular choice with our customers is a non-slip slate-effect shower tray, combined with a 1200mm fixed glass screen, which creates a clean, modern look while remaining practical and easy to maintain," says Josh and Dan Cole of Northbreck Bathrooms.
"For smaller bathrooms or en-suites where space needs to be maximised, a quadrant shower enclosure is often the best option. The curved design reduces how far the enclosure projects into the room, helping the space feel larger without compromising on comfort or showering area."
The sheer number of shower enclosures might feel overwhelming, but once you know exactly what you need and have identified the type of space you're working with, it's easy to make an informed decision.
For more practical advice, read our guide on how to replace a shower screen and find out what the best over-bath shower screen is.
