Shower enclosures not only keep warm air in and your floors dry, but they provide more privacy and separation from the rest of your bathroom. If you’re remodeling your bathroom, choosing the right type of shower is one of the most important factors. There are several different types of shower enclosures to choose from and plenty of configurations. With a sea of brands, shapes, styles, and types, it can be difficult to decide on what’s best for you.
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On this page
- Types of shower enclosures
- Shower enclosure styles
- The best shower enclosures and kits
- What shower enclosure is best for you?
Types of shower enclosures
Here are the types of shower enclosures that can be installed in your home.
Framed
Image source: Basco
Average total cost range (with installation): $150-$2,000
Framed shower enclosures are the standard type of shower enclosure and feature some type of metal frame around the edges of the door, such as aluminum or chrome. Framed enclosures typically have thinner, tempered glass, which makes them easier to install and more cost-effective than frameless enclosures. These enclosures are also fully sealed and usually feature sliding shower doors that help prevent leakage. Unfortunately, this type of shower enclosure limits the customizations you can make.
Frameless
Image source: Walmart
Average total cost range (with installation): $800-$2,200
Frameless shower enclosures feature no vertical framework and instead show exposed glass edges. These enclosures usually include thicker glass, which makes them more expensive and difficult to install. Fortunately, though, they offer more design options and a more contemporary appearance. Frameless shower doors usually have a French opening with doors that hinge out between one or two fixed glass panels.
Semi-frameless
Image source: Amazon
Average total cost range (with installation): $300-$2,400
Semi-frameless enclosures feature the best of both worlds with minimal framework and some glass edges. These types of enclosures tend to be cheaper than fully frameless ones but still capture the same appeal.
Shower enclosure styles
With many different types of shower enclosure styles available, you're sure to find one that best suits your bathroom.
Square shower
Image source: Overstock
Square showers have the same length on all sides and fit easily in small bathrooms. Thanks to their perfect square shape with no curves, these showers can be customized in a variety of different ways, including frameless hinged shower enclosures, brushed nickel frames, or glass shower doors.
Quadrant shower
Image source: Polysan
With two straight sides and curved glass, quadrant showers are designed to fit perfectly in corners and most average-sized bathrooms. These might run more expensive than other styles due to the curved glass, but quadrants work perfectly as corner showers if you’re trying to save some space.
Walk-in shower
Image source: Everything Simple
Walk-in showers are a perfect fit for master bathrooms, providing more shower space and accessibility. Walk-in showers are also very customizable, allowing you to choose the dimensions you need and add things like sliding glass doors. They usually feature clear glass panels which are fixed to the shower wall with a shower pan underneath. These showers can be expensive but can be a more modern approach if budget and space are not an issue.
Neo-angle shower
Image source: VIGO
Neo-angle showers are corner shower enclosures designed with five sides and a shower door, giving you a stylish look without sacrificing space. Though neo-angle shower enclosures can be expensive, they can give smaller bathrooms a more sophisticated look.
The best shower enclosures and kits
Whether you’re updating or completely renovating your bathroom, choosing the best shower enclosure comes down to several crucial factors. In addition to size requirements and a variety of different design options, you’ll also need to consider things like where the drain is located to determine which type of shower enclosure or shower kit you’ll need.
Budget-friendly
Delta 38” Neo-Angle Enclosure
Image source: Delta
Average cost: $529
This shower kit from delta features a neo-angle polished chrome enclosure with tempered clear glass panels and a pivot door. You can find this shower kit at big chain stores like Home Depot for $529, which includes a polystyrene shower base and a shower pan. While it may not be the most exciting shower enclosure, this low-profile option is worth the price.
For small bathrooms
OVE Decors Breeze
Image source: OVE
Average cost: $929 (without walls)
At 34” long, this quadrant shower base kit is perfect for small and mid-sized bathrooms. The OVE Decors Breeze shower kit comes with an acrylic base, chrome aluminum hardware, and a reversible sliding door. You can purchase the kit without walls or with walls for a higher price.
For large bathrooms
DreamLine Enigma-X
Image source: DreamLine
Average cost: $1,250
Between the smaller DreamLine Prism, the DreamLine Cornerview shower kits, and the bigger DreamLine Prism Plus, the Enigma-X is one of the larger shower enclosure options you can find. With a width between 56" and 60", this rectangular shower kit fits well in large bathrooms.
This frameless shower kit comes with stainless steel hardware, tempered clear glass panels, and a sliding door but does not include the slimline base. Though it’s one of the more expensive kits you can buy, its elegant appearance makes it a solid choice if budget isn’t an issue.
For corners
Sunny Shower Sliding Door
Image source: Sunny Shower
Average cost: $400
This curved quadrant shower kit fits most smaller spaces and corners, featuring two sliding shower enclosures and clear tempered glass. This kit does not include a base, though, which could increase the cost by up to $700.
For the design
DreamLine French Corner
Image source: Amazon
Average cost: $769
Not only is this semi-frameless French corner shower stylish, but its satin black sliding door makes it a great option for smaller spaces. This shower kit does not include the base or showerhead, but you’ll be able to add them to a bundle.
Find the right shower enclosure for your home
Whether you’re considering a bathroom remodel or update, choosing the right shower is a crucial step. With an endless amount of options to choose from, deciding what fits within your budget, space, and desired aesthetic can be exhausting. Most shower kits don’t include shower bases or showerheads, so make sure to add those into your budget. Now that you've read up on the different types, styles, and brands of shower enclosures, you should be well-equipped to find the right one for your home.