Until recently, the main element of the bathroom was the bathtub itself, regardless of material, shape or size. But now shower cabins have appeared on sale - comfortable, practical, large and small, with many functions. And a dilemma immediately arose - what is better to choose?

The range of bathtubs and shower stalls is now huge, you can choose an option to suit every taste and budget, but it’s not always so easy to decide. It’s good if the room is large and the financial capabilities allow you to install both a cabin and a bath at the same time, but what should those who do not have such capabilities do? To solve this problem, you need to compare their main characteristics, and also become more familiar with all the nuances - advantages, disadvantages, installation features.

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

Standard models have oval and rectangular shape, which allows a person to lie down comfortably and straighten his legs, if, of course, the size is chosen correctly. For small rooms there are corner models in which you can comfortably sit in a reclining position. There are also 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 differ in size, side height, and 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.

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;
• height of sides 40-75 cm.

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

Shower cabin arrangement

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

Cabins without a top cover (open) are the most budget option. To assemble the cabin, install a tray in one of the corners of the bathroom, connect it to the sewer, and open side The walls and door are mounted along the edge on an aluminum profile.

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

The mixer 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 such as a steam generator, several shower modes and ozonation, and during procedures, moist fumes spread throughout the entire room.

Shower cabin - convenient and practical

Closed models are an autonomous structure, isolated from the microclimate of the bathroom. It consists of a tray, walls with a door, an upper base and a multifunctional panel. Such a cabin can be placed in any convenient location, the main thing is to be able to connect it to the water supply and drain pipe. When overhaul For a bathroom or moving house, the structure can be easily dismantled and folded, and installing it will not be difficult even for a non-specialist.

Combined structures, or shower boxes, are equipped with bathtubs instead of a tray, and the walls are attached to the edge of the sides of the bowl. They are manufactured in both open and closed versions, depending on the model. All the advantages of both cabins and bathtubs are combined here, for example, at the same time as a jacuzzi, you can install a cascade shower or a Charcot shower. Disadvantages of the design: high price and large dimensions (compared to a regular cabin).

Standard sizes of shower cabins:

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

Manufacturing materials

What types of baths are there?

The list of materials used in the manufacture of bathtubs is quite wide:

• acrylic;
• quaril;
• enameled steel;
• cast iron;
• tempered impact-resistant glass;
• copper;
• faience;
• natural stone;
• casting stone;
• tree.

The most common and affordable are steel and acrylic products, followed by cast iron bathtubs. They cannot boast of being particularly decorative, but nevertheless the appearance of such plumbing fixtures is very aesthetic, the surface is easy to clean and, with proper care, retains its visual appeal for a long time.

Glass, copper, earthenware models, as well as products made from artificial stone, look much more impressive, and although they are significantly more expensive than traditional bathtubs, they are also in considerable demand. In addition to being decorative, they have high performance characteristics, last a long time, and are easy to use.

But the most luxurious and beautiful are bathtubs made of wood and natural stone– marble, granite, onyx. These materials have their own characteristic pattern, thanks to which the finished products look very elegant, original and stylish.

Such a variety of materials and shapes allows you to choose a bathtub to suit any interior, even the most extraordinary one. Many manufacturers produce custom-made plumbing fixtures based on individual designs. The walls of the bowl can be decorated artistic painting, use openwork forged stands or curly legs - there are a lot of options.

What are shower cabins made of?

Any cabin is a prefabricated structure in which each part is made of a specific material. Nai great variety In this regard, shower trays differ in the production of which cast iron, acrylic, enameled steel, earthenware, artificial and natural stone are used.

1. Cast iron pallets are considered the most reliable and durable. They are stable, not afraid of mechanical loads and shocks, and are not subject to abrasion. Thanks to the heat capacity of cast iron, standing barefoot on such a tray is very comfortable; the surface does not cool down for a long time. Cast iron products have one disadvantage - they are very heavy.
2. Acrylic pallets have the largest range and affordable price. They are light, comfortable, with an anti-slip surface, and attractive in appearance. Such products are easy to clean, heat up quickly and retain heat for a long time, but under heavy load they can crack.
3. Steel pallets are lightweight and durable, affordable, and have a long service life. They tolerate temperature changes well, are not afraid of mechanical stress, but have a low heat capacity and make a loud noise under streams of water.
4. Earthenware pallets are quite massive, very stable, and pleasant to the touch. The smooth, glossy surface prevents dirt from sticking in, making it easy to clean. The disadvantage of earthenware is its fragility, so it must be used very carefully.
5. Pallets made of stone, both cast and natural, have the most advantages. They are stable, strong, durable, retain heat well and do not make noise. Defects that appear during use (cracks, chips, abrasions) can be eliminated by grinding and polishing. Separately, it is worth noting the decorative nature of stone pallets, which is often a decisive factor when choosing. Well, they have one minus - the high price.

The most noticeable part of the cabin is its walls and door. It depends on them appearance design that determines the choice of product. These elements are made from tempered glass, plexiglass and polystyrene, complemented with chrome fittings.

1. Polystyrene is a transparent or matte plastic 3 mm thick. It may be colorless or colored different colors, smooth and with a relief pattern. This material is much lighter than glass, which makes it easier to transport and install the structure, and is cheaper, making polystyrene cabins one of the most budget option. As for the disadvantages: polystyrene is short-lived, it is easy to damage, the surface becomes dull over time and becomes covered with small scratches and abrasions.
2. Glass for walls and doors has a thickness of 4 to 8 mm, and it is very difficult to break. If this does happen, the risk of injury is zero, since the fragments have no sharp edges. Glass can be transparent or tinted, with various patterns, embossed or smooth surface. This material is reliable, durable, and highly hygienic, because mold and other microorganisms do not grow on the glass. The disadvantages of the material include heavy weight and high cost.
3. Plexiglas is a synthetic polymer based on acrylic resin. This material is stronger than polystyrene and lighter than glass, tolerates temperature changes and high humidity well, and is distinguished by a wide variety of textures and a wide range of colors. Thanks to this, plexiglass shower cabins can be very decorative.

shower cabins

Equipment and functionality

Why are baths convenient?

A modern bathtub is more than just a bathtub. Thanks to additional equipment, it turns into an ideal place for relaxation and recuperation. Such equipment includes:

• hydromassage jets;
• air massage systems;
• underwater lighting;
• control panels;
• headrests;
• bath seats and handles;
• dry start protection sensors;
• automatic cleaning devices.

Bathtubs with Jacuzzis and built-in massage systems are expensive, so not everyone can afford such a purchase. But adding a comfortable ergonomic headrest, seat or handles to the bathroom won’t cost that much. These products are not always included in the bathtub package, but they are widely available on sale. A variety of models allows you to choose best option equipment for plumbing fixtures of any type and material. LED lights for chromotherapy are also very popular now. They can be installed on any bathtub, but it is most convenient to install them on acrylic surfaces. The backlight has different shades, waterproof housing and compact dimensions, so it doesn’t interfere at all while swimming.

For aromatherapy lovers, they began to produce hydromassage systems with special containers into which aromatic oils are poured before starting the procedure. After filling the bath with water, the oil is supplied from the containers in small portions, which means that the effect lasts as long as you enjoy bathing.

In addition to relaxing and hygienic procedures, the bath also performs other functions. For example, it is convenient to place a small bath in it if there is a child in the house. This prevents water from splashing onto the floor, saving time on cleaning.

The bathroom is convenient for bathing animals, soaking laundry and washing large items. If suddenly there are interruptions in the water supply, this is the best container for storing water.

Functions of shower cabins

Simple cabins open type are equipped with only the most necessary things - a mixer, a watering can and standard lighting. Closed and combined models, on the contrary, are very well equipped and include several different functions at once. Expensive designs provide electronic control of these functions through a special console with a digital display.

The list of popular shower cabin functions includes:

Different shower modes are provided by showers and nozzles located in a certain order on the ceiling and walls of the cabin. For example, the rain shower mode consists of a large number of very thin jets of water directed strictly vertically.

In the cascade shower mode, water at a temperature of 35-36°C is supplied from a height of at least 1 meter in a powerful stream, in the form of a waterfall.

Charcot's shower is characterized by jets of varying intensity, directed from different directions.

Ozone therapy involves exposing the skin to tiny air bubbles. This procedure perfectly tones the body and helps eliminate harmful substances, rejuvenates the skin. If there is a deep tray this mode allows you to use the shower cabin as a Jacuzzi.

For aromatherapy, a compact device with containers for oils and buttons is mounted on the walls of the cabin. When taking a shower, just press the appropriate button and the cabin will be filled with the selected aroma.

The steam generator function makes it possible to recreate the microclimate of a real bath in the shower cabin. The sensations after taking the procedures will be exactly the same as after visiting a real steam room. For convenience, the cabin can be equipped with a seat, ergonomic handles, and footrests.

Shower box equipment

Combined cabins offer a full range of all water treatments. The overhead showers provide water supply in different modes; hydromassage nozzles are built into both the bathtub itself and the walls of the cabin. There are devices for aroma and ozone therapy, LED lighting and other technological amenities.

Most models of such cabins are equipped with soft headrests, folding seats, compact shelves for toiletries, and handrails.

In terms of functionality, shower boxes are superior to both a bathtub and a shower cabin: here you can quickly invigorate yourself with a contrast shower, soak in a bathtub with hydromassage, relieve fatigue under a Charcot shower, while simultaneously enjoying the pleasant aroma of essential oils and listening to your favorite music.

DIY installation technology

The degree of installation complexity also plays an important role in the choice between a bathtub and a shower cabin. If you plan to install everything yourself, you need to study all the nuances in advance so that the purchase does not cause additional problems.

Bath installation

All bathtubs are installed according to the same principle, but with some nuances, depending on the type of construction and material of manufacture. For example, for acrylic bathtub A supporting frame is required, otherwise the bowl will sag under the weight of a person. The legs of metal bathtubs should be securely fixed to the floor to increase stability, and for models made of cast iron, natural and cast stone, very solid foundation. Wall-mounted and corner bathtubs are mounted close to the walls; built-in structures need to be recessed into the floor or a special podium built around the perimeter of the bowls.

Let's look at the installation procedure using the example of a standard steel bathtub with legs and a protective screen.

The easiest way to install acrylic and steel baths, even taking into account the installation of the support frame. Heavy models require more physical effort and more caution when installing the bowl, so an assistant is required for installation. The most difficult option is to install a built-in bathtub, the pipes for which are routed deep into the floor. If you do not have construction skills, it will be very difficult to do it yourself, and most homeowners prefer to hire professionals for this.

Video - Bathtub installation

Installation of a shower cabin

Assembling and connecting a shower cabin is no more difficult than installing a bathtub, and in some cases it is even much simpler. It all depends on the dimensions of the structure and the number of elements. Before assembly, you must make sure that all components are in place and there are no defective parts. Typically, a standard cabin includes:

• pallet;
• side walls;
• back panel;
• doors;
• guides;
• screen.

To work, you will need a set of screwdrivers, a level and an adjustable wrench, as well as sealant and fum tape. You need to start by preparing the place, just like for a bath. The surface of the floor and walls should be as strong and smooth as possible, so carefully inspect the cladding. If the tile does not hold well, it will have to be completely dismantled and a new one laid. If necessary, a new screed is made on the floor and also laid with tiles. If the floor and walls are in good condition, you can immediately begin the installation process.

Happy owners of cottages and luxury apartments have the opportunity to install any equipment they want in their spacious bathrooms.

To the owner ordinary apartment, as a rule, you have to solve the dilemma of what to choose: a bathtub or a shower?

Let's compare both options, evaluate their strengths and weak sides and listen to the arguments of supporters of each of the devices.

The complexity of this problem lies in the fact that both baths are good in their own way. Moreover, what suits one may not suit another, and often family members have to break a lot of copies before they agree on one of the options.

Let's look at the pros and cons of each solution.

Bath

1. Advantages:
2. In the bath you can relax and truly relax, something that the owner of a shower cabin can only dream of. In our hectic times, when many people suffer from stress and chronic fatigue syndrome, this opportunity is extremely important not only for the body, but also for the psyche. Floating in a hot bath, as if in zero gravity, the user can more easily detach himself from the many problems surrounding him than in any other situation.
3. If you dissolve herbal infusion or sea salt in water, then bathing turns into a healing procedure. First of all, it has a positive effect on the skin, which is especially important for women. In their lives, for obvious reasons, all kinds of cosmetic subtleties play a significant role. But for men suffering, for example, from one or another skin disease, a herbal bath will be very useful.
4. Bathing in a bath is much better at removing impurities, sweat and dead cells from the skin, since thanks to a relatively long stay in hot water, all this has time to become limp and soften.
5. A person frozen in the cold will warm up in a hot bath much faster than in a shower. As you know, the Japanese survive in their cardboard and unheated houses only thanks to super-hot Fuko baths, which provide a charge of heat for many hours. If they only had showers at their disposal, the residents of the Land of the Rising Sun would have a hard time.
6. By equipping it appropriately, you can get much of what a shower cabin provides. This is not only a regular shower, but also side hydromassage jets, as well as a stand with a tropical shower. And the bath itself can be equipped with air massage nozzles. The second option for the shower cabin is not available.
7. A bathtub is easier to keep clean than a shower stall, which has a lot of protrusions and hard-to-reach places.
8. A bath is indispensable if there are children in the family. For a very small baby, it will act as a small pool in which you can swim before bed. After such procedures, children sleep well, and in addition, they contribute to hardening.
9. Older children love to play with various toys in the bath. Today, they even produce a special type of bath foam, from which you can sculpt a variety of shapes.
10. The bathtub can be used to soak and wash items that cannot be washed in a washing machine. Also, only in the bathroom can you wash a large item, for example, a rug.
11. Bathing a large dog, and many families have such dogs today, can only be done in the bathtub.
12. You can take a bath even with very low pressure in the water supply, while a shower, and even more so hydromassage nozzles, will be useless in such a situation.

The main disadvantage of a bath is big sizes, which is of particular importance in a small bathroom. For example, in Khrushchev-era apartment buildings, if there is a bathtub, it becomes impossible to install a washing machine.

A way out of this situation may be to install a bathtub of a special configuration, which on one side (it is assumed that the user’s legs will be located here) is somewhat narrowed.

Shower cabin

Bath

1. The most important plus is that it takes, especially. Next to the shower cubicle, even in the tiniest bathroom, a washing machine will fit freely. Moreover, the cabin can be very small - today models are produced with dimensions in terms of 80x80 cm. It is only important to climb into it before purchasing and move around a little to understand whether you will not be cramped here.
2. Of course, you can’t relax in a shower cabin, but a shower requires much less water than a bath. The difference in the cost of one bath may seem small, but in a month, and even more so in a year, quite a significant amount will be saved.
3. If the cabin is a so-called shower box, then the steam generated during bathing will not enter the room. Such models are connected by an air duct directly to the exhaust ventilation duct and are equipped with a fan that pumps out moist air. For a bathroom whose walls and ceiling are not lined with moisture-resistant material, and even more so for wooden house, this option is the most acceptable.
4. The side of the shower cabin can be very low; in the so-called ultra-low pallets it is practically absent altogether. A user with limited mobility - elderly, sick or overweight - can easily enter such a cabin. And in order to take a shower in the bathtub or lie in it, in any case you will have to climb over the high side.
5. Some functions available in modern shower boxes will not be available to the bathtub owner. Although he can still install a stand with a “tropical shower” shower, he will definitely not be able to create a sauna environment with the help of a steam generator. In addition, “advanced” shower cabins have a radio and telephone. Of course, you can lead them to the bathtub, but you will have to tinker a lot with the selection of equipment, its fastening, insulation from moisture, laying wires, etc.

To this you can also add spectacular lighting, which is available in all closed boxes. It can change color, thus influencing the user's mood (this is called chromotherapy).

Which is better to choose?

Just like in a wooden house, the most appropriate is to install a closed one, the design of which prevents steam from entering the room.

In all other cases, the lifestyle of the household members should be taken into account. Many people today, especially young people, due to increased employment, are forced to save every second. Such a person will have no need for a bath, since he simply does not have time to lie in it.

If the owner has free time, then choosing a bath will be more preferable, since, as shown above, it provides more opportunities.

During renovations in the bathroom, especially if the room is not spacious, almost every apartment owner thinks about whether to leave the bathtub or replace it with a comfortable stall in order to quickly take a shower and be able to squeeze more into the room. washing machine, a water heater or some other item for which there is currently not enough space. We decided to compare these two popular plumbing fixtures to help you choose.

Comparison in the table

Each type of plumbing has its own advantages, as well as certain disadvantages. Let's compare them according to the most important parameters:

When it comes to cost, you should compare devices with similar specifications. In terms of quality and price ratio, a good shower cubicle and a high-quality bathtub will be approximately on the same level. Manufacturers are trying to reduce prices (since competition is high) and also offer various additional functions.

Hydrobox - combining a bath and shower

If making a choice is very difficult, you can resort to an alternative that allows you to take the best from each plumbing fixture. This is especially convenient if some family members like to soak in the bath, while others do not want to waste time on water procedures, so they prefer a shower. Also, the combined device is suitable for families with a small child, as it allows you to bathe the baby. In addition, modern hydroboxes have many additional options that allow you to get the maximum benefit from any water procedure.

When starting a bathroom renovation, you will certainly face this question. Showers - both corner and cubicle - are an excellent replacement or addition to a traditional bath. Both seemingly almost similar options actually have a considerable number of differences and nuances that can easily confuse you. Therefore, here we will talk about what shower cabins and shower enclosures are, whether they need a tray, what functions you can count on and what to choose.

What you need to know when buying a shower cabin

This device is a completely enclosed space for water treatments. They have a base, walls on all four (sometimes five) sides, and most often a roof. The filling of the design can consist of a minimum set - top and side showers, or contain additional functions. The most popular of them are hydromassage, Turkish bath, lighting and radio.

1. A good cabin with quality plumbing will cost a lot in itself. A large set of features will increase the price. If you want to save money and buy a device with bells and whistles, be prepared for the fact that a cheap shower stall is unlikely to last long. And it will probably break down often.
2. Today, hydromassage is included in the minimum package of almost all companies. But here the rule is the same: in cheap models, the injectors quickly fail.
3. Additional functions like a steam generator require very soft water. When purchasing such a model, in most cases you will need to install good filters for water.
4. Built-in ventilation will be very useful. One will make caring for the device much easier. Although this does not mean that the cabin can not be ventilated at all.

Shower cabin with bathtub?

Now let's talk about the pallet. Most often, it is already included in the kit, and the price, accordingly, is indicated along with it. They differ in height.

1. Low - 15 cm. Such a pallet will be convenient for older people who find it difficult to raise their legs high.
2. Medium - from 15 to 35 cm. If there is a small child in the house who needs to be bathed, such a tray will be very convenient. It is not too high, but at the same time allows you to get some water to make the children more comfortable.
3. High - everything above 35 cm. In such shower cabins you can safely take a bath if necessary, and the tray itself is often equipped with a seat.

Choosing the height of the pallet is purely a matter of taste and needs. If you plan to install a cabin instead of a bathtub, it makes sense to take a high tray. On the contrary, it is better to install a low one in an apartment for older people.

Other nuances

Assembly and installation of the shower cabin is quite simple. In addition, the cabin does not require special waterproof wall finishing. But it will be difficult to fit the space design of the shower into a classic interior. Therefore, in the latter case, it is better to give preference to a regular bathtub or shower corner.

Pros of a shower cabin

• Ready-made plumbing kit. There is no need to match individual parts to each other.
• No requirements for interior decoration. Since the cabin is completely sealed, moisture will not get on the walls and floor.
• It can be placed, in general, in any place to which water is supplied.

Minuses

• The same ready-made set of plumbing may not be to everyone’s taste. Sometimes one or two functions are not in demand, but you still have to pay for them. At the same time, adding a new element to a finished cabin is problematic. Therefore, you have to choose among ready-made sets.
• Large dimensions. The size is calculated based on the outer perimeter, so there will be less space inside. As a result, the cabin itself takes up more space than would be available for water procedures, and looks cumbersome.
• The service life is 10-20 years, after which the cabin will most likely have to be replaced. Repairing and replacing components is a complex and troublesome job, often equal in cost to purchasing a new model.

Popular models of the manufacturer

Shower corner - room for imagination

• Unlike the cabin, the corner is simply two partitions with doors. They are installed both on the pallet and on the floor. It all depends on your desire. If you are leaning towards this option for arranging a bathroom, you need to keep a few things in mind.
• Almost all manufacturers of shower enclosures list the price excluding the tray. Also, the package does not include plumbing fixtures. Therefore, when planning your purchase, take into account the costs of purchasing them.
• On the other hand, it gives free rein to your imagination and allows you to more accurately adapt to your desires. From plumbing fixtures, you can purchase only what you really need, without overpaying for unnecessary functions.
• This option allows only a low tray (15 cm). Therefore, it is impossible to combine a bathtub with a shower corner.
• Installation will require very skilled hands. It will be necessary to maintain the level and prevent curvature, otherwise the structure will not be able to ensure tightness. This, in turn, requires very good alignment surfaces in your bathroom.
• Since the walls and floor are not protected by anything, it is necessary to seal them properly and think about the issue of protection from moisture, so that you do not have to deal with mold later.
• We recommend that you think through the issue of draining water in advance. The easiest way to solve this problem is with a pallet. As an alternative, you can build a low podium and organize a drain in it. Or “drown” it into the floor, drilling it to the required depth.

A shower corner with or without a tray can fit into any design. It looks very light, does not catch the eye and does not load the space. It also allows you to arrange your shower space exactly the way you want, without limiting your choice.

Materials for shower cabins and corners

Despite the difference in design, both corners and cabins are made from the same materials. What are they and how to choose quality ones?

Doors made from tempered glass. This makes them more resistant to household impacts. But don't expect them to withstand the test of a hammer or sledgehammer. True, in this case they will be showered with non-sharp fragments, so that you do not inadvertently get hurt.

Modern manufacturers offer you glass options of 4 mm, 6 mm and 7-8 mm. 4 mm is considered standard, 6 mm has increased strength, and 7-8 mm is more likely just a way to increase the price. In practice, 6mm glass is already very durable and will serve you for 30+ years.

European manufacturers often cover it with a protective layer, which fills all the irregularities and roughness on the surface of the glass. This makes cleaning easier and increases service life. True, only if you do not use hard sponges and abrasive detergents.

Opening mechanism may be different. The simplest and most cost-effective ones are sliding ones. They don't take up extra space and are easy to make. Another option is hinged doors. But when choosing this design, you need to understand that in small bathtubs they are more likely to create inconvenience, knocking against the walls, washing machine and furniture.

In some models you can find doors that fold like an accordion. In general, this is also quite a convenient option. But you will find it only in premium models, since the design itself is very expensive.

The most common pallets- acrylic. This is a lightweight and hygienic material, it is very easy to clean. The disadvantages include low strength: with average use, such a pallet can last you ten years. For intensive use - for example, if you like to take a shower in the morning and evening, and there are three of you in the apartment - count on about 2-3 years of operation.

Recently, products from artificial marble. They are more expensive, heavier, but much stronger. Marble pallets can most often be found from European manufacturers.

Size and shape

First of all, these two parameters are dictated, of course, by the conditions of your bathroom. But for comfortable use, we still advise you to adhere to the basic rules of choice.

• The standard size is a shower corner or cubicle 90x90 cm. A more compact version of 80x80 cm will force you to make room a little. Especially if you want to arrange everything with shelves. If 80 cm is required only on one side, you can get out of the situation by lengthening the other and taking a model 80x100 cm or 80x120 cm.
• Semicircular models in small bathtubs will look much better and will “eat up” less space. Even if you choose an oblong size, for a compact bathroom it is better to opt for a rounded shape. Pentagonal designs may look very tempting, but in reality they can be very difficult to fit into a rectangular room. Think carefully about the design of your bathroom if you are inclined to buy such a shower stall.
• Remember that the size of the cabin is indicated by the outer perimeter, and in fact there will be slightly less space in it. In general, for small rooms it is recommended to take a shower corner.

For the rest, feel free to focus on your preferences and needs. The main thing is to remember that one of the tasks of both the corner and the cabin is to provide you with comfort during water procedures.

Instead of output

In fact, both options for arranging a place to take a shower are so different that it is very difficult to say unequivocally which one is better. Rather, it is a matter of preference and priorities. You can argue for a long time, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of both. But it all depends on what point of view you look at from. If you don’t want to bother with installation and selecting everything you need, take a shower stall. If you want to first of all equip everything for yourself, choose a corner.

We tried to give both the pros and cons of both options. All you have to do is choose the one that is most suitable for you.

Many people, when arranging their bathroom, are faced with a choice: shower or bath? Now we will try to find out the positive and negative sides both solutions.

The first thing you need to understand is what you yourself are used to, and what kind of pastime is more enjoyable for you. The bath has a relaxing effect and allows you to relax after a hard day at work. A shower will help you wake up and give you energy for the day. Let's look at the bath and shower as a means of cleansing. Staying in the bath allows you to gently open the skin pores and thus cleanse them. It should be remembered that for the bathroom it is better to use different types of soap, rather than shower gels, since the latter create a special film on the skin that can only be washed off under a strong stream. In this regard, the shower provides the function of hydromassage and deeper cleansing.

In every house and apartment, at the planning stage, a magic room is provided - the bathroom. Its direct purpose is to provide convenience during hygiene procedures. But everything would be very boring if people used the bathroom only for its intended purpose. For most of us, water procedures mean restoration and relaxation, and our hygiene habits are based on the idea of ​​these matters.

Few of us are lucky enough to have a sauna or jacuzzi on our property: most have access to two types of regulated water amenities: a bath and a shower. There are as many adherents of both types of ablutions as there are of each individual: each gives a lot of arguments in favor of his habit. Is there any truth to this question? What is better - a bath or a shower?

Entering new house and when starting to equip a bathroom, any family will be faced with a choice between a bathtub and a shower. It’s good if the footage allows you to install both. But often you have to choose based on the size of the room. In terms of convenience of placement, a shower is more profitable - it saves space.

However, you must admit that it is impossible to decide what to buy without having an idea of ​​​​the price of the issue. Not so long ago, a shower cabin was a luxury for most consumers: now many specialized centers offer it, competition from manufacturers is at a high level, therefore, like a bathtub, a shower cabin (as well as heating units for them) can be selected according to your size and pocket. Which is cheaper? Same!
Will our acquisition pay off soon? With a water consumption of 8 to 15 liters per minute, 100 liters of water are required for taking a shower, and twice as much for taking a bath. This is explained by the fact that when we stand in the shower, we dissolve hot water dirt from the skin and hair and instantly wash it away with streams from the watering can. The process is continuous, whereas washing in a bath ends in dirty water and requires 2-3 rinses.

In terms of care, however, the housewives will not be pleased with the shower cabin. Every time after taking a shower (especially if the water in your tap is not of very high quality), the walls of the cabin will be covered with a coating, which, in principle, can save us from the need to cover ourselves with a curtain; besides, cleaning products for shower cabins are not yet sold everywhere. Some manufacturers recommend washing their products every time you take a shower - that is, several times a day. In this sense, the bathtub is more convenient: even a child can clean it up (by the way, try bathing a child in the shower!), and the choice of means for caring for it is richer.

In terms of their effects on the body, a shower and a bath occupy two opposite positions. A shower invigorates, a bath relaxes and soothes, but both can “give birth to us again.” In order not to spoil the effect of rebirth from being in the bath, you need to know that a warm bath (36-38 degrees) can be taken for no more than 30 minutes, and a hot bath (more than 38 degrees) - even less: 10-15. A minus for those who like to lie in the bath for hours. While in the shower we can enjoy ourselves until the water runs out.

From the point of view of cleansing, a bath is more useful because a long stay in hot water delicately and gently opens the pores, which is difficult to achieve under the shower streams flowing around the body. The state of weightlessness, which gives the hydrostatic factor, frees you from the force of gravity, unloads the musculoskeletal system and promotes the outflow of blood from the veins in the legs. When bathing in the bath, it is recommended to use any convenient soap, since washing gels leave a film of mineral oils on the body, which will clog open pores and interfere with the pore cleansing processes. For showering, gels are more useful, since the dirt, which, as we have already found out above, flows off us during the entire procedure, will slide off the skin along this very film without lingering anywhere. In a bath, however, it is impossible to achieve the hydromassage effect that a shower gives us.

Are there any medical contraindications to taking a bath or shower? It turns out there is. Doctors do not advise people with hypotension, hypertension and varicose veins veins Also, frequent baths are not recommended for those young ladies who suffer from problem skin - provided that healthy skin can relatively easily tolerate the owner’s “mistake” in the water temperature and bath duration, sensitive and problematic skin will respond to such rudeness with peeling, tightness, pimples and inflammation. The bath is also contraindicated for patients after surgery and for women during menstruation. The shower is recommended for everyone, with the exception of a contrast shower: it is not recommended for people with cardiovascular diseases, as well as those who have a cold or runny nose.

In matters “for the soul,” the bath is a winner. It’s pleasant to bask in clouds of foam, and nourishing your skin with salts, oils and additives is much more convenient than in the shower. While lying in the bathtub, you can perform facial and hair treatments, which is also impossible in the shower. When bathing children, a bath is also an indispensable assistant.

Well, the last, unexpected argument in favor of a bath is the percentage of injuries. According to online sources, the injury rate from falling in a shower stall is 15% higher than from falling from sliding on tiled floor bathroom. Well, the risk of injury from a fall in the bathtub is negligible: it’s difficult to fall while lying down, as you understand.

You need to understand what specific style you want to decorate your bathroom in. For modern and aggressive styles, such as “high-tech” and “minimalism”, a shower cabin will be the absolute choice. Here you will need cabins made of transparent glass with metal inserts. If you adhere to more classic interior, for example, in the Provence style, then you cannot do without a beautiful white bathtub and walls decorated with pastel-colored tiles. The shape of the bathroom can be different, as well as the material from which it is made: from iron to hardwood. Many design solutions they look very stylish, but again are suitable for large rooms.

And with such a practically no gap, the soul still pulls ahead. Apart from the risk of injury and maintenance, showering is cheaper and healthier. But a bath is healthier, more hygienic and safer. The choice, however, is still ours and our habits.

Especially for those who do not find time to take a bath and prefer to wash in the shower, here are five reasons why you should still run a bath at least once a week and soak in it:

1. Prevention of colds. A bath is indispensable if you or your child is often sick. It is especially useful to lie in a warm bath after a walk outside in bad weather, when your feet are wet or very cold. A bath will help warm up the entire body and thereby prevent the development of cold symptoms. Drink a glass of warm green tea with lemon or chamomile after your bath and you won’t have to worry about a possible cold.

2. Cleansing the skin. No one can cleanse their skin as effectively with a shower as a warm bath. In the bath, as in a sauna, the pores open and the skin is completely cleansed of the dirt accumulated in it. To remove dead skin cells, you can exfoliate with ground coffee or honey after a bath. The skin after this procedure will become even and smooth.

3. Relaxation. In order not to get irritated by trifles, you need to do a full course of massage twice a year, take a steam bath once a month, or attend spa treatments. Naturally, not everyone can afford such pleasure. An alternative to all these procedures can be a regular bath. Take water at a temperature that is comfortable for you, add essential oils of pine, sage, lavender or rosemary. Dim the lights, light some candles and enjoy the relaxation of a soothing, relaxing bath.

4. Cool down and stretch muscles. When you sit at the computer for a long time or do physical exercises, your muscles become very tense and stagnation begins in them. Therefore, when completing any physical workout or after sitting for a long time, you must do a cool-down and stretch your muscles. This could be a short walk or simple exercises, but the best thing for this purpose is to combine business with pleasure and take a warm bath with added sea ​​salt or herbal extract.

5. Remedy for low blood pressure. Weather-sensitive people are sensitive to weather changes. They are often bothered by headaches and weakness if the sky is covered with clouds and rain is expected. The reason for this is low blood pressure. Improving your well-being in these cases is quite simple - fill the bath with hot water and add pine decoction to it. Lie in the bath for 10-15 minutes and the resulting effect of the water procedure will definitely surprise you.