A corner shower has long been considered the ideal solution for small bathrooms that don’t necessarily have the floorspace to accommodate a traditional bathtub and shower unit. As the size of standard bathrooms grew, the market for the corner shower dwindled slightly. Over the past few years, however, as more homeowners are seeking to renovate and restore older homes, the problem of small bathroom space is once again an issue. With new home construction on the rise as well, the enormous size of the standard master bathrooms being built are also perfectly suited for dual bathing units. Instead of having a bathtub and shower combination, they are typically fitted with a larger soaking bathtub along with separate standing corner shower units.
Evolution of the Corner Shower Unit
As the demand for corner shower units has began to increase again over the years, the styles and designs offered on the market have increased dramatically. The original corner units were often
made from a light acrylic base with a very plastic feel to it. The bases were not necessarily designed for heavy use and tended to crack with age if not properly maintained. The shower stalls were made from the same type of acrylic and, therefore, subject to the same durability issues. The shower enclosure was comprised of either a corner shower rod, which allowed you to use a standard shower curtain, or a type of plexiglass enclosure system framed with thin aluminum. These units were designed to be affordable and practical, not visually appealing or long lasting.
From Then Until Now
As consumers buying trends began to emphasis form just as much as function, the overall designs and styles of corner shower units improved to suit the times. Modern units are being built using acrylic fiberglass mixtures which provide a drastic improvement in both feel and durability. The stalls are created using the same blend which allows for longer lasting surfaces. Stone resin is another material gaining in popularity which provides the durability of stronger plastics and resins, but the appearance of cultured stone. The enclosures are being made more frequently from tempered safety glass as opposed to plexiglass, offering a more elegant appearance as well as a safer alternative to standard glass panels.
The increased durability, coupled with the visual improvements over the years, has contributed significantly to the increased demand for corner shower units in the marketplace.
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Although corner shower units aren’t used as much anymore, I think it is a perfect solution for a designer or homeowner to place less emphasis on the shower/bathing function of the bathroom and place more emphasis on the vanity function of the bathroom. I think you are right in saying that they are making a comeback.