The bathroom and home décor industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with a strong emphasis on design, aesthetics, and functionality. Interior designers are focusing on transforming bathrooms into safe, tranquil retreats for unwinding after a long and tiring day.
A crucial aspect of creating this serene bathroom experience lies in the choice of materials for shower enclosures and towel rails. The right selection can significantly influence their aesthetic appeal, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options when choosing the right shower enclosure and towel rail material for your bathroom including the factors that need to be considered.
Shower Enclosure Material Options
When it comes to choosing the right shower enclosure material, there are three things to consider: the material’s durability, aesthetic appeal, and overall performance in bathroom environments. Understanding the unique properties of each can help you select the right one for your bathroom.
Glass Shower Enclosures
Glass is one of the most popular choices. This transparent material looks elegant in pretty much any style bathroom. Glass shower enclosures also help create an open and spacious feel.
For installation in bathrooms, tempered glass is usually used for safety reasons. It is very strong and resistant to breakage especially when compared to regular glass.
Acrylic Shower Enclosures
If you find glass a bit too heavy for your taste, then you can opt for shower enclosures made of acrylic. This material tends to be more lighter and more budget-friendly. It can also be molded into various shapes and sizes.
You do need to be a little more careful with the maintenance of acrylic because it is more prone to scratches. It is also less durable than glass. It needs regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of soap scum and stains.
You can also incorporate the use of shower trays. And enjoy a pleasant shower right before starting the day.
Tile & Stone Shower Enclosures
Some homeowners who want a more luxurious-looking bathroom, choose tile or stone as the material for their shower enclosures. Tile and stone have a certain aesthetic appeal and can easily be customized as per your personal design preferences.
When using tile or stone, you will need to ensure proper sealing and maintenance. This will prevent damage and the growth of mold and mildew.
Towel Rail Material Options
Now let’s take a look at some of the most common towel rail materials. These materials are popular due to their resilience, aesthetic value, and compatibility with various bathroom styles.
Stainless Steel Towel Rails
Bathroom towel rails that are made of stainless steel are famous for their durability. They resist corrosion and look modern in appearance. Plus, they are easy to maintain and clean.
These qualities make them a practical option for bathrooms. Moreover, stainless steel complements multiple design styles be it contemporary or traditional.
Chrome Towel Rails
Chrome-plated towel rails look sleek and polished. They give a very cherishable look to any bathroom. Plus, chrome material does not get rusted or corroded. But after some years, it might start showing off the signs of wear and tarnish.
To prevent such issues, it is generally recommended to clean it with mild detergents. Such detergents will maintain their shine and prevent discoloration.
Brass Towel Rails
Brass towel rails are considered classic and timeless in terms of their appeal. Like chrome, they are also resistant to corrosion. But brass is a material that requires regular polishing to prevent tarnishing.
Polishing helps maintain its luster and shine. Although some homeowners appreciate the patina that develops over time.
How to Choose the Right Material?
When choosing the right shower enclosure and the right towel rail for your bathroom, several factors need to be considered.
Check Your Budget
One’s budget and financial status always play an important role in the determination of material choices for shower enclosures and towel rails. For example, glass and stainless steel tend to be more expensive than other options, yet they offer long-term durability and look modern in terms of aesthetics.
On the other hand, acrylic and chrome prove to be more budget-friendly options. Royal Bathroom’s shower enclosure range offers versatile design choices and is quite cost-effective.
Maintenance Requirements
How much maintenance and cleanliness are you up to? This is something else you need to consider when choosing the right shower enclosure and towel rail materials. Some materials, such as acrylic and brass, for example, require more effort to get cleaned. They also require more attention to prevent damage and deterioration. Whereas, glass and stainless steel a more low maintenance.
Aesthetic Preferences
The design and aesthetics of your bathroom are other things you should consider. Take into account your personal taste, color scheme, and decor to ensure that the selected materials enhance the overall look of your space.
Conclusion
To decode the best material choices for shower enclosures and towel rails, one needs to be very careful. Budget, maintenance, and aesthetic preferences are all factors that will need to be considered.
Glass, brass, and stainless steel have their advantages and considerations. When choosing the right shower enclosure and towel rail material, make sure you are familiar with all of the pros and cons of all these materials before making your final choice.