How to Choose the Right Shower Tray for Your Bathroom Layout

Choosing the right shower tray is an essential part of designing your bathroom. Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing space, selecting a shower tray that fits your bathroom layout perfectly is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. With so many options available, it can be tricky to know which style, size, and shape is the best fit for your space. This guide will help you navigate your choices and make an informed decision based on your bathroom's layout.

The first step in choosing the right shower tray is assessing the size and shape of your bathroom. This will influence the type of tray that will work best for your space.

Small Bathrooms:

• Space-saving designs: If you’re working with a compact bathroom, consider a quadrant tray. Its curved front fits neatly into the corner of the room, leaving more space for other fixtures. A square or rectangular tray placed in a corner can also save space while offering a comfortable showering area. Head to Plumbworld for premium shower tray materials.

• Low-profile options: A low-profile shower tray can give your bathroom a more open, airy feel, especially in small spaces. These trays sit closer to the floor, which helps create a seamless transition between your shower and the rest of the room.

Large Bathrooms:

• Spacious designs: For larger bathrooms, you can afford to be more generous with your shower area. A rectangular tray is ideal for spacious bathrooms as it provides ample space for a luxurious shower. If you prefer a walk-in shower, you could opt for a large rectangular or even a custom-designed tray that complements your layout.

• Walk-in shower: For a high-end, open feel, a large walk-in shower with a wide rectangular tray is a great choice. These trays allow for better flow and create a modern, spa-like environment.

The shape of your shower tray is just as important as its size, and it needs to align with your bathroom’s layout.

Corner Installations:

• Quadrant trays: If your shower is going into a corner, a quadrant shower tray is a popular choice. The curved design helps to optimise space while providing a modern, sleek look. These trays are ideal for small to medium-sized bathrooms where space efficiency is key.

• Square trays: A square shower tray can also fit into corners and works well if you have a bit more room to work with. Square trays are versatile, offering a balanced and symmetrical appearance.

Straight Wall Installations:

• Rectangular trays: If you have a shower along a straight wall, a rectangular shower tray offers a clean, sleek look and is great for larger spaces. This shape is incredibly versatile and works well in both modern and traditional settings.

• Square trays: If you prefer a more compact look, a square tray can work along a wall too. While it may not have the same length as a rectangular tray, it can still provide enough space for a comfortable shower.

Walk-in Showers:

• For walk-in showers, a low-profile rectangular tray is often the best choice. This allows for a seamless design where the tray appears almost flush with the floor, contributing to the open, airy feel of a walk-in shower.

The depth and drainage capacity of your shower tray will affect its performance, particularly in larger or high-traffic bathrooms.

Shallow Trays:

• Low-profile designs are perfect for modern bathrooms where you want to create a seamless floor-to-ceiling look. These trays are great for preventing water buildup and offer a more elegant appearance.

Deeper Trays:

• If you’re installing a shower tray in a high-traffic area or prefer a more traditional showering experience, deeper trays with higher edges may be more suitable. These trays help contain water more effectively and offer more versatility in terms of drainage options.

Most people assume that a walk-in shower doesn’t have a tray. Indeed, some designs don’t. Instead, they have a tiled flooring that matches the bathroom. This can create a sleek and modern look, as well as ensure accessibility for those with mobility issues. However, there isn’t a set rule when it comes to walk-in showers. You can still have a tray in here, which can offer different advantages. You’ll find that they’re low-profile so that family members can still enjoy accessibility. Let’s take a look at the benefits of having a tray.

Keeps Water Contained

Many people don’t want to create a wet room when they’re designing a walk-in shower. They want to make sure water is contained. Well, the best way to do this is by including a tray in the design. This is going to prevent water from spilling out and making a mess of the bathroom after a shower. Of course, when the floors stay dry, this can help with safety.

Can Be Easier to Install

Bathroom renovations are something you want to be done quickly. after all, you can be without a functioning bathroom during this time. Know that getting a tray is often easier for the installation process. This is particularly true if you already have one and it’s just a case of replacing it. It prevents the headache that can come from levelling a floor and installing tiles and grout.

Improves Safety

You can find that having a tiled walk-in shower can be slippery. This can mean that accessibility might be improved, but family members can be at risk from a fall when it’s wet. Know that a shower tray is often going to be textured and designed to be safe. This can give you peace of mind.

Choosing the right shower tray involves carefully considering your bathroom layout, style, and practical needs. For smaller spaces, a quadrant tray may be ideal, while a rectangular tray works best for larger, more spacious bathrooms. You should also keep in mind plumbing requirements, drainage options, and how the tray complements the rest of your bathroom’s design.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to select a shower tray that fits seamlessly into your layout and enhances the functionality and aesthetic of your bathroom.