Sandra Hyde, Marketing Manager for Aqualux, examines the popularity of showers in the UK and highlights how the vast choice of enclosures on offer doesn’t need to be baffling to the consumer.In the last half of the 20th century, the popularity of showers skyrocketed and, today, approximately 86% of all UK households have some sort of showering facility. This explosion of interest sparked incredible product innovation, both from a problem solving perspective and in response to the increasing demand for aesthetically pleasing designs.

Available in the UK exclusively through Croydex, Damixa offers a contemporary shower collection with something to suit any style of bathroom or wetroom. The collection includes five bar mixers with either a top or bottom outlet which can be mixed and matched with a choice of shower sets in a range of sizes, all in a stylish chrome finish.

With great styling and a host of family friendly features that includes twin shower heads, DUAL, Aqualisa’s new thermostatic shower really is ‘twice as nice.’ With an exposed thermostatic bar valve, Dual features a main drencher-style showerhead and a versatile, height adjustable multi mode handset. A winning combination for family bathrooms, the flexibility of the Dual 2-in-1 package means that no matter the user’s requirements, Dual is capable of ticking multiple boxes.

Hudson Reed is proud to announce that all its thermostatic showers are manufactured and tested in the UK. Since the acquisition of Valquest by the Ultra Finishing group, the majority of Hudson Reed showers are powered by Valquest technology and achieve the TMV2 standard. TMV2 is the government sponsored standard that tests domestic shower valves to ensure that they will meet stringent anti scald safety and accurate temperature control standards, even under extreme operating conditions.

Available exclusively from Deva and a perfect retro fit product, the exciting range of Signature shower kits features four different models – Core, Substance, Visualise and Sense – and has been carefully selected to offer the very best in quality and design. With a choice of spray patterns – one, three and five function shower heads – the Signature range is simple to operate and suitable for all.

For customers seeking a stylish bar mixer shower that offers safety and style, but doesn’t break the bank, the new Nene Cool Touch and Nene with Diverter and Body Jets, which have been added to Triton’s Unichrome mixer range, tick all the right boxes. Providing two stylish, cost-effective shower solutions that boast the easy-to-fit features needed for a quick, professional finish every time and both newcomers provide multiple sales opportunities, as they are ideal for replacements through to new builds and extension jobs.

Showering pleasure can now be controlled flexibly with the Raindance Select 150, a new hand shower from Hansgrohe with a flowingly round, modern design and easy-to-hold handle. The “Select” – an ultra-simple spray mode change function allows users of all ages, and even with soapy hands, to select their favourite spray type with the easy touch of a button.

Anti -scald bathroom manufacturer Inta’s ‘Vue’ range of showers features leading Safe Touch technology, promising to bring extra safety and comfort to every bath and shower room. The Vue Safe Touch range is ingeniously designed to ensure that the shower bodies are never more than one degree warmer than the water coming out of the shower.

Mira Showers – the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories – has recently enhanced the appeal of its popular Coda Pro bar valve by combining it with deluge and diverter showerheads to create a new all-in-one mixer shower: the Coda Pro Diverter. The deluge head is an 18.5cm single spray model with rub-clean rubber nozzles for easy maintenance; while the separate hand-held showerhead is 9cm. The user has a choice of shower experience and functionality, being able to use each head separately or both together.

What is a Wet Room?

A Wetroom is an open shower space that blends seamlessly with the surroundings. Originally, used in leisure centres and public swimming pools they have become the latest life-style trend for the domestic market.

Launched at ISH 2011 in Frankfurt, Kermi were delighted to receive Europe’s prestigious iF Design Award for the new Kermi Walk-in XS Shower system.

As illustrated the new Walk-in XS is a dramatic design statement in the growing Walk-in showering market.

This month at Ecobuild and ISH, Methven unveiled the Maia Skincare Shower which features an integral vitamin C cartridge to reduce the chlorine in water and the award-winning Satinjet technology which saves water and energy without compromising performance.

AKW has introduced a new thermostatic bar mixer shower in a chrome finish proving that  the company is fully in tune with modern interiors and well understands the importance of inclusive design. 

Bristan is driving innovation in electric showers with the launch of a new stylish range. 

The collection has been created to suit a range of homeowners with each model trading up from the last in terms of design and budget. The four distinctive models in the range, Smile, Glee, Joy and Bliss, offer consumers a choice of design, colour and functionality.

Mira Showers, the UK’s leading manufacturer of showers and shower accessories, has broadened the style choices available to ‘entry level’ shower users with the introduction of two new showerheads – Beat and Nectar – designed to work with all types of showers.

Intatec has introduced a range of showers with new Safe Touch technology, adding a new level to the comfort and convenience of anti-scald showering.

Designed by Danish brassware manufacturer Damixa and brought to the UK by Croydex is a contemporary shower collection with something to suit any style of bathroom or wet room.

The shower collection includes five bar mixers, with either a top or bottom outlet, which can be mixed and matched with a choice of six different shower sets in a range of sizes, all in a stylish chrome finish, to create a showering environment to suit individual tastes and requirements.

The trend in the market for minimalist, contemporary style for showers and the introduction of new innovative products to its shower enclosure range, has led to an increase in demand for tc bathrooms’ superb range of frameless showers enclosures.

Mio from Intatec is a shower and tap range combining solid, rectangular valve styling with an elegantly arcing fixed riser and black and highly polished chrome finishes.

Designed to combine safety and style, cool touch technology ensures that the body of the shower never gets hot. Thermostatic control means that showering will always be at a safe temperature and Mio’s ‘soaker’ head enables the unit to deliver as much hot water as the rest of the system is able to provide.

For customers who want an electric shower that will make a statement at the heart of the bathroom but without a large price tag, Triton’s six new Aspirante models open up the electric sector to give retailers six unique, affordable options unlike anything else on the market.

With their customers in mind, Showerlux UK has made its shower trays easier to transport, store and install thanks to the introduction of the new affordable Showerlite range.

Made from a lightweight resin material, the Showerlite tray offers the same appearance, strength and quality as the Designa tray but has the added benefit of weighing considerably less.

The new Creda ShowerSpa II electric shower has been designed to add a refreshing touch to any bathroom. With contemporary facia styling and inbuilt temperature stabilising technology, the ShowerSpa II offers style and safety in one.

With approximately 8% of the world market, GROHE is the biggest European and the world’s leading manufacturer of sanitary fittings. As a global brand in this sector, GROHE continues to set the standards for quality, design, and technology.

Stuart Turner has a long and distinguished history of designing and manufacturing quality products – so when you choose a Stuart Turner shower pump you can be confident that you are investing in a name you can trust.

Shower enclosure specialist, Lakes Bathrooms, has launched a new range of 8mm walk-in enclosures as part of its Italia Collection. The 8mm Modula range includes five styles of free standing, walk-in enclosures and - as an introductory offer – these will be launched at the Modula 6mm price.

The wireless digital Platinum – from Mira Showers, the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories – takes showering technology to new heights and is bristling with innovations to make showering an even more pleasurable experience, literally at the touch of a button.

Novellini’s multi-dimensional range of Lunes freestanding glass panel combinations and shower enclosures now has the widest opening of any sliding door - and the company’s super shiny New Chrome finish to add to its choice of anti-bacterial profiles.

The Methven Satinjet® Tahi recently won a Gold Certificate for Product Innovation at the prestigious Design Awards.

Designed with ergonomics and ease of use in mind, this superior performing shower features an overhead showerhead; a two-function handset; a large capacity, adjustable shelf system; and, a sturdy footrest to make leg shaving effortless and comfortable.

Constantly evolving its popular bathroom range to suit modern tastes, Aqualux’s latest addition to its popular AquaSpace collection, the Organic Walk-In shower enclosure, is sure to inspire even the savviest consumers.

The new Edge pivot door from market leader, Simpsons, is the perfect choice for all sorts of designs. Its up-to-the-minute look is practical and suits every bathroom décor, size and budget.

The 6m toughened glass contrasts beautifully with the tough silver finish of the frame while the door, at 1950mm high, is available in widths of 760mm, 800mm, 900mm and 1000mm with a 30mm adjustment for easy fitting.

The Manhattan M3 range is contemporary in design and will appeal to today’s modern consumers who prefer the ‘more glass, less frame’ look. There are a whole host of styles and sizes of enclosure within the range which will complement any bathroom design. The clean look of M3 is complemented by concealed fixings and a re-designed, highly tactile handle.

Roca has introduced Transtube, a ground-breaking all-in-one unit incorporating a shower column, enclosure and tray, to provide the most complete solution for modern bathrooms.

Its cylindrical 1150mm diameter, transparent design offers a seamless 360˚ panoramic view which opens up a bathroom space, creating the perfect minimal look.

Salamander has launched the Force brass-ended range of shower pumps covering every potential customer need; positive and negative head, single and twin ended models and with power delivery ranging from 1.5 up to 3 Bar.

Spectra is successfully established as Aqata’s signature collection for luxurious, frameless showering. Screens, walk-ins, hinged doors and in-line panels are perfect for contemporary bathrooms, partnered with low-level shower trays or wetroom applications. New for 2011, three new Spectra models are being launched and were previewed at the recent ‘Sleep’ hotel exhibition in London.

Consumers are continuing to favour a clean and contemporary style for their bathroom so frameless doors, screens and enclosures are in strong demand and a trend that we anticipate will endure for many years to come.

Much of this growth is attributable to the rise of the wetroom look. Easy to achieve with a low level shower tray, this design ticks all the boxes as it appeals aesthetically to the luxury contemporary market and is also practical; no big step up into the shower area makes it a good investment for all ages and an obvious choice for ‘lifetime homes’.

tc bathrooms extensive range of innovative products offers stylish bath and shower solutions for today’s market. Retailers can choose from two aqua jet and two aqua spa shower baths, with matching bath screens, plus a choice of sixteen bath shower mixers from its contemporary and traditional tap range.

The new Carre Thermostatic Bar Shower with Diverter from Bristan combines great looks with thermostatic control and a nifty Fast Fit system which makes it incredibly easy to install.

Featuring a contemporary design with a rigid riser, fixed shower head and separate handset with rub clean nozzles, the Carre thermostatic shower incorporates a pre-set 38 degrees C safety stop which can be over-ridden.

Triton’s Unichrome Mersey thermostatic mixer collection provides retailers with an even wider range of products that meet customers’ needs for performance, ease of installation and style.

Comprising seven cost effective concentric, bar mixer and dual control options which take advantage of the current trend for homeowners to ‘improve rather than move’, threes mixers are quick and easy to install.

The ‘Merano’ shower bath from Jacuzzi® UK balances form and function perfectly. Ideal for bathrooms that lack space, ‘Merano’ will facilitate both comfortable bathing sessions and spacious showering sessions due to its curved backrest and distinctively bowed front. An optional curved glass over bath screen is also available to complete the look and keep splashes maintained. ‘Merano’ measures 170mm x 75mmx 42cm and is available left or right (shown here) handed.

Ideal Bathrooms has expanded its ‘Essential from Ideal’ product collection with a new shower bath and selection of bath screens. The Essential Square shower bath is a modern bath with a square shaped shower area to maximise space.

The latest version of Manhattan’s M3 Swiftseal Bathscreen boasts subtle design advancements that afford even greater efficiency and style.

The pull-down arm which provides the seal along the top of the bath features an ingenious ‘finger tab’ to aid engaging the bathscreen. Once located on the bath edge, all panels neatly extend and securely fit into position.

With the ever-growing impact in this country of minimalist and continental styles for the bathroom, we are reaching the stage whereby we have to be more individual and innovative to attract the potential customer.

The latest Hüppe shower enclosures can now be viewed at their partner showroom, hosted by Hansgrohe Limited in Esher, Surrey. Converging design ideals have led the two Masco companies to explore the synergy between their complementary offers by creating an inspirational environment where their showering products can be viewed and experienced. Hüppe and Hansgrohe represent similar brand values, product quality and engineering capability as well as the passion for design led products.

Bathroom design is constantly evolving and producing new and innovative concepts for the home. Long gone is the notion that the bathroom is simply a place for daily ablutions, it is now a relaxing, rejuvenating and luxurious space.

Providing an easy access solution in the bathroom that doesn’t compromise on style has increasingly become an issue. A winning combination in this changing market, the AquaSpace Modular Shower Panel system from Aqualux provides both easy access and a designer aesthetic. Inclusive products used to be associated with rather clumsy design, but the AquaSpace Modular shower system fits in seamlessly with contemporary décors.

Wirquin UK has strengthened its wet room offering with Venisio Square floor trap for walk-in showers. This new option complements the Linear version launched in 2009.

GROHE is launching 23 new systems incorporating clever features to create a real design statement in the bathroom.

Triton’s latest Thames Vertical Bar Mixer shower collection gives retailers three stand-out options to add designer style and impact to refurbishment and new build projects.

The Design View double-sided enclosure with door from Simpsons boasts 8mm toughened glass and combines sophisticated styling with product durability.

The noticeable increase in the popularity of wet rooms is not without its problems for installers. Usually the floor surface has to be carefully established and levelled, and then follows inevitable tiling, grouting and the often difficult installation of the grate.

DIGA MINI is a new addition to the highly successful 2000mm Diga range and is specifically designed for the Special Needs market sector. In line with the full height Diga the new MINI also features 2 foldaway panels which hinge through 180 degrees from the wall as illustrated.

In recognition of the fact, that homeowners don’t want to have to spend unnecessary time cleaning their luxury new enclosures, Showerlux now applies a special coating of Glass Shield easy clean protection to all its products – for free!

Novellini has 40 years experience in the manufacture of shower and bathing products incorporating the latest technology. A leading European manufacturer with a yearly output of 1.5 million shower products, Novellini offers showers, shower enclosures, bath screens, steam cabins and whirlpool baths, all of which are suitable for domestic, corporate, public, hotel and student accommodation uses.

Bristan’s Pick and Mix collection offers plenty of flexibility when it comes to specifying a shower.

The collection features a choice of contemporary and traditional valve designs which can be mixed and matched with a kit, pole or fixed head to create a bespoke shower system.

The WALK-IN FREE is made from 6mm toughened safety glass. The WALK-IN FREE consists of a front panel of varying sizes (1000, 1200 or made to measure) and includes a stabilising bar as standard. The square chrome profiles enhance the look of this enclosure. Equally at home on an HSK tray or as a wet floor option.

Any colour or size, with an anti-slip base or anti-bacterial enclosure, always with precise cut-outs and an immaculate finish - iglass offers a complete choice of individual customised shower and wet room enclosures.

VADO’s new and aptly named atmosphere range infuses VADO’s air-injection technology with water to create a smoother showering experience whilst saving water. The outer water droplet remains the same sphere, giving the same splash effect to the skin, whilst the centre of the droplet is softened by air to provide a silkier feel at the same time as saving money on water and energy bills.

Manhattan Showers continues to develop its 8mm offering with the introduction of a new folding bath screen featuring two panels and a central ‘rise and fall’ hinge which allows it to fold back on itself to create a more spacious bathing environment. In addition, the Flow integrated water delivery system can be installed if required.

The principle behind Part G of the building regulations cannot be questioned, given the need to better conserve water supplies, particularly critical in London and the home counties. The national average is 150 litres per person per day and the government target is to reduce that to 130 litres.

Aqata, UK manufacturer of innovative showering solutions is proud to announce the dawn of a new era in luxury showering with Adagiomove - the first and only shower enclosure with electronically controlled sliding door.

Hüppe’s 501 Design Walk-In shower enclosure is a unique concept featuring a 350mm swing door that provides increased water tightness alongside the easy access typical of a walk-in enclosure.

New for 2010, the latest Coordinated Colours Collection elevates the role of Kaldewei modern, floor-level showers into design and lifestyle objects for the bathroom. The new colour collection emphasises the special design features of these shower trays in an exceptional way and sets new standards of sensuality and quality. The seven new distinguished, timeless shades set the trend for high-class bathing culture.

Intatec has introduced the Mio range of TMV2 safe touch showers and bath shower mixers defined by clean lines in contrasting high quality chrome and black.

Delivering a great, thermostatically controlled shower with spot-on temperatures and perfect performance, Visage Digital is the digital shower that makes it possible for virtually every bathroom – no matter its size, style or budget – to opt for digital showering technology.

Mira Showers – the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories – is continually expanding its range of showroom products to better support the retailer and give consumers an ever broader choice from the trusted brand. Two superb new examples of this approach are represented in the versatile Mira Discovery & Diverter valve; and multi-faceted Galena.

Croydex offers a comprehensive range of showers and accessories which combine high performance with attractive styling and reliability.

Showerwall waterproof wall panelling offers three new stone effects inspired by actual stone from the Torreano area in Italy. Torreano Sand, Torreano Stone and Torreano Marone offer a palette of popular contemporary neutral tones complemented by high gloss texture which provides a cost effective and stylish design solution for domestic, contract and social housing bathroom projects.

Methven Satinjet™ Awatea, and Tahi showerheads, available from Deva in the UK, are proving to be a hit with people who want to save water and energy without compromising on the design or performance of their shower.

Roman’s Embrace range of shower enclosures now includes a three-panel sliding door which simply exudes style. An ‘active’ middle door effortlessly controls the movement of the three panels and ensures that there is no glass on glass contact. An extremely versatile shower solution, especially when teamed with an Embrace side panel or as an alcove enclosure, the sliding door is compatible with the Embrace integrated digital valve for one complete showering unit.

In March 2010, Hansgrohe exhibited their award-winning portfolio of water and energy-saving showers, mixer taps and thermostatic mixers at Ecobuild. Among the new launches was the Raindance Showerpipe EcoSmart S180 AIR. Superb showering functionality is provided by the 18cm overhead shower and 10cm hand shower both with AirPower which enriches and volumises every water droplet. Equipped with EcoSmart technology, water consumption is reduced to a maximum 9 litres per minute depending on pressure, significantly less than for an average disc-shaped overhead shower which generally requires more than 20 litres a minute.

Having made their first appearance at KBB 2010, Pura Bathrooms are receiving substantial interest in their comprehensive range of products from retailers throughout the UK.