Not sure whether you need a corner or straight rectangular shower enclosure for your shower stall?
When you dive headfirst into a bathroom renovation, one of the most common questions is choosing the right type of shower enclosure for the space. Although it seems simple, many people make mistakes when measuring their shower pan and end up buying a model that doesn’t fit properly or that doesn’t provide the best access to the shower pan.
Most of them are made of tempered safetyglass, a type of heat-treated glass that increases its strength and safety in the event of breakage.
In this Baño Total guide, we explain the differences between the two, how to measure your shower pan step by step, and what you should keep in mind when choosing the perfect shower enclosure for your bathroom.
Differences Between Corner and Rectangular Shower Enclosures
Before you buy, it's important to understand what kind of installation your shower pan has. Depending on how it's installed in the bathroom, you'll need one type of frame or another.
The most common types of installations in today's bathrooms are corner shower pans and front-facing shower pans, and each requires a different shower enclosure design.
If you have a corner shower pan, and depending on the layout of your space, you'll need to choose between rectangular corner shower enclosures or rectangular front-facing shower pans—but do you know how they differ?
Photo: Asturias Shower Pan - Anthracite
Rectangular corner shower enclosures: accessible from both sides
Rectangular corner shower enclosures are those specifically designed for shower pans located in a corner of the bathroom. It is very common to find this type of shower enclosure in small or medium-sized bathrooms, as it allows you to create a functional shower area without taking up too much space.
These corner shower enclosures typically have two glass panels and may feature different opening mechanisms.
They can also be referred to as vertex-opening models and are commonly found in configurations such as:
- 2 fixed panels + 2 sliding doors.
- 2 hinged doors.
- 2 fixed panels + 2 hinged doors.
Features of Rectangular Corner Shower Enclosures
This type of enclosure is a lifesaver for bathrooms with limited square meters. By making use of the room's blind spot, it allows for the installation of a functional shower area without compromising movement in the rest of the bathroom.
- Space optimization: When entering from the corner, it’s not necessary to leave the entire front area clear. This makes it easier to arrange the space when the sink or toilet is close to the shower area. This creates more clearance or an wider entryway. Depending on the bathroom layout and the various decorative elements, this type of shower enclosure is a perfect choice.
- Opening options: You can find corner shower enclosures with sliding doors (the most common), hinged doors, or even folding doors.
- Compact design: They are ideal for square shower pans measuring 70x70, 80x80, or 90x90 cm, and rectangular shower pans measuring 140x70 or 120x70 cm.
If your bathroom is a "half-bath" or has a layout where the toilet and vanity flank the shower stall, corner shower enclosures are undoubtedly your best option.
Photo: Zurita Shower Enclosure - Glossy Chrome
Rectangular front partitions: access from one side only
Rectangular front shower enclosures are also used with corner shower pans, but with one important difference.
In this case, one side of the shower enclosure is closed off by a wall and the other by a fixed glass panel, so that access to the shower is only possible from the front.
This type of installation is typically used when:
- The layout of the shower stall prevents us from entering from just one side
- The bathroom is more spacious
- There is a piece of furniture or a bathroom fixture blocking one of the sides
- The goal is to achieve a cleaner, more linear aesthetic
This type of shower enclosure is very common in modern bathrooms where larger shower pans are installed.
Rectangular front shower enclosures transform the bathroom into a more open and luxurious space, making them the top choice for master suites or renovations where comfort takes precedence over space-saving.
Photo: Madrid Model Shower Screen - Matte Black
How to Measure Your Shower Pan Correctly Before Buying
If you have a corner shower pan and are trying to decide between different rectangular models, measuring correctly is key to making the right choice.
No one wants to buy a shower enclosure, wait for the delivery person to arrive, and then find out that it's two centimeters too big. One of the most common mistakes is not measuring the available space correctly.
Step 1: Always measure after the tiles have been laid
The first thing to note is that it is always recommended to take measurements after the shower pan has been installed and the tiles have been laid.
This is the mistake that costs our customers the most money. Never, under any circumstances, take measurements before the tile setter has laid the tiles. The thickness of the tile adhesive and the tile itself can reduce the shower pan opening by 1 to 3 centimeters.
For front shower enclosures (non-rectangular), it is recommended to take measurements at three different heights: the bottom, the middle, and the top, always with the shower pan already installed. For rectangular shower enclosures for corner shower pans, these three measurements are not necessary, as the overall measurement of the opening is sufficient.
Step 2: Check the angle of the walls
For corner shower enclosures, measure from the corner of the wall to the outer edge of the shower pan on both sides. It is important to check that the walls form a 90-degree angle.
If the angle isn't perfect, some shower enclosures allow for minor adjustments thanks to their compensating profiles.
Pro tip: If you don't have a carpenter's square, use a spirit level to check that the walls are plumb. If the bubble moves outside the lines, you'll need a partition with generously sized expansion profiles.
Step 3: Check the adjustment range of the partitions
Most modern shower enclosures do not have an exact fixed size, but rather an installation range.
For example:
- Shower enclosure, 115 to 120 cm
- Shower enclosure, 140 to 145 cm
This range allows the partitions to be adjusted to accommodate small differences in wall dimensions.
Step 4: Measure the available height as well
Although many shower enclosures come in standard heights of 190 cm or even 200 cm, it is important to check the ceiling height, the position of the faucets, and whether there are any windows near the shower. This helps prevent any issues during installation.
What's the best option for you?
In short, the choice between corner shower enclosures and rectangular shower enclosures depends on the layout of your bathroom and your daily needs.
- If you're looking to save space, have a small bathroom, and your shower pan is in a corner, choose corner shower enclosures.
- If your shower is enclosed by three walls, you're looking for a luxurious look and easy, convenient access, and you need front shower screens.
At Baño Total , we offer a wide range of shower enclosures, designed to fit different types of shower pans and bathroom styles.
If you have questions about which shower enclosures to choose or how to measure your shower pan, our team can help you ensure a perfect installation and a flawless aesthetic result.
