Half Height Shower Enclosures: The Undisputed Kings of ... Something

15 May 2024

So, you're renovating your bathroom. You've spent weeks agonizing over subway tile versus hexagon, matte black fixtures versus brushed gold. You've even considered, for a fleeting, horrifying moment, installing a bidet (relax, we're not judging). But amidst this whirlwind of decisions, there lurks a question both profound and perplexing: what about the shower enclosure? More specifically, what about those curious creatures of the bathroom world, the half height shower enclosures?

Let's be real, full height shower enclosures, with their imposing glass walls, scream "I'm trying too hard." They're like the McMansions of the shower world. Half height enclosures, on the other hand, are the quirky lofts, the converted warehouses. They whisper, "I'm effortlessly stylish, with a touch of old-world charm." Or do they?

The history of half height shower enclosures is a bit of a mystery, shrouded in the mists of time (and probably some mildew). Were they a Victorian invention, designed to prevent fainting spells in overly-warm baths? Or did they spring forth from the minds of mid-century modernists, determined to break free from the tyranny of full-height walls? Frankly, we don't know. What we do know is that they've experienced a resurgence in recent years, gracing the pages of design magazines and the bathrooms of celebrities whose taste we're contractually obligated to admire.

But are half height shower enclosures all they're cracked up to be? Or are they, like that avocado-green toilet your grandma refuses to replace, a design disaster waiting to happen? Let's dive in (pun very much intended) and find out.

Proponents of the half height shower enclosure will wax poetic about their airy, open feel, their ability to make even the smallest bathroom seem larger. They'll point out that they're easier to clean than their full-height counterparts (debatable) and that they allow you to show off your meticulously curated selection of artisanal soaps (fair point). But their detractors, those staunch defenders of the full-height fortress, will counter with cries of "drafts!" and "water damage!" They'll paint a bleak picture of frigid showers and perpetually damp floors.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Half Height Shower Enclosures

Advantages	Disadvantages
Creates an open, spacious feel	Potential for drafts and cold showers
Can make a small bathroom appear larger	Increased risk of water damage outside the shower area
Easier to clean (debatable)	May not provide adequate privacy for all users
Can showcase stylish tilework and fixtures	Can be more challenging to find matching shower curtains or doors

So, are half height shower enclosures the right choice for your bathroom? Ultimately, the answer is as clear as your shower glass after a good squeegee: it depends. If you're looking for a stylish, space-saving solution and aren't bothered by the occasional chilly draft, then go for it. But if you value warmth, privacy, and a watertight seal above all else, you might want to stick with a full-height enclosure. Or, you know, just embrace the chaos and install a wet room. After all, who needs dry floors anyway?