Sandra Hyde, marketing manager at Aqualux takes a look at trends in the enclosure market...

At Aqualux, we have noticed that there has been a radical shift in the British attitude to the bathroom.

For as long as I can remember, the shower has been considered secondary to the bath in terms of importance. If space has been an issue, consumers would opt for a shower-bath, or for those installing a second bathroom, perhaps the addition of a compact shower in an en suite. This well established convention is now being challenged and consumers are evaluating every aspect of design and asking do I need this?

The bath is losing favour as consumers are considering whether it is really needed when it may only be used a couple of times a year.  Why should the home owner have a redundant bath when they could enjoy a luxurious large shower
enclosure every single day? Bathing is seen as a lengthy activity that requires lots of spare time to sit and relax. Increasingly busy lifestyles have led to the decline of the bath as consumers do not have time to 'loll' about.

This has come at a time when shower enclosures have become increasingly designer-oriented with attention to detail and contemporary styling. Offering a relaxing and tranquil environment that can be enjoyed on a daily basis, statement shower enclosures are now capable of competing with baths in terms of luxury.

At Aqualux, we have found that walk-in showering products now account for about 20% of independent product sales, and this figure is still growing. The speedy nature of showering fits well into contemporary hectic schedules while providing a level of sanctuary.

By reclaiming the area that would have traditionally been taken up by the bath, most consumers are capable of adopting the statement enclosure trend. This is not a trend for the few but for everyone!

The trend towards choosing a large shower space over a bath has also been propelled by the ageing population. Consumers are thinking long term about how certain products can suit their needs and at different points in their life. While a bath can be difficult to get in and out of, a walk-in shower enclosure can be enjoyed by everyone.

The economy has also played a part in the regeneration of showering areas. Increasingly, home owners are extending their homes, choosing to improve what they have rather than to move.

So what's next for the future of showering in the UK? Large and luxurious shower enclosures are definitely the way forward.