There are lots of things to consider when choosing the right shower for your bathroom and one of the most important decisions is how you are going to get in and out of it.

There are different styles and shapes of shower door to suit a variety of different spaces and bathroom designs. A new shower door can be an added detail for a room redesign or a great way to revamp your existing bathroom without replacing your bathroom suite.

There is almost total flexibility when making your choice of shower door and many existing styles can be adjusted to suit your needs of necessary. They can be fitted flush to the floor if you have a wet room shower or you can smarten up a shower cubicle with doors that match up to shower trays of various shapes and sizes.

The finish of your shower door provides a number of options from choosing the style of glass which can be frosted, plain or embellished, to deciding whether you want a framed finish or a plain piece of glass for a minimal contemporary look.

The most important decision is the best way to get and out of the shower enclosure and there are a number of options to match up your choice of shower door to the available space in your bathroom.

Bifold shower doors fold away from or into the shower area in sections, offering a wider space for entering or exiting the shower. They are ideal for a smaller bathroom with narrow or limited space and are adjustable if you can’t find the right size.

Pivot or hinged recess shower doors are suitable for bathrooms with space to swing out into the room. They come in a range of sizes and can be matched to your shower tray and make a grand feature of a freestanding shower enclosure.

Sliding shower doors are suitable for a variety of bathroom spaces and can be used for a wet room or wet area or a shower enclosure with a shower tray. They are a popular choice as they use very little space and are attractive and easy to use.

If you have a very specific design in mind for your shower enclosure or bathroom design, you may want to consider a custom made or bespoke shower door made exactly to your specifications. This is not always the most expensive option and can ensure you are getting the perfect finish.

Whether your shower is in a recessed area, above the bath or in a separate cubicle there is a shower door option to fit perfectly into your bathroom space and a world of choice to make sure you get the ideal finish for a superb shower.

It’s Mother’s Day this weekend and who in the world deserves spoiling more than mums? After years of being a cook, cleaner, driver, teacher and nurse among other things it’s the one day of the year when she gets some recognition for all her hard work.

Instead of a bunch of flowers, do something different and treat your mum to a present she will appreciate much more and remember for a long time - a bathroom deep clean. She has spent years cleaning up after you so now’s a chance to pay her back. Scrub the bathroom from top to bottom and make sure there are some fluffy, clean towels warming on the heated towel rail or radiator so when you’re done she can be the first to enjoy relaxing in the sparkling clean room.

Start with the bath because mum will appreciate a long soak in a spotless tub.  A good all-purpose cleaner should clean up most muck but for stubborn marks, use a nylon bristle brush in gentle, circular motions as this won’t scratch the surface.

The same cleaner can be used to scrub up the bathroom basin but make sure you wipe down with a damp cloth after rinsing for extra shine. To get the taps on the bath or basin shining bright, use a mild washing up liquid and warm water to clean off the dirt, rinse thoroughly and wipe over with a soft, dry cloth so they sparkle.

Give your shower tray a rub with an all-purpose bathroom cleaner and use a squeegy to remove excess water from shower screens or the doors on your shower enclosure as this prevents glass from smearing. Give the showerhead the once over by dropping it in a solution of warm water and vinegar for a few minutes. Rinse and wipe with a soft, dry cloth.

That’s the easy bit but getting off stubborn bathroom stains like mould and grot can require a bit more elbow grease. In bathrooms, these tend to build up in hard to clean areas like along the sealant of baths and basins or in the grout between the tiles. It can be caused by damp or hard water or a build up of soap scum.

To blast mould, use a fungicidal spray or solution. Apply to the grotty area and leave for a while before wiping firmly with a damp cloth or a soft scourer for stubborn stains, being careful not to scratch the surface you are cleaning. Grout is best cleaned with a solution of bleach diluted in warm water, and a bit of effort scrubbing with an old toothbrush to get it clean.

It might be hard to get mum out of the house for long enough to carry out a deep clean but she will thank you for it when she comes home to sparking shower, gleaming grout and a brilliant bathroom. It is a gift of love, help and effort that she is sure to appreciate.

Sinking back into a hot, scented bath may feel luxurious but would you pay more than $50,000 for the privilege?

This is what mega rich bathers are paying for what has recently been dubbed the world’s most expensive bath and it doesn’t even include the bathtub itself. Luxury bath bomb manufacturers ME! Bath have gathered the rarest and most expensive ingredients from around the globe to create this bankrupting experience which can be taken at home or at a handful of luxury US spas.

So what makes it so expensive? For a start, the water is a blend of 15,000 year old polar ice cap water and Hawaiian Deep Sea Water sourced 3,000 feet below the ocean surface off the coast of Kona, Hawaii.

Mixed in with this super pure H2O is a mixture of rare Sidr honey, the most expensive in the world as it’s harvested just twice a year, and fragrances of White Grapefruit, Lotus Flower and Passion Fruit and Sycamore Wood. Other skin nourishing ingredients include Peruvian Pink Salt, Illipe Butter, Murumuru Butter, Organic Israeli Jojoba Oil, and Kokum Butter. And if all of that isn’t luxurious enough pure 24-karat gold is floating around in the water as well.

One benefit of spending more than most people’s annual wage on a bath if you are rich enough is that a “large portion” of the fee is donated to the Water for People charity which supports clean water projects in the third world.

For most of us, this expenditure seems beyond frivolous but, while it may be in a league of its own financially, the trend for super-luxuries in the bathroom is well established. In 2009 soap called Cor, containing collagen, silk and, believe it or not, silver was launched costing $125 for 120g.

If you have had the bath and used the soap but are still not happy with your reflection in the mirror, an LCD Television Mirror might be the ideal distraction tactic so you can watch the news while brushing your teeth.

It is not just the Americans who are obsessed with bathroom luxuries; British supermarket Waitrose has started selling loo roll made with cashmere, one of the softest and most prized materials. The paper is covered in oil extracted from the hairs of the Cashmere goat.

The bathroom is one of the most relaxing rooms in the house and everyone can benefit from a bit of luxury even if we can’t spend the cost of a house on a hot bath. Try upgrading your bathroom with affordable treats like under floor heating, soft cotton towels or nice bathroom products and sit back and relax without the guilt of spending obscene amounts on getting clean.

There are easy ways to save water and power and do your bit for the environment in your bathroom.

It makes no difference if you are planning a bathroom from scratch or if you are looking to spruce up your existing space -  there’s still plenty you can do to be more environmentally friendly and make a difference to your water and energy bills.

1. It sounds obvious but don’t use more water than you need to. Don’t leave taps or showers to run when you are not using them like while you are brushing your teeth. Many modern manufacturers offer water-saving tap faucets and showers that are just as powerful without the waste.
2. Most new toilets are low flow or duel flush, using even less water to get rid of waste. Use recycled toilet paper or brands that replant trees.
3. Avoid using chemical cleaners to scrub your bath, shower enclosure or tiles as they can be harsh on surfaces and pollute waterways. A superb clean can be achieved using natural household ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda. If you can’t be bothered to make your own then choose one of the many eco-friendly cleaning products on offer.
4. Energy saving lightbulbs can make a big difference to your bill and last a lot longer than standard bulbs. However, they may not be suitable for all light fittings. Innovative products like the ECOlight, fit directly to a shower head and are powered hydro-electrically by the water supply so they light up the shower enclosure without draining from the mains supply.
5. Choose towels made from organic cotton or bamboo and avoid conventional cotton which has an environmentally damaging manufacturing process.
6. You may even be able to encorporate more advanced energy saving measures to your house. These will have a major impact on your bills and environmental credentials. Install a tankless water heater or a solar powered water heater to reduce the costs of heating hot water or a grey water system that collects waste water from the shower and sink and reuses it for the toilet and garden.

Modern bathroom products are designed to offer maximum performance with minimal environmental impact so you don’t need to compromise on quality to make eco improvements to your bathroom. Most people can’t go the whole way and install solar power on their house but everyone can make choices that save water and power while still enjoying the benefits of a contemporary and high functioning bathroom.

There are lots of elements to consider when choosing the right shower and it is no longer the case that details like the shower tray are limited by shape or colour.

While some consideration does have to be given to the available space in the bathroom and the location of the waste outlet, shower trays come in a range of designs and materials to fit perfectly into the style of your bathroom.

The main consideration when choosing a shower tray is the size of your bathroom. Shower trays come in different shapes and sizes to fit any space. Some can be raised up so you step into your shower enclosure and others, like the JT40 shower tray by Just Trays, are low-profile and can be fitted so they are flush to the floor and give the look and feel of a wet room. The JT40 natural also comes in six different colours so it can match perfectly into the design and décor of your bathroom.

The easiest thing to do is, outlet permitting, put the shower in the corner of your bathroom as the shower tray will fit snugly and you will only need to get shower doors to create your shower enclosure on two sides.
Generally, shower trays come in four shapes:

• Square shower trays
• Rectangular shower trays
• Quadrant shower trays - designed to save space with two equal straight sides and a curved radius.
• Offset Quadrant shower trays - One long straight side and one shorter straight side and a curved radius.

If limited space is an issue in your bathroom, a small, square shower tray or quadrant shower tray is the best option. If you have more room to play with then a rectangular or offset quadrant shower tray will make your shower into an impressive feature. JT40 Fusion does a full range of each shape of shower tray in different sizes to fit your space. All the trays are made from an attractive stone resin and are strong and light making them easier to install and hardwearing.

It may seem like a small factor but paying attention to details like the shower tray can make a difference to the space and style of your bathroom. There are obvious things that you notice about a bathroom such as the tiling or the bathroom furniture but you will be surprised what a difference the right shower tray will make to both how your bathroom looks and your shower experience.

Valentine’s Day is here this weekend and when it comes to romance the bathroom is the ideal place to set the mood for love.

Decorating bathrooms in a romantic style is very popular and simple, whatever space you have to work with. Pastel colours and a keen attention to detail are an easy way to achieve impressive results. Romantic styles often include bathroom furniture in pale or unvarnished wood with a more old-fashioned or farmhouse style, and fixtures and fittings such as taps, shower heads, radiators or towel rails and mirrors that have softer edges and more of a classic feel than the sharp lines and contours of contemporary designs. You could also add a few extra touches like clear glass containers for your shampoos and soaps and ornaments that complement the old fashioned feel.

Even if your bathroom is not decorated in a classic style, there is plenty you can do to create a special, stunning and, above all free, treat for your loved one. In terms of romance, it is hard to beat the magic of a deep hot bath. For years the bathtub has been synonymous with luxury, relaxation and romance. Freestanding baths are the first style that comes to mind when thinking of romance but, in today’s shower-based bathrooms, a fitted bath is just as decadent.

Very few people can  afford the legendary bath filled with champagne which actually sounds quite sticky - you would need a powerful shower afterwards which might kill the mood. In one American hotel they have taken this notion even further with a whirlpool bath in the shape of a champagne glass that stands seven feet tall. This might be romantic if you can overcome the fear of falling out of it.

The easy way to surprise your other half this Valentine’s Day is as follows:

Run a deep, hot bath with essential oils instead of bubbles, scatter a few rose petals on the surface, light some candles around the room and pour a glass of wine or champagne. It’s the ideal way to surprise your loved one, it beats a cheap box of chocolates and it’s a great opportunity to make some small changes to your bathroom that will make it more relaxing and romantic all year round.

WD Bathrooms have been one of the leading suppliers of shower doors in the UK for some time now and have vast experience in advising what door is best for which shower.  Through our suppliers and competive pricing WD bathrooms can now offer shower doors to your door at prices unheard of 3 years ago.  Consumers are no longer prepared to spend literally hundreds of pounds on these products so we have introduced the Aquasata range of shower doors giving great looking recess doors which are solid and made from toughened safety glass.  Not only are these doors of solid quality but the pricing is amazing.  The doors currently start at just £119.

There is the Aquasata Sliding Shower Doors which come in 6 sizes: 1000mm, 1100mm, 1200mm, 1400mm, 1600mm and 1700mm.  Made from 6mm glass the doors are heavy and have a smoothy lovely slider rail.

The hinged shower door from the same range currently  comes in 3 sizes: 760mm, 800mm and 900mm with an additional size of 700mm to be confirmed in the horizon.  All of our doors are compatable with the Aquasata side panel which would make a great enclosure.

The Aquasata Bifold Shower Door  now has 6 sizes: 700mm, 760mm, 800mm, 900mm, 1000mm and 1200mm.  Again the bifold shower doors all have the option to be bought with a side panel.

Not only are there many sizes but each door has adjustablity meaning just about whatever the gap you have WD Bathrooms are sure we can find a door to meet your needs.  With a showroom in Sheffield and a massive website, why not take a look for yourself.

If you have been thinking about taking the plunge and adding an en-suite bathroom to your property, it might be worth thinking about a wet room.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a large space to create a wet room; they are just as suitable for small bathrooms and en-suites and are an attractive and contemporary addition to your house that can add significant value.

You will need the help of a professional to install a wet room and waterproof the room properly to ensure there is no potential for leaks but this will also mean your bathroom is fully protected from the potential problems with drips and spills.

Wet rooms are tiled from top to bottom and involve just a shower which is why they are ideal for a second bathroom if you don’t want to forsake your bathtub. They usually have minimal bathroom furniture with no need for a shower screen or doors or shower tray though you can opt for walk in glass panels or glass dividers if the wet room is part of a larger space. Even with a toilet and sink they can make a small space feel much bigger and the lack of furniture means there is even less to clean.

Depending on your space, wet rooms offer a number of interesting possibilities. Tiling the room may be an initial cost but can also open up a number of options for design and decor including creating a light and attractive space in windowless rooms. Just ensure you have adequate lighting and good ventilation to prevent the build up of excess steam.

If you have a large bathroom then you can consider having a wet area rather than transforming the whole room and making this area a focal point. This can be achieved with interesting and attractive tiling and by paying attention to detail with bathroom accessories such as shower heads. It also means you may not have to give up that long hot soak in the bath if you have the space for everything.

If you have decided to make your wet room into a full bathroom rather than just a shower room, consider installing a wall mounted toilet and basin as this will fit with the minimalist effect and are modern and attractive. You may also want to pay attention to the design and finish of your bathroom suite and consider the materials they are made of to achieve your effect.

Wet rooms can add a spa feel to your bathroom and are a great way to modernise your existing bathroom or to make a feature of a new en-suite or unused space. They have a few restrictions in terms of making sure they are correctly installed and are an asset to your house but there is plenty of potential for creativity and stylish modern design.

With most modern mobile phones we have a world of information at our fingertips - the internet, emails and the nearest bathroom.

Toiluxe is an application for the iPhone that can pinpoint the nearest bathroom in London in seconds. In the peak shopping period before Christmas, it was the fourth most popular application in the travel section.

For those of you without an iPhone, applications are useful tools you can download to your phone to make life easier, play games and source information. For example the London underground has an application, as do National Rail - it’s just a quick way to get information at your fingertips.

The Toiluxe application uses global positioning system technology (GPS) in the same way as a car Sat Nav to figure out where you are and then where the nearest bathroom is, be it a shop, hotel or pub. The creators spent seven months collecting data on more than 300 toilets in the capital - a labour born of their own negative experiences and those of others, particularly families and the elderly.

Public conveniences have seen a sharp decline in popularity with recent studies claiming a 40% reduction in facilities since 1999. As well as this phone tool there are websites and campaign groups such as the British Toilet Association, who are all rallying against the closure of public bathrooms and trying to help people find the disappearing facilities in towns and cities across the UK.

Oddly, the public toilet has become a fashionable subject in the design and architecture world with a number of innovative (but unfortunately temporary) structures popping up such as the cube with one-way mirrors so you can see out while you are spending a penny which is doing a tour of European cities.

While we are spending more on bathroom design in our own homes, we are expecting less from the scarce and poorly maintained bathrooms out and about in the community. At least if you live in or around London or are visiting the city, you know there’s a way to find a place to freshen up despite the downturn.

It’s the age old debate that has played out in households across the world - who takes the longest in the shower, men or women?

The traditional view is that women spend much longer than men but research by a water saving campaign “Shower Power” has uncovered some surprising results. In fact, 71 % of women spend 10 minutes or less in the shower and 26 % shower in five minutes or less. This is only slightly less than the number of quick showering men (75% and 30% respectively).

Despite the light-hearted edge, the survey had a serious message about water consumption and the environmental impact of a daily, long, hot shower. Each person in the UK uses about 150 litres of water a day which the Government wants people to cut to 130 litres by 2030 despite the fact that our water consumption is actually increasing by about 1% a year.

Baths, showers and personal washing accounts for 33% of the water used in the home and hot water is the second largest consumer of domestic energy. Showers are known to be more efficient and eco-friendly than baths but, as technology moves on, there is even more that can be done to save water and power which has the joint benefits of cutting carbon emissions and waste and reducing the household bills.

The research showed that the average bath uses around 80 litres of water compared to six litres a minute for an electric shower which is more than double if you have a power shower. With the latter it would take just five minutes to use as much water as a bath which is not very environmentally friendly for the majority group of people who shower for 10 minutes.

If you want to be green as well as clean, look for a shower like the electric range from Mira with thermostatic technology that regulates the heat, or look for a shower head that has flow regulation. Modern shower technologies mean you can have the benefits of a power shower without the water wastage. Speak to a bathroom design expert who will be able to advise you on how to save money without losing those precious minutes in your morning shower.