Bow Acrylic Tray, from BathEmpire

So, you’ve decided on a new shower enclosure but are slightly confounded by the range of trays that are on offer? Then don’t worry, as this quick guide summons the basic differences, and provides some great tips for installation.

At BathEmpire, we sell two types of shower tray – acrylic and stone resin.

Acrylic

The acrylic trays are manufactured with a central layer of fibreglass resin; onto this, the acrylic mould is attached to finish the tray. They are lightweight, and the style sold at BathEmpire can be installed either level with the floor, or as a raised tray.

The BOW Acrylic Trays sold at BathEmpire are only compatible with the EasyClean Quadrant Shower enclosures (GQ22, GQ23, GQ32).

Stone Resin

The core of these trays feature a thick layer of stone and resin; onto this, an ABS capped acrylic mould is attached to finish the tray. Slightly heavier than acrylic trays, the stone trays can be installed at floor level (standard stone tray) or raised with legs and a smart front panel (EasyPlumb stone tray).

Installation Tips

In the haste and excitement of having a new bathroom delivered, the shower tray is often overlooked. Therefore, don’ t forget to scan over the following tips to avoid making some easy mistakes:

• Even before you sign for the delivery, always check your shower tray and make sure that it is the size and shape that you had ordered.
• The EasyPlumb variety of trays is ideal as they remove the need for building a plinth. Fit the legs onto the underside of the shower tray with the screws provided and adjust to the required height taking into account the slope of the floor, and any existing plumbing.
• When installing any shower tray into adjacent walls, ensure that your chosen shower enclosure will still comfortably fit the remaining length of the tray.
• The shower tray and the connections going to and from the shower must be checked for water flow, tightness and drainage before the final silicone sealant is applied. If you are at all in any doubt, do not hesitate to consult a qualified plumber.

If you would like help or advice in creating your ideal bathroom, feel free to contact the BathEmpire team.

Bathroom accessories from Asda, www.asda.co.uk

Forget white, white and more white, the most elegant bathrooms this year will have splashes of vibrant turquoise, amethyst, ruby and emerald.

The trend is all about making your bathroom seem like a precious space, alive with colour and really inviting. Mixing the jewel shades makes for the most dramatic effect – giving a look that’s reminiscent of a Moroccan spa or an Indian temple.

If that’s not the look you want though, then just introducing a hint of bright purple, hot pink or vivid green will bring your bathroom up to date.

Make sure your bathroom doesn't date by opting for a white suite: Ropar freestanding bath from BathEmpire

Savvy home owners can invest in classic white baths, sinks, shower cubicles and toilets, simply adding the colour and atmosphere using colourful mosaic tiles, towels and mats in vibrant shades and accessorising the room with jewel-coloured vases, trinkets and storage containers.

Here at BathEmpire we’re really smitten with this look because it’s both up-beat (probably a reaction to the rather depressing economic climate that we still have in the UK) and also really luxurious.

A bathroom filled with jewel colours will certainly inspire you in the mornings and will be the perfect spot to relax in the evenings with the lights dimmed and some candles lit.

Fortunately, although this look has a high-end feel, there’s no need for it to cost you too much. BathEmpire has some exceptionally good value modern baths, sinks and shower enclosures which can be the building blocks for your new bathroom.

Accessories can be picked up cheaply on the high street or on-line, and you can finish the room with mosaic tiles, which can be sourced from discount suppliers and used creatively so they look a lot more expensive than they were! Here are just a few we’ve spotted that will give your bathroom the jewel accent…

Frilly chair by Kartell, £145, www.lifestylebazaar.com

Orange pendant light, £25, Bhs, www.bhs.co.uk

Yellow accessories by Ben de Lisi at Debenhams, www.debenhams.com

We hope you have fun dreaming up ways of introducing the jewel trend to your bathroom. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the beautiful baths, showers and heated towel rails available from BathEmpire.