The shower enclosure is often the focal point of a modern bathroom, and its finish plays a crucial role in defining the room’s overall style and mood. The choice depends on whether you want to create a timeless or traditional feel, a touch of luxurious warmth or want to give it a vintage touch. Chrome, black, and brass are the top three shower enclosure finishes, each with unique visual appeal and distinct design advantages.
In this blog, we will break down the pros and cons of chrome, black and brass shower enclosure finishes and discuss which finish is truly trending in bathroom designs in the UK.
Chrome Shower Enclosure: Is it Still King
Chrome has long been the go-to finish for most bathroom fixtures, and there are good reasons for it. The sleek and polished appearance helps create a timeless aesthetic. It’s versatile and works perfectly with a variety of bathroom interiors. Latest bathroom trends reveal chrome is making a strong comeback particularly for those looking for a fresh, modern and minimalist aesthetic. The shower enclosure with chrome frames reflects light that makes the space feel lighter, airier and bigger. That makes it a suitable choice for a small bathroom.
While chrome is a classic choice, don’t mistake its enduring popularity for being boring. Chrome shower enclosures work beautifully in serene, spa-like bathrooms and pairs effortlessly with a wide range of colour palettes. For example, you can use it with deep blues and forest greens for a sophisticated contrast.
Black Shower Enclosure: Still a Top Contender?
Black is a bold colour, and the popularity of black bathrooms is on the rise. The dark hue makes it a suitable choice to be used for shower enclosures, making them a style statement in the bathroom. Matte black shower enclosure frames, or semi-frameless black shower screen panels, are an emerging trend in the UK. Their sleek appearance created a perfect focal point and an instant feel of luxury in the bathroom.
Additionally, black is a great colour for creating a high contrast bathroom. The combination of dark and soft colours creates a luxurious bathroom look without overwhelming the space. For example, a black enclosure is an excellent choice. It pairs beautifully with marble flooring, wooden vanities, and even bold, moody colour palettes like oxblood or emerald green. Beyond aesthetics, black also has a practical advantage that it’s often more forgiving when it comes to hiding water stains and splashes. That simply means black enclosures will make it easier to keep clean. The trend for black grid and framed shower screens continues to offer an industrial-chic vibe.
Brass Shower Enclosure: A Rising Star?
Brass, particularly brushed brass with a gold accent, has been steadily gaining popularity in UK bathroom designs. Interior design experts weigh in on this finish, especially in gold tone as a colour to watch for in the new year. Brass shower enclosures will bring a touch of warmth, elegance, and subtle luxury that instantly elevates the space. In case you are looking to create a spa-inspired bathroom or bring some art deco flair to the space, brass shower enclosures, particularly semi-framed walk-in shower glass screen panels, can be a fantastic choice.
The great thing about gold shower cubicles is that they pair beautifully with earthy neutral tones, soft pastels like blush pink, and natural materials like stone and wood. Designers are increasingly using metallic finishes like brushed gold to add a luxurious and sophisticated feel. That indicates that brass is becoming a key element in creating a cohesive and coordinated high-end look.
Our Verdict
The recent bathroom design trends show that black, chrome, and brass are all trending shower enclosure frame finishes. But each caters to different aesthetic preferences.
Feature | Black Finish | Chrome Finish | Brass Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
Aesthetic Appeal | Modern, bold, and stylish | Sleek, timeless, highly reflective | Warm, luxurious, and vintage or classic charm |
Best for Bathroom Styles | Industrial, contemporary, minimalist | Modern, traditional, or transitional | Vintage, eclectic, luxury, or art deco-inspired |
Fingerprint & Water Spot Visibility | Low to moderate | High – shows fingerprints and water spots easily | Moderate – aged brass hides spots better |
Maintenance & Cleaning | Easy to maintain with matte finish | Requires frequent wiping for shine | May require polishing or patina upkeep |
Durability | Very durable with powder coating | Highly durable and corrosion-resistant | Durable, but needs care to prevent tarnishing |
Cost | Moderate | Most affordable | Typically the most expensive |
Availability | Growing popularity – moderate options available | Widely available in all sizes and styles | Limited availability, mostly premium ranges |
Corrosion Resistance | High (if powder-coated) | Very high | Good, but needs proper sealing |
Trend Factor | Trendy and gaining popularity | Always in style | Comeback trend – popular in boutique bathrooms |
Pairing with Other Fixtures | Pairs well with matte black taps & accessories | Easily pairs with chrome or stainless steel taps | Matches well with gold, bronze, or natural tones |
- Black shower enclosures continue to be an attractive choice for those who are seeking a bold, modern, and sophisticated statement.
- Chrome has long but considered a classic choice. But recently experiencing a strong resurgence as it offers a timeless, clean, and airy feel for minimalist and contemporary spaces.
- Brass is a rising star, bringing warmth, luxury, and a touch of vintage glamour. That makes it perfect for spa-like and nature-inspired designs
While all of these shower cubicle frame finishes are great for particular bathroom aesthetics, size and layout, you should decide on the finish for your shower enclosure depending on personal and space requirements. Consider the mood of the space that you want to create, look at how the light hits the finish, and think about you it will complement with other bathroom fixtures and ties.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
