The Rise of the Arched Shower: A Timeless Design Element

Michael Sinclair Bathrooms, known for their straight lines and hard surfaces, can sometimes lack aesthetic appeal. Introducing a curved element, such as an arched shower, instantly softens the space, bringing balance and timelessness. The arched shower recess, whether a curved entrance or a recessed wall backdrop, is gaining popularity.

Designers are increasingly looking to existing architectural features for inspiration. Samantha Palmer of The Flint House (@the_flint_house) mirrored the arched sash windows of a Victorian townhouse in her design for an arched shower cubicle. Similarly, Blank Slate design studio incorporated arches into a stone farmhouse renovation in Wiltshire, leveraging the existing architectural detail for the shower opening.

Creating Softness and Symmetry

Georgie Stogdon utilized the layout of her north London bathroom to introduce softness and symmetry. She built out recessed walls to create arched recesses for both the bath and shower. She finds them to be a 'pretty and timeless feature' suitable for both period and contemporary spaces.

A Touch of Romance and History

Emma Ainscough designed Charlotte’s Folly holiday cottage with a romantic, fairy-tale feel, enhanced by the arched, tiled shower area. The appeal of arches extends far back in history, with roots tracing back to the Bronze Age and widespread use since the Roman era.

The Magic of the Arch

Pandora, referencing her own bathroom in south-west London, notes her long-standing appreciation for arches stemming from her studies of Classical architecture. She describes how an arch transforms a simple opening into a 'gateway into somewhere interesting,' creating a sense of anticipation and magic. Samantha Palmer believes an arch can also.