How to choose the best shower for your bathroom

Your shower can help make for a perfect start to the morning and also wash away the pressure of the day.

If you’re renovating a bathroom or designing one from scratch, there’s plenty of decisions to be made in relation to your shower area. How much privacy do you need? Do you want a single or double shower? How much ceiling height do you have? Do you want your shower area to be open plan or enclosed? 

One of the most important aspects to think about is the type of shower that you need as there are many to choose from. Your existing plumbing will play a role in what type of shower you can install especially if you are only doing a bathroom makeover. But if you’re planning a major bathroom renovation or new bathroom, then you’ve got a wider range of options to choose from.

It always pays to check with a bathroom product expert or a plumber before you get your heart set on a specific type of shower, just so you know what choices are open to you.

Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular types of showers including a few pros and cons for you to keep in mind. 

Rail set showers

Rail set showers are wall-mounted on a rail and include a removable, hand-held shower head.  Hand-held showers are ideal for relieving tense muscles and body aches. Many models include adjustable spray settings and modes, so you can customise your showering experience.

These types of showers offer a number of great benefits, such as the rail having an adjustable height feature to cater for the different heights of family members. This also makes cleaning the shower easy and is great for washing kids and pets!

Rail sets are an affordable, modern shower option and can usually be easily installed using your existing plumbing. 

Overhead showers

Also known as rain showers, overhead showers are positioned directly over your head for an enjoyable, relaxing showering experience. The refreshingly full spray gives you the experience of showering in the rain. These styles can be suspended from a shower arm or mounted flush to the ceiling which makes them a great choice for bigger shower enclosures and wet areas. 

 A potential drawback to keep in mind is that you have little to no adjustability for height or spray direction which may not be to your preference. 

Combination showers

A combination shower, also known as multi-function shower, offers the best of both worlds. 

They combine the luxury of an overhead shower with the convenience of a hook set and a hand-held shower head. With this option, you avoid the need for costly plumbing work to be carried out in order to install a standard overhead shower. 

Freestanding showers

Something you may not have commonly seen is a freestanding shower. As the name would suggest, the shower stand is plumbed directly to the floor. The installation process isn't difficult, but it depends on already installed drain and water supply rough-ins. 

A freestanding shower can be installed with or without a privacy cubicle. Some models include an additional showering handpiece for ease of use. 

Some can be installed either indoors or outdoors, creating the perfect place to rinse off after swimming or other outside activities. 

Shower components

You don’t necessarily need to rip out your existing shower if you’re looking for a new and better showering experience.  There are a number of shower components available, which can be used to upgrade your existing shower system.

For example, shower hand pieces can be interchangeable. The Hansa Medi Jet Shower Hand Piece is a popular shower component. It has a rotating hand grip to provide an easy hold and cool touch construction to keep itself cool to handle when showering with hot water. It’s designed for making showering easy for all ages. 

Shower hook sets

Shower hook sets are the simplest option to install as they only require a single mounting point and they still give you the convenience of a hose and handpiece.

Shower sets with grab rail

These come with the additional peace of mind of a grab rail to help users be safe and secure in the shower. Ideal for the elderly people or people with mobility issues.

Shower systems

Shower systems are perfect for people wanting to upgrade their shower without having to change plumbing or retile. They give the convenience of a shower rail set but with an overhead option.

Need help picking the right shower head for your bathroom? Talk to the team at arthaus 

Whether you’re renovating a home bathroom or working on a commercial project, arthaus is here to help. 

Our bathroom experts have all the right know-how to recommend the perfect products for your needs so that you can make that final decision with confidence. 

Click here to get in touch with us today. We have a dedicated bathroom showroom in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley which is open to the public 6 days a week.  

Or give us a call on 07 3252 6111. We look forward to making your dream designs a reality.