8 Types of Showers to Consider for Your Bathroom

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best type of shower for your bathroom. Here’s everything you need to know to decide.

Apart from pure necessity, a suitably placed and well-designed shower can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. A shower is a fixture in any daily routine, so the way it looks and feels can leave a lasting impact. Of course, functionality and accessibility are key. And faucets, showerheads, and filters can make a massive difference. From body showers to walk-in designs and everything in between, there’s sure to be one type of shower that suits your needs. If you're looking to remodel your bathroom, you might have more options than expected. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular shower types to choose from.

Body Showers

Body showers consist of multiple spray heads placed at different heights. They can be adjusted for direction, intensity, and spray pattern. Hydrotherapy enthusiasts will love the muscle relaxation and tension relief that body showers provide. For those who appreciate speed and efficiency, expect a complete body cleanse in record time. Body showers also allow people with low mobility to clean hard-to-reach places without much hassle. These showers can be attached to a panel containing the main showerhead or the heads can be built directly into the wall. For couples, large spaces, or pure indulgence, body showers can also be attached to opposite walls.

Related: 2023 Is the Year of the Shower (Sorry, Bathtubs)

Curbless Showers

Curbless showers, also called barrier-free or zero-entry showers, offer a seamless transition from the bathroom floor to the shower. They are a kind of walk-in shower. Curbless showers are popular for their open-concept designs, easy cleaning, and functionality. The absence of a threshold allows for maximum accessibility, ideal for senior citizens or people with mobility challenges. However, there are some downsides. No door means less privacy, and they tend to be colder. Without proper sloping, there is the risk of poor drainage and spills onto the bathroom floor. Professional installation can ensure adequate sloping and waterproof flooring to prevent water leakage or overflow.

Eco-Friendly Showers

Eco-friendly showers are the way to go if you're environmentally conscious. Made from environmentally friendly materials, they reduce your water and energy consumption. Complete with lower utility bills, these showers are designed to minimize water usage without compromising performance. High-tech features, such as low-flow showerheads, aerators, and smart water control systems, help conserve water and promote sustainability.

Handheld Showers

Handheld showers allow users to have flexibility, increased reach, and directional control. They allow you to hold on to the showerhead and direct the water flow wherever you need it. This detachable showerhead can be mounted on a wall bracket or held by hand. People with mobility issues, caregivers, children, and pets will see the practical benefit of bringing water closer to the body. It permits people to shower while seated, target difficult-to-reach areas, and clean the shower enclosure easily. Installation typically involves adding a wall bracket and setting up in-wall plumbing connections.

Rainfall Showers

Rainfall showers make you feel like you’re standing under gentle rainfall. If you crave a soothing, downward spray, it's the perfect type of shower. The larger showerhead disperses water in a wide pattern. With their elegant design and luxurious feel, rainfall showers create a spa-like ambience. Rainfall showers are ideal for showering as well as washing and conditioning hair. Offering salon-like rinsing capacity at home, rainfall showers cover the body from head to toe. For optimal water distribution, installation typically requires a ceiling-mounted shower arm or an overhead shower arm.

Steam Showers

Steam showers can turn your bathroom into a soothing spa-like retreat. These showers are equipped with a steam generator that creates a relaxing atmosphere. They are great for athletes and gym buffs hoping to recover from sore muscles, and they can also offer relief to those suffering from respiratory issues or skin problems. Steam can help open airways, promote circulation, relieve muscle tension, hydrate, and relieve itching (though you should consult your doctor to be sure of the benefits). Steam showers require proper ventilation, waterproofing, and an airtight enclosure to effectively contain the steam.

Tub-Shower Combo

Tub-shower combos offer the best of both worlds. You can have a quick shower on busy mornings and a long leisurely bath during a lazy weekend. This option is perfect for individuals and families alike. This combo is also an efficient use of space, eliminating the need to have separate areas for each component. Installation is not complicated and simply involves integrating a showerhead and faucet into the tub area. A tub-shower combo can be styled with a shower curtain or glass enclosure to suit the aesthetic of the bathroom.

Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers are a good choice if you are looking for a modern, minimalist design with a spacious feel. They may be curbed or curbless and feature a door or be completely open. Walk-in showers make it easy to transition between the bathroom floor and the shower stall. Ideal for people with limited mobility or those planning to age in place, walk-in showers can increase independence. Walk-in showers might have a lip, ledge, or raised floor to contain water within the shower area. Wheelchair users will benefit most from a curbless walk-in shower model.

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