Creating the perfect shower setup for your bathroom is more than just a functional choice—it’s an opportunity to enhance your daily routine and elevate the overall ambience of your space. Whether you work with a small, compact area or a large, luxurious master bath, the shower you choose plays a pivotal role in your bathroom’s practicality and style.
With a myriad of options available, from different types of showers and enclosures to varying styles of showerheads, making an informed decision is key to ensuring that your shower meets both your needs and aesthetic preferences.
This guide will discuss all the essential factors to consider when selecting a shower, providing you with the insights needed to make a choice that complements your bathroom’s design and fits your budget. Whether you want to maximise space in a smaller bathroom or create a luxurious retreat in a larger one, understanding your options will help you create a functional and stylish bathroom.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Choosing the right shower for your bathroom is crucial for functionality and aesthetics. This guide covers the various shower types, including electric, mixer, power, and digital showers, and explains their benefits based on your bathroom’s size, plumbing, and budget.
It also discusses shower enclosures (frameless, framed, sliding, and hinged doors) and showerheads (fixed, handheld, dual, and high-pressure options). The guide highlights the importance of water efficiency and offers eco-friendly choices like low-flow showerheads.
It also addresses budget considerations, installation options (DIY vs. professional), and maintenance tips to ensure a long-lasting and enjoyable shower experience.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Bathroom Shower
1. Shower Size
The first step in selecting a shower is to assess the size and layout of your bathroom. Shower placement is crucial, as even minor changes in plumbing can be costly and time-consuming. Whether you’re installing a shower bath, enclosure, or tray, precise measurements are essential.
Given the wide variety of showers available, making the right choice can be challenging, so it’s vital to consider the factors discussed before deciding on the perfect shower for your space.
2. Bathroom Layout
The layout of your bathroom is equally important when choosing a shower. Measure the available space to ensure the dimensions of the shower unit match the area in which you plan to install it.
Showers come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s key to select one that seamlessly fits into your bathroom’s functionality. Since bathrooms often see heavy use, especially during peak times like mornings, it’s important that the shower complements the room’s overall design and meets the demands of your household.
3. Water Pressure
Understanding your home’s water pressure is another essential factor in selecting the right shower.
High water pressure is typical for homes with a combi boiler, making a mixer shower an ideal choice. Conversely, if you experience low water pressure, an electric shower might be more suitable.
Electric showers heat water on demand, providing immediate and consistent hot water without relying on the home’s water heating system. This makes them energy-efficient and practical for larger households or those with inconsistent hot water supplies.
4. Choosing The Right Type Of Valve
Shower valves are critical to maintaining water temperature and flow. You have two main options: a pressure-balance valve and a thermostatic valve.
A pressure-balance valve controls both water temperature and flow with a single handle. In contrast, a thermostatic valve offers separate controls for each, maintaining a consistent temperature even if the water pressure fluctuates.
The thermostatic valve is particularly beneficial in households with children or elderly individuals, as it prevents sudden temperature changes.
5. Power Of An Electric Shower
The power rating is important if you’re considering an electric shower to address low water pressure issues. A more powerful motor ensures a stronger flow of hot water for longer periods.
A power shower may be the best solution in chronic low water pressure cases. Power showers incorporate a built-in pump to boost water flow, making them ideal for homes with gravity-fed water systems.
Additionally, these showers allow for precise mixing of hot and cold water, ensuring a comfortable showering experience.
6. Price Of Shower
Budgeting is crucial when selecting a shower. Showers vary widely in price, with basic models starting at around $28 and more advanced options reaching up to $556. It’s important to identify the features you need before making a purchase.
While it’s possible to find a good-quality shower within a lower price range, investing in a higher-end model can offer long-term benefits in terms of durability and performance.
7. Future-Proofing & Catering To People With Disabilities
Future-proofing your bathroom is essential, especially if you anticipate changes in your mobility needs or those of other household members. Walk-in showers are practical and stylish, offering an open-fronted design that is easy to customise.
Cubicle showers come pre-fitted with wall panels, doors, and trays, ready for immediate installation. Open showers, which lack doors, provide easy access and are simple to maintain.
Closed showers, requiring three walls, offer privacy and protection from water. It’s crucial to ensure the shower is accessible, comfortable, and safe forshes.
For individuals with mobility issues, such as the elderly or those who use and are safe, a minimum shower size of 120x80cm can accommodate two people if necessary, with wider doors facilitating easier entry and exit. Open showers are particularly suitable for wheelchair access, and non-slip seats add an extra layer of safety.
Factors That Influence When Choosing Bathroom Shower
Budget Considerations
Your budget plays a significant role in determining the type of shower that best suits your home. For example, a corner shower stall or a combined tub and shower might be more affordable than a standalone tub or a custom shower enclosure.
However, costs can quickly escalate if your renovation involves replacing fixtures or adding new plumbing. Before making decisions, it is wise to set a clear budget to avoid unexpected expenses.
Bathroom Area
The amount of space available in your bathroom will largely dictate the style of shower you can install. Accurately measuring the usable square footage is essential before making a purchase. Different shower configurations can be tailored to your space, whether you’re working with a compact bathroom or a more expansive area.
Shower Configurations
Showers With Doors
Walk-in showers are popular for their space-saving design. They eliminate the need for a bathtub and fit seamlessly into various bathroom layouts, offering a modern and functional option.
Bathtub-Shower Combination
A bathtub-shower combination is ideal for those who want the convenience of a shower and the luxury of a bath. These space-efficient units can fit into corners, making them a practical choice for smaller bathrooms without sacrificing comfort.
Freestanding Tubs
A freestanding tub adds a luxurious touch to any bathroom, often evoking a sense of nostalgia or classic elegance. Though handheld showerheads are more challenging to pair with a tub, they can be installed to complement the tub, and some designs include railings or curtains to create a vintage atmosphere.
Corner Showers
Corner showers can be a smart solution in bathrooms where space is at a premium. They use otherwise wasted corner space and are designed to be compact yet functional, making them suitable for nearly any bathroom layout.
Plumbing System
Your home’s plumbing and water heating system are also key factors when selecting a shower. The water pressure in your home will influence the type of shower that will perform best.
Understanding whether your system is high-pressure or low-pressure will guide your decision:
High-Pressure Systems
Typically found in newer homes, high-pressure systems are common where there is no cold-water tank but a hot-water tank or a combi boiler is present. This setup provides sufficient pressure for a strong, satisfying shower experience.
Low-Pressure Systems
Low-pressure systems are gravity-fed and are often seen in older homes. They have a cold-water tank in the attic and a hot-water tank in an airing cupboard. While low pressure may be limiting, options like power showers can enhance it, and additional pumps can be installed to boost water flow further.
Conclusion
Selecting the right shower for your bathroom involves considering various factors such as budget, space, plumbing, and personal preferences. The size and layout of your bathroom will dictate the type of shower that best fits the space, whether it’s a walk-in shower, a bathtub-shower combination, or a corner shower.
Understanding your home’s plumbing system is also key, as it influences the type of shower that will provide the best performance. Options range from high-pressure systems for newer homes to power showers for areas with lower water pressure.
FAQs About Bathroom Shower
Which Shower Is Best For Bathroom?
Many people today opt for ceiling or rain showers. As the name suggests, the water flow from this showerhead is designed to provide a rainwater flow. The best rain shower heads provide a gentle stream-like flow for a calming and relaxing bath.
What Is A Bathroom Only Shower Called?
A half-bath, (sometimes known as a “powder room”, especially in the US), is as the name suggests!
What Is The Difference Between Shower And Bathroom?
The basic difference between baths and showers is how the body is cleaned. A bath usually involves soaking and washing your body in a tub. On the other hand, a shower provides a steady spray of water through a faucet to clean oneself.
What Is The Standard Shower In A Bathroom?
The average walk-in shower in the U.S. measures 60″ x 30″, though size options can vary widely, typically up to 60″ x 42″ for a rectangular shower and 42″ x 42″ for a square one. Most experts recommend a shower enclosure no smaller than 36″ x 36″ for smaller bathrooms.
Is A Shower A Full Bathroom?
A full bathroom includes a shower, a bathtub, a sink, and a toilet, while a half bathroom only contains a sink and a toilet.
