How to Choose the Right Shower for Your Bathroom
- Published on September 27, 2021
- Revised on February 14, 2023
- 6 min read
Chantal Tellier
Writer
If you want to give your bathroom a new look, changing your shower is a great option. But what type of shower should you choose? Italian showers, corner units, rainfall showers with hydromassage jets, tub showers… What should you consider when making your choice? Learn how to pick the perfect shower for your bathroom below!
When designing a stylish bathroom, consider the space you have available as well as the configuration of the room. For example, redesigning a bathroom lets you choose the footprint of your shower while converting your bathtub to a shower often means you have to work what you’ve got. Unsure of which style, size, or material to choose? To ensure that you create an environment that’s pleasant for day-to-day use, choose a model that fits within the space available and meets your needs (as well as your budget).
A hammam shower is perfect for taking your relaxation to the next level. Aesthetically, it resembles a shower stall. Different sizes are available, and some models fit into a corner while others are designed to be placed against a single wall. They often feature a combination of hydro jets and a steam bath. This is well-being at its best!
The walk-in shower (or Italian shower) has been trending for several years now. With a clean and minimalistic style, it fits any décor. And since the base is at ground level, it’s easily accessible for children, the elderly, and individuals with reduced mobility. A walk-in type of shower isn’t suitable for every bathroom, however. The shower floor must be recessed, and the shower pan is below the floor. It’s a better choice for when you’re building a new shower rather than renovating an existing one.
A tub shower is a good choice if you want the advantages of both bathtubs and showers but don’t have the space for both. The bathtub is generally larger than average, making it easier to move around when you’re showering. And when you’re ready to relax, it’s also more comfortable than a traditional bath.
Start by assessing how much space you want and are able to devote to your future shower. Think about how you use it, as well as your bathroom furnishings. Do you prefer a fuller bathroom or a minimalist bathroom with smart storage solutions?
Consider the configuration of your bathroom as well. It makes sense to choose a shower that readily integrates into your existing bathroom. The various models available on the market are designed to fit a wide range of needs.
Corner showers are generally used in smaller bathrooms. Square showers are great for when you want to install the shower in a corner of the bathroom and still have some space. Rectangular showers are practical for longer rooms, while walk-in showers are particularly suited to bathrooms that have a flexible space, due to the work that’s required for installation.
No matter what type of shower you choose, be sure to take all the necessary measurements at home before you start shopping!
When it comes to the shower floor and walls, you need to consider the water fastness of the materials. Here are some of the more common ones used.
There are many advantages to a ceramic shower: durability, strength, ease of maintenance, and virtually infinite patterns and colours to choose from.
In addition to being affordable, an acrylic shower is durable, crack and mildew resistant, and easy to maintain. However, you’re more limited in terms of styles.
If you have a small bathroom, a glass shower is the perfect way to make it feel more spacious. While glass is a durable material, it does require more maintenance.
Stone adds luxury and refinement to a shower. It’s a strong and durable material that comes in several shades, veins, and patinas. Daily maintenance requires little more than a bit of soap and water.
A wood type of shower is warm and inviting. There are lots of colours and price ranges to choose from to fit your needs, too. That said, be sure to select a moisture-resistant wood and have a good ventilation system to prevent warping and mildew. One drawback, however, is the maintenance: a wood shower should be treated with oil or wax roughly every six months.
The shower head is an essential bathroom accessory. Here are a few of the most popular options available.
The fixed shower head is the most common shower accessory on the market. It’s often designed to work with the plumbing that’s already installed in your bathroom, making it a cost-effective option.
The handheld shower head is often used in addition to a fixed head or for washing kids in the tub. However, you can install it on a shower bar and use it as a high shower head.
The rain shower head is installed overhead and gives the sensation of being in warm rain. It’s sometimes combined with LED lights to create a home light therapy session. Take note that a rain shower head requires plumbing work and is more costly.
The shower panel with body jets features massage jets incorporated along its entire length. You can use it as a hydromassage shower or as a classic shower. Some installation work may be required, and it’s costlier than other models.
Renovating a bathroom takes money and planning. Before you begin, think about your lifestyle, how you use the room, and which materials would best suit your needs and budget. That way you can be sure your bathroom will be as stylish as it is functional! To learn more, download our bathroom renovation guide.
By Chantal Tellier
Chantal Tellier holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and has worked as a journalist for many years. As a freelancer, she has covered various subjects: health and well-being, insurance, transportation, and entrepreneurship… Curious and energetic, she likes to add strings to her bow. She collaborates with RenoAssistance on topics related to renovation, construction and more.
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