How to Choose the Right Shower for Your Bathroom

Choosing the right shower model for your bathroom

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).

Prefabricated showers

• A one-piece shower is seamless, watertight, and easy to install. Because of its large size, you’ll need to ensure that it’ll fit not only in your bathroom, but also through your doors and hallways.

• A traditional shower comes in one piece but has seams in the corners and along the top of the shower pan. It can fit in any space, regardless of its size. The base is raised to facilitate water drainage, and the plumbing fixtures are attached to the wall. A traditional shower has either a door or a shower curtain.

• A modular shower comprises two or more smaller pieces, making it easier to transport than a one-piece shower. It can easily be installed in either a new or old construction.

• While a modular corner shower takes up little space in the bathroom, it is spacious enough to use comfortably. Installation requires two walls, and the shower itself can be customized to your preferences. Examples of this type of shower include round or neo-round corner showers, which have rounded corners, and neo-angular corner showers, which have three glass panels and two wall enclosures.

Hammam shower

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!

Walk-in shower

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.

Tub shower

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.

Which shower size should you choose?

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!

What is the best material for the shower base and walls?

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.

Ceramic shower

There are many advantages to a ceramic shower: durability, strength, ease of maintenance, and virtually infinite patterns and colours to choose from.

Acrylic shower

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.

Glass shower

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.

Natural stone shower

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.

Wood shower

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.

Which shower head should I choose?

The shower head is an essential bathroom accessory. Here are a few of the most popular options available.

Fixed shower head

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.

Handheld shower head

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.

Rain 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.

Panel with body jets

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.

Conclusion

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.