Choosing the Right Showerhead for Your Bathroom Design
By McDaniels Kitchens and Bath|Bathroom Design
When it’s time for a bathroom remodel, there are many choices to be made. What style and color scheme do you prefer? What type and finish of vanity cabinet will work best? From tile to sinks to faucets and even the toilet, all your product choices must combine effectively to create a cohesive bathroom design.
The shower is a central part of the bathroom design, and your shower is not only functional but offers a soothing space to refresh and rejuvenate. It is important to carefully select a showerhead that fits your shower style, budget, and available space to make sure you get the maximum value out of your shower. Not sure where to get started? Here is a guide to showerhead styles to inspire your selection.
Wall-mounted or Fixed Showerhead
This is traditionally the most common model, and is typically a smaller size, no more than about 5 inches in diameter. Some are available with multi-functional options where you can alter the spray intensity, and you can find them in a wide array of finishes to suit any bathroom design style. The downside is that, once mounted on the wall, the showerhead is permanently fixed in position and you cannot vary the height.
Rainfall Showerhead
Rain shower fixtures can be mounted from either the wall or the ceiling and are larger in diameter than a standard showerhead, at least 6 inches. Ceiling mounted varieties really give you the full rainfall effect, but wall-mounted options can also be effective. A larger showerhead surface provides more of the soothing effect of rainfall, but also may not give you as much water pressure. Talk to your bathroom design expert to determine which model is best suited to your needs.
Before selecting a model, make sure you have adequate space and the correct ceiling height for your preferred option. If your plumbing does not support a ceiling mounted showerhead, you can get the same effect with a wall-mounted model connected to a longer shower arm, extending the actual showerhead to a position that is roughly the same as a ceiling mounted model.
Handheld Showerhead
This versatile showerhead option works in any home but is ideal where you need to bathe children or pets or assist family members with mobility issues. They also work very well for washing hair as you can target a specific area quite easily. Handheld showerheads typically come with a holder, which allows you to use it as a fixed showerhead when it is attached to the wall. The showerhead itself is connected to a flexible hose, which means you can hold the showerhead by the handle and control exactly where the water goes.
Dual Showerheads
Not sure whether to get a fixed or handheld showerhead for your bath design? Dual showerhead systems incorporate both! These models include a fixed showerhead along with a hand shower and shower arm, plus a diverter that allows you to toggle between the showerhead and hand shower.
Shower Panels or Body Spray Showerheads
For the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, shower panels or body spray shower heads provide the full spa experience. They tend to be more expensive and require greater expertise to install, so consider adding one as part of a full bathroom remodel while you have the expert plumbers in your home! The shower panels typically include a fixed showerhead, possibly also a handheld showerhead, plus several body spray showerheads, which can usually be adjusted to point in a direct that suits you. This replaces your standard showerhead, and everything is controlled from one panel. They are easier to install than body sprays as they use the existing plumbing for your standard showerhead.
Body sprays are individual small showerheads that are mounted on the wall wherever you want them. They work in conjunction with your other showerhead(s), and form a total shower system, customized to suit your needs. They must be installed as part of a larger renovation, as the installation process is more invasive, but the result is the ultimate spa-like experience in your own home.
Extras: LED Showerheads, Bluetooth Speakers, Filtered Water
Want to take your standard showerhead to the next level? There are many extras that allow you to create the ultimate shower experience in your bathroom design. LED showerheads emit low light that can offer a soothing effect along with your rainfall or massaging shower. Some also have a practical side in that the light changes color along with water temperature, letting you know when the water is too hot or too cold. Bluetooth showerheads have a speaker integrated with the showerhead that allows you to play music, podcasts, or audiobooks from your showerhead while you bathe. A filtered showerhead helps to filter out impurities, minerals, and calcium in your water. The filter is integrated into the showerhead and must be cleaned or replaced periodically.
Are you inspired to update your showerhead? A bathroom remodel is the perfect time to incorporate a shower system that will fit your lifestyle. Browse more shower ideas in our bathroom design gallery and then contact us to get started on your new bathroom!