Looking to give your bathroom a makeover? Upgrading your showerhead is one of the easiest ways to make your space feel new again. With today’s many options for showerhead styles and functions, you can find the perfect one to meet your needs and improve your shower experience.
In this article, we’ll explore how to pick a showerhead that matches your bathroom remodel goals and design style. We’ll go over the factors to consider like spray settings, flow rate, materials, and more. Our kitchen and bath design experts have insider tips to share that will guide you in choosing the ideal model so you can confidently pick the perfect one.
Types of Showerheads
During your shower renovation planning, take time to explore the various showerhead styles available. Each type offers different benefits and spray experiences to consider. The most common showerhead varieties to evaluate during your shower remodeling project include:
Fixed Shower Heads
The standard fixed showerhead remains popular for its simple, straightforward design and affordability. Models with multiple settings allow adjusting the spray force and patterns. Many also feature extendable arms for easy height and angle adjustability.
Handheld Shower Heads
Handheld shower heads offer great flexibility to direct the water flow exactly where desired. This makes them perfect for hand showers, conveniently bathing kids, and pets, or washing specific areas of the body. Many handheld models include wall-mounting brackets for positioning the shower head when not in use.
Rain Shower Heads
Rain shower heads are designed to recreate the natural sensation of bathing in gentle rainfall. The large disc-shaped heads and wide spray angles immerse you in water for a refreshing soak. Rain showers work well for bathrooms with high ceilings.
Dual Shower Heads
As the name suggests, dual shower heads combine multiple showerhead components into one unit. Many feature both a large rain shower head plus a handheld shower head for the best of both worlds and customized spray options.
High-Pressure Shower Heads
These shower heads increase the water flow to mimic the luxurious high-pressure spray of a spa. The powerful invigorating waters stimulate sore muscles and provide a therapeutic massage-like experience. Some models allow adjusting the air pressure levels.
Be sure to watch video demonstrations of each shower head type on retailer sites and YouTube so you can see the different flows in action before purchasing. This will give you a better idea of which style aligns best with your priorities.
Showerhead Spray Patterns
The spray pattern or setting determines the intensity and distribution of water flow from showerheads. Most models include multiple patterns to pick from. Popular options include:
Massage: Concentrated pulsating jets target sore muscles to relieve tension. Varying spray nozzles create therapeutic hydrotherapy.
Mist: Ultra-light misting simulates standing in gentle steam. Perfect for rinsing hair and enjoying relaxation.
Wide: Wider dispersed sprays from multiple nozzles cover more of the body with drenching water flow.
Targeted: Angled nozzles direct strong focused sprays. Rinses away soap and allows aiming at specific areas.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shower Heads
Keep the following factors in mind when selecting showerheads for your new bathroom:
Water Pressure
If your home has low water pressure, you may find you need to choose low-flow showerhead models or invest in pressure-boosting technology to achieve satisfying water flow. Before making any purchase decisions, check the current water pressure level in your home to understand the force you are working with.
Desired Flow Rate
Standard showerheads typically output around 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Newer low-flow showerhead designs can provide great coverage while using 20% less water, which helps conserve resources. If water efficiency is a priority for you, look for EPA WaterSense-certified low-flow models.
Spray Force
Consider the spray force or intensity you desire. Do you want an invigorating high-pressure massage or gentle rain-like cascading water? Handheld shower heads and rain shower heads are better for light relaxation, while high-pressure showerheads deliver stimulating massage sprays.
Design Aesthetic
Choose finishes like polished chrome, brushed chrome, nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, champagne bronze, or brushed gold that coordinate well with your overall bathroom decor and hardware finishes. Oil-rubbed bronze pairs beautifully with traditional warm designs.
Special Features
Look for handy bonus features like self-cleaning filter nozzles to reduce mineral buildup, LED temperature or mood lighting, water filters to remove impurities, wall-mounting brackets if choosing a handheld, etc.
Budget
Showerhead prices can range from as little as $15 for basic off-the-shelf models to over $500 for luxury fixtures with the latest innovations. Set realistic expectations and stay serious about what you can invest so you don’t overspend.
Bottomline
Take time to browse all the showerhead options available online or in stores. View videos of various models in action so you can witness the spray patterns and flows firsthand. Reading reviews can provide helpful insight into other homeowners’ experiences. Make a list of your priorities and must-have features so you select the showerhead that aligns best with your needs and budget. The right model can enhance your bathing experience each morning!
