Choosing the best shower heads: Different types and features

When it comes to installing your dream shower, there are various elements required to ensure the best experience – and your showerhead is one of these. Whether you want an invigorating power shower or a relaxing rainfall-style shower, there’s a showerhead to suit every preference. You’ll also need to consider things like how you want the showerhead to be fitted – for example, fixed on the wall or overhead – and, of course, think about aesthetics and the overall look you want in your bathroom.

With this in mind the following blog will subsequently provide an overview of the different types of showerheads available, along with key features, so read to the end to find out more.

There are lots of options when it comes to choosing showerheads for your home.

Showerhead styles for your bathroom

Fixed showerheads

One of the most common showerheads is the fixed style, which sees the showerhead secured onto the wall or overhead, on the ceiling, with the spray then directed downwards at a fixed angle. You can also benefit from functions such as adjustable spray patterns and flow strength, depending on which model you choose, so this is a popular choice for many people.

Key features:

• Mounted permanently on the wall or ceiling
• Provides a consistent waterflow
• Available in various designs and finishes to complement your bathroom décor eg. matt black, polished chrome, brushed brass.

The Eliseo Ricci Curve Plus Thermostatic Rain Shower with Diverter includes both a fixed and handheld showerhead, along with a rainfall-style waterflow.

The fixed rainfall showerhead of the Eliseo Ricci Curve Plus Thermostatic Rain Shower with Diverter.

Dual showerheads

If you’re looking for the ultimate convenience then dual showerheads are ideal as they combine a fixed showerhead with a handheld style, which are both connected to the same shower valve. This means you can switch between the two as you wish, thanks to a diverter feature, tailoring your showering experience to suit your specific needs.

Key features:

• Handheld showerheads are attached to a flexible hose, so they can easily be extended and used for rinsing out the shower/bath or for washing hair.
• Handy for bathing children and pets.
• Often come with multiple spray settings for added convenience and versatility.

NB you can also get handheld showerheads without the addition of the fixed showerhead, which you can remove from the mount to direct the waterflow to your preference.

Rainfall showerheads

If luxury showering is what you’re looking for then consider the rainfall-style showerhead, which delivers a much more immersive experience and will feel like you’re standing in gentle rainfall. With a large spray surface area, rainfall showerheads are all about sensational drenching and are usually fixed or mounted overhead to ensure the most impact.

Key features:

• Mimics the feeling of standing in a gentle rain shower
• Usually installed overhead for a more luxurious showering experience
• Provides a broad, even coverage for a relaxing, spa-like shower.

High-pressure showerheads

If you have a low-pressure water system at home, then a High-pressure showerhead will improve your showering experience by increasing the water pressure.

Key features:

• Designed to increase water pressure for a more invigorating shower
• Ideal for homes with low water pressure.
• Provides a strong, forceful stream of water for efficient rinsing.

The Triton Host Multi Outlet Digital Mixer and Circular Accessory Pack for High-pressure systems.

Filtered showerheads

For a cleaner, more hygienic shower, the filtered showerhead is ideal as it removes impurities from the water, so is great if you have sensitive skin or simply want to enjoy the benefits of filtered water.

Key features:

• Equipped with built-in filters to remove impurities and chemicals from water.
• Helps improve water quality and reduce skin irriation.
• Especially beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.

Low-flow/eco showerheads

If you want a more environmentally-friendly showerhead then choosing one which is more economical in terms of water usage will save you both money and energy.

Key features:

• Designed to conserve water by reducing flow rate without compromising performance.
• Environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as they can lower water bills.
• Often equipped with aerators to maintain strong water pressure while reducing water consumption

Smart showerheads

Introducing technology to your shower is ideal if you want enhanced functionality and convenience. For example, Bluetooth connectivity will allow you to listen to music while you can also easily control waterflow, temperature and more remotely, via your phone.

Key features:

• Incorporate technology such as Bluetooth connectivity or Wi-fi compatibility
• Enjoy customised water temperature, flow rate and spray settings via a smartphone app or voice commands.
• Some models offer features like water usage tracking and presets for multiple users

Add some tech to your shower with the Bluetooth Multi-function Chrome Showerhead.

The Bluetooth Multi-function Chrome Showerhead has built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity so you can enjoy listening to your favourite music or podcasts in the shower. Easy to operate, it also includes a microphone for calls, with volume-control further located on the showerhead for added convenience. Suitable for connecting to all standard shower hoses, this is a great option if you want an affordable way to introduce some tech to your shower space.

Other key features to consider when choosing showerheads

Spray settings: With both single and multi-spray showerheads available, consider what you want from your showering experience and choose accordingly. Adjustable spray settings will let you customise the waterflow, for example with rainfall, massage, mist or pulsating settings available, depending on the showerhead you choose.

Material and finish: Consider the durability you need from your showerhead and what aesthetics you prefer – what will match in with your bathroom décor? Common showerhead materials include classic chrome, stainless-steel, brushed brass and white plastic, with matt black also adding a modern vibe.

Ease of installation: If you’re planning to fit the showerhead yourself, then choosing one which is easy to install will make the process much more straightforward.

Water efficiency: Checking how eco-friendly showerheads are is key if you want to conserve water and reduce utility costs in your home.

Consider what finish and look you want your showerhead to have. For example, if you like contemporary style then a matt black finish is ideal.

Find your perfect showerhead at Bathshack

If you’re replacing your showerhead or are renovating your bathroom and need a new shower, then you’ll find everything you need at Bathshack. With shower enclosures, complete shower kits, showerheads, shower accessories and more all available for great-value prices, we have something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Our expert team is also always happy to advise you on the various products available and you can view our full selection of products online or in your local Bathshack showroom.

To view our full range of bathroom products, visit Bathshack.com and if you have any queries, just email us at info@bathshack.com, call us on (028) 9077 0188 or use our online chat.