We’ve covered everything you need to know about shower glass—from the types of shower doors, to options for glass coatings, to which type of shower enclosure will work in your bathroom. Today, we’re giving you the 101 on shower fixtures.
Keep reading to learn your options for glass showers.
Shower Fixtures: What Are Your Options?
The shower fixture includes the showerhead, handle, and accompanying wall plate, tub spout, or hose, as well as everything that goes behind the wall (like the valves).
When choosing your shower fixture, you’ll need to take a few things into account.
For example, do you have a tub? If so, you’ll need a shower fixture with a tub spout, of course. You’ll also need to consider your budget (that’s a no-brainer), your desired spray style, the size of your shower stall, bathroom layout, and your desired finishes.
Showerhead Types
Single-head spray showerhead: This type has a single head with an adjustable nozzle that allows you to change the pattern of the spray from a wide spray to a concentrated stream.
Dual/multiple showerhead: This type includes, as the name suggests, more than one showerhead. Often, it is configured to include a fixed, wall-mounted showerhead along with a handheld showerhead. In some configurations, a valve is installed that allows you to operate either showerhead or both at the same time.
Rain showerhead: This type features a large, flat showerhead that is mounted directly above so the spray comes straight down (mimicking rain). Rain showerheads are often included in a multiple showerhead configuration.
Handheld showerhead: This type features a single showerhead that is not fixed to the wall, along with a flexible hose. It’s great for people with limited mobility and people who shower sitting down.
Body spray showerhead: Think of this type as the shower version of hot tub jets. Body spray showerheads are small or even flat nozzles integrated into the shower wall. You can have nearly as many as you like, limited only by your budget and your home’s water pressure.
Shower Valves
Mixing valve: This valve mixes the hot and cold water to the temperature you set with the shower handle.
Pressure-balance (or anti-scald) valve: This valve keeps your water temperature constant by adjusting your hot and cold water’s pressure. This device is why your shower doesn’t scald or freeze you if your washing machine or dishwasher comes on and starts using water.
Thermostatic valve: This valve is the updated version of the pressure balance valve. The pressure balance valve can sometimes result in interrupted water pressure as it works to maintain your water temperature. Thermostatic valves, however, keep the same water pressure and temperature. (Of course, this makes them more expensive.)
Shower Fixture Finishes
There are many finishes available for your showerheads, handles, and other fixtures. Here are just a few:
- Black
- White
- Polished chrome
- Brushed chrome
- Polished nickel
- Brushed nickel
- Antique nickel
- Hammered nickel
- Stainless steel
- Bronze
- Brushed bronze
- Oil-rubbed bronze
- Polished brass
- Copper
- Gold
- Pewter
When it comes to choosing a metal finish for your shower fixture, it depends on your desired design. Some metal finishes—like matte black and chrome—lean modern, while others—like oil-rubbed bronze and copper—lean traditional or vintage. You might want to match your shower fixtures to the other metal hardware in your bathroom—like the shower stall (if it’s framed) and your cabinet door handles. Or you might not! Some design styles feature a more eclectic look with mixed metals. (Most designers advise you to stick to two metal finishes at most, with each in a different color family. Don’t mix copper and gold, for example, as they don’t have enough contrast, and it can look like the decision was an accident.)
What Works Best for Your Bathroom?
Some shower fixture options, like the metal finish, are limited only by your budget and your imagination. Other shower fixture options are limited by more practical constraints.
The type of showerhead you choose will need to take into account the layout of your bathroom and the type of your shower enclosure. Rain showerheads, for example, require specific water pressure and might also require plumbing updates. They also don’t work well in bathrooms with very low ceilings. Steam shower fixtures, of course, require floor-to-ceiling glass walls and doors.
Where you can place your showerhead is also limited by your bathroom design. To avoid leaks, you shouldn’t place your showerhead on a wall opposite your shower door.
Need Help with Your Shower Redesign?
Jack’s Glass is here to help you create your dream bathroom. Our glass shower and tub enclosure experts can answer all of your questions and walk you through the process—from design to installation.
Call us today to get started!
