Not understanding the distinctions between the different kinds of showers may lead to discomfort in your space. I’ve seen how confusion in materials and installations caused costly repairs for some homeowners. I’m explaining the different types of showers and what features to consider to help pick the right style for your bathroom.
Different Types of Showers for Your Next Bathroom Upgrade
From prefabricated to custom-built, showers range from simple manual mixers to high-end options like rainfall showers and exposed body jets.
While basic prefab models offer budget efficiency and spacious walk-ins, custom showers allow tailoring details from concealed or rainfall showerheads, steam generators, and walkway benches to smart faucets and luxury multiple shower stations.
| Shower Type | Main Features | Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Prefabricated | Pre-built; single-piece unit | Budget-friendly; easy installation | Plain look |
| Custom | Built to specifications | Design flexibility; tailored to space and needs | Expensive |
| Walk-in | Open entry; stand-alone | Accessible entry; feels roomy | Complex space requirements |
| Manual mixer | Adjust and mix water temp each use | Simple operation; inexpensive | Temp fluctuations |
| Thermostatic mixer | Preset constant temp; auto-adjusts | Consistent temp; safety | Remembering individual temp preferences |
| Electric | Heats cold supply water | Energy-efficient; doesn’t need hot water setup | More expensive to operate |
| Solar | Harnesses solar energy for water heating | Environmentally friendly; energy-efficient | Dependence on sunlight for optimal performance |
| Concealed | Hidden shower head | Unique look; feels expansive | Restricted water stream areas |
| Exposed rain | Stylish overhead design with water falling directly from the showerhead | Aesthetic appeal; contemporary design | Water may splash outside the designated area |
| Body shower | Multiple horizontal body jets | Massage-like relaxation | Setup complexity |
| Waterfall or rainfall | Wide horizontal shower head | Immersive experience | No focused streams |
| Double shower | Two showering stations | Shared couple’s experience | Bigger space requirements |
| Smart shower | Personalized water temperature and shower duration | Enhanced user control and customization. | Higher initial installation costs |
With key considerations being available space, budget, climate suitability and features like temperature control, water saving, and spa-like luxury that improve enjoyment over years of daily use. For a detailed diagram illustrating the parts of a shower, go here.
1. Prefabricated Shower
A prefabricated shower is self-contained with a preconceived design. It comes in a single-piece construction, including a conventional shower faucet, panel, shelf, and shower pan.
2. Custom Shower
A custom shower is unique and designed to meet your specific needs and preferences. While it can be built to any size, the ADA compliance code mandates a minimum floor space of 30 square inches.
3. Walk-in Shower
A walk-in shower is a modern, open design that provides easy accessibility. Its shower pan offers a spacious and contemporary bathing experience without needing a bathtub enclosure.
4. Manual Mixer Shower
A manual mixer shower is the traditional type of shower valve seen in most home bathrooms today. Aside from being easy to use, manual mixer showers are also relatively simple to install.
5. Thermostatic Mixer Shower
This type of shower controls the temperature of the water for each shower. This reliable shower system prevents scalding, increasing safety for households with small children and the elderly.
6. Electric Shower
Popularly called electric showers, these contain a built-in heating unit to heat cold water. It is also quick and easy to install as you won’t need extra plumbing work as long as you have a cold water supply.
7. Solar Shower
I often recommend a solar shower whenever my clients want an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly bathing option. A garden hose fills the reservoir, which can be a cylinder enclosing a shower stand.
8. Concealed Shower
The shower head is hidden behind various design elements, so this type of shower is not immediately visible when you step into the bathroom. Water falls from the ceiling instead of coming from a shower head.
9. Exposed Rain Shower
Similarly to a concealed shower, an exposed rain shower lets the water fall directly from above your head (rather than at an angle). The shower head is mounted on the wall instead of from the ceiling.
10. Body Shower
A body shower often utilizes a shower tower (or similar design) to spray water on your body from the sides. The strong jets of water are designed to help soothe an aching body, much like jets in a bathtub or hot tub.
11. Waterfall Shower
Also called a rainfall shower, a waterfall shower is characterized by a wider surface area than traditional showerheads. Extending perpendicularly to the shower wall, a heavy rush of water falls from the shelf-like shower stall over your body.
12. A Double Shower
A double shower adds a luxurious feel to your home. This design makes it significantly easier for you to bathe your kids and pets since it’s more spacious.
13. Smart Shower
You only need to use your phone to control smart showers. These settings can also sync with other devices in your home.
Shower Selection Saga: Key Things to Know When Choosing a Shower
With the wide range of shower types and infinite custom options, knowing what to look for is critical before making this crucial investment.
Shower Shape and Style
The shower style is the most important design decision to be made. It relates to the basic shape and layout of your finished bathroom shower.
- Rectangular shower: A quadrant enclosure shower or rectangular shower enclosure is a type of freestanding walk-in shower.
- Curved enclosure: Another type of freestanding shower, a curved shower pan or curbless shower, utilizes a rounded entryway for a corner shower.
- Neo-angle shower: A neo-angle shower is the most modern-looking stand-up shower.
- Corner shower: Quite similar to a neo-angle shower, a corner enclosure shower is any stand-up shower with a shower pan specifically designed for use in a corner.
- Tub-shower combo: A tub-shower combo is a space-saving design when you want both a bathtub and a shower in the bathroom.
Shower Features
Some features add to the functionality of a shower, and others are largely there for their aesthetic appeal. Pick and choose from these additional features to further tailor your bathroom shower to your liking.
- Accessible shower: Low-step thresholds provide an easy entrance for the elderly, while roll-in thresholds make showering more accessible for people in wheelchairs. An extra grab bar is another accessible feature that makes showering easier for everyone.
- Built-in shower seats: Whether you have a corner shower or a rectangular shower stall, a shower chair means you don’t have to stand the entire time you’re showering.
- Handheld showerheads: A fixed showerhead helps keep the water flow in the exact area you’d like it.
- Steam shower generators: Built-in steam generators help make the cold winter months a little bit more bearable.
- LED shower lights: Adding LED lighting can enhance the mood and make the experience even more relaxing.
- Shower tower: Requiring only hot and cold supply lines, a shower tower incorporates a showerhead and faucet controls on the shower wall.
- Water system and pressure: You may opt for an unvented water system, a combination boiler, or a gravity system on the shower walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Kinds of Showers?
The main types of showers include custom-built showers, prefabricated showers, walk-in showers, rainfall showers, and shower or tub combinations. They are differentiated by size, shape, features, construction method, and how they deliver and control the flow of water.
How Many Types of Shower Baths Are There?
There are numerous types of bathroom showers, including basic builds like custom versus prefabricated and shapes like walk-ins, curved enclosures, and neo-angle. There are also features like steam showers and body sprays; water delivery mechanisms like digital, mixer or electric showers; and configurable elements like doors, heads, and seats.
What Types of Showers Are Better?
The best showers are those that match your individual style, space, budget, and feature preferences. However, custom showers allow much more flexibility to build your ideal system. High-quality materials, robust water systems, and easy-clean, water-resistant details make for better showers.
Conclusion
Carefully weighing choices in custom versus prefab, materials that last, and accessories that enhance the experience will prevent disappointment and added costs. Selecting the right shower for your home and lifestyle makes a difference regarding both practical usefulness and sources of pleasure.
