Types of Shower Fixtures for Your Bathroom

By - Michelle
10.29.24 03:46 AM
Close-up of various shower fixtures, including hoses, connectors, shower head, and traditional hot and cold handles, arranged together.

Shower fixtures do more than just deliver water—they set the tone for comfort, efficiency, and style in your bathroom. The right fixtures can improve water flow, enhance convenience, and add a touch of luxury to your daily routine. In this guide, we’ll help you choose fixtures that fit your needs while elevating the look and feel of your bathroom.

1. Shower Valves

Collage featuring types of shower valves, including pressure-balancing, thermostatic, and diverter valves.

Pressure-Balancing Valve

This valve keeps water temperature steady by balancing hot and cold water pressure, even when other water sources are in use. It's a reliable choice for homes where water pressure fluctuates, ensuring a consistent shower temperature.


Thermostatic Valve

Allows precise temperature control. It maintains your set temperature throughout the shower, making it ideal for families, as it prevents scalding and provides a consistent shower experience.


Diverter Valve

Directs water flow between fixtures, such as a main shower head, handheld shower head, or body sprays. Often integrated into the shower system, it allows switching between different fixtures, making it versatile for multi-function showers.

2. Shower Heads

Collage displaying different types of shower heads, including fixed, rain, slide bar, and dual shower heads.

Shower heads define the shower experience, with different types offering unique water flow patterns.


Fixed Shower Head

A traditional wall-mounted option that delivers reliable water flow. It comes in various spray patterns, such as full spray, high-pressure streams, and more. Fixed shower heads fit well in both modern and traditional designs.


Rain Shower Head

Mimics natural rainfall with a wide, gentle spray. Typically larger than standard shower heads, it offers broader coverage and a spa-like experience. It can be mounted on the ceiling or wall, depending on your plumbing setup.


Multi-Function Shower Head

Offers multiple spray patterns, including massage, mist, and full spray. These allow users to switch between different water flows, providing a customizable experience for various preferences.


Slide Bar Shower Head

Mounted on a vertical bar, this shower head can be adjusted to different heights. It’s useful for households with users of different heights or those who need flexible water angles.


Dual Shower Head

Combines a fixed shower head with a handheld option, providing versatility by allowing users to switch between the two or use both simultaneously.


Wall-Mounted Handheld

Attached to a holder on the wall, these can be removed for targeted use. They’re ideal for rinsing, cleaning the shower area, washing pets, or assisting children and seniors.

3. Body Sprays

Body sprays installed at different heights in a shower, providing multi-directional water flow

Body sprays create a multi-directional water flow, adding a touch of luxury to your shower, similar to a spa experience. They are mounted on the wall or ceiling, usually in groups of two or more for an even water distribution. Body sprays can be used to target specific areas of the body, providing a massage-like effect and enhancing relaxation.

4. Rain Shower Heads

Collage of ceiling-mounted and wall-mounted rain shower heads, providing wide, gentle water coverage.

Rain shower heads provide wide, even coverage, simulating gentle rainfall.


Ceiling-Mounted Rain Shower Head

Installed overhead, these rain shower heads offer full-body coverage, creating an immersive experience. They typically require more plumbing adjustments, making them better suited for new builds or major remodels.


Wall-Mounted Rain Shower Head

Offers similar broad coverage but is easier to install than ceiling-mounted options, making it a convenient upgrade for existing showers.

5. Shower Arms and Flanges

Collage of various shower arms and flanges for adjusting shower head height and angle

Shower arms and flanges play a key role in positioning and supporting the shower head


Standard Shower Arm

Extends the shower head from the wall, making it suitable for fixed or rain shower heads. Its length can vary to adjust the shower head’s height and angle.


Gooseneck Shower Arm

Curved to raise the shower head higher, this arm type is often used for rain shower heads, providing better water coverage.


Flanges

Decorative covers that conceal the pipe opening, adding a polished look to the shower setup. They come in different finishes to match other bathroom fixtures.

6. Shower Diverters

Collage showing three types of diverter valves, including 2-way, 3-way, and integrated diverter valve.

Shower diverters allow users to switch water flow between multiple fixtures


2-Way Diverter

Enables water flow between two fixtures, such as a shower head and a handheld shower, making it a common choice for standard setups.


3-Way Diverter

Allows switching among three fixtures, like a shower head, body sprays, and a handheld shower. It’s ideal for multi-function setups that combine different water flows.


Integrated Diverter Valve

Combines diverter and temperature control into one unit, streamlining shower operations. It’s often found in advanced shower systems that offer multiple functions.

How to Choose the Best Options for Your Bathroom

Bathroom Layout

Assess the size and layout of your shower space to determine which fixtures fit comfortably.


User Needs

If accessibility is important, handheld shower heads and thermostatic valves are excellent choices. For a luxurious experience, consider body sprays and rain shower heads.


Water Pressure

Ensure your plumbing can support the pressure requirements of high-flow fixtures, such as rain shower heads or multiple body sprays.


Design Style

Choose fixtures that complement your bathroom’s design, whether it’s modern, traditional, or spa-inspired.

Selecting the right shower fixtures can enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom. By understanding the various types of fixtures, from valves to rain shower heads, you can create a shower setup tailored to your preferences and needs


If you're located in Corpus Christi or South Texas and need help choosing the perfect fixtures for your bathroom, feel free to reach out to us! Our team of experts is here to guide you through the selection process and ensure you find exactly what you need. Contact us today!