BUYING-GUIDE
Shower Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Shower for Your Bathroom
Not sure which shower is right for your bathroom? This practical shower buying guide explains the differences between dual showers, rail showers, hand showers, rain showers and ceiling-mounted options, plus what to consider about water pressure, WELS ratings, plumbing and finishes before you buy.
Choosing a shower is about more than finding a design that looks good. The right shower should suit how you like to shower, who uses the bathroom, your available space, existing plumbing and water pressure.
Whether you are renovating a family bathroom, upgrading an ensuite or simply replacing an old shower, this guide explains the main shower options and what to check before you buy.
Start with How You Want to Use Your Shower
Before choosing the colour, shape or finish, think about how the shower will be used every day.
Overhead or Rain Showers
An overhead shower provides broad water coverage and is a popular choice for homeowners wanting a relaxing, hotel-style shower experience.
They are available with wall-mounted shower arms or ceiling-mounted droppers and come in different sizes, shapes and finishes.
A larger shower head can provide wider coverage, but remember that a bigger shower head does not automatically mean stronger water pressure.
Rail Showers
A rail shower has a handheld shower head mounted on an adjustable rail. The height can usually be changed to suit different users.
Rail showers are particularly practical for:
- Families
- Children
- Users of different heights
- Washing hair
- Rinsing and cleaning the shower area
Hand Showers
A hand shower gives you greater control over where the water is directed.
It can be useful for washing children, rinsing the shower area, washing hair and for bathrooms where flexibility is more important than having a large fixed overhead shower.
Dual or Twin Showers
If you want the benefits of both an overhead and handheld shower, consider a dual or twin shower.
A twin shower normally combines an overhead shower with a hand shower, allowing you to switch between the two. This makes it one of the most versatile options for family bathrooms and master ensuites.
Check Your Existing Plumbing Before Replacing a Shower
If you are building or completely renovating a bathroom, your plumber will usually have more flexibility when positioning the shower.
If you are replacing an existing shower rail, however, it is important to check the existing plumbing before choosing a new model.
One important detail is whether your shower uses a:
- Top inlet – the water supply enters near the upper section of the shower rail.
- Bottom inlet – the water supply enters near the lower section of the shower rail.
Some shower systems also have adjustable wall brackets that can make replacing an existing shower easier.
If you want to minimise plumbing alterations or avoid drilling unnecessary new holes through your tiles, take photos and measurements of your existing shower before purchasing a replacement.
Consider Your Water Pressure
Water pressure can make a noticeable difference to how a shower feels.
A large rain shower may look impressive, but if your property has relatively low water pressure, you may prefer a shower head designed to provide a more concentrated spray.
Before purchasing, consider:
- Incoming water pressure
- Your hot-water system
- Shower-head size
- Minimum pressure requirements
- WELS flow rate
If you are unsure about the water pressure available at your property, speak with your plumber before selecting the shower.
Check the WELS Rating and Flow Rate
In Australia, the WELS rating helps you compare the water efficiency of different showers.
The WELS label generally shows:
- A water-efficiency star rating
- The shower's water consumption in litres per minute (L/min)
A lower flow rate generally means the shower uses less water, which can also reduce the amount of energy required to heat that water.
However, don't choose a shower based on flow rate alone. A well-designed shower head can provide comfortable and effective spray coverage while still using water efficiently.
Wall-Mounted or Ceiling-Mounted Shower?
A wall-mounted shower is the most common option and works well in most bathrooms. It is also generally easier to incorporate into an existing plumbing layout.
A ceiling-mounted shower positions the shower head directly overhead and can create a clean, minimalist and luxurious appearance.
Ceiling showers are best planned early in a bathroom renovation because the plumber needs to position the water supply correctly before the ceiling and walls are finished.
View Shower Heads & Ceiling Shower Options
Think About the Shower Mixer and Diverter
The shower head is only one part of the complete shower system.
You may also need a shower mixer to control the water temperature and flow.
If your shower has two separate outlets, such as an overhead shower and a hand shower, you may also need a diverter to direct the water between the two outlets.
Some dual shower rails have a diverter built directly into the rail, while other shower configurations use a separate wall-mounted mixer or mixer with diverter.
If you are installing concealed tapware, choose the mixer and diverter before tiling so your plumber knows exactly which components need to be installed inside the wall.
Choose a Finish That Works With the Rest of Your Bathroom
Once the practical details are confirmed, choose a shower finish that coordinates with your tapware, shower-screen hardware and bathroom accessories.
Popular shower finishes include:
- Chrome – timeless, versatile and easy to coordinate.
- Brushed nickel – a softer and warmer metallic finish.
- Matte black – creates strong contrast in contemporary bathrooms.
- Gunmetal – provides a darker metallic appearance without the solid look of matte black.
- Brushed gold or brushed brass – works particularly well with timber, warm stone and neutral tiles.
- Bronze – adds warmth and can complement both contemporary and more traditional bathroom styles.
If you are matching products from different manufacturers, it is worth comparing the finishes in person. Colours such as Brushed Gold, Brushed Nickel and Gunmetal can vary between brands.
Which Shower Is Right for Your Bathroom?
There isn't one shower that is best for every bathroom.
- If you want simple adjustability, consider a rail shower.
- If you want maximum flexibility, a dual shower provides both an overhead and handheld option.
- If you prefer a minimal and luxurious appearance, consider an overhead or ceiling-mounted shower.
- If you are replacing an existing shower without major plumbing changes, pay particular attention to the existing inlet and fixing positions.
The best shower is one that works with your bathroom layout, plumbing, water pressure and everyday routine – not simply the one that looks best in a product photo.
Need Help Choosing a Shower in Melbourne?
Melbourne Bathroom Shop offers a wide range of dual showers, rail showers, hand showers, ceiling showers, shower heads, shower roses and shower arms in different styles and finishes.
If you are renovating, bring your bathroom plans, measurements or photos to our Blackburn showroom. If you are replacing an existing shower, photos and measurements of the current shower, water inlet and fixing positions can help our team recommend a more suitable option.
A little planning before you buy can save considerable time and cost during installation.