Bathroom Shower Ideas for a Stylish and Functional Renovation

Modern minimalist bathrooms
Coastal bathrooms
Maximalist bathrooms
Traditional bathrooms
Scandi bathrooms
Where to start with a bathroom reno
FAQs

Designing a bathroom that looks good and works well is all about balance. It’s not just about the tiles or the shower tapware… it’s how it all comes together. The easiest way to make confident design choices is to start with a clear style in mind, then choose your shower, mixer, tiles and bathroom accessories to match. Below, we’ve mapped out easy combos based on popular bathroom styles.

The Phoenix Slimline Hand Shower is a perfect option for minimalist bathrooms

Phoenix Phoenix Vivid Slimline Microphone Hand Shower Matte Black

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This look is clean, confident and pared-back. Great for smaller spaces or anyone who wants a timeless base they won’t get sick of.

Try this combo:

Shower head: Phoenix Vivid Slimline Microphone Hand Shower Matte Black
Mixer: Nero Mecca Shower Mixer 60mm Matte Black
Tiles: Large-format tiles in grey porcelain or polished concrete-look
Add-ons: Black towel rails, a fluted concrete basin, and a wall-hung vanity

What works: Keeping all your metal finishes consistent in black helps it feel sleek rather than busy. This style also loves floating elements and subtle LED mirror lighting.

For a Japandi Bathroom

Soft textures, warm neutrals, and timber tones make Japandi bathrooms feel calm and curated.

Try this combo:

Shower head: Soul Slimline Shower on Rail in Brushed Nickel
Mixer: Soul Groove Wall Mixer in Brushed Nickel
Tiles: Clay-toned handmade-look, beige tiles or pale terrazzo
Add-ons: Soul Single Towel Rail, open timber shelving, soft linen towels

What works: Use the same tone across tapware and towel rails. Round bathroom mirrors, soft edges and natural light complete the look.

For a complete matching set, explore the entire ADP Soul Range in Brushed Nickel.

For a Coastal Bathroom

Think sun-soaked whites, sandy tones, golden hues, and hardware that glows a little in the light. A great pick for family homes or bathrooms with good natural light.

Try this combo:

Shower head: Mira Brushed Brass Rain Shower Head
Mixer: Mira Wall Mixer in Brushed Brass
Tiles: White tiles, stone-look porcelain or travertine
Add-ons: Brushed Brass Towel Rails, tongue-and-groove panelling, round mirror

What works: Don’t over-accessorise. Let the golden tone of the tapware lift the room, especially against crisp white or soft beige tiles.

The Phoenix Cromford twin shower is an eye-catching centrepiece

Phoenix Phoenix Cromford Twin Shower Matte Black

Paying homage to the 18th-century Indust..

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For a Maximalist Bathroom

This look is bold, expressive and layered. It’s all about contrast, colour, and making the shower a feature, not something that fades into the background.

Try this combo:

Shower head: Phoenix Cromford Twin Shower in Antique Black
Mixer: Nero Mecca Shower Mixer in Brushed Vintage Antique Brass
Tiles: Checkerboard floors, decorative tiles, marble-look slabs or anything patterned
Add-ons: Black towel rails, bold lighting, or coloured basins

What works: Lean into contrast: black + brass, shiny + matte, curves next to corners. The key is intention. Go all in with a statement tile or fitting and let it anchor the rest of the space.

For a Traditional Bathroom

Classic and familiar, but with a polished feel. Perfect for bathrooms in heritage homes or anyone who wants something elegant and long-lasting.

Try this combo:

Shower head: Phoenix Vivid Slimline Hand Shower
Mixer: Phoenix Mekko Wall Mixer in Chrome
Tiles: White subway with bevelled edges, checkerboard floor tiles, or soft Carrara-look porcelain
Add-ons: Chrome towel rails, ceramic undermount basins, a framed mirror, and maybe a freestanding bath if space allows

What works: Keep it symmetrical and refined. Traditional bathrooms tend to use polished chrome, classic shapes and warm white tones. Avoid ultra-matte or overly angular fixtures (curves and shine are your friends here).

For Scandi Bathrooms

The Scandinavian look is fresh, understated and warm. Think pale timber, soft whites, and tapware that’s functional and refined.

Try this combo:

Shower head: Alma Mira Shower Rail Set in Gunmetal
Mixer: Alma Mira Mixer in Gunmetal
Tiles: Matte white in a stacked pattern, pale terrazzo, or soft sand-coloured porcelain
Add-ons: Brushed nickel towel rails, open timber shelves, round mirror, soft linen hand towels

What works: Stick with low-contrast colours and natural materials. Avoid anything glossy or dark (Scandi bathrooms love lightness). Use texture to add depth: fluted timber, linen-look tiles, or brushed metal finishes.

How to Update Your Shower Without a Full Bathroom Reno?

If you’re not ready to rip out tiles or start waterproofing, you can still give your shower a serious refresh. Start with the fixtures: replacing your shower head, shower mixer and shower rail can instantly change the way the whole space looks and functions.

Here’s what you can do without touching the walls:

Swap a fixed head for a hand-held rail set for more flexibility

Upgrade your old mixer to a cleaner, more compact style like the Nero Mecca 60mm Matte Black Mixer

Nero Nero Mecca Shower Mixer 60mm Handle Up Plate Matte Black

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Replace chrome with brushed nickel or brushed brass for a warmer, more contemporary look
Add matching towel rails or robe hooks to tie it all together

What Are the Easiest Upgrades to Modernise Your Bathroom?

Start with the shower zone. It’s the most used part of the bathroom and one of the easiest to update. If your shower fittings are bulky, shiny chrome or overdesigned, changing them can shift the entire feel of the space.

Go frameless or reduce visual clutter with a simple slimline rail set
Swap shiny chrome for matte black or brushed brass
Choose a progressive mixer – cleaner to look at, easier to use
Add a tiled niche or glass shelf to clear out the caddy clutter

Even a small style shift, like a new shower arm and rose, can make the whole room feel fresher.

Where Should You Start When Planning a Bathroom Renovation?

Start with function, and in most bathrooms, that means the shower. It’s where layout, plumbing and personal style all collide. Locking in your shower configuration early helps shape the rest of the space, from vanity placement to tile direction.

Questions to ask yourself first:

Do I want a rail shower, overhead, or a dual setup?
Will the mixer be wall-mounted or recessed into joinery?
What finish do I want to carry through the whole room?
Do I need to consider accessibility or future-proofing?

From there, you can choose a new toilet, basin, bathtub, and bathroom accessories to match.

How to Choose Shower Tapware That Won’t Date Quickly?

Look for tapware that’s clean, timeless and built from high-quality materials. Avoid anything overly ornate or too trend-forward unless it fits your long-term style. Neutral finishes like brushed nickel and matte black tend to age well and are easier to pair with future tile changes. And if in doubt, choose function over flair. The best tapware makes everyday use easier, not just prettier.

Want More Bathroom Shower Ideas & Reno Tips?

You can explore more inspiration and how-tos in these related blogs:

FAQs

What’s the difference between a rain shower and a regular shower head?

Rain showers are larger and designed to provide a soft, overhead flow, like rainfall. They look great in open, walk-in showers but need good water pressure. Regular hand-held heads are more flexible and better for cleaning or smaller spaces.

Do I need to match my shower tapware with my basin and bath?

You don’t have to match exactly, but sticking to one finish, like brushed nickel or matte black, helps the room feel cohesive. Y

Can I mix metal finishes in a bathroom?

Yes, but keep it intentional. Choose one dominant finish (like brushed brass) and one accent (like matte black or nickel). Limit the mix to two metals and repeat them across the space for consistency.

What is a progressive mixer and is it worth it?

A progressive mixer is a single-turn dial that gradually increases water temperature as you turn. It’s sleek, space-saving and easier to use, especially in family bathrooms.

What’s the best shower setup for a rental or budget renovation?

A hand-held rail shower is your best bet. It’s easy to install, renter-friendly, and makes cleaning simpler. Buildmat’s hand-held shower heads come in a range of finishes to suit most styles.