Types of Showers and How to Choose the Right One for Your Space
From hand-helds to rain heads, here’s how to find a shower that fits your bathroom layout, lifestyle, and vibe.
Choosing the right shower for your bathroom starts with knowing your options – rain showers, handheld showers, shower roses, dual shower sets, wall-mounted heads, and compact twin designs. Whether you want spa-like relaxation, a family-friendly setup, or something sleek for a small space, we’ll help you find the perfect fit (and match it with your toilets, basins, vanities, and bathtubs).
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Read more: Top Tips for Choosing the Right Shower Head for Your Home
Need Flexibility? Choose Hand-Held Shower Heads
A hand held shower head is a detachable unit you can direct anywhere, making it the most versatile option for families, pet owners, and anyone who wants more control.
Why choose it?
- Makes rinsing hair, cleaning the shower, and bathing kids or pets simple.
- Great for accessibility and mobility needs.
- Multiple spray settings for everything from a gentle rinse to a powerful clean.
Top hand-held shower head pick:
Phoenix Phoenix Vivid Slimline Microphone Hand Shower Brushed Nickel
Phoenix Hand Shower..
The Phoenix Vivid Slimline Microphone Hand Shower in Brushed Nickel is a sleek, modern upgrade that’s easy to install (no drilling needed). It fits standard plumbing, has a smooth, single-function spray, and comes with a durable, easy-clean hose. If you’re after a stylish, high-quality hand shower with matching accessories to complete your bathroom look, this one nails it. Plus, it’s backed by a 15-year warranty for peace of mind.
Explore the full Phoenix Shower Tap range.
Want a Classic, Reliable Shower? Choose Shower Roses
A shower rose is a fixed, usually round shower head that delivers a wide, even spray – think classic hotel bathroom.
Why choose it?
- Consistent, gentle spray for a relaxing experience.
- Simple design that works in any bathroom style.
- Low maintenance and easy to clean.
Top shower rose pick:
Meir Shower Rose..
Add a Touch of Sophistication
The Meir 300mm Shower Rose in Lustre Bronze is a standout if you’re after a shower that’s both elegant and built to last. With its ultra-slim 10mm profile and luxe bronze finish, it brings hotel-level style to any bathroom. Made from solid stainless steel and Watermark-approved, it delivers a smooth, even spray at 9L/min. It’s the perfect blend of form and function.
Explore the full Meir Shower Tap range.
Want a Spa-Like Experience? Choose Rain Shower Heads
A rain shower head is mounted overhead and delivers a soft, rainfall effect – perfect for unwinding.
Why choose it?
- Full-body coverage for a true spa feel.
- Modern design instantly upgrades your space.
- Great for main bathrooms and master suites.
Top rain shower recommendation:
Phoenix Phoenix Oxley Twin Shower Brushed Gold
Phoenix Rain Shower..
This award-winning dual shower set combines sleek design with serious performance. Featuring LuxeXP spray technology and Tesla valves to maintain water pressure, it offers a luxurious, spa-like experience from both the overhead and hand shower. The adjustable rail, height, and spray angles give you total flexibility, while self-cleaning nozzles and a push-button handpiece make it easy to use. Built from durable brass with a smooth, easy-clean hose and backed by a lifetime warranty, it’s a premium pick that’s made to impress.
Related read: The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Shower Heads
Need Versatility? Choose Dual Shower Heads
Dual shower heads combine a fixed overhead (often a rain head) with a hand-held – switch between them or use both.
Why choose it?
- Switch between overhead and hand held for different needs.
- Perfect for families or shared bathrooms.
- Multiple spray patterns and adjustable heights.
Dual shower head top pick:
Phoenix Phoenix Vivid Slimline Twin Shower Brushed Nickel
Phoenix Dual Shower..
The Vivid Slimline Twin Shower in Brushed Nickel is a stylish all-rounder that’s made for modern bathrooms. With a 3-function handpiece, smooth adjustable rail, and a built-in diverter, it lets you easily switch between overhead and handheld sprays. It installs onto standard plumbing, has a durable brass build, and features a water-saving 5-star WELS rating. Sleek, easy to clean, and backed by a solid 15-year warranty — it’s a smart, flexible choice for everyday luxury.
Tight on Space? Choose Wall-Mounted Shower Heads
A wall-mounted shower head is fixed directly to the wall – streamlined, simple, and space-saving.
Why choose it?
- Ideal for small bathrooms, rentals, and minimalist designs.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Many models are water-efficient.
Our top pick for a wall-mounted shower:
Nero Nero Serenity Wall Shower Head Brushed Gold
Nero Wall Shower..
The Nero Serenity Wall Shower Head in Brushed Gold is a top pick for anyone seeking a luxurious rainfall experience with a modern aesthetic. Its generous 300mm head delivers a soothing cascade, while the adjustable wall-mounted design allows you to direct the flow exactly where you need it. Crafted from durable ABS material, it's lightweight yet built to last, and the brushed gold finish adds a touch of elegance to any bathroom. With a 3-star WELS rating at 9L/min, it balances performance with water efficiency. Easy to install and backed by a substantial warranty, this shower head is both a stylish and practical addition to your space.
Need Two Functions in One? Compact Twin Showers
A compact twin shower combines overhead and hand-held in a slim design – two functions, one fixture.
Why choose it?
- Saves space in ensuites, apartments, or renovations.
- Overhead and hand held options for every need.
- Easy to retrofit – most fit existing plumbing.
Twin shower product pick:
Caroma Caroma Urbane II Compact Twin Shower Brushed Nickel
Urbane Twin Shower..
The Caroma Urbane II Twin Shower blends minimalist style with serious performance. It features a generous 300mm rain head and an innovative VJet hand shower, which lets you customise your spray from invigorating to relaxing with a simple twist. With smooth switching between hand and overhead, a top inlet for easy retrofit, and a sleek silverflex hose, it’s built for both luxury and practicality. Plus, it’s backed by a 20-year warranty and available in a range of modern finishes to match the full Urbane II Collection.
Related read: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Shower Mixer for Your Bathroom
Types of Showers Compared
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Your Need |
Best Shower Type |
Why It Works |
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Flexibility |
Direct spray, easy cleaning, family-friendly |
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Classic style |
Timeless, gentle spray, easy to match |
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Spa-like luxury |
Full-body, relaxing, modern look |
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Versatility |
Overhead + hand held, suits all users |
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Space-saving |
Compact, simple, low maintenance |
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Small bathrooms |
Two-in-one, fits anywhere |
What’s the Best High-Pressure Shower Head?
The best high-pressure shower heads are rain heads, dual sets, and classic shower roses — all designed to make the most of strong water flow. If your pressure is high, you’ve got choices, but the right pick comes down to how you like to shower.
- Rain shower heads are a favourite for high pressure, especially large ones (200mm or more). They give you that full-body, spa-like drench without feeling weak.
Browse rain shower heads - Dual shower heads let you switch between or combine an overhead and handheld – perfect if you want flexibility, or have a household with different needs.
See dual shower heads - Shower roses (your classic fixed shower head) work beautifully with strong pressure, giving you an even, reliable spray.
Explore shower roses - Wall-mounted shower heads are a sleek, space-saving option that can still deliver a powerful, crisp spray when paired with high pressure.
Find wall-mounted shower heads
Why Do Water Pressure & Flow Rate Matter?
Water pressure and flow rate impact how your shower feels every day. Too low, and your shower is a dribble. Too high, and you might get splashed out of the bathroom. The right shower head can make all the difference, no matter your setup.
How to Test Your Water Pressure?
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Low pressure: Common in older homes or apartments, especially with gravity-fed systems.
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High pressure: More likely in modern homes or where there’s a strong mains supply or a pressure-boosting pump.
If you’re not sure, try this: Turn on the shower and see if it fills a 1-litre jug in 6 seconds or less (that’s about 10 litres per minute—good pressure). Slower than that? You’re on the low side.
What Are the Best Showers for Lower Water Pressure?
If your pressure is low, pick a shower head designed to boost flow and make the most of every drop.
- Hand held shower heads: Many are engineered for low pressure, with smaller nozzles or pressure-boosting technology.
- Compact twin showers: These often feature efficient designs that maximise flow, even in low-pressure homes.
- Smaller rain heads: Choose a compact rain head (less than 200mm) to avoid a weak drizzle if your pressure is low.
How to Match Your Shower With the Rest of Your Bathroom
When you’re choosing a new shower, don’t stop there. The real secret to a designer bathroom is matching your shower with the rest of your fixtures and fittings. This means thinking about finishes, shapes, colours, and the overall vibe you want to create. Here’s how to do it.
Toilets: Go for a Unified Finish
If you want your bathroom to look intentional, pick a toilet with a finish that matches your shower. For example, if you’ve chosen a matte black shower or brushed nickel shower head, look for toilets with similar accents or flush buttons. This creates a seamless, modern look. Explore options like back to wall toilets, wall hung toilets, or even rimless toilets for a contemporary edge.
Basins: Keep Shapes and Colours Consistent
Basins are a focal point, so make sure they echo the style of your shower. If you’ve gone with a round rain shower, consider round bathroom basins or above counter basins for a harmonious look. For a bold statement, match the basin’s colour or finish – like black basins, concrete basins, or ceramic basins – to your shower hardware. This keeps your space feeling curated.
Vanities: Balance with Hardware and Lines
Your vanity is where function meets style. Choose vanities with hardware that matches your shower and basin tapware – think matte black, brushed brass, or chrome handles and mixers. For a cohesive feel, look for vanities with similar shapes or lines as your shower – like curved vanities to match a round rain head, or wall-hung vanities for a minimalist look.
Bathtubs: Coordinate Finishes and Placement
If you have a bathtub, use it to anchor your design. Match the finish of your bathtub or freestanding tub to your shower hardware for a unified look. For example, a white bathtub pairs beautifully with chrome or brushed nickel, while a black bathtub makes a statement with matte black fixtures. Think about placement too; align your tub and shower for a balanced flow, or choose a corner bathtub if you’re working with a compact space.
Don’t Forget the Details
It’s the little things that pull your bathroom together. Coordinate your bathroom accessories, towel rails, robe hooks, and even mirrors with your main fixtures. Matching or complementary finishes across these details will make your bathroom feel truly designed, not just assembled.
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