Phoenix Vivid Slimline Extended Rail Shower Matte Black

Your shower is one of the most-used parts of your bathroom, so it's worth getting the whole setup right with shower heads, arms, and taps that work together beautifully. Here's how to choose.

1. Choose your shower setup

• A simple wall-mounted shower head keeps things clean and easy, with one reliable spray pattern.
• A ceiling shower head (including rain showers) offers a spa-like feel with softer, wider water coverage.
• A hand shower on a shower rail is great for rinsing, cleaning the screen, and helping kids or pets.
• A dual shower head or shower set combines an overhead or fixed head with a hand piece, giving you everyday flexibility.

Think about who uses the bathroom, and whether you want a soft "rain" feel, a stronger spray, or both.

2. Decide on your shower mixer

Your shower mixer tap controls water temperature and flow. Choose the style that suits your bathroom and how you like to operate your shower:

• Single lever mixers: One handle controls both temperature and flow – smooth, modern, and easy to use with one hand.
• Dual knob mixers: Separate hot and cold controls give you precise temperature adjustment – classic style that suits traditional or heritage bathrooms.
• Progressive knob mixers: Turn the one knob to control change both pressure and temperature until it's just right.

3. Pick head size, shape, and arms

Larger shower heads give a wider, more gentle spray that feels relaxing and immersive. Smaller or more compact heads feel more focused and can help control splash if your shower space is tight. Round heads suit almost any bathroom, while square or rectangular heads lean more modern and architectural.

Shower arms determine where your shower head sits – standard wall arms, extended arms for more coverage, or ceiling arms for overhead rain showers. You should choose this based on your shower head type and the experience you want.

4. Match the finish to your bathroom

For a cohesive look, match your shower heads, shower mixers, and bathroom tapware to your basin taps, towel rails, and accessories. Chrome and stainless finishes feel timeless, matte black adds contrast, and warm tones like brushed nickel or brushed brass gold bring extra warmth.

5. Consider complete shower sets

If you want everything coordinated and guaranteed to work together, shower sets include the mixer, rail, shower heads, and arms all in one package. They save time matching finishes and ensure all the parts are compatible.

6. Set your budget

Think about how important the shower is to your daily routine and set a realistic spend to match. Showers you use every day are worth investing in, especially if you're upgrading the whole bathroom. Expect to spend from about $150 for a simple shower head through to $800+ for larger rain shower heads, dual systems, or complete shower sets in premium finishes.

Need more help finding the right shower head? 

Read our full guide to choosing the best shower head. Or, head to our building and renovating tips blog for practical advice, renovation examples, and the latest bathroom design trends to help you plan with confidence.