Our guide to a great shower
They might not be the hottest new gadget on the market, but it’s safe to say a decent shower is one of the most important aspects of our daily routine.
Showers are such a commonplace feature in our homes that it’s difficult to imagine life without them – but far more than being just a means of getting clean, a good shower helps us revive and restore, setting us up for the day.
Over the years, there have been many revolutionary shower models and designs released on to the market. From the introduction of electric showers in the ’60s, to the ’80s witnessing the creation of different shower head models and body jets, the humble shower has come a long way.
Thinking of upgrading yours? Here, experts share some essential things you need to know before upgrading your shower.
1. Make sure any new model is compatible with your home’s plumbing system
It’s surprising how many homeowners don’t know the type of plumbing system installed in their home. However, if you’re planning on having a new shower installed, this is the first thing you need to find out.
“If you have a cold-water tank in your loft, and a hot-water cylinder in your airing cupboard, then you most likely have a gravity system,” says Roland Boal, lead industrial designer at Mira Showers.
“If you have a boiler the size of a small kitchen cupboard somewhere in your house, but don’t have separate hot and cold-water tanks, then this is most likely a high-pressure system,” Boal adds.
2. Design options are endless – so do your homework first
More and more importance is being placed on bathroom design, with an array of designers offering all sorts of shower models, from sleek and modern to functional and eco-friendly.
So you may be surprised by just how much choice is out there – and because there is so much to choose from, it’s best to do a little research and get an idea of what you’re looking for before taking the plunge and upgrading.
Mar Esteve Cortes, of design company Neolith, says of current bathroom design trends: “We’re seeing interesting trends on the horizon, including monochromatic colours and seamless, single slabs being used in shower cubicles.
“Walk-in showers are a popular way of optimising space,” Cortes adds.
“Using the same material inside and outside the shower evokes a sense of continuity, rather than segmenting the area into smaller sections, creating the illusion of more space than there actually is.” 3. Little features and design additions can make a big difference
Whether it’s a multi-setting shower head or a wall-mounted storage tray, modern designs allow you to add a variety of useful features to your shower.
Margaret Talbot, marketing manager of Vitra UK (vitra.co.uk), says: “A shower seat, either freestanding or a fold-up model attached to the wall, is a comfortable addition.
“Add a towel rail and a wallmounted storage basket for shampoo.” 4. Look for energy-saving options
This could be an opportunity to make your home a little more planet-friendly, and help reduce your energy bills.
Andy Grigor, head of design at Methven, says: “If you’re looking to save on energy bills, opting for a low-flow shower is a simple ways to do it.”
If nothing wakes you up more than a power shower, consider trying an “air shower” – which mixes air and water to create the feel of a power shower while being energy and water-efficient.