Shower Head Buying Guide


Modern Round Rainfall Shower Head in Gunmetal Modern Round Rainfall Shower Head in Gunmetal

Stepping into your shower should be one of the best parts of every day. And, the right shower head can make it even better. Whether you’re looking for a Zen experience to wind down or an invigorating way to start your day, a shower head swap is a quick and easy DIY project that can enhance the look—and feel—of your entire bathroom.

Shower Head Types


Different shower head types have different installations and plumbing requirements. Your bathroom layout, existing pipe structure, and desired outcome will all help determine the best shower heads for your space.

Sefina Pressure Balance Rainfall Showerhead in Gunmetal

Shower Arms

Standard: Standard shower arms have a straightforward design that extends from the wall and angles downward.

Offset: Offset shower arms provide additional headroom while you rinse. They extend out from the wall and curve upward. Their shapely design also brings a unique look to any shower setup.

Extended: Extended shower arms move your shower experience further away from the wall. A separate shower head attaches to the arm to deliver a rainfall showering experience.

Shop Shower Arms 

Outdoor Shower Heads

If you’re putting together an outdoor shower oasis, you’ll want to shop specifically for outdoor shower heads. Rather than a separate piece from the rest of the shower, you will commonly find these available as a sleek, one-piece shower panel. Designed to withstand the elements, outdoor showers are made of highly durable materials and finishes that will last for years to come. Outdoor shower heads are available in a variety of designs, but are most often found in a rainfall style to fully encompass that experience of being at one with nature.

Shop All Outdoor Showers 

Ceiling Mount

Ceiling-mount showers hang directly over your head. This style is installed from your ceiling, allowing the water to flow evenly over your body for a true rainfall effect. Installing a ceiling-mount shower is more involved than standard shower installations, so if you’re seeking a rain shower head, consider carefully between ceiling-mount and wall-mount options.

Shop Ceiling Mount Shower Heads 

Wall Mount

Wall-mount shower heads extend directly from your wall via an arm or flange. Arm styles come in a variety of styles, with standard, offset, and extended among the most popular.

Shop Wall Mount Shower Heads 

Shower Arms

Standard: Standard shower arms have a straightforward design that extends from the wall and angles downward.

Offset: Offset shower arms provide additional headroom while you rinse. They extend out from the wall and curve upward. Their shapely design also brings a unique look to any shower setup.

Extended: Extended shower arms move your shower experience further away from the wall. A separate shower head attaches to the arm to deliver a rainfall showering experience.

Shop Shower Arms 

Outdoor Shower Heads

If you’re putting together an outdoor shower oasis, you’ll want to shop specifically for outdoor shower heads. Rather than a separate piece from the rest of the shower, you will commonly find these available as a sleek, one-piece shower panel. Designed to withstand the elements, outdoor showers are made of highly durable materials and finishes that will last for years to come. Outdoor shower heads are available in a variety of designs, but are most often found in a rainfall style to fully encompass that experience of being at one with nature.

Shop All Outdoor Showers 

Ceiling Mount

Ceiling-mount showers hang directly over your head. This style is installed from your ceiling, allowing the water to flow evenly over your body for a true rainfall effect. Installing a ceiling-mount shower is more involved than standard shower installations, so if you’re seeking a rain shower head, consider carefully between ceiling-mount and wall-mount options.

Shop Ceiling Mount Shower Heads 

Wall Mount

Wall-mount shower heads extend directly from your wall via an arm or flange. Arm styles come in a variety of styles, with standard, offset, and extended among the most popular.

Shop Wall Mount Shower Heads 
Shop Shower Heads & Arms

Shower Head Materials & Finishes


You see your shower head every day, so the finish you choose will enhance your overall bathroom aesthetic. Additionally, consider how different finish materials will wear and require cleaning.

Berwyn Pressure Balance Rainfall Shower Head

Porcelain

Porcelain is an excellent choice for a vintage-style bathroom. This ceramic material is usually seen in custom makeovers where a classic look is desired.

Shower heads can have a complete finish or contain finished accents on their collar or along the spray patterns where the water comes out. Finishes include brass, polished brass, brushed nickel, chrome, oil rubbed bronze, polished nickel, and stainless steel.

Shop Porcelain Shower Heads 

Brass

Due to its durability, most high-quality shower heads are made of brass. A metal that resists rust and corrosion, brass is a hassle-free material because it rarely needs replacing.

Shop Brass Shower Heads 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is low maintenance and easy to clean. It is naturally resistant to stains and rusting and is light yet durable. Stainless steel retains its luster over time and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Shop Stainless Steel Shower Heads 

Porcelain

Porcelain is an excellent choice for a vintage-style bathroom. This ceramic material is usually seen in custom makeovers where a classic look is desired.

Shower heads can have a complete finish or contain finished accents on their collar or along the spray patterns where the water comes out. Finishes include brass, polished brass, brushed nickel, chrome, oil rubbed bronze, polished nickel, and stainless steel.

Shop Porcelain Shower Heads 

Brass

Due to its durability, most high-quality shower heads are made of brass. A metal that resists rust and corrosion, brass is a hassle-free material because it rarely needs replacing.

Shop Brass Shower Heads 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is low maintenance and easy to clean. It is naturally resistant to stains and rusting and is light yet durable. Stainless steel retains its luster over time and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Shop Stainless Steel Shower Heads 

Shower Head Styles


The shape of a shower head determines whether it will coordinate well with a traditional, transitional, or modern bathroom. Selecting the right shower head is just the beginning of transforming your bathroom into a space that reflects your personal style. Visit our custom shower buying guide for more information on spa-like enhancements like body sprays, hand showers, and thermostatic technology. If you’re seeking a handheld showerhead, or a detachable showerhead with hose, you can find those in the hand showers category.

Lentz Pressure Balance Rainfall Shower Head in Matte Black

Square & Rectangular

Clean lines make square shower heads ideal for a contemporary bathroom. This style delivers a rainfall experience because of its wide, flat shape. Similar to square shower heads, rectangular shower heads deliver a rainfall experience and have a modern look.

Shop Square & Rectangular Shower Heads 

Round & Oval

Round and oval shower heads are the most versatile, style wise. Modern or classic looks can be achieved, depending on the design.

Shop Round Shower Heads 

Irregular Shapes

Uniquely shaped shower heads bring visual interest to your space and are great for custom projects. From cylindrical to trumpet-shaped, these styles have personality and charm.

Shop All Shower Head Styles 

Square & Rectangular

Clean lines make square shower heads ideal for a contemporary bathroom. This style delivers a rainfall experience because of its wide, flat shape. Similar to square shower heads, rectangular shower heads deliver a rainfall experience and have a modern look.

Shop Square & Rectangular Shower Heads 

Round & Oval

Round and oval shower heads are the most versatile, style wise. Modern or classic looks can be achieved, depending on the design.

Shop Round Shower Heads 

Irregular Shapes

Uniquely shaped shower heads bring visual interest to your space and are great for custom projects. From cylindrical to trumpet-shaped, these styles have personality and charm.

Shop All Shower Head Styles 

Shower Head Nozzle Types


Shower heads have varying nozzle types, and their differences go beyond aesthetics. Generally, shower heads will have one of three nozzle types: raised nozzles, silicone nozzles, or flat nozzles.

Lentz Pressure Balance Rainfall Shower Head in Brushed Gold
Bostonian Rainfall Nozzle Shower Head in Matte Black

Raised Nozzles

Raised nozzles create a streamlined, powerful downward spray. This high pressure shower head may have removable nozzles that make them easy to soak in a cup of warm water or vinegar to remove any sediment buildup.

Round Multifunction Shower Head in Matte Black

Silicone Nozzles

Silicone nozzles feature small nozzles that are made of silicone rather than brass or plastic. The rubber shower nozzles are clog-resistant, so they require very little maintenance aside from general cleaning.

Victorian Porcelain Shower Head in Chrome

Flat Nozzles

This type of shower head has a flat face that creates a linear look for bathrooms with a minimalist aesthetic. It makes general cleaning a breeze with the use of a damp cloth or soft paper towel to wipe away buildup.

Bostonian Rainfall Nozzle Shower Head in Matte Black

Raised Nozzles

Raised nozzles create a streamlined, powerful downward spray. This high pressure shower head may have removable nozzles that make them easy to soak in a cup of warm water or vinegar to remove any sediment buildup.

Round Multifunction Shower Head in Matte Black

Silicone Nozzles

Silicone nozzles feature small nozzles that are made of silicone rather than brass or plastic. The rubber shower nozzles are clog-resistant, so they require very little maintenance aside from general cleaning.

Victorian Porcelain Shower Head in Chrome

Flat Nozzles

This type of shower head has a flat face that creates a linear look for bathrooms with a minimalist aesthetic. It makes general cleaning a breeze with the use of a damp cloth or soft paper towel to wipe away buildup.

Shop All Shower Heads and Arms