9 Common Types of Showerheads for Any Bathroom

A showerhead is a bathroom fixture that directs the flow of water in a bathroom shower. In a walk-in shower, water is directed to the showerhead as soon as the faucet is engaged. In a combination bathtub and shower, water is directed to the showerhead by a diverter on the faucet. A typical showerhead uses about 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute); however, more friendly models exist that can help cut water usage in half. Depending on the bathroom design, showerheads can be mounted to the shower walls or ceiling.

If you’re looking to upgrade your shower experience, consider these nine different types of showerheads.

1. 1. Wall-mount showerhead: Also known as a fixed shower head, wall-mounted shower heads are arguably the most traditional showerhead style. Wall-mounted shower heads are attached to a shower arm and fixed to the shower wall. Replacing a wall-mount showerhead is one of the easiest DIY projects a homeowner can accomplish.
2. 2. Handheld showerhead: Handheld showerheads allow for greater flexibility than wall-mounted showerheads. A long, flexible hose allows you to remove the showerhead from the holder on the wall and direct water flow in more directions or areas of your shower. This flexibility makes it one of the best showerheads for people with kids or pets. Plus, most models come with several spray pattern options, such as massage, rain, mist, and full-body spray.
3. 3. Dual showerhead: Dual showerheads are a combination wall-mount showerhead and handheld showerhead. One showerhead remains fixed to the wall at all times, while a secondary showerhead attaches to a flexible hose and can be removed for a convenient, handheld shower. Some dual showerheads are sliding bar showerheads that have a fixed showerhead and a handheld showerhead attached to a fixed bar, allowing you to slide the handheld showerhead up and down.
4. 4. Rainfall showerhead: Rainfall showerheads (also known as rain showerheads) provide a gentle, relaxing shower experience meant to mimic the natural pattern of rainfall. They are typically larger than most types of showerheads. Depending on how the shower is designed, rainfall showerheads can be affixed to the ceiling or the shower wall.
5. 5. High-pressure showerhead: High-pressure showerheads increase water pressure by decreasing the flow rate. Decreasing the flow rate increases the pressure output of the water spray. While this may sound like a preferable shower experience, the drawback is that high-pressure showerheads use more gallons of water than a regular showerhead.
6. 6. Low-flow showerhead: Low-flow showerheads use less water than traditional showerheads, making them the most eco-friendly and economical choice. These water-saving showerheads are specifically designed to work with low water pressure plumbing. Even though the amount of water may be less, they still provide a relaxing and satisfying shower.
7. 7. Filtered showerhead: Filtered showerheads filter out mineral deposits present in hard water. If you find that the nozzles on your current showerhead get clogged by limescale buildup, you may want to consider switching to a filtered showerhead.
8. 8. LED showerhead: LED showerheads are regular fixed or handheld showerheads with built-in LED lights for decorative purposes.
9. 9. Shower panels: Shower panels are full-body shower systems that have several nozzles at varying heights. Some models have built-in touch screen controls that allow you to change the water pressure or temperature of the water. You will likely need to hire a plumber and potentially an electrician to install shower panels.

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