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 The options for choosing a shower head was once a fairly standard shopping trip to the hardware store with very little selection. Today, there is a huge range of products for homeowners to select from that can inspire the entire design of a bathroom. The style of shower heads varies widely between products while technology has extensively improved the functionality. Trends in bathroom design also call for more options such as multiple shower heads in a single shower unit or creating larger shower stalls that employ even a dozen shower heads at various angles. Before heading out to find your shower hardware, take some time to understand the many different styles and functional options available.
If you are planning a major overhaul of your shower, you will find you have more options to choose from. Believe it or not, something as small as a shower fixture definitely adds character and definition to a room and should be done in a style reflective of the entire room. Even if you select a fixture because you like the functionality and didn’t think the style was too important, you will find during the process of re-sale that potential buyers make decisions based on what they see so it is in fact very important to consider the overall look in your buying decision.
The Dictionary of Shower Hardware
There are many terms to become familiar with when looking for shower hardware. The main thing homeowners are typically concerned with is the outward appearance of the unit, including the color and shape of the hardware as well as the actual ability of the hardware unit to function as desired. There are some terms that can help homeowners in their shopping process to understand what level of quality they are purchasing. The shape of the unit, the color of the finish, the type of flow and the level of pressure are all key criteria to choosing the right shower hardware.
GPM or gallons per minute, is the flow rate of a shower fixture. An industry standard is generally 2.5 gallons per minute but the lower the GPM, the more efficient the unit is considered to be. More environmentally friendly units typically start around 1.5 GPM and can get as low as .5 GPM. Homeowners can also find shower heads that are specifically designed to handle low or high pressure water that is associated with the plumbing of the house. There are also fixtures that can help to conserve the amount of hot water used.
There are a number of ways that the shower head can project the water. One example is a rain head style which is typically straight overhead with a circular, flat fixture head, the water is thought to feel more like rain. There are also hand held versions that can be mounted like a normal shower head but come an attached hose to be able to use independent of the mounted fixture. This is especially helpful for families with small children or even for people who may have restricted movement in a shower.
Figuring Out What You Need
If you are looking for a plain and simple shower head with no bells and whistles, you can easily find an installation kit at the home improvement store. However, you are missing an opportunity to customize a part of your bathroom as well as even improve the efficiency of the water usage which could save you money in the long run. The details are what make a house a home and by investing some time and effort in to your shower fixture decision, you will appreciate the overall look and benefits it can bring.
Before heading to the home improvement store, you will want to figure out exactly what type of shower head you need. If you are simply purchasing the fixture, you will want to match the rest of your bathroom. If you have brushed nickel, gold, iron, black, white or silver colored towel holders and faucets, you will want to select a shower fixture in a similar finish. There will be a wide selection of the standard finishes in a home improvement store but if you have a more custom bathroom you may need to head to a bathroom designer who should have access to additional product lines that should fit your needs.
Once you have the actual finish of the hardware determined, the style becomes important and it may correlate to the functionality as well. Having a modern or traditional bathroom will play a role in what you select as well. The amount of options you would like to have with your fixture will also need to be a consideration. As with most things, depending on the style and functionality that you select, it will impact the overall price of the unit.
Alternative Options
When home owners see the catalogs of bathroom hardware selections or the walls of options at a home improvement store, it can definitely be overwhelming. It can be easier to narrow down the selections if you have a functional element that is important to you. From high end, electronically programmable shower units to environmentally friendly choices, homeowners will want to consider elements that can make their shower unique. Depending on how complex your selection is, most units can be easily installed and do not necessarily require the services of a professional plumber. There are some hardware packages that are only as complicated as unscrewing the nozzle on the existing unit and screwing on a new cap to your existing plumbing.
Some tips for shopping include doing your homework ahead of time to understand the current trend in showers. This is especially important if you are redoing the entire room. If you have functional trouble with your shower, you will want to consult a professional to get an idea if there is anything you can do to resolve issues such as water pressure. If you are just wanting to update or replace your shower hardware, you should consider taking photos of your existing bathroom to help with style and color decisions when you are at the store. And finally, take advantage of the opportunity to improve the details of your home by selecting a unique product for your shower.
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