30 Bathroom Shower Features and Finishes Pros Love
Bathroom experts reveal the hardware, materials and designs they use to create beautiful, high-functioning showers
The humble shower has evolved. Once a quick pit stop in your client’s morning routine, it’s now an opportunity for a truly indulgent experience. But practicality still matters. You’ll want hard-wearing fixtures that stand up to daily use, as well as beautiful touches your clients will love for years to come. We asked bathroom design professionals on Houzz to share the shower finishes, fixtures, colors and materials that make a splash every time. Here are their favorites.
Spa-Like Shower Fixtures
2. “A rain shower head is one of my favorite styles,” says Yumilka Soto, interior designer and principal at Visual Studio Plus in Arvada, Colorado. “I love how it mimics the feeling of standing in gentle rain, the sound and the spa-like feel it creates.”
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2. “A rain shower head is one of my favorite styles,” says Yumilka Soto, interior designer and principal at Visual Studio Plus in Arvada, Colorado. “I love how it mimics the feeling of standing in gentle rain, the sound and the spa-like feel it creates.”
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3. Overhead-and-handheld shower combo. For versatility, several pros recommended combining a generous overhead shower with a user-friendly handheld shower. “I love a handheld and overhead shower combo. It offers the best of both worlds — an overhead for that luxurious rainfall feel and a handheld for targeted rinsing and easy cleaning,” says Oliver McCarthy, interior designer at Delight in Designs in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “Plus, with multijet settings, you can switch between a relaxing mist or a powerful spray, making it versatile for every mood and practical for cleaning the shower itself.”
Megan Palicki owner of MeganMarie + Co. Design and Renovation in Park Ridge, Illinois, agrees. “I am all about getting the most out of what you have, and for those who need a multipurpose and/or family bathroom, a handheld and overhead shower combo is the best option.”
Megan Palicki owner of MeganMarie + Co. Design and Renovation in Park Ridge, Illinois, agrees. “I am all about getting the most out of what you have, and for those who need a multipurpose and/or family bathroom, a handheld and overhead shower combo is the best option.”
“I always recommend a handheld shower,” says Alexandra Lauren, principal at Alexandra Lauren Interior Design and owner of the Alexandra Lauren Home Collection in Jackson, Tennessee. “Not only is the dual spray a heavenly sensation when showering, but it can serve as a great dual shower head with adjustable height for smaller children.”
4. Sliding handheld shower. “Not everyone can install a rain shower or dual stations due to cost or space, so I incorporate a hand shower with a sliding [vertical] rod in nearly every design, which is ideal for shared showers,” says Eli Hariton, principal at Damn Good Interiors in Denver. “A hand shower with additional plumbing on the wall can serve as a focal point in the bathroom, especially when integrated with dramatic tilework. Whether it’s used to create balance or to accentuate a specific design feature, it adds form and function to the space.
“I recommend larger models like the Kohler Purist or Brizo Invari, mounted on a high bar for maximum height clearance,” Hariton says. This primary bathroom he designed in Denver is a great example. It features Kohler Purist shower fixtures in Vibrant Brushed Gold set against a wall of cement-look porcelain tiles.
“I recommend larger models like the Kohler Purist or Brizo Invari, mounted on a high bar for maximum height clearance,” Hariton says. This primary bathroom he designed in Denver is a great example. It features Kohler Purist shower fixtures in Vibrant Brushed Gold set against a wall of cement-look porcelain tiles.
5. Shower jets. “Water jets are a favorite of mine,” Soto says. “I like the powerful streams of water they deliver, which can help relieve muscle tension and provide a spa-like sensation at home.
“Whether you prefer a gentle mist or a strong massage, the adjustable water jets allow for a personalized experience that caters to different needs and moods,” she says. “Overall, combining rain shower heads, handheld options and water jet styles can transform an ordinary shower into an extraordinary daily ritual.”
See the Bathroom Features Homeowners Want
“Whether you prefer a gentle mist or a strong massage, the adjustable water jets allow for a personalized experience that caters to different needs and moods,” she says. “Overall, combining rain shower heads, handheld options and water jet styles can transform an ordinary shower into an extraordinary daily ritual.”
See the Bathroom Features Homeowners Want
6. Powerful pressure, without the water waste. Nothing ruins a morning quite like a sluggish water stream. “Water pressure is the most important feature of a shower,” Lauren says, adding that when making your selections, it’s crucial to pay attention to local codes and regulations. “I love Delta’s H2Okinetic PowerDrench Spray, which has special technology that sculpts water into a unique wave pattern, forming a powerful, drenching spray. It gives the feeling of more water without actually using more water.”
Accessibility
7. Grab bars. McCarthy and his team always design with the future in mind, even if it’s not a current priority for the client. “At the very least, we include blocking within the walls to allow for easy installation of grab rails later on,” he says. “We also prioritize adding a shower bench whenever possible for comfort and functionality.
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7. Grab bars. McCarthy and his team always design with the future in mind, even if it’s not a current priority for the client. “At the very least, we include blocking within the walls to allow for easy installation of grab rails later on,” he says. “We also prioritize adding a shower bench whenever possible for comfort and functionality.
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8. Curbless shower. “Curbless showers are another excellent option for future-proofing, though they come with a higher price tag. But the accessibility and sleek design are worth the investment.”
Built-Ins
9. Bench. “We always recommend a built-in shower bench that doubles as storage and seating. It’s a win-win in our book,” Hillery says.
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9. Bench. “We always recommend a built-in shower bench that doubles as storage and seating. It’s a win-win in our book,” Hillery says.
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10. Niche storage. “A niche is my go-to for shower storage,” McCarthy says. “It’s a functional and stylish way to incorporate mosaic tiles for added detail. Inset into the wall, it provides either hidden or visible storage without interrupting the flow or movement within the shower — practical and beautiful all in one.”
“When it comes to a nook [or niche], my advice to clients is always: Go bigger and deeper than your contractor recommends,” Palicki says. “Most people have oversize shampoo bottles, soap, razors, kids’ products and more. You will need the depth and not the hassle of figuring out which little nook can hold what and then find yourself running out of room in your brand-new space.”
“When it comes to a nook [or niche], my advice to clients is always: Go bigger and deeper than your contractor recommends,” Palicki says. “Most people have oversize shampoo bottles, soap, razors, kids’ products and more. You will need the depth and not the hassle of figuring out which little nook can hold what and then find yourself running out of room in your brand-new space.”
Lori Brock, principal at Brock Design Group in Portland, Oregon, cautions clients that a niche “rarely looks like the photos you see in magazines or online, where you see this gorgeous wall-to-wall recessed niche. To hide niches, I like to place them on the inside of the half wall at the shower entry. But in saying that, sometimes accented niches along the visual wall space can be stunning, if you use beautiful containers for your soaps and shampoos.”
“I always try to incorporate a niche, ideally hidden within a half wall to keep clutter out of sight,” Hariton says. “If a half wall isn’t feasible, I place the niche on a small wall, leaving the large wall open to tile, which visually declutters the space.”
“I always try to incorporate a niche, ideally hidden within a half wall to keep clutter out of sight,” Hariton says. “If a half wall isn’t feasible, I place the niche on a small wall, leaving the large wall open to tile, which visually declutters the space.”
11. Effective Drainage
No one enjoys a soggy shower floor — but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for unsightly drains. The newest designs are both sleek and functional, pros say. “I consistently include a linear floor drain that slopes toward the bench or the back of the shower,” Hariton says. “This prevents standing water and eliminates the discomfort of standing over a drain. My personal favorite is the Infinity Drain Slot drain for its slim profile, though a tile-in system can provide a seamless look.”
No one enjoys a soggy shower floor — but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for unsightly drains. The newest designs are both sleek and functional, pros say. “I consistently include a linear floor drain that slopes toward the bench or the back of the shower,” Hariton says. “This prevents standing water and eliminates the discomfort of standing over a drain. My personal favorite is the Infinity Drain Slot drain for its slim profile, though a tile-in system can provide a seamless look.”
12. Good Lighting
“Good lighting is crucial in a shower, not only for safety, but to keep the space from feeling too cavernous,” Brock says. “In a 5-to-6-foot shower, I generally specify two recessed waterproof lights. I have also recently begun specifying LED lights in shower niches for ambiance.”
“I use waterproof LED ceiling lights in my shower designs and plan them in locations where the user will not be creating shadows while using the shower,” says Stacey Kocevar, principal at Stacey Kocevar Designs in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
“Good lighting is crucial in a shower, not only for safety, but to keep the space from feeling too cavernous,” Brock says. “In a 5-to-6-foot shower, I generally specify two recessed waterproof lights. I have also recently begun specifying LED lights in shower niches for ambiance.”
“I use waterproof LED ceiling lights in my shower designs and plan them in locations where the user will not be creating shadows while using the shower,” says Stacey Kocevar, principal at Stacey Kocevar Designs in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
For Palicki, a successful bathroom lighting scheme comes down to three things. “Dimmers, dimmers, dimmers! [My go-to lighting setup combination] is dimmable shower and overhead room lighting and sconce lighting,” she says.
“If a bathroom has good lighting and a glass shower enclosure, you may not need additional lighting inside the shower,” Hariton says. “However, in darker or smaller bathrooms or those with a shower curtain, I recommend a wet-rated LED light with a dimmer. I’ve also experimented with inlaid LED tape for ambient lighting, but it’s been a tough sell.”
“If the shower is on an exterior wall, I love incorporating a clerestory window — it brings in natural light while maintaining privacy,” McCarthy says. “To complement it and ensure the space is well lit, add one or two overhead lights.”
“If the shower is on an exterior wall, I love incorporating a clerestory window — it brings in natural light while maintaining privacy,” McCarthy says. “To complement it and ensure the space is well lit, add one or two overhead lights.”
Kohler’s Anthem+ shower system
13. Smart Features
“Smart showers are definitely becoming more popular,” Kocevar says. “My more technologically inclined clients love that they can control them on their phones, just like many other items in their homes.”
“We’ve been loving the Homewerks bath fan — an all-in-one unit with built-in Bluetooth speakers, lighting and an exhaust fan,” McCarthy says. “It offers the luxury of a sound system without the high-end price tag, making it perfect for creating a spa-like experience right at home.”
“I commonly use faucet controls that have presets for pressure and temperature,” Brock says.
13. Smart Features
“Smart showers are definitely becoming more popular,” Kocevar says. “My more technologically inclined clients love that they can control them on their phones, just like many other items in their homes.”
“We’ve been loving the Homewerks bath fan — an all-in-one unit with built-in Bluetooth speakers, lighting and an exhaust fan,” McCarthy says. “It offers the luxury of a sound system without the high-end price tag, making it perfect for creating a spa-like experience right at home.”
“I commonly use faucet controls that have presets for pressure and temperature,” Brock says.
Shower Doors and Curtains
14. Open shower. “I love an open walk-in shower,” Palicki says. “However, I advise clients to make the width of the glass panel three-quarters [the size] of the opening rather than half, depending on the size of the shower. This helps keep water in the shower and not on the bathroom floor. Sliders are hard to clean and doors always seem to just be an extra, unnecessary step.”
15. Framed door to match the bathroom. “All door styles have their place depending on the bathroom layout,” Hariton says. “Walk-in showers are visually appealing but can feel cold if you prefer a hot shower. Framed doors add geometry and depth, while frameless doors are great for small spaces, as they create an illusion of openness.”
14. Open shower. “I love an open walk-in shower,” Palicki says. “However, I advise clients to make the width of the glass panel three-quarters [the size] of the opening rather than half, depending on the size of the shower. This helps keep water in the shower and not on the bathroom floor. Sliders are hard to clean and doors always seem to just be an extra, unnecessary step.”
15. Framed door to match the bathroom. “All door styles have their place depending on the bathroom layout,” Hariton says. “Walk-in showers are visually appealing but can feel cold if you prefer a hot shower. Framed doors add geometry and depth, while frameless doors are great for small spaces, as they create an illusion of openness.”
16. Frameless shower. “I love frameless showers but have faced some challenges with oversize showers,” Soto says. “The [glass panels] lack stability and we need to add on a ceiling trim to hold them securely, which takes away some of the sleek beauty.”
“In a primary bathroom with plenty of space, I love a frameless pivot door,” McCarthy says. “It’s sleek, unobtrusive and gives the shower an open, airy feel.
“In a primary bathroom with plenty of space, I love a frameless pivot door,” McCarthy says. “It’s sleek, unobtrusive and gives the shower an open, airy feel.
“I prefer a frameless shower door with a knee wall and glass panels, as it lets in lots of light while providing some privacy,” Kocevar says.
Brock likes a half wall too. “Wherever possible, I design a shower with half walls and shower glass at the top to make the area feel open yet still fairly private,” she says. “Most clients like a walk-in opening rather than a shower door because it means less cleaning. I always add the extra spot shield for the glass. It’s inexpensive and worth every penny.”
17. Shower curtain. Depending on the floor plan, I love a shower curtain,” Lauren says. “When designing any space, I like to incorporate an element of stone, fabric, metal, wood and glass for a well-rounded appeal. Bathrooms tend to have a lot of stone and cold elements. A fabric shower curtain is a lovely way to incorporate fabric to soften the space. A split style is my preference — it adds symmetry and a beautiful focal point.”
“For guest bathrooms, I lean toward a sliding door or a curtain,” McCarthy says. “Curtains have come a long way and now resemble drapery, offering a great opportunity to introduce bold patterns and make a statement, almost like a window treatment.”
Tile and Grout
18. Feature tile. “If a client wants to make a statement, we recommend creating a contrast tile backdrop centered on the glass door,” Hillery says. “Opting for a glass wall or door will showcase the beautiful tilework and create the illusion of more space.”
In this primary en suite in a newly built home in Richmond, Virginia, Hillery added a band of patterned marble tile to the wall of the symmetrical shower to create a focal point as well as clear spatial divisions.
18. Feature tile. “If a client wants to make a statement, we recommend creating a contrast tile backdrop centered on the glass door,” Hillery says. “Opting for a glass wall or door will showcase the beautiful tilework and create the illusion of more space.”
In this primary en suite in a newly built home in Richmond, Virginia, Hillery added a band of patterned marble tile to the wall of the symmetrical shower to create a focal point as well as clear spatial divisions.
19. Bold accent tile. “Placing accent tile in the corners of the shower or along the plumbing fixture wall can give a shower an upscale and designed look and is a move away from the trend of the outdated horizontal 6-inch ring of mosaic around the shower,” Brock says.
20. Porcelain tile. “I use porcelain as much as possible, as it is more durable and less porous than ceramic tile,” Brock says. “Ceramics can be more prone to cracking and, once they crack, become sharp and dangerous.”
“Large-format porcelain tile is what I specify for most of my client projects, because it is low-maintenance and has minimal grout lines,” Soto says. “There are always those clients who don’t want to sacrifice the warm feeling of natural stone for maintenance benefits — and I love those clients!”
“Large-format porcelain tile is what I specify for most of my client projects, because it is low-maintenance and has minimal grout lines,” Soto says. “There are always those clients who don’t want to sacrifice the warm feeling of natural stone for maintenance benefits — and I love those clients!”
21. Matte finish or mosaics. “For shower floors, I prefer matte-finished tiles for slip resistance, usually in smaller sizes like mosaics for better traction,” McCarthy says. “I avoid penny tile unless the installer is skilled enough to hide the grid lines. Larger tiles can work on floors but may result in excessive grout lines due to the sloping cuts.
“For walls, I prefer tiles with a glossier finish, as they’re easier to clean and reflect light beautifully, keeping the space bright.”
“For walls, I prefer tiles with a glossier finish, as they’re easier to clean and reflect light beautifully, keeping the space bright.”
22. Custom-colored grout. “I would almost always avoid white grout,” Palicki says. “Custom-coloring grout to off-white or another color is a great detail that doesn’t cost more and can make a bathroom floor tile look more expensive. Plus, white grout is harder to clean.”
For McCarthy, grout presents another opportunity for design expression. “I enjoy playing with unconventional grout lines, such as pairing an eighth-inch vertical line with a half-inch horizontal line for added drama,” he says. “Many tile manufacturers are creating etched designs that allow grout to form intriguing patterns, making it a design element in its own right.”
For McCarthy, grout presents another opportunity for design expression. “I enjoy playing with unconventional grout lines, such as pairing an eighth-inch vertical line with a half-inch horizontal line for added drama,” he says. “Many tile manufacturers are creating etched designs that allow grout to form intriguing patterns, making it a design element in its own right.”
Hardware Finishes
23. Champagne bronze. “I tend to go with a timeless polished nickel but love pulling a champagne bronze for warmth or bronze for contrast,” Lauren says.
McCarthy agrees. “Champagne bronze adds warmth and character, especially when you pair it with vibrant, colorful tiles,” he says.
23. Champagne bronze. “I tend to go with a timeless polished nickel but love pulling a champagne bronze for warmth or bronze for contrast,” Lauren says.
McCarthy agrees. “Champagne bronze adds warmth and character, especially when you pair it with vibrant, colorful tiles,” he says.
24. Champagne gold or copper. “In Colorado, where hard water is common, the Brizo/Delta brushed champagne gold finish hides calcium buildup [far better than] matte black,” Hariton says. “I love pairing it with rich tones like black and green for contrast or with clean marble-look tiles for a softer, timeless appeal. Copper is another favorite. In one project — a steampunk-inspired bathroom — I combined raw copper piping with glossy black penny tile, a stone basin and an antique hose bib spigot. These unexpected materials create a narrative that elevates a space.”
25. Chrome. “Chrome is a top choice for durability and ease of maintenance,” McCarthy says. “It hides water spots and residue well, keeping the shower looking clean with minimal effort. While it can feel a bit sterile, pairing it with textured tile or warm accents can add personality to the space.”
26. Black and chrome. “These are two of my classic favorite finishes,” Palicki says. “I also like mixing finishes. Picking something more classic for a shower and something a little more trendy for a sink allows you to change things out more economically in the future. When mixing finishes, it is important to keep the style consistent and balance the finishes for an elevated look.”
26. Black and chrome. “These are two of my classic favorite finishes,” Palicki says. “I also like mixing finishes. Picking something more classic for a shower and something a little more trendy for a sink allows you to change things out more economically in the future. When mixing finishes, it is important to keep the style consistent and balance the finishes for an elevated look.”
27. Matte black. “I love a black finish for its clean, bold look,” McCarthy says. “It’s incredibly versatile and pairs seamlessly with any design style.”
Soto is also a fan. “This bold choice adds a striking contrast and a touch of elegance to any shower,” she says. “I typically pair matte black fixtures with stone tiles in a neutral, like warm beige, light slate gray or Calacatta Gold.”
Meanwhile, Kocevar prefers pairing matte black fixtures with white or marble tiles. “It is a sharp update to the timeless mix of polished chrome/nickel with white or marble,” she says.
Soto is also a fan. “This bold choice adds a striking contrast and a touch of elegance to any shower,” she says. “I typically pair matte black fixtures with stone tiles in a neutral, like warm beige, light slate gray or Calacatta Gold.”
Meanwhile, Kocevar prefers pairing matte black fixtures with white or marble tiles. “It is a sharp update to the timeless mix of polished chrome/nickel with white or marble,” she says.
28. Brushed nickel. “I love a polished nickel finish paired with a 12-by-24-inch or larger-format tile,” Brock says. “I also love combining matte black fixtures with some beautiful white tile.”
29. Polished chrome or polished nickel. “These days, most of my clients ask me to specify finishes that are not too trendy, so either a polished chrome or polished nickel with a PDV or similar finish is my go-to,” Brock says. “Gold and matte brass are on-trend right now and they are beautiful, but I’m not sure how long they will be around, so I use them sparingly.”
When it comes to fashionable shower finishes, Palicki advises saving “the trends for things that are easier and less expensive to change, such as light fixtures, hardware and faucets.”
29. Polished chrome or polished nickel. “These days, most of my clients ask me to specify finishes that are not too trendy, so either a polished chrome or polished nickel with a PDV or similar finish is my go-to,” Brock says. “Gold and matte brass are on-trend right now and they are beautiful, but I’m not sure how long they will be around, so I use them sparingly.”
When it comes to fashionable shower finishes, Palicki advises saving “the trends for things that are easier and less expensive to change, such as light fixtures, hardware and faucets.”
30. Mix-and-match. There’s no rule saying you need to match your shower finish to everything else in the bathroom. In fact, Palicki believes that mixing different finishes across the shower, cabinetry and hardware can amp up the visual impact. “I’m not a fan of everything looking like it came out of the same catalog,” she says.
Palicki’s advice to clients is to have fun with it — while keeping balance in mind. Use the same style in a different finish or the same finish in a complementary style. And before making a final decision, take a step back and look at everything in your bathroom palette as a whole to make sure it’s cohesive.
Brock concurs. “I absolutely love having a mix of finishes, and there are some beautiful vanity faucets with dual finishes, such as Brizo Charlotte, that can pull the look together. I love mixing matte black and nickel or gold and black together.”
Palicki’s advice to clients is to have fun with it — while keeping balance in mind. Use the same style in a different finish or the same finish in a complementary style. And before making a final decision, take a step back and look at everything in your bathroom palette as a whole to make sure it’s cohesive.
Brock concurs. “I absolutely love having a mix of finishes, and there are some beautiful vanity faucets with dual finishes, such as Brizo Charlotte, that can pull the look together. I love mixing matte black and nickel or gold and black together.”
Tell us: What’s your go-to shower feature or finish? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
1. Luxury elements. With the right design touches, a bathroom can be elevated beyond the purely practical, pros say. “I encourage clients to create a spa-like experience by incorporating luxury elements such as steam, spray heads and a handheld shower head,” says Sara Hillery, owner of Sara Hillery Interior Design in Richmond, Virginia.
“A few of our shower go-tos include beautiful tilework, a glass wall or door, a rain shower head — or two! — and a built-in bench,” Hillery says.
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