There’s more to shower design than you might think – from minimalist mixers and low-level trays to rainfall showerheads, we’ve deconstructed the shower to help you design your ideal set-up.

Decade after decade, the humble shower has been evolving, meaning that now more than ever, there is an incredible variety of design options available – from fixtures and fittings, brassware, to enclosures. And if you’re keen on installing one in your home but find the whole process overwhelming, worry not.

Whether you’re replacing an existing shower or designing one from scratch, we’re covering all you need to know in this guide…

Where to start

One of the things you need to consider first is plumbing. “It might be that what you currently have is suitable and in the right place, or it might be that you have to do some moving around,” says Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs.

Make the most of the layout by replacing any outdated pipes or changing their position before installing your new shower.

Checking what type of water system you have, along with the water pressure, is also key. “Is it a gravity-fed water system, combi boiler, or unvented system? This will determine which shower valves and heads will work effectively and help avoid any performance issues down the line,” advises Natalie Bird, brand marketing manager at Roca.

If you have a combi boiler, you’re likely to have high water pressure, allowing you to install a mixer shower, says Jess Thomas, managing director of Drainage Central.

However, many older properties have a cold and hot water tank, which generally indicates a low-pressure system. If that’s the case, Jess recommends an electric shower for immediate and constant hot water. Meanwhile, power showers have built-in pumps, which can also boost water pressure to provide high water flow.

What about the shower design?

The layout and size of your bathroom will determine the type of shower you can have. “Measure the available space for the shower carefully, then check these dimensions against the model you are planning to purchase,” advises Jess.

Are you installing a shower enclosure, for example, a walk-in shower with a glass screen, or a seamless wetroom with no partitions whatsoever? If an enclosure is your go-to, think about the style – do you prefer quadrant (with a curved front), square, rectangle, corner, or one that sits within an alcove? Framed or frameless?

Whatever the style, Jamie Bebbington, managing director at Aston Matthews, suggests making the enclosure as large as possible to allow for ample elbow room. “If the space is narrow, fill the entire end wall. A wide range of trays and glass screens can be made to measure so you can utilise all the available space.”

Corner enclosures will also save space in a small bathroom, as will a shower over the bath, which combines the best of both worlds. For that feeling of openness, along with better accessibility, your best bet are walk-in showers and wetrooms.

“These types of showers offer a luxurious feel and can be outfitted to include seating, storage alcoves, rainfall showerheads, and trend-led glass doors and walls,” says Richard Eaton, design manager at Tissino.

The wetroom is particularly effective in providing a spa-like experience, and you can still zone it either with a discreet screen or distinct tiling. “It also works well in small or awkward spaces where head height is limited or there are strange layouts,” says Keeley.

Choosing a shower tray

It goes without saying that your shower tray’s shape and size need to match those of your shower enclosure. “There shouldn’t be any gaps for water to escape,” says Kerry Hale, shower expert at Mira Showers. Which brings us to the next design consideration: are you looking for a shower tray that’s flush with the floor, or a slightly raised one for definition?

Key considerations

“In general, homeowners want trays that are as close to the floor as possible,” says Jamie. “And, as most UK houses have suspended wooden floors [where timber joists are raised above the ground, creating a space underneath], it is possible to conceal the pipes in the floor.”

If your pipework is indeed set into the floor, Kerry recommends a flat, low-profile tray, but if your pipework is raised, you’ll need a raised one to make space for this type of plumbing. “Lowprofile trays are ideal for a step-free shower,” she says, “whereas adjustable-height trays stand on adjustable legs and can be lowered or raised to your desired height. They also allow easy access to the pipes underneath in case of leaks or if anything needs replacing.”

Kerry advises fitting the shower tray before tiling the walls or installing wall panels, as this ensures a more watertight seal around the sides of the tray.

In any case, and especially when tiling is involved, waterproofing, or tanking, as it’s known (meaning creating an internal, impermeable, waterproof barrier), is recommended. “Always start with a proper tanking system as this will protect the structure below,” notes Colin Lincoln-Evans, buyer at Tile Mountain.

He also recommends ceramic and porcelain tiles, with a high slip resistance for the floor, while enamelled steel is a sturdy option for the tray. However, even after tanking, there will need to be a gentle gradient in the main shower area so that water flows easily into the waste, as Keeley suggests.

As for the waste itself, “you’ll need one that gets rid of the water; it’s as simple as that,” says Jamie. “Find out what the waste capacity is and how much water your showerhead will generate, and choose accordingly.” As a whole, you need a minimum showering area of 80x120cm for effective water containment, according to Cory Powell, co-director of DBS Bathrooms.

Zoning your shower

Consider how you’d like to define this zone: would a half wall or a minimalist glass screen work? Statement wall panelling for an open shower, or a specific choice of tiles? Cory favours wall panels for being entirely waterproof, low-maintenance, and easy to install.

“They create a seamless, grout-free finish that looks sleek and high-end, while being easier to clean than tiles. Whether you prefer the urban look of a subway tile effect, the spa-like luxury of white marble panels, or the warmth of distressed oak wood effects, panels allow you to set the mood with less effort and upkeep,” he adds.

If you prefer an enclosure with a door, the type of door you choose will depend on various factors. For example, Kerry says that a durable, metal-framed door is easy to install, while frameless shower doors will make your bathroom look brighter and more open.

“These are popular in wetrooms or spacious bathrooms where outward-opening, hinged or pivot doors can be installed,” she adds. “They’re also easier to clean and maintain than framed designs, as they’re made entirely from glass.”

However, they might be more at risk of breaking. For extra durability, experts recommend a shower door made from tempered safety glass that is usually around 8mm thick. When measuring your space for the shower, it’s essential to ensure there’s plenty of room for the door to open, too.

For instance, “hinged and pivot doors require ample space,” says Gillian Furey, marketing manager at Flair Showers. “However, in a compact bathroom, consider a bi-fold door, as they open inwards.”

The set-up

You can’t have the shower of your dreams without the right brassware. But it’s important to not only focus on the aesthetic of your chosen showerhead and mixer, but also on the practicality.

“First of all, decide whether you want an exposed shower system, which is when you can see the shower components, or whether they’d be concealed behind the tiles,” says Richard. “Exposed shower systems require a quicker installation because they sit on the wall, but for a more streamlined look, you might want to consider non-exposed.”

Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, says concealed valves, usually hidden with a plate which allows access for service, are quite popular. “This system lets us add extra controls and diverters for body jets, hand showers, etc. In larger, more traditional settings, exposed showers can be a great centrepiece, but need a lot of cleaning,” she adds.

Water experience

Then, think about the water experience you’re looking to have. “Fixed overhead showers offer a drench effect, while a hand shower is ideal for rinsing and cleaning,” says Ruth Davies, marketing director at VitrA. Of course, do keep in mind that an angled head or a slide rail could splash a little too much. “But for a family bathroom, the slide rail system allows you to change the height to match the user,” says Louise.

A dual set-up with a separate, hand-held head could offer more flexibility, providing two different modes of showering. A water-saving head is also something to consider, helping you to reduce your environmental footprint and save money on water bills. “I’d recommend a showerhead with a flow rate of eight litres per minute or less, for a good balance between efficiency and experience,” says Emma Foster, head of marketing and product at Methven.

As for the valve, you can choose from pressure-balance and thermostatic: the former has a single handle controlling both the volume of water and its temperature, whereas the latter has two handles, one for the water volume and one for the temperature – meaning you can change the flow while keeping the temperature locked.

Finally, where you place your shower controls is important. James Lentaigne, managing and creative director of Drummonds, advises, “Height-wise, there’s a space of 100-140cm off the floor where shower controls feel naturally comfortable for most users.” And for walk-in showers, positioning the controls at the entrance “allows you to set the temperature before stepping in, so you won’t have to stretch across to avoid the spray,” says Natalie.

What’s trending?

According to Louise, minimalist showers are in, with solid colours and brushed steel finishes still being popular. “Bronze is heavily sought after, too, for the traditional end of the market,” she adds. At the same time, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating will keep the finishes looking pristine for longer. “The process physically changes the base material to the desired colour, meaning the surface won’t wear off or degenerate over time,” says Gillian.

Concealed push-button controls, geometric and matt black frames and fixtures, as well as natural, tactile finishes like wood and stone, are all part of the shift towards minimalist designs that still feel luxurious and serene. “Being able to save space without sacrificing on style or utility has contributed to shower rooms with monsoon-effect showerheads, powerful jet sprays, adjustable hand showers, and precise temperature control,” says David Boddy, product manager at Abode.

Wellness retreats

This increasing demand for showers that feel like tiny wellness retreats has prompted brands to create designs fitting for a health resort. For your very own ‘spa shower’, Tim Bohmann, director category management of Dornbracht, suggests blending different shower modes to complete different tasks – from the practical to the fully immersive.

“There are benefits to water hitting certain areas of the body and positively impacting wider physiological processes,” explains Tim. Take Dornbracht’s Serenity Sky set-up, for example, which offers different water flow settings and colour-changing lights.

LED downlights can also help to create a tranquil ambience, while some next-gen showers come with electronic touchpads, too, allowing you to control the lighting or even link in to home music systems.

Storage

Last but not least, don’t forget the storage. If you want sleek recessed niches, you need to plan them before tiling or panel installation. “Where possible, these should be positioned on an internal wall and should be fully tanked to ensure they are waterproof,” advises Colin.

As you can see, there’s quite a lot to think about when building your shower. And this is where designers and professional installers come in. So take your time, create moodboards, and get multiple quotes; you’ll soon be lathering up in your dream design.

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