Learn about the best options for bathroom shower fixtures, including materials and finishes, and why one type might be better than another.
Your bathroom shower fixtures might seem like a small part of your home’s bathroom upgrade, but in reality, they can enhance or detract from the overall design and function. Today, shower fixtures are available in a wide variety of materials and finishes and at different price points.
If you’re upgrading your bathroom and aren’t sure how to narrow your fixture choices, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Choosing Bathroom Shower Fixtures
First and foremost, you’ll want to prioritize fixtures when designing your bathroom. Far too many homeowners and builders treat fixtures as a minor design element, and they end up regretting it. Any time something serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, it warrants your consideration.
Why are the materials and finishes of shower fixtures important?
The material you choose for your fixtures must be durable and corrosion-resistant. It’s also a good idea to choose something easy to clean. You want something that complements the room’s overall style, whether rustic, sleek, modern, or otherwise.
Some of the most common materials and finish combinations include:
- Brass with chrome or brushed nickel: Durable, resists corrosion, timeless aesthetic
- Stainless steel with matte or polished finishes: Strong, contemporary look with low maintenance
- Zinc or alloy with chrome finish: Affordable and stylish, but may wear over time
- Plastic or ABS with plating: Budget-friendly, lighter, often used in mass-market fixtures
When making your choice, you’ll want to balance function, style, and care. You might love the look of a finish, but if it’s constantly covered in fingerprints, you’ll soon love it a lot less. If you want something low-maintenance and durable, opt for a brushed or satin finish that pairs well with brass or stainless steel for ease of cleaning.
Valuable Added Features
Once you’ve determined the basic materials and finishes, you can begin to think about upgrades that will add value.
These include features that elevate your showering experience beyond the norm, such as rain showers, adjustable shower heads, handheld attachments, and multi-spray options. You might also consider installing water-saving technological features, such as flow restrictors and eco-friendly heads. Additionally, you can make your shower a safer space by adding slide bars, anti-scald valves, and ACA-compliant handles.
This is a great way to invest in features that increase your home’s value and appeal to a wider range of buyers, should you ever decide to sell. The key to making the best choices is to weigh the cost of your upgrades against their long-term value. When considering value, consider both the financial value and what you’ll get from the feature.
Bathroom Style
Although you might be tempted to focus solely on how you’ll use your upgraded bathroom space, it’s also important to consider style when choosing shower fixtures. You’ll want to consider both how the fixtures look and whether you like them, as well as whether a particular option will suit the overall style of your bathroom and your home in general.
Is your bathroom and home style traditional? Modern? Rustic?
Answering this broad question will help you narrow down your selection.
Next, you’ll want to consider the other metal features in your home, specifically in the bathroom. It can work to mix metals, but it’s often a risky style choice. If you’re going to do it, you need to make sure you do it right. In most cases, you’ll want all of the fixtures in a room, from faucets to towel bars, lighting, and drawer pulls, to coordinate.
The right fixture choice can make your space feel larger and more luxurious, adding value even if you don’t spend more. This makes your choice critical when designing your bathroom.
Practical Tips
Finally, you’ll want to consider a few practical aspects of your bathroom design. Make sure the fixtures you choose are the right size. Consider your water pressure and whether you’ll need to adjust it based on the shower fixture you choose. Also consider who will use the space and whether it needs to be kid- or senior-friendly.
Stylish, High-Quality Shower Fixtures for Ontario Homes
Is a bathroom update in your future? Bathroom shower fixtures will play a significant role in the overall look and functionality. To find something you love that’s durable and offers long-term value for your space, we can help. Visit us in Midland, ON to discuss your options.
