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SHOWER FAUCET BUYING GUIDE
Your shower faucet adds character and aesthetic charm to your bathroom. When it comes to selecting the best custom shower set for your home, there are several factors to consider.
As a homeowner you have many options when it comes to upgrading and improving your home. Don’t let this choice overwhelm you — we’ve included the most important points of information in our shower faucet buying guide to help you learn all about shower faucet features and functionality.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING A SHOWER FAUCET
While choosing a new shower faucet may seem like a basic upgrade, there are a wide range of styles and features you’ll want to take into consideration before making your final selection. Your new faucet should complement the overall aesthetic of the room while providing your desired functionality. Here’s what you need to know before buying a new shower faucet.
Size of Bathroom
The size of your bathroom space and general room layout matter when choosing shower accessories. Your shower heads should be proportional to the dimensions of your shower, bathtub, and sink.
Larger, more spacious bathrooms can accommodate things like wall-mounted shower systems. If you have a smaller bathroom that has less of an open concept, smaller more compact shower heads might be better for you. These include hand showers from our collection.
Materials and Aesthetics
The material of your shower faucet should remain consistent with your bathtub and sink faucets. If you want to create a more cohesive look, it’s a good idea to ensure that the aesthetics of all of your bathroom accessories align. Otherwise, the room may look crowded or chaotic.
Beyond matching your shower faucet with your sink and bathtub faucets, consider how the faucet material will translate to maintenance and cleaning. Be realistic about the level of maintenance you’re willing to perform for your shower systems.
Some materials, like solid brass, can be cleaned easily with a soft cloth and plain water. Others, like solid metal, require a bit more elbow grease. You may find yourself scrubbing the metal faucet with vinegar and other cleaners to get rid of hard water buildup and grime.
Scratch and rust resistance are also important; after all, you’ll be running water through this shower faucet. Our solid brass and brass/zinc shower faucets and accessories are completely resistant to rust and corrosion, making them a perfect choice for your shower system.
Brass is more scratch-resistant than softer materials. Our brass/zinc shower faucets keep scratches at bay and are easy to maintain.
Common Shower Fixtures in Your Area
What types of shower systems do the homes in your area have? This is a good rule of thumb for which shower faucets and shower heads will best handle your water pressure and water flow over time. Having trendy shower accessories can also increase your home’s resale value. Ask your neighbors and local friends about their shower fixtures.
Water Pressure
What type of water pressure do you dream of when you step into your shower? This is important for your long-term satisfaction with your shower system. Consider the amount of water pressure each shower faucet and shower head can provide for you.
Keep in mind, too, that more water pressure means more water usage overall. You can check this by looking for each shower head’s flow rate. If you’re okay with splurging on the extra pressure, go for it. Always check your local water usage guidelines as well.
Shower Valve Selection
Your shower valves will dictate the water temperature and pressure balance in your shower. Common types include pressure-balance valves, thermostatic valves, and diverters.
Shower diverter valves are for shower systems with multiple shower heads or handshowers. You need diverter valves to direct water flow between different components, and you can purchase two-way or three-way diverters.
Cost and Installation
Some shower fixtures require more complex installations than others. A simpler installation usually results in a lower total cost for your bathroom remodel. However, if you have a specific vision in mind for your shower system, more complex faucets may be worth the higher prices.
TYPES OF SHOWER HEADS
There are five main categories of shower heads to consider as you browse our wide selection of shower systems. Pairing your shower faucet with your ideal shower head or hand shower combo system is important. The faucet is only as useful and pleasant as your shower head.
Single-Spray Shower Heads
Shower systems with one shower head that maintains a consistent water flow and pressure balance are called single-sprays. These are usually wall-mounted and fixed rather than being handheld like hand showers. Single-spray shower heads are common in starter homes and apartment units.
Rain Shower Heads
These shower heads are aesthetically pleasing and provide a soothing experience. Rain shower heads are top-mount fixtures, and the water flows at a lighter, more even rate. As the name suggests, rain shower heads mimic the light but consistent flow of rainfall.
Rain shower fixtures are great for areas with strict water flow restrictions or homeowners who don’t need high water pressure. If you’re looking for a spa-like experience every time you shower, our new Tranquil shower collection might be right for you.
Dual and Multiple Shower Head Systems
Spa-style showers often feature multiple body sprays from different shower heads and fixtures. Dual or multi-shower head systems require diverter valves to function properly. You can add an air of luxury and elegance to your shower with body sprays from multiple shower heads.
SHOWER HEAD FLOW RATE
The flow rate of your shower head determines how much water comes through per minute. Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Keep in mind, some localities have restrictions on flow rates for water conservation purposes.
At Vintage Tub & Bath, we offer a variety of flow rates, two of the most common being 1.8 GPM and 3 GPM. Depending on your water pressure preferences and local regulations, you may need a 1.8 GPM flow rate option that uses less water. Our 3 GPM flow rate heads are for those who love higher water pressure without limitations.
HANDLE STYLE
Your shower faucet handles contribute to the overall look and functionality of your shower. To help you find the perfect style, we’ve included all the different handle designs in this shower faucet buying guide.
We offer five different handle styles for our premium shower faucet systems:
- Metal cross
- Metal lever
- Porcelain lever
- Round
- Square
Much like the other shower faucet components, consider the ease of maintenance and cleaning. You should also try to match your shower handles to the general aesthetic of your bathroom.
For example, if you use round decor with circular geometry throughout your bathroom, our round handles will complement your space. Square, metal cross, and metal lever handles can give your bathroom more of a sleek, modern, and industrial look, depending on the rest of your decor.
SHOWER FIXTURE FINISHES
Certain shower fixture finishes will blend well with the rest of your shower and bathtub accessories, while others simply might clash. Choose your finish based on the look and style you’re going for. In this shower faucet buying guide, we’re going to break down each finish with thorough descriptions so you’ll know exactly what to look for during your shower remodel.
Brushed Brass
Brushed brass shower fixtures have become more popular in recent years. This finish incorporates tasteful metal streaks with the traditional yellow brass hue you know and love. Vintage offers a variety of brushed brass accessories so if you want to add a warm sophisticated look to your bathroom’s aesthetic, this finish is perfect for your shower.
Brushed Nickel
Nickel has a distinct appearance, and many homeowners are opting for brushed over satin nickel finishes. Brushed nickel shower fixtures will appear matte with the slightest hint of brushed metal textures. To complement your bathroom with softer silver fixtures, a brushed nickel finish is the way to go.
Chrome
Chrome is a long-standing popular finish option for shower heads, shower faucets, and bathtub faucets alike. Many shower systems come in chrome as it’s appreciated for its high-end look and affordability, but there are some downsides.
For instance, you have to use more caution with chrome shower systems because chrome can tarnish and scratch over time. However, its bright metal aesthetic works well in modern, glam-style bathrooms.
Matte Black
From industrial design to turn-of-the-decade modern renovations, matte black shower faucets are incredibly versatile. Choosing a matte black finish for your shower system means opting for updated, charismatic, and bold aesthetics in your bathroom.
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Our oil-rubbed bronze shower fixtures offer unique advantages in your bathroom. Since oil-rubbed bronze alters in appearance over time, you’re left with a dynamic, ever-changing finish that ages with your decor. The living finish on these fixtures interacts with air, water, and soap in unique ways, making this the perfect finish for mid-century modern and vintage bathrooms.
Polished Brass
Polished brass is much shinier and brighter than brushed brass and creates a sleek, stylish look. Do you want a more visually stimulating finish, or do you prefer muted semi-matte shower trim? With proper care and cleaning, polished brass will maintain its shine over time.
Polished Nickel
Polished nickel finishes are more sleek than brushed nickel, featuring a subtle yellow hue compared to chrome finishes. This type of shower finish is an acquired taste, perfect for sunny, bright, and mid-century-modern bathrooms. Polished nickel is ideal for creating an air of elegance without going over the top.
Satin Nickel
Satin nickel brings a softer, delicate appearance than polished nickel. It can look similar to brushed nickel, but it features more shine and dynamic light reflections than brushed finishes. Satin nickel can work well with almost any bathroom decor, especially if you display lots of white, gray, and black in the room.
Tuscan Brass
Do you want to take your vintage or antique bathroom to the level above oil-rubbed bronze? If so, you might consider Tuscan brass, one of the most unique shower fixture finishes on the market. It has a distinct discoloration that appears over time with continued use. Tuscan brass shower fixtures are great for homeowners seeking the “tasteful wear and tear” look.
Vintage Bronze
Vintage bronze shower faucets offer the best of both worlds: bronze and copper hues. It has a more worn, aged look to it than other bronze finishes, with the copper color streaks adding dimension and character to this finish.
SHOWER VALVES
Choosing the right shower valve is crucial for ensuring compatibility with your plumbing setup and meeting your water preferences. Our guide will provide information on different types of shower valves but if you're unsure about which type is best for your bathroom, we recommend consulting with a professional plumber to make the right decision.
Mixing Valves
Mixing valves combine hot water and cold water into one standard stream during your shower. These are commonly applied to water heaters and function as a traditional shower valve should, offering optimal water temperatures.
Pressure-Balance Valves
Pressure-balance valves control your water temperature through pressure sensors. They detect how much hot water is present compared to the amount of cold water and regulate the water flow accordingly. Pressure-balance valves are not ideal for precise water temperature control.
Anti-Scald Pressure-Balance Valves
These valves have built-in mechanisms to prevent scalding-hot water from coming out of your faucets. Mixing valves often contain anti-scald devices, and they can be added to pressure-balance valves to prevent this unpleasant problem.
Thermostatic Valve
Thermostatic valves use precise temperature detection to control the actual temperature of your water. These valves are the gold standard for homeowners who value maintaining the perfect water temperature all throughout their showers. Thermostatic valves function like a thermostat, allowing you to set your desired temperature for a better shower experience.
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