When we need to decompress after a long day, most of us take showers far more frequently than baths, so your shower might as well be awesome. And if you’re ready to start remodeling, you’ve got options — on top of options, on top of options. So the question is: Where to begin? Don’t panic, because the answer is: Right here! From shower heads to shower enclosures, here are eight shower remodeling ideas that will make you suddenly want to spend more time in the bathroom.
1. Install a concealed shower valve.
Concealed showers are — you guessed it — hidden! Well, sort of hidden. A concealed shower hides its valve behind the tiling or wet wall of the shower, so that the only thing you see is a control plate, and the handles that turn the shower on and off. This is a great option for showers that are more contemporary or minimal in style, because it creates a more streamlined look by hiding piping and fittings. A concealed shower also provides you with more flexibility to select unique handles and wall plates
2. Show off your exposed shower valve.
With exposed showers you can see not only the shower valve, but also the pipework. While not as sleek, this look is easier to install, and it’s usually less expensive. This option works great in a traditional or transitional style bathroom; however, it can work in a modern bath as well.
3. Install shower body sprays.
No, we are not talking about a trendy cologne for after you shower. This is so much better! Shower body sprays are massaging shower jets that can be installed in one or more of the shower walls. With the combination of overhead and hand held shower heads, you’ll be able to indulge in the soothing power of water from head to toe. Feel free to cancel your massage.
4. Add a waterfall to your shower.
It may not be a tropical island waterfall, but a waterfall shower is as close as you will get in your own bathroom. Waterfall showers offer a unique shower experience. Designed to emulate the form and feeling of a waterfall, the shower head usually consists of a flat rectangular plane that extends from the wall, mounted a bit higher than an exposed rain shower head. A sheet of water builds and flows over the edge of the fixture, cascading down to the shower floor in a gravity-assisted rush. Since we’re all so accustomed to spray-style water pressure (like a standard shower head, rain shower head, etc.), the waterfall style can be somewhat intense, so prepare yourself for an enjoyable shock to the senses.
5. Take a shower under the rain.
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to shower in the rain? Well, here’s your chance to find out. A rain shower head is a luxurious, spa-like alternative to a standard shower head. They are typically hung directly overhead, either on the ceiling or on the wall, higher than your typical shower head. Don’t let the name fool you, the water pressure of a rain shower is not the same as the rain outside, so it will definitely be strong enough to wash your hair as usual. Rain shower heads are much larger and cover more area, so before you rush out to buy one, make sure you have enough space in your shower.
6. Install chromatherapy technology.
If you have ever soaked in a bath, then you already know how therapeutic water can be. But did you know that color and lights can also be therapeutic? Yep, that’s right! So wouldn’t it be great if you could get the healing benefits from color, light, and water all at the same time? Well, luckily, you can. Chromotherapy, also known as color therapy, is said to use color and light to adjust body vibrations to promote health. Every color of the rainbow promotes different healing benefits. For example blue light therapy can ease symptoms of pain, anxiety, and depression. Companies such as Aquatic and Kohler have taken notice, and combined chromotherapy with hydrotherapy in products ranging from showers, to saunas, to bathtubs. And for a truly complete sensorial experience, add aromatherapy and audio to your shower.
7. Turn your shower into a steam shower.
The days of having to go to a spa or a gym to enjoy a nice, relaxing steam are over! You can reap all of the same soothing rewards from the convenience of your own bathroom by turning your shower into a steam shower. The physical benefits of steam include improving circulation, relaxing the muscles, minimizing joint pain, opening up airways, and removing toxins and impurities from the skin, to name a few. So the question is not really, “Should you invest in a steam shower?”, but rather, “Why wouldn’t you?”
8. Remove the shower door.
Most bathrooms feature a traditional shower enclosure with a sliding or hinged door. A walk-in shower on the other hand has no doors, you simply walk right in. It can be separated from the rest of the bathroom by a fixed, frameless glass screen or it can be completely open, depending on the size of your bathroom. The high-end look alone might be enough to make up your mind, but on the off-chance you need more convincing, walk-in showers are also a great because they visually open up the space. Without a shower door and frame to block the view, your bathroom will appear much larger. Who doesn’t love more space, especially in the bathroom? In addition, you don’t have to worry about maintaining or repairing the sliding door track or door hinges.
9. Move your bathtub into your shower.
It’s a shower! It’s a bathtub! It’s a bathtub and a shower! Tub-shower combos exist in an endless variety of styles and shapes. The one pictured above is a rather unique example in that it fills the basic criteria of a tub-shower combo, but manages to maintain separate spaces for both. This shower remodel option is a big opportunity to get creative and really put your design chops to the test. Tub-shower combos take some legitimate planning (not that the others don’t), so when you come up with a brilliant tub-shower design, you might want to take it to the pros for actual installation. The tub-shower combo is one way to fit the best of both worlds into your bathroom without taking up a ton of floor space.