Bathroom Shower Features and Finishes The Pros Love

Bathroom experts reveal to Houzz® the hardware, materials, and designs they use to create beautiful, high-functioning showers

The utilitarian shower has evolved from a basic space with temperature control and showerhead to a full-on, spa-like experience. But practicality still matters. You’ll want long-lasting fixtures that stand up to daily use and beautiful touches you will enjoy for years to come. Here is what experts shared as their favorite shower finishes, fixtures, colors, and materials that make a splash every time.

• Luxury elements

With the right design touches, a bathroom can be elevated beyond the purely practical. Pros encourage clients to create a spa-like experience by incorporating luxury elements such as steam, spray heads, and a handheld shower head. Other shower go-to’s include beautiful tilework, a glass wall or door, a built-in bench, and a rain shower head — or two! 

• Spa-Like Fixtures

A rain shower head is a favorite of designers. It mimics the feeling of gentle rain.

Overhead-and-handheld shower spray. For versatility, pros recommend combining a generous overhead shower with a user-friendly handheld shower. An overhead for that luxurious rainfall feel and a handheld for targeted rinsing and easy cleaning. With multi-jet settings, you can switch between a relaxing mist or a powerful spray. Handheld options are further beneficial for those with mobility issues.

Shower jets offer powerful streams of water 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. 

Powerful pressure, without the water waste. Water pressure is the most important feature of a shower, and new technology allows for sculped water in a unique wave pattern that allows for a powerful, drenching spray without actually using more water.

• Accessibility

Grab bars. Prioritizing current or future mobility needs means adding grab bars and a shower bench, offering both comfort and functionality.

Curbless shower. The accessibility and sleek design are worth the investment.

Niche storage. 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.

Inset niche. Go big and deep. Most people have oversized shampoo bottles, soap, razors, kids’ products, and more. You will enjoy the versatility, and a well-designed space can also add flair.

• Drainage

Drainage shouldn’t be an afterthought. The newest designs are both sleek and functional. A linear floor drain or an Infinity Drain Slot drain can provide a seamless look.

• Good Lighting

Good lighting is crucial in a shower, not only for safety but to keep the space from feeling too cavernous. Recessed waterproof lights or waterproof LED ceiling lights are great for adding ambiance and task lighting. Dimmers can allow you to control the level of light produced to suit your mood.

If the shower is on an exterior wall, incorporating a clerestory window brings in natural light while maintaining privacy.

• Smart Features

Smart showers are becoming more popular, according to designers. Users can control them on their phones, including Bluetooth speakers, water pressure, and temperature.

• Shower Doors and Curtains

Open shower. If you choose an open, walk-in shower, consider making the width of the glass panel three-quarters the size of the shower opening to help keep water in the shower and not on the bathroom floor.

Framed door to match the bathroom. 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.

Frameless shower. Perfect for a primary bathroom with plenty of space. It’s sleek, unobtrusive, and gives the shower an open, airy feel. Some designers prefer a frameless shower door with a knee wall and glass panels, as it lets in light while providing privacy.

Shower curtain. Depending on the floor plan, some designers like to incorporate elements 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. Curtains offer a great opportunity to introduce bold patterns and make a statement, almost like a window treatment.

• Tile and Grout

Feature tile. To make a statement, pros recommend clients create a contrast tile backdrop centered on the shower entry. 

Bold accent tile. Placing accent tile in the corners of the shower or along the plumbing fixture wall can give a shower an upscale, designer look and is a move away from dated trends.

Porcelain tile. An option that is more durable and less porous than ceramic tile. Some designers recommend large-format porcelain tile because it is low-maintenance and has minimal grout lines.

Matte finish or mosaics. For shower floors, matte-finished tiles in a smaller size offer slip resistance and better traction.

For walls, tiles with a glossier finish are easier to clean and reflect light beautifully, keeping the space bright.

Custom-colored grout. 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, colored grout is easier to keep pretty. 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

Champagne bronze. A timeless polished nickel with a champagne bronze or bronze added for contrast is a great look. Champagne bronze adds warmth and character, especially when you pair it with vibrant, colorful tiles.

Champagne gold or copper. In Colorado, where hard water is common, the brushed champagne gold finish hides calcium buildup far better than other options. Pairing it with rich tones like black and green for contrast or with clean marble-look tiles for a softer, timeless appeal is a great choice. Copper is another favorite.

Chrome. Chrome is a top choice for durability and ease of maintenance hides water spots and residue well, keeping the shower looking clean with minimal effort. Pairing it with textured tile or warm accents can add personality to the space.

Black and chrome. Selecting 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.

Matte black. Matte black offers a clean, bold look. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs seamlessly with any design style. This bold choice adds a striking contrast and a touch of elegance to any shower.

Polished chrome or polished nickel. There are also advantages to selecting finishes that are not too trendy – either a polished chrome or polished nickel with a PDV or similar finish is a great choice. 

Mix-and-match. Designers agree there’s no rule saying you need to match your shower finish to everything else in the bathroom. Mixing different finishes across the shower, cabinetry, and hardware can amp up the visual impact.

If you’re looking for tips on how to spice up your shower, contact the pros at Striking Remodels by Bell. Offering design only, design + materials, or design + construction options to suit your needs.