Six Variations on the Common Shower
When we think of showers, most of us think of the typical shower-bath combination. Or maybe we’re stuck with a tiny stand-up shower in a small bathroom, with no room for a tub. We think of simple on/off controls, hanging shower curtains, and maybe—if we want to get crazy—a hand-held showerhead. But there are other, more luxurious types of showers out there, with features like you’ve never imagined. Here are just a few elegant variations on the common shower.
The walk-in shower. This is a shower without a shower tray—the floor of the shower is level with the floor of the bathroom. Sometimes also referred to as “wet rooms” because the shower is a seamless part of the larger bathroom, walk-in showers can give an air of luxury and a feeling of space to any bathroom. They can also be a good choice for the physically disabled, as the user does not have to step over a bathtub ledge or even a shower tray to get into the shower.
The steam shower. Steam showers use a steam converter to change water into water vapor. The vapor is then ejected into the shower stall using steam jets. Steam showers can be extremely luxurious. The most high-tech steam showers include aromatherapy cartridges, built-in radios and iPod hookups, massaging jets, foot massagers, and more. Most steam showers also include an ordinary showerhead, so you can rinse off after your steam shower.
The two-person shower. Two-person showers are growing more and more common in master baths. These showers incorporate two showerheads or two sets of jets, one on each side of the stall. The stalls themselves are often twice the size of an ordinary shower stall; some are as large as bathtubs. A two-person shower takes up a lot of space in a bathroom, but for those who want to share a shower in comfort, it’s definitely worth it.
The shower cubicle. A shower cubicle is an enclosed shower that comes in many shapes and sizes. The enclosures are usually made of glass panels with sliding doors. The attraction of a shower cubicle is that it looks luxurious—the glass makes any bathroom look more spacious—and it can add a touch of elegance to even the smallest bathrooms. Shower cubicles can be cylindrical and free-standing, square or rectangular. They can also be quadrant shaped, with two square sides on one end and curved glass on the other. Quadrant shapes fit especially well in the corner of a small bathroom. Square enclosures can also fit into corners, but the square shape is not as space-efficient.
The power shower. Power showers use an electric pump to increase the water pressure coming out of your showerhead. You need a dedicated hot and cold water supply to use a power shower pump. These can be installed on many different kinds of luxury showers, from two-person to enclosed cubicle showers. Some power shower pumps are installed directly in the shower enclosure, and they include controls that can alter the flow of water to produce different types of massaging jets and pulses.
The rain shower. Rain showers have a showerhead attached directly above so that the water pours down like rain or a waterfall. Rain showers often include seats or benches that allow users to sit beneath the water as it falls. These are excellent options for those with limited mobility, as a fall of water directly from overhead is easier for a sitting person to use. The usual showerheads positioned at an angle are generally made for people who are standing up, and are difficult to use for people who are sitting.
The common shower is a utilitarian place to wake up and wash up. But a luxury shower is as fun to “soak” in as a bathtub. The more upscale showers include radios and music, massaging jets, interesting and elegant enclosure shapes, and even room for two people. As you can imagine, luxury showers are not just for getting clean—they present all sorts of opportunities for fun. With all the options out there, we’re sure you’ll find plenty of excuses to stay just a few more minutes in your shower.