Shower heads are an often overlooked part of homes, but they can make a big difference in both the appearance and overall functionality of your bathrooms and showers. There are a huge variety of shower heads available at supermarkets and home improvement stores, and many can be installed in under one hour. With so many options available, it can be difficult for some homeowners to choose the right shower heads for their bathrooms.

What Are the Different Types of Shower Heads?

If you’re looking to upgrade your existing shower head, or you’re outfitting the bathrooms in your new home for the first time, you have more options than ever to choose from. Some of the most common shower head varieties include:

• Standard wall-mount
  Shower heads that are mounted directly on the wall at the top of the shower range from no-frills models that may have little to no adjustment options to more versatile models that feature a wide range of spray modes and adjustable angles. Misting, massaging, and soft rain sprays are common options for standard wall-mount shower heads.
• Top-mount
  Like showering under a waterfall or during a rainstorm, top-mount shower heads provide a unique experience by directing water directly on top of you rather than at an angle. Top-mount shower heads can attach on the wall and extend over the shower floor or be installed directly on the ceiling. For showers with low ceilings, top-mount showers can be installed flush with the ceiling itself to maximize space.
• Handheld
  One of the most versatile types of shower heads, handheld units are generally held in place in the same location of the shower as standard wall-mounted units, but they can be removed from the mount due to a flexible hose. Handheld shower heads can also be combined with standard wall-mounted units, as the mount itself can act as a shower head, freeing up the detachable head for easy rinsing, pet bathing, and even cleaning the inside of the shower.
• Sliding bar
  A common complaint of homeowners are shower heads that aren’t at the correct height. Sliding bar shower heads solve that problem by adjusting in height and orientation on the wall-mounted base. These shower heads are great for families where multiple people share the same shower and need to quickly and easily adjust the shower head height.
• Mist and body spray
  An increasingly popular choice for new homes, mist and body spray showers utilize multiple heads installed along the wall of the shower to create a stream effect from multiple angles. In addition, these shower heads can also be used to create a fine mist, turning an ordinary shower into a spa or sauna-like experience.

How Do You Know Which Shower Head is Right for You?

Before purchasing a new shower head, there are a few things to take into consideration to make sure you get the right unit for your home.

• How many people will use the shower head?
• Can your plumbing system accommodate anything beyond a standard wall-mount unit?
• Can your hot water tank accommodate the increased water flow generated by certain types of shower heads?
• How large is your shower?
• How much are you willing to spend?

The answers to these questions can quickly narrow down your choices and help you hone in on the perfect shower head for every bathroom in your home.