How to choose the right size of a shower?

When it comes to the bathroom, the shower is an integral piece. As it’s central to day-to-day activities, it can help to define the layout of the space as well as the ambiance.

But, if you’re planning to put in a new shower or renovate the one you’ve got, it’s important to be aware of the basics when it comes to choosing the right model. With so many options, how can you determine the right size shower for your bathroom exactly?

To help you select the right fit, this article will break down the essentials to offer you a path towards a shower that’s functional, practical and perfect for your bathroom.

Shower: how to determine the right size

Source: Canva

The standard shower sizes

The first thing you’ll need to consider when choosing the right shower is the size of your bathroom and the standard shower sizes available. If you are choosing to design your own standing shower cabin, then you should have quite a lot of flexibility. But if you’re opting for a prefabricated standing shower, you’ll be limited to the available sizes on the market. 

The most common widths for prefab shower cabins are as follows: 32 inches wide by 32 inches deep may be the smallest and sizes go up incrementally from there generally to around 36 x 60. For accessibility standards, your shower size should be at least 36 x 36 inches. It’s important to note that the sizes refer to the interior dimensions of the shower. 

Position

Another important determining factor when it comes to size is placement: where do you want your shower to live? In the corner, the center of the room or in a separate area altogether? If you’re starting from scratch, this question may be easier to answer. If you’re remodelling and replacing an old shower, you’ll likely want to put the new model in the same place as the old, as there'll be much less plumbing work required.

For some shower inspiration, check out our article 10 examples of shower models.

How to measure to fit your shower to your bathroom

First, you’ll begin by measuring from the floor to the ceiling. If there’s an existing shower in the space, measure its height from the floor to the top of the shower. Measure in more than one place and go with the taller height if there happens to be a discrepancy. Now you can measure the width and depth of the space. 

Do bear in mind that if your intention is to have a shower-bathtub, you’ll need to take that into consideration for your measurements. The standard shower-bathtub size is 60 x 30 x 72. Be aware that shower-bathtub units run larger than stand-alone tubs.

Do you need more advice to choose the right shower for your needs? Check out this article How to Choose Your Shower.

Different shower types: how to know what’s right?

The size is an important factor when you’re narrowing down the right shower for you, but so is the style of shower. There are a few different options on the market to choose between, though there may be specific limitations when it comes to the plumbing system in your home. The 4 categories are as follows:

Mixer shower: This style of shower connects directly with pipes and is one of the most common. This means that this shower relies on your home’s water system for both water pressure and heat.

Power shower: A power shower has a built-in pump and this comes in handy in combination with low-pressure systems. Unfortunately, this model is not the most energy-efficient and can lead to costly bills. 

Electric shower: This type of shower is the most affordable option on the list and is widely used as it can be installed in any home. Electric showers are fairly energy-efficient, as they have a built-in element for heating water. 

Digital shower: This technologically integrated shower has a control panel for heat and pressure, making it exceptionally energy efficient. We must mention that these showers are expensive. 

When it comes to the shower’s surrounding material, there are plenty of options to choose from. These include marble, real stone, glass, ceramic and porcelain. When it comes to choosing the correct material, it’ll definitely come down to budget and aesthetic choice, so make sure to do plenty of research before you make your final decision.

Would like to have more information about the price of your next bathroom renovation project? Check out our Price Guide 2021: Bathroom Renovation Project or try our cost calculator.