Rain shower heads are taking the bathroom design world by storm, and with good reason. Homeowners are increasingly interested in turning their bathrooms into places of retreat. In the perfect, personal oasis, a rain shower head is a welcomed addition.

With a rain shower head, you can enjoy all the benefits of a spa experience from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

In this post, I will answer all your biggest questions about rain shower heads and explain the major advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s go!

What Is A Rain Shower Head?

A rain shower head is exactly as it sounds. It is a larger surface area shower head that simulates rainfall. In fact, the right shower head creates an effect that looks, sounds, and feels like warm, summer rain.

The shower head ranges in size, typically, from 8 to 12 inches and is mounted to the wall or ceiling, allowing shower water to fall gently and consistently. The rain head can be installed either as a shower arm connected to the wall or connected to the ceiling, which makes it very versatile.

Most often, people prefer to buy the ceiling-mounted shower head which means when they stand in the shower, they will stand directly under the water’s flow the entire time. Most showers that use a rain shower head are big enough to allow you to step out of the rain shower to wash your hair or body before standing below the water again to rinse.

Typically speaking, a rain shower head can cost between £50 – £200, and depending on who installs it and how much work is involved, can cost around £300 – £500 for installation. 

Traditional shower heads offer either strong coverage or strong pressure. Usually, increasing either of these means decreasing the other. A rain shower head offers strong coverage, but instead of weakened pressure, it offers an optimal level of both. 

Bottom line: Whether or not your current budget allows for a full bathroom renovation, a rain shower can be a standalone update that makes a big impact.

Advantages Of A Rain Shower Head

• Easy installation
  Rain shower heads often come with the necessary threaded attachments that enable you to screw the shower head directly into the pipe.
• Easy to clean
  Because it is larger in size with a wider, flatter circumstance, it is easy to clean. Simply wipe the shower head off with a soft cloth, and you’re good to go.
• Relaxation
  Rain shower heads truly give you the experience of being outside in pouring rain. This experience can be very energising in the morning and relaxing at night. 
• Steady flow of water
  Rain shower heads are known for delivering a consistent, smooth flow of water, as opposed to jet heads that spray water too quickly or too harshly. That said, they still have the ability to adjust the water pressure as desired.
• Stylish design
  The rain shower head can truly be one of the most attractive fixtures in the bathroom. It can be a quick way to give your bathroom a classy, sophisticated feel. In fact, a rain shower head makes a bathroom look instantly more expensive and luxurious.
• Water conservation
  Today’s most updated rain heads come with impressive water-saving technology. Additionally, because of how the water falls directly and consistently on the entire body at one time, it is possible to shower in less time. Which also conserves water. Doing more in less time with less water is a great plan!

Disadvantages Of A Rain Shower Head

• Costs more money
  This factor is the biggest disadvantage when it comes to the rain shower head. It is generally more expensive than other shower head counterparts, with some models costing as much as £500. And though this type of shower head is available in both plastic and metal, rain heads made with cheap plastic are known to leak or collect more bacteria than shower heads made of metal. So purchasing a better, reliable shower head means an increase in price.
• Not ideal for renters
  It may require some additional plumbing renovations (to allow for the necessary 90-degree angle). It is not typically a good idea for renters to install the shower head (unless, of course, you have an easy-going landlord and you don’t mind investing in someone else’s bathroom).
• Requires a higher ceiling
  The tallest person who regularly uses the shower should have at least one foot of clearance underneath the shower head to fully take advantage of the “rainfall” effect. And since the shower head is bigger than a traditional shower head, this means you’ll need to make sure there is sufficient ceiling space to make this happen.
• Requires more space
  The rain shower head is intentionally larger in size in diameter because it is meant to fully cover a person’s body within the flow of water. But because it’s larger, it requires more space for proper installation than an all-directional shower head. Before choosing to install a rain head, you’ll want to be sure your shower space is wide enough to accommodate the broader spray of water so that you don’t spray water onto your floors each time you take a shower.

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How Far From The Wall Should A Rain Shower Be?

This will depend on the size of your shower (or bath) enclosure but typically 1.5 – 2.5 feet away from the wall.

Ideally, the shower head should be positioned centrally overhead, leaving enough room to stand comfortably and not be pressed up against the wall. You should also allow enough space for the larger water fall so it doesn’t spill over your bath or shower enclosure area and onto the bathroom floor.

Additionally, you want the shower head to be at least 1 foot above the tallest person so the water is able to ‘fall’ and create the desired effect.

Can You Get A High Pressure Rain Shower Head?

Yes. There are high-pressure rain showerheads available on the market.

However, they will not be as high pressure as a ‘standard’ shower head. Simply put, the larger the surface area of the showerhead the lower the water pressure.

Saying this, high water pressure really isn’t the point of a rain shower head. It’s more about the large surface area of the water and a relaxing gentle feel. If you want higher water pressure, consider getting a dual head shower to benefit from both worlds.

Final Thoughts…

There you have it! The pros, cons and everything you need to know about rain shower heads so you can make an informed decision if it’s the right choice for you and your bathroom.

While rain shower heads typically cost more than their standard counterparts, they can offer a completely different and more luxurious shower experience.

So, will you add a rain shower to your next bathroom project?

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