Shower Head Height | Measurements To Know

Are you tired of constantly having to duck down or crouch to avoid getting hit by your shower head? It’s time to take control and find the perfect shower head height for your bathroom. With a variety of shower head heights to choose from, it’s essential to know the standard measurements to ensure the best showering experience.

In this post, I’ll explore the different shower head heights available and provide you with the measurements you need to know to make an informed decision.

Let’s dive in!

What height should a Wall-Mounted shower head be installed?

The average height to hang a traditional wall-mounted shower head is 200 cm (80 inches) above the floor of the tub or shower.

However, if you live where low and high ceilings are common. Positioning your shower head anywhere between 170 and 220 cm will work for most people, depending on their height.

If you or a family member is exceptionally tall, choosing the higher option helps them to get under the water stream, instead of having it sprayed in their face. If you have a handheld shower, the height is less important since you can raise it over your head as needed.

Shower head standard height Fixed shower head

Why Shower Head Height Matters

The height of your shower head has more to do with how you and your family use the shower rather than its actual function.

A shower that is too low may spray water onto your chest, instead of your head. You might bump your elbows on it while lathering up the shampoo. One that is too high makes it difficult for your kids to adjust the angle, so they can get totally wet without dancing around.

A handheld shower head takes some guesswork out of the placement since everyone can move it around to find their own sweet spot. A handheld head with an adjustable shower arm means the entire argument about changing the height of the head becomes moot.

What height should a rain shower head be installed?

A rain shower head is usually positioned over the middle of the shower. Since it hangs from the ceiling, it needs to be a little higher than a wall-mounted head so you are less likely to bump it with your elbows.

Mount it about 200 to 230 cm (80 – 90 inches) above the shower floor. If you or your family is more than 180 cm tall, you may want it even higher if your ceiling height allows it.

When you have a bathroom with ceilings higher than 250 cm (100 inches), you may want to support a rain shower head from the side of the shower, instead of through the ceiling.

Maintaining that 230 cm (90 inches) maximum shower head height means that the head will perform as expected. When the shower head is too high, you might be disappointed with your purchase.

Rain shower head standard height

Can a shower head be too high?

Yes. The higher your shower head is from *your* head, you will experience a softer “rainfall” and even lose some heat as the water pours out of the shower head.

Also, if it is positioned higher up on the wall, the kids and your shorter spouse may not be able to reach it to adjust the angle of the head.

Standard heights are set as an industry average to work for the majority of the population. Also, the shower heads themselves are designed to work best at the average shower height.

Once you opt for a higher position, you may need to look at custom shower heads to deliver the pressure, heat, and convenience that you expect for your morning wash.

What is the standard shower head height?

The standard shower head height is typically around 200 cm (80 inches) above the floor, but it can vary based on the user’s height and personal preference.

That being said, there is no required height. Some people may prefer a higher or lower shower head height, and adjustable shower heads allow for customization.

It is important to take into consideration the height of the showerhead in relation to the height of the users. Find a height that works best for you and your partner to ensure the best showering experience.

Where should the shower head be placed?

The most common location for a shower head is above the bath tap in your tub and shower combination.

In a rectangular shower, using the narrow wall for the shower head means that the water will spray into the tiled area of the shower, and not out into the bathroom.

If you are adding a square shower with a door, choose a wall that is not facing the door for this same reason. Even a handheld shower head should be positioned in a way to that if it starts spraying before you hop in, it will aim at the back wall of the enclosure.

If the shower head is attached to your taps, make sure you can reach the taps while standing outside the shower enclosure. That way somebody helping a child with the bath doesn’t need to get soaked while testing the temperature.

What height should shower controls be installed?

When installing taps for a combination shower and bath, they will be located between 65 cm to 75 cm (25 – 30 inches) high measured from the bottom of the tub. 

This means that somebody seated in the bath can reach the mixing valve. Also, you don’t have to bend completely over if you are stepping in the shower.

Controls for a walk-in shower are situated about 120 cm (47 inches) from the floor of the enclosure. This is about the height of your ribs. There are positioned so that you won’t need to reach up or down to adjust the flow and temperature of the shower.

What height should a shower grab bar be installed?

To be in compliance with ADA standards for accessible bathrooms, a horizontal grab bar must be located between 84 and 92 cm (33 – 36 inches) above the shower floor. This is about waist height.

This height is based on the average height of a person and allows for the grab bar to be easily within reach. It is important to consider the height of the users when installing a shower grab bar, as well as the weight it will need to support, to ensure proper installation and safety.

Additionally, grab bars should be securely anchored into the wall and meet relevant building codes and safety standards.

The taps in an accessible shower must be installed between 965 and 1220 mm (38 – 48 inches) from the height of the floor and no farther in the tub than 450 mm (18 inches) from the front edge.

This allows the user or a caretaker to reach into the shower to check the temperature and pressure before stepping into the enclosure.

Shower grab rail height

Does shower head height affect water pressure?

Yes and no. Whether your shower head is mounted at 180 or 200 cm, your home’s water supply will deliver roughly the same water pressure to the head. The difference is negligible.

The beads of water shooting out of the head lose their shape as they fall. The farther they fall, the less “hard” the water pressure feels on your skin. So, a tall person under a lower shower head will experience a more vigorous shower than a short person beneath a high head. 

The type of shower head that you install will allow you to adjust the water pressure by changing the shape of the water flow. Even a basic water-saver head can improve the feel of your shower experience and can be installed using your hands and a simple spanner 

Should the shower head be on the same side as the door?

There is no hard and fast rule that dictates whether a shower head must be on the same side as the door, as it depends on the specific design of the bathroom and the preferences of the user.

In general, shower heads are installed opposite the door to allow for maximum use of the shower area and to minimize water splashing outside of the shower. However, shower heads can also be installed on the same side as the door or even in a corner, depending on the layout and the needs of the user.

With sliding shower doors, it is recommended that the shower head be located on the same side as the opening door. This means the water flow will be away from the opening and shower door overlap, reducing the risk of leaking between the doors

The key is to make sure that the shower head placement provides adequate coverage and accessibility for the user.

Does the shower head height affect the cost of installation?

Adjusting the height of your shower head during the initial installation will not change how much the plumber charges for the job. They still need to cut and fit pipe to meet whatever height you selected.

Once the shower is fully installed, the cost of changing the head height will significantly vary based on whether you need to open up the wall or just attach a riser to the existing hardware. The price will run between £100 and £1,000.

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Final Thoughts…

There you have it! A guide to shower head height measurements and everything you need to know.

finding the right shower head height for your bathroom can greatly improve your showering experience. By understanding the standard measurements and different shower head heights available, you can make an informed decision that will meet your needs.

Whether you’re looking for a shower head that is adjustable or one that is fixed, there are options available that will provide you with the comfort and convenience you deserve.

So, take control of your showering experience today and find the perfect shower head height for your bathroom.

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Michael R

Michael is a KBB designer from the UK. He's been designing and project managing new Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom installations for over eight years now, and before that, he was an electrician and part of a KBB fitting team. He created The Bathroom Blueprint in early 2020.