Georgina
Posted on 24th March 2020
One of the main silver linings I’ve found with working from home is I can have a drawn-out shower in the morning. That’s as as opposed to my quick in-out, half-asleep wash I usually have at 6 am.
It’s made me think about how I could have a more spa-like and wellness-inspired shower more often. And the answer I came up with is: rainfall showers.
They’re also called pan showers, large showerheads or, as I like to say, rainfall showers. These big players in brassware mean that showers are no longer simply a means of getting clean quickly. But rather they are a way for us to indulge in a few moments of relaxation that leave us feeling rejuvenated. Sounds perfect right now, right?
In fact, rainfall shower designs are often top of a bathroom renovation wishlist. Commonly found in luxury hotels and spas, more and more of us are opting to have large static overhead showers in our own spaces to recreate that sanctuary feel. Would you like one?
Buying tips for rainfall showers
Given the popularity of this type ofset-up, there are a lot of options onoffer. Many have multiple sprayingand jet modes for a spa experience– some even mimic the feel of actualraindrops – dreamy, I know – whereas others will offera simple on-off system.
Fortunately,many bathroom showrooms now haveoperating showers on display for youto test out their range of functions – so, when you can – it is worth visiting one to get a betterunderstanding of how different systemswork before you make a purchase.
Top tip: Check that all products and materials are WRAS approved, which means they comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations or Scottish Byelaws.
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Get the design right with rainfall showers
As with any shower, you should firstlydecide which kind of system you want. For example, aconcealed set-up is where the valvesand pipework for the shower are hiddenbehind the wall. This layout will result in aneat look, but it will also be more difficultto install as you’ll need to rip open thesurface.
An exposed scheme has thevalves and pipes on show – more ofa traditional look, but one that’s alsogaining popularity in modern schemes. (Although it will need more cleaning – something I’ve sadly discovered with my own exposed shower.)
You can attach rainfall showersto an exposed pipe, recess them into orfit them on the ceiling, or install them on thewall. As with most bathroom brassware,the most common finishes are chromeand stainless steel. However, there are an endless concoction of finishes out there. There’s everything from gold, nickel, and matt black to tarnished brass and burnt copper. Now, these will make a real statement.
Also consider adding a handset to your rainfall shower. We recommend this if you have little ones, as it will make washing them easier, and helps when cleaning.
Finally, the shape and finish of yourshowerhead depends on thestyle of your bathroom. So think abouthow the new set-up will work as part ofthe rest of your décor. Are you partial to the industrial look for rainfall showers, or prefer something a bit more glam, for instance?
Don’t forget…
The technical bit: due to their size, rainfall showers requirea high amount of water pressure. Soyou must find out what the levels arelike in your property before decidingon which system to go for.
You measure water pressure in bars andthis generally ranges from a low 0.1 barup to a high pressure of 5 bar. If youhave your heart set on a certaindesign of rainfall showers, it is possible to fit a boost pump. However, check witha plumber before buying to see ifthey can do this in your home.
Pricing for rainfall showers
There are a wide variety of optionson offer to suit every style and budget. They start from around £500 for a qualitysystem with rainfall showerhead.
Featured image:Rainfall showers: The Big Rain by Dornbracht requires ceiling installationand measures an impressive 56 x 65cm. Available in astainless steel finish from West One Bathrooms, £4806.
If you liked this feature on rainfall showers, you may also enjoy Spa bathrooms: can water help our wellbeing?
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Georgina
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