For most people, a shower is the beginning of a new day — a chance to refresh yourself and prepare for what lies ahead. But showers are about so much more than just hygiene, they’re about maintaining your overall health and well-being. So, when you’re upgrading or renovating your bathroom, it’s important to consider what kind of shower you want to step into every morning when you wake up. Do you want a rousing, powerful jet of water? Or would you rather opt for a shower head with a comforting, rain-like pattern of gentle droplets? Still, you could decide to go with something more versatile that offers a variety of different pressures and patterns.

Ultimately, the decision is yours but remember that you're not just buying a shower — you’re buying peace of mind. Join us as we discuss the myriad of options and amenities that are available when it comes time to purchase your next shower.

COST & BUDGET

Budget is one of the most important factors when it comes to upgrading your shower, shower enclosure or bath. Depending on the style of your home, the budget may also be influenced by the preexisting aesthetic and layout of your current space. Don’t get bogged down or creatively stifled by the present design in your home but also be mindful of its current style before you implement changes that could clash with the rest of your home. Unless you’re working with a new space or a major renovation, your plumbing will also dictate some of your fixture options, so be sure to consider that when you’re coming up with your budget. Furthermore, quality glass and fancy finishes will also drive up the cost, and you don’t want your dream bathroom to turn into a budgetary nightmare, so keep all of these factors in mind before your make any big purchases.

SIZE & SPACE

You can’t fit a whirlpool tub into a half-bath. The size and shape of your space is a huge factor when you’re considering a renovation or upgrade. Before you click the “purchase” button, make sure that you take a few measurements and consider consulting a professional before you fall in love with a fixture that can’t be installed in your bathroom.

To get a sense of the possibilities, we’ve put together this comprehensive list of different types of showers to better assist you in making this difficult decision.

Shower Doors

Walk-in showers have always been an economical choice when it comes to bathroom design, allowing for a more open and spacious floor plan. However, contemporary designs for walk-In showers have made this style much more trendy and attractive, so it’s no wonder that more and more homeowners are opting for this succinct style of shower. 

Additionally, Walk-in showers feature a host of amenities that wouldn’t be possible in a more traditional drop-in shower or bath. Walk-in showers include a variety of customizable options such as bench seating, versatile storage for toiletries, and room to install rods and handholds for added support.

If this is the style of shower that you’re interested in, then look no farther than the VIGO Elan E-Class sliding shower door. Designed to maximize spatial potential, this stunning frameless glass sliding shower door provides ease of accessibility with this open concept entryway. Engineered with proprietary technology, installation is seamless, blurring the line between utility and innovation. Experience a spa-like shower experience every time you set foot inside.

Tub Doors

Walk-in showers are a great addition to small bathrooms, but for some homeowners, a bathtub is a necessity. If taking a hot bath is how you unwind, then you don’t want to design your dream bathroom without one. Bathtub-shower combinations are a perfect solution for anyone who’s trying to optimize space but doesn’t want to give up the amenity of a full-size bath.

A stunning example of a great walk-in shower would be VIGO’s original Elan Grid Sliding Tub Shower Door. The tempered glass and painted features of the door allow it to be lighter without sacrificing style. 

Freestanding Tubs

Few bathroom amenities deliver elegance like the presence of a freestanding tub. This sophisticated style of tub is a great choice for anyone who’s trying to add a touch of class to their master bath. Although there are plenty of modern choices available, every freestanding tub connotes a classic type of vibe. With immaculate detailing and adornments like a claw foot or smooth ceramic finish, this variety of a tub is undeniably luxurious. Configuring showerheads can be difficult, so be sure to consult a professional if you decide to go with this elegant aesthetic for your home

Corner Showers

Corner shower enclosures are one of the most economical and creative solutions for tiny bathrooms. Nook and cranny space is often misused or overlooked, and the shower stall you’ve been dreaming of could be right around the corner, literally. Additionally, corner showers typically make for an easier installation and require less complicated plumbing. 

The modern bathroom you’ve been waiting for could be yours with the VIGO Monteray Frameless Shower Enclosure. Made with solid 3/8” tempered glass, and solid brass constructed hardware for improved stability, this sturdy enclosure is built to last and destined to impress.

GETTING A HEAD

Now that you’ve got an idea of what shower fits best for you and your budget, the next thing to consider is what type of shower panel you want to cap off your design.

Classic Shower Panels

Classic shower panels offer a traditional and beautiful piece of hardware for any homeowner looking to cultivate a simple, sophisticated look for their bathroom. This unique style of shower head design allows for some added modern amenities without sacrificing any style. Special features like hydro jets, rainfall shower heads and handheld shower wands are just a few examples of the possibilities available with this sleek variety of shower panels.

If this is the style that you’re looking for, then look no further than the VIGO Ellington Shower Panel in Matte Black. Built with a lightweight aluminum body, this gorgeous panel features solid brass hardware, 4 individual body massage jets for pressurized hydrotherapy, 3Diverty Valve™ technology for total water control, a limited lifetime warranty, and a stunning matte black finish. And if a round shower head isn’t what you’re looking for, then perhaps the VIGO Kingsley is more your style.

Tub Filler Shower Panels

Some shower panels offer enough versatility to accommodate any setup -- including a bathtub. While these long, sleek panels may clash with some designs, their benefits vastly outweigh any perceivable drawbacks. If you’re considering a shower-tub combo but not sure about limiting your hardware possibilities, then this variety of shower panel could be exactly what your design calls for.

Choosing the right shower is essential to create a warm and welcoming environment to start your everyday routine. Be creative, be thoughtful of your existing design, and be bold. After all, this is your shower and your bathroom — it deserves to be as unique as the person who lives there. Good luck and remember: With great shower, comes great responsibility.