A shower panel, also called a shower tower or a shower panel system, is a type of shower hardware that combines all the fixtures of a shower system situated on one panel. Shower panels are typically more budget-friendly and easier to install without professional help compared to shower systems since it is an all-in-one unit. Keep reading to learn more about shower panels, the types of shower panels you can choose from, and which features to look for to elevate your daily shower experience.

How to Choose the Right Shower Panel

(Shop this image: chrome shower panel, and rain shower head.)

With so many types of shower panels available, it can be easy to get off track while browsing. Some main components to think about when choosing a shower panel are the number of showerheads, the temperature and volume control setting options, and the type of spray patterns available. Below we've outlined a step-by-step list to reference when choosing a shower panel so you don't miss out on any important features.

1. Pick a Showerhead & How Many You Want

The first step is to pick out a showerhead like you would for a normal shower system. Shower panels come with a main overhead showerhead that's either fixed (meaning it can't be moved or adjusted) or an adjustable configuration that allows you to change the showerhead's direction while the base stays secure. An adjustable showerhead is great for households with people of different heights, or for open-concept shower enclosures since you can direct the flow of water away from the edge of the enclosure space.

Once you determine the showerhead configuration that works best, it's time to choose whether you want your shower panel to come with two showerheads or three showerheads. Going with a three-showerhead configuration gives you even more shower options and spray settings.

Tip!
Learn more about your showerhead options in our all-encompassing showerhead guide.

2. Choose Your Spray Pattern

Choosing a type of shower panel is your chance to pick from a range of spray patterns and pre-set pairings to amplify your shower experience. Consider these spray-pattern options for your showerheads to determine which one you can't live without:

• Spa-Like Relaxation: Go for a daily spa experience with a soft spray pattern showerhead. This is a mist-like setting that cascades down from the main showerhead for a cool mist after a workout or comforting warmth after a long day. Pause spray patterns provide a light flow of water – almost a trickle – that allows you to save water as you finish shaving or keep your hair from getting wet while washing your body.

• Thorough Cleaning: Stronger spray patterns help soothe aching muscles and thoroughly wash dirt or pollen from your hair and skin. These high-pressure water flows use jet- or massage-spray patterns to target a specific area on your back or legs. Showerheads with massage spray patterns perfect for getting energized after a restful night sleep or helping to relax your muscles after a day of work. Full or wide spray patterns help you thoroughly clean your hair and wash out shampoo quickly.

• Nature-Like Ambiance: Transport yourself to a scenic waterfall or refreshing rain shower with rain or flood spray patterns. Rain spray patterns come from a rain showerhead mounted at the top of the shower panel, while flood spray patterns have their own narrow spout-like exit from the top or side of the main showerhead that creates a smooth column of water – much like a waterfall.

3. Think About the Number of Body Sprayers You Want

Body sprayers are like mini showerheads built into the center area of the panel that provide a horizontal stream of water in either a light-misting or a jet-stream setting, which you can turn on or off while you shower. Some body sprayers can switch between jet streams or misters by changing the setting on the control knobs, while others have set body sprayers meant for misting or jet streams. Panels can have anywhere from one to five or more body sprayer settings.

4. Select a Faucet Control Type

Shower panels offer you the ability to adjust or manipulate your water temperature or pressure through faucet controls, which can look like levers, knobs, or buttons in more high-tech models. Discover the range of faucet controls you can have on your shower panel below:

• Thermostatic Faucet Controls: Thermostatic faucet controls allow you to set the maximum water temperature on your shower panel to prevent it from getting too hot. If you have heat sensitivity, a thermostatic faucet control can help you ensure a steady temperature when showering or bathing.

• Pressure-Balanced Faucet Controls: Pressure-balanced faucet controls prevent the water temperature from suddenly rising or dropping due to a loss of pressure from either the hot or cold water valve. With this faucet control feature, there’ll be no more worrying about the shower suddenly becoming scalding hot or frigidly cold.

Temperature Control Faucet Controls: This faucet control type controls the release of hot or cold water from the showerhead when you turn on the shower. This allows you to manipulate the temperature settings at any point during your shower for an immediate flux of warm or cool water.

• Volume Control Faucet Controls: Most shower panels with multiple showerheads and mist/jet settings have a volume control feature to ensure a consistent water pressure, no matter how many showerheads are in use at a time.

5. Explore Your Finish Options

Match your shower panel to other finishes in your bathroom by choosing from a variety of finish options. Achieve a clean silver look with stainless steel, nickel, or chrome, or add a touch of warmth with gold, bronze, or brass shower panel finishes. Create a modern shower space with a matte black or white shower panel finish.

6. Choose Your Must-Have Features

Consider these shower-enhancing panel features and choose the one that’s best for you:

• Built-In Shelf Included: Some shower panels come equipped with one or more built-in shelves to store your shampoo, conditioner, and other shower accessories without the need to install a separate shelf system.
• Adjustable Water Flow: This feature allows you to easily adjust the water flow through a range of low, medium, and high water flows. This is another helpful way to conserve the amount of water that you use during showers.

Tip!

Create a cohesive look in your bathroom by reviewing this checklist for choosing bathroom and shower fixtures.

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