When it comes to designing a bathroom, the shower you choose isn’t just about getting clean—it’s a key part of your space’s function and style. From dramatic steam showers to charming clawfoot enclosures, there’s a shower type for every vibe and need. Here’s a breakdown of eight popular shower types, what makes each one special, and the design styles they naturally complement. Let’s dive in.
Clawfoot Shower Enclosures
Notable Feature: A classic freestanding tub with a wraparound curtain rod and overhead shower.
If you’re after old-school charm, it’s hard to beat a clawfoot tub with a shower enclosure. This setup is exactly what it sounds like—a freestanding clawfoot tub fitted with a high-mounted circular or oval shower rod and curtain, paired with a vertical riser and overhead showerhead. It brings romance and nostalgia into the space.
Best for: French Country, Victorian, or Grandmillennial-style bathrooms. Accent with floral wallpaper, wainscoting, and vintage hardware for an authentic look.
Mason Hill Clawfoot Tub Deck Mount Shower Enclosure with Faucet and Shower Head – vintagetub.com
Steam Showers
Notable Feature: Transforms your shower into a spa-like experience with warm, therapeutic steam.
Steam showers are all about luxury. These fully enclosed systems utilize a steam generator to fill your shower with warm mist, providing you with a high-end spa experience at home. Many come with built-in seats, aromatherapy options, and digital controls for temperature and humidity. It’s perfect if you love wellness and want to turn your bathroom into a daily retreat.
Best for: Modern, Contemporary, and Zen-style bathrooms—especially those designed with wellness in mind. Think clean lines, stone tiles, and a neutral palette.
2-Person Rectangular Walk In Steam Shower-Blue Glass – homedepot.com
Exposed Pipe Showers
Notable Feature: Industrial-style piping and visible plumbing for bold, functional aesthetics.
Exposed pipe showers showcase the mechanical components most showers try to hide. You’ll see metal pipes, valves, and risers in the open, typically available in brass, matte black, or brushed nickel finishes. They’re charming in their rawness and often come with a rainfall or handheld showerhead combo.
Best for: Industrial, Farmhouse, or Vintage-inspired bathrooms. Pair with subway tile or reclaimed wood for maximum effect.
Mason Hill Collection Exposed Cross Handle Shower Set with Handshower – vintagetub.com
Accessible Showers (Barrier-Free or Walk-In)
Notable Feature: Zero-threshold entry for easy and safe access, with seamless flooring.
Accessible showers—also known as curbless or barrier-free showers—feature a completely level entry, meaning no step up or threshold. They’re ideal for people with mobility concerns, but they’re also gaining popularity in modern design for their sleek, open look. Many come with built-in bench seating and handrails.
Best for: Transitional and Minimalist bathrooms or any design that prioritizes function and flow. Their clean, linear appearance blends beautifully with stone or porcelain tilework.
White Vida 60 X 32 Accessible Bathroom Shower Kit with Left Drain – vintagetub.com
Corner Showers
Notable Feature: Space-saving design perfect for compact bathrooms.
Corner showers make the most of tight spaces by fitting snugly into a 90-degree corner of your bathroom. They usually come with sliding or pivot doors and a built-in bench or shelving. You can find frameless glass options or enclosed units depending on your layout and budget.
Best for: Scandinavian, Urban Modern, or Small-Space design. Great with white or light gray tiles and simple black fixtures.
American Standard Elevate Brushed Nickel Frameless Corner Neo Angle Hinged Soft Close Shower door Thick Clear Glass – lowes.com
Shower-Tub Combos
Notable Feature: A versatile two-in-one setup that balances bathing and showering.
The shower-tub combo is the most common type of setup, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Whether you’re using a curtain or installing glass panels, this dual-use area is super functional—especially in homes with kids or pets. You can upgrade it with tile surrounds, niche shelving, and high-end fixtures to add a personal touch.
Best for: Traditional, Transitional, or Coastal-style bathrooms. Dress it up with shaker-style cabinetry, soft blue tones, or marble accents.
Maui 60 in. L x 30 in. W x 76.5 in. H Rectangular Tub Shower Combo Unit Right Hand in White – homedepot.com
Rainfall Showers
Notable Feature: Simulates standing under a warm summer rain with a wide, gentle water flow.
Rainfall showers are designed to be mounted directly above your head, to provide a calming, natural-feeling shower experience. The water doesn’t spray out harshly like traditional heads—it falls in a soft cascade, which is both soothing and luxurious. You can also find versions with LED lights or temperature indicators.
Best for: Spa-Inspired, Contemporary, or Coastal Grandma-style bathrooms. Complement with pebbled floors, organic textures, and soft, neutral hues.
5-Spray Patterns 12 in. Ceiling Mount Rainfall Shower Faucet with 6-Jet in Brushed Nickel (Valve Included) – homedepot.com
Body Showers (Body Spray Systems)
Notable Feature: Multiple spray jets positioned along the wall for full-body water coverage.
Body showers (also called body spray systems) take the regular shower experience and dial it way up. Instead of water coming from just one overhead showerhead, you get a series of wall-mounted jets—typically arranged at different heights to hit your back, sides, and legs all at once. These jets are adjustable in pressure and direction, allowing you to personalize the experience for massage-like relaxation or energizing wake-ups.
Some setups integrate body sprays with rainfall or handheld shower features, creating a multi-functional, immersive zone. Installation requires a thoughtful plumbing layout, so it’s ideal for remodels or new builds where you can plan for it in advance.
Best for: High-end Spa, Contemporary, and Luxury Traditional bathrooms. It’s a great fit for spaces that feature large walk-in showers, mosaic or marble tiles, and upscale finishes like polished nickel or brushed gold.
Luxury 3-Spray Patterns Thermostatic 12 in. Wall Mount Rainfall Dual Shower Heads with 6-Body Spray in Brushed Nickel – homedepot.com
Bonus Tips for Picking the Right Shower
No matter which shower style you’re leaning toward, here are a few quick pointers to help with decision-making:
- Size of the bathroom matters. If space is tight, a corner shower or a walk-in design can be a smart, space-saving solution. Bigger spaces can accommodate wet rooms or freestanding clawfoot setups.
- Think about plumbing location. Exposed pipes are ideal for surface-mounted solutions, but recessed heads, such as rainfall or built-in jets, require more involved work behind the walls.
- Consider your lifestyle. Steam showers and rainfall setups are all about indulgence. If you prioritize efficiency or require accessibility, a barrier-free walk-in or combo unit may be the better option.
- Match your materials. A clawfoot shower surrounded by ultra-modern tiles may feel out of place. Align your finish selections—tile, trim, and fixtures—with the vibe you’re going for.
So, Which Shower’s Right for You?
When in doubt, consider how you want the space to feel: calming, invigorating, dramatic, nostalgic, or perhaps a mix of all of these. Your shower isn’t just a utility—it’s a mood.
From classic clawfoot elegance to the high-tech comfort of a body spray system, there’s a shower style for every kind of bathroom vibe. Whether you’re after daily functionality or indulgent “treat yourself” luxury, the right shower can completely transform the look and feel of your space.
FAQs
What’s the best shower type for small bathrooms?
- Corner showers are ideal for compact spaces. They fit snugly into corners and often feature sliding or pivot doors to save even more space.
Are steam showers difficult to install?
- Yes, steam showers typically require professional installation, including a steam generator, sealed enclosures, and proper ventilation to prevent moisture issues.
Can I add a rainfall showerhead to any bathroom?
- Generally, yes—but rainfall showerheads often require overhead plumbing and sufficient water pressure, which might involve additional modifications.
What type of shower is best for accessibility?
- Barrier-free or walk-in showers are best for accessibility. They have zero-threshold entry, seamless flooring, and can include built-in benches and grab bars.
What’s the difference between a body shower and a regular shower?
- Body showers use multiple wall-mounted jets for full-body coverage, while a regular shower typically uses a single overhead or handheld showerhead.
Bert Solivan
Bert is a passionate interior design enthusiast and home decor blogger, known for curating spaces that blend timeless elegance with personal style. With an eye for detail and a love for mixing classic and contemporary elements, Bert shares expert tips, inspiration, and product finds through his blog, helping readers create beautiful, livable homes that tell their unique stories.
