The shower is a sanctuary, a special place to find a few moments of peace and organise your thoughts. That’s why learning how to choose a shower head that ticks every box is such an important step in a successful bathroom renovation.

Of course, reliable tapware is essential when choosing a shower head, but there’s a lot more involved in getting it just right. There are aesthetics and styling to think about, functionality that will serve you well into the future – and practicality. Because a shower head needs to work just as well for you as it does for other members of the household.

If you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled our decades of renovating experience into a handy list to help you choose the perfect shower head the first time.

First, consider water efficiency

Water is a precious resource and a critical thing to consider when looking to buy any type of tapware. So, when shortlisting your favourite shower heads, ensure it has a WELS water efficiency label that demonstrates how many litres of water is used per minute.

Remember, a water-efficient shower doesn’t just help conserve resources, it drastically reduces your household running costs too.

Learn what tech is on the table

Before you start shopping for a new shower head, take the time to learn about the features available to you. Shower innovation has come a mighty long way in recent years. Quality brands like Greens are dedicated to advancing technology in the market.

Standout shower tech of the moment includes BubbleJET® technology, which involves the expert balance of water and air to produce a highly aerated stream akin to bubbles!

AirFlo® technology is another bathroom game-changer, which fills water droplets with air to create a revitalising shower stream. Better still, it has a fully adjustable multifunction handset with three spray settings. This means you can choose between a spa-like massage spray, a normal spray – or a combination of the two! Love that.

Is adjustable height necessary?

Especially if you have kids in the house, it’s important to pick a shower head that is height adjustable. A fixed ceiling-mounted shower won’t be as practical as an adjustable handheld shower for the shorter people under your roof.

Look for a handheld, single-rail or luxurious twin-rail shower, complete with a drencher and a handset. This gives you complete flexibility to tailor the height to the person … and keep everyone happy.

How’s your water pressure?

Water pressure varies a lot from home to home. If you’ve ever tried to wash thick hair under a weak shower, you’ll know it isn’t fun!

Choosing a shower that will work with volatile or low water pressure is the answer to overcoming the problem, and it will save you trouble down the track.

RainBoost® showers are a fabulous example of a system designed specifically to deal with fluctuating water pressure. And you don’t have to skimp on looks either – they’re available in a range of trending finishes and most types of shower heads, from fixed to handheld.

Think about shower head size and coverage

Large shower heads are popular for their immersive and luxe qualities. That said, they’re often more expensive than smaller heads and better suited to large shower spaces than small cubicles.

If you prefer a more focused stream, a smaller shower head, such as a might suit you better.

And if you have plenty of space and can’t decide which style you prefer, a twin-rail shower can give you the best of both worlds.

Choose the right colour for the room

You’re not limited to chrome anymore, there’s a range of coloured showers to choose from. And trust us when we say that choosing between them isn’t easy!

Showstopping tones like brushed brass and brushed copper are fantastic for making your tapware a focal point. Keep in mind that they work best with a neutral or complementary backdrop that lets the colour do all the talking.

For a minimalist aesthetic, brushed stainless, chrome and brushed nickel are all perfectly suited. And for a cool Urban style, matte black is a surefire winner.

Look for a shower head that’s part of a full range

Remember, cohesion is essential to a winning renovation. A great way to achieve it is by choosing a shower head as part of a range of bathroom products.

By matching your shower head to your tapware, towel rails, robe hooks and other bathroom accessories, you’ll achieve continuity in the room and a more refined finish.

WOM Network is working with Greens Tapware to bring you this article. Expertly designed in New Zealand for the modern lifestyle, Greens Tapware proudly sits at the forefront of technological tapware innovation and trends through constant research and innovation.

This article first appeared on Making HOME.