Showers

The origins of the shower can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where waterfalls served as nature's original showerheads, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience. The ancient Greeks, known for their advanced aqueducts and water systems, developed rudimentary showers in gymnasiums and public bathhouses. These were more than mere cleansing facilities; they were social hubs, integral to the cultural fabric of the time.

As we journey through time, the Roman Empire expanded upon Greek innovations, creating lavish bathhouses with sophisticated water delivery systems. However, with the fall of the Roman Empire, these advancements faded into obscurity, and it wasn't until the 18th century that the shower re-emerged in Europe.

The modern shower, as we know it, began to take shape in the early 19th century. English Regency shower designs, often opulent and intricate, marked a significant leap forward. However, these showers were primarily the domain of the affluent, limiting their widespread adoption.

The Evolution into Contemporary Shower Technology

The 20th century witnessed a remarkable transformation in shower technology, democratising this luxury and making it a staple of households worldwide. Today, the shower is not merely a utilitarian feature but a focal point of bathroom design, a sanctuary offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and technological sophistication.

Gone are the days of temperamental boilers and pipes delivering an unreliable trickle of lukewarm water. Modern showers harness innovations like tankless water heating and thermostatic valves to provide an endless supply of water at a precise, stable temperature. Many high-end showers allow you to program and save your ideal temperature and flow settings. Some even feature digital displays indicating the exact water temperature.

Showers today also boast an array of rejuvenating features to turn bathing into a spa-like experience. Invigorating rainfall showerheads simulate the gentle patter of a spring shower. Massaging jets target sore muscles to wash away tension and fatigue. Chromatherapy lighting casts coloured mood lighting. Aromatherapy systems infuse steam with essential oils for sensory stimulation. From the utilitarian to the decadent, today's showers represent the pinnacle of modern innovation. With its countless configurations, customisable features, and intuitive technology, the shower continues to be reinvented, elevating our daily ablutions.

Types of Showers:

Let's take a look at what kinds of options there are available to you when looking for a new showering product. You'll be surprised at all of the choices and various types of showers, but shouldn't be surprised to know we stock all of them here at Bathroom Supplies Online!

Electric Showers: The Convenient Choice for Modern Homes

Electric showers are increasingly popular in many homes due to their convenience and efficiency. These showers heat water on demand, providing a consistent and reliable shower experience, especially in busy households. Unlike traditional showers that rely on a boiler or hot water tank, electric showers only require a cold water supply and an electrical connection. This makes them an ideal solution for homes where hot water supplies can be limited.

One of the most significant benefits of electric showers is their ability to provide hot water instantly. This is particularly useful in households where the demand for hot water is high, such as during the morning or when guests are over. Furthermore, since electric showers heat water as it is used, they can be more energy-efficient, potentially reducing your energy bills.

Our range of electric showers is not just about functionality; it's also about style. Designed to fit seamlessly into any bathroom aesthetic, these showers come in various sleek designs that can complement both modern and traditional bathrooms. From minimalist models to more advanced showers with digital displays and varying spray patterns, there's a perfect match for every taste.

Advanced electric showers have load-sensing technology that stabilises water pressure and temperature, preventing fluctuations caused by taps and toilets elsewhere in the home being turned on and off. Thermostatic valves keep the temperature constant and prevent scalding. Adjustable spray patterns, from gentle rain showers to powerful cascades, provide a luxurious soaking experience.

Electric showers are energy-efficient, heating only the water needed for your shower. This saves on energy bills compared to constantly reheating and circulating water throughout the home. Their compact size makes them ideal for smaller bathrooms. Electric showers can also function as a backup should your boiler or hot water system fail.

Installing an electric shower can be more straightforward than other types, but it's crucial to ensure your home's electrical system can support the shower's power rating. It's always recommended to have a professional carry out the installation to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical regulations.

Bar Showers: The Essence of Minimalist Elegance

Bar showers are a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of minimalist elegance to their bathrooms. Characterised by their compact and streamlined design, these showers are perfect for contemporary spaces. They typically feature a single bar that houses the temperature and flow controls, offering a sleek look that's both modern and timeless.

The main appeal of bar showers lies in their ease of use. With intuitive controls, adjusting the temperature and water flow is simple and precise. This feature is particularly beneficial for families with young children or elderly members, as it allows for a safe and comfortable showering experience. Built-in safety features such as maximum temperature regulators give you peace of mind when showering. The bar controls also reduce limescale buildup by diverting the water flow when adjusting temperature. Contemporary bar showers come in cutting-edge finishes like matte black and brushed brass to complement modern bathroom designs.

Our collection of bar showers includes various styles, each designed to blend form and function. From chrome finishes that add a modern touch to matte options for a more understated look, there's a style to suit any bathroom decor. Furthermore, many of our bar showers come with additional features like thermostatic control, which maintains a constant temperature even when water pressure fluctuates, ensuring a safer showering experience.

Many bar showers feature a rainfall showerhead that provides relaxing wide coverage reminiscent of a summer downpour. The large shower head, combined with the bar's adjustable height, ensures an indulgent soaking even in a confined space. For statement luxury, LED-illuminated bar showers bathe you in colored mood lighting.

Bar showers lend themselves well to modern walk-in showers. A minimalist glass enclosure highlights the bar shower's clean lines. The compact footprint maximizes space in smaller bathrooms. Wall-mount and ceiling-mount options increase installation flexibility.

The installation of bar showers is generally straightforward, but it's essential to consider the existing plumbing setup in your bathroom. Most models are compatible with standard plumbing systems, but professional installation is recommended to ensure optimal performance and avoid any potential issues.

Mixer Showers: A Balance of Style and Practicality

Mixer showers are renowned for their ability to seamlessly blend hot and cold water to achieve the perfect temperature, providing a comfortable and tailored showering experience. This balance is not just in the water temperature but also in the design and functionality that mixer showers offer.

Mixer showers come in two primary designs: the traditional exposed style and the more contemporary concealed design. The exposed style features all components, including pipes and valves, on the outside of the wall, often adding a classic touch to the bathroom. In contrast, the concealed design hides the pipework behind the wall, lending a sleek, minimalist look that is increasingly popular in modern bathroom decor.

At the heart of a mixer shower is the thermostatic valve that expertly combines hot and cold water supplies. Rotate the control knob, and the valve calibrates the blend to deliver water at your chosen temperature. The latest thermostatic cartridges deliver water at a precise temperature within a fraction of a degree.

The control knob on exposed mixer showers lets you adjust the temperature with a simple turn. Concealed mixer valves hide away under the wall surface for a seamless look, with just the shower head and taps visible. Concealed mixers come with an easy-access service hatch for maintenance.

The most significant advantage of a mixer shower is the precise control it offers over water temperature. This is particularly beneficial in households with children or elderly members, as it reduces the risk of scalding. It's important to note that mixer showers perform best in homes with a steady and robust water pressure system. Low-pressure systems might require an additional pump to achieve the desired performance.

Digital Showers

Digital showers represent the pinnacle of convenience and control. With the ability to precisely adjust water temperature and flow with the touch of a button, these showers offer a personalised experience. Some models even allow users to control their showers remotely via smartphone apps, a nod to the interconnectedness of modern life.

Digital showers feature an electronic control panel, often with an LED display. Enter your desired temperature digitally, or use the +/- buttons to make precise adjustments. Programmable settings allow you to save your perfect shower profile.

Select your water flow from a gentle rain shower to an intense cascade at the press of a button. Many digital showers also include pre-set modes, allowing you to choose an invigorating, relaxing, or gentle shower experience on demand.

Top-tier digital showers connect to home automation systems and your smartphone. Start your shower remotely from your phone or by voice command. Digital valves safeguard against overheating and freezing. Leak detection can automatically shut off the shower when a leak is sensed.

Traditional Showers: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Functionality

Traditional showers are a nod to the past, offering classic designs that evoke a sense of nostalgia while incorporating modern functionality. These showers often feature ornate designs with crosshead or lever handles and a classic, often Victorian-inspired, appearance. These showers are a perfect match for heritage or period-style bathrooms, adding an element of timeless elegance.

Traditional showers feature elegantly curved riser rails, porcelain lever handles, and porcelain shower heads for a vintage look. Brass, chrome, and nickel finishes give a gleaming, polished accent. Exposed piping has a decorative, retro charm.

Beneath the classical exterior lie reliable concealed thermostatic valves that maintain a stable water temperature. Easy-clean limescale filters ensure continuous water flow. Traditional showers can even include modern touches like rainfall shower heads.

Free-standing roll-top bath shower mixers match clawfoot and slipper tubs. Wall-mounted options complement period tiles and sanitaryware. For authentic luxury, deluge shower heads in brass or chrome evoke the glamor of early 20th century bathhouses.

Despite their classic appearance, many traditional showers now include modern features such as thermostatic controls for safe and consistent water temperature and eco-friendly options to reduce water usage without compromising on the shower experience.

Traditional showers are available in a range of options, including overhead rain showers and hand-held units, providing flexibility to meet various preferences and needs.