The Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Tiles
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A great shower can be the difference between a rushed morning and a moment of calm in a busy day. But with so many styles, configurations, and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning your bathroom. That’s why we’ve created this guide, to help you make confident choices that suit your lifestyle, layout and design preferences.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading your current setup, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the perfect shower for your brand new bathroom.
A minimalists favourite. These open, tray-style showers often use a single glass panel and create a seamless, spa-like aesthetic. Best for: modern bathrooms, accessibility, and easy cleaning.
A fully tanked (waterproofed) space where the entire room becomes the shower. No tray, just a gently sloped floor for drainage. Great for compact spaces or ultra-modern looks. Requires professional installation.
A curved, corner-fitting shower enclosure that softens angles and saves space. Ideal for smaller bathrooms or en-suites where floor area is tight.
A slightly wider version of the standard quadrant, offering more room to move without sacrificing that space-saving curve.
A classic choice for master bathrooms, giving you room to stretch. Pairs beautifully with luxury touches like dual shower heads.
Compact and functional, with clean lines that suit modern styles. A smart fit for utility bathrooms or downstairs WCs.
Your shower screen plays a big role in how light and spacious your bathroom feels. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Frameless or slim-framed designs give a cleaner look and make smaller bathrooms feel airier.
Textured or fluted glass adds privacy while still letting in light.
Sliding doors are great for tight spaces. Hinged doors offer a premium feel in larger rooms.
Want to make life easy for yourself? Look for easy-clean coatings that reduce water marks and limescale build-up.
There’s more to a good shower than water pressure. Consider these options:
Mounted either overhead or on the ceiling, waterfall shower heads are designed to mimic the feel of natural rainfall. They’re wider than standard heads and deliver a soft, even flow of water, perfect for long relaxing showers. These are pretty common in luxury hotels so if you want that spa-experience at home, this is your best bet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spa-like, calming experience | Can feel too gentle for those who prefer high pressure |
| Sleek, modern look – often ceiling-mounted | Ceiling plumbing may add cost and complexity |
| Wide, even water coverage | Less effective for quick or targeted rinsing |
| Enhances luxury bathrooms | Typically more expensive than standard options |
A flexible, detachable option that sits on a holder or rail, handheld shower heads offer great manoeuvrability. They can be lifted off and directed exactly where needed make them a great option for families, pets, or cleaning.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly versatile and practical | Can appear less minimal or sleek |
| Great for families, pets, or elderly users | Hose and mount may add visual clutter |
| Ideal for targeted rinsing and cleaning | Slightly more maintenance (more parts to clean) |
| Often includes multiple spray settings | May feel basic on its own compared to fixed heads |
These combine a fixed (often rainfall) shower head with a separate handheld unit. Some systems even feature body jets or additional spray zones for a full spa experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Combines luxury and flexibility | Higher upfront cost |
| Allows both full-coverage and precision rinsing | Takes up more wall space |
| Ideal for shared bathrooms with different needs | Installation can be more complex |
| Premium aesthetic adds value | May require stronger water pressure or upgraded plumbing |
The control system behind your shower impacts everything from your water temperature to your morning mood. Its here that we’ve seen the most advancements in showering luxury in recent years.
The classic and most common choice for UK homes, these controls are simple, easy to use and the most affordable option. Basic dials or levers control the flow and temperature of your water. They’re available in a huge variety of designs so even though they’re the most budget friendly, you don’t have to compromise on the look and feel of them to pinch those pennies!
Someone flushed the downstairs loo? Popped the kettle on? Or even quickly brushed their teeth? With a thermostatic shower you can avoid the shock of cold water when someone runs a tap elsewhere in the house. These controls automatically regulate the water temperature so you can shower, shock free.
The height of convenience, if you’re looking for luxe, this is your shower. Remote control, app syncing, pre-set temperatures, and even voice control in some cases, smart showers give you full control over your showering experience. Perfect for tech-lovers or those who want the ultimate in comfort.
Taps, valves and shower frames now come in a range of finishes to match your style:
Chrome
Timeless and easy to match across fittings.
Matte Black
Sleek, bold and contemporary.
Brushed Gold
Warm and elegant, works beautifully with soft neutrals or dark tones.
Gunmetal
A refined alternative to black or silver, perfect for luxurious looks.
Tip: Match your shower finish to other bathroom hardware (like taps, towel bars and handles) for a cohesive look.
The cost of a new shower can vary depending on the type and features you choose. Here’s a rough guide:
| Shower Type | Approximate Cost (excluding labour) |
|---|---|
| Manual shower with enclosure | £400–£800 |
| Thermostatic dual head shower | £600–£1,200 |
| Wet room with frameless screen | £1,000–£2,000+ |
| Smart shower system | £800–£2,500+ |
| Labour & installation | £600–£2,000+ depending on complexity |
Showers are no longer just functional, they’re personal. Whether you want a spa-like escape or a practical everyday solution, there’s a setup that will fit your space, taste and routine.
Want help planning your bathroom renovation? Visit our showroom to explore full displays, talk through your options and get expert advice tailored to your home.
Next up: Thinking about taps, toilets or tiles? Check out the rest of our Bathroom Guides here.
Quadrant or corner enclosures are ideal for small bathrooms, as they maximise space while still providing a fully enclosed showering area. Walk-in showers with minimal framing can also help a room feel more open.
Walk-in showers offer a sleek, modern look and easy access, making them great for accessibility and style. However, enclosed showers retain heat and water better, which can be more practical for colder bathrooms.
A walk-in shower has a defined showering area with a low tray and glass screen, while a wet room has a fully tanked (waterproofed) floor and no tray – the whole bathroom acts as the shower space.
Yes, rainfall heads and multi-outlet systems often require higher water pressure to work effectively. If your pressure is low, a pump or shower valve upgrade may be necessary.
Smart showers allow you to control water temperature, flow, and start time via an app or remote. They’re convenient, great for families, and add a luxury feel – but they do cost more and may require specific plumbing.
A handheld shower head is the most practical choice for everyday use, as it can be adjusted easily, used for targeted rinsing, and makes cleaning the shower area simpler.
Chrome is still the most common, but brushed brass, matte black, and even rose gold are increasingly popular. Choose a finish that matches other fittings in your bathroom for a cohesive look.
Yes – but you’ll need to make sure the area is properly tanked (waterproofed), and that materials used are suitable for wet zones. Professional installation is key to avoid long-term issues.
A thermostatic shower maintains a constant temperature even if someone flushes a toilet or runs a tap elsewhere. It’s a great safety feature and is especially useful in family homes.
Costs vary depending on the type, size, and fittings. A basic shower enclosure can start from a few hundred pounds, while a fully tiled walk-in with premium fittings can run into the thousands. Always factor in plumbing and installation costs too.
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