What makes a hotel shower feel so good? Usually, it’s the little things: water at the right temperature, a showerhead you enjoy and enough space to wash without bumping into anything. Those are good places to start when updating your own shower.
Start with the water. A handheld showerhead on an adjustable bar makes it easier to find a comfortable height, rinse the walls and wash without standing under the spray. If you’re replacing the controls, ask a plumber about a mixing valve to help prevent scalding. Before buying a new showerhead, consider both how the spray feels and how much water it uses. A bigger head doesn’t necessarily mean a better shower. Canadian public health guidance recommends mixing valves to reduce scald risk, and CMHC recommends water-efficient fixtures.
Give the shower room to work. A recessed niche keeps bottles off the floor. A small bench or ledge can make washing and shaving easier, if there’s enough space to move comfortably around it. For a full renovation, a low threshold may make entry easier, but the drain and floor have to be planned together.
The finish matters, too. A simple tile pattern and a clear glass panel can make the shower feel calm and open. Larger tiles may mean fewer grout lines to clean, but choose the finish with daily use in mind, especially on the floor. Before settling on tile, ask your contractor how the shower will be waterproofed behind it and how they’ll seal the corners, plumbing openings and niche. You won’t see that work when the shower is finished, but it matters every time you turn on the water.
Think about the room after the shower. Good ventilation helps clear humidity, while a non-slip shower surface makes the space more comfortable to use. Health Canada advises using the bathroom exhaust fan when showering to reduce humidity and help prevent mold.
If plumbing work is part of the project, check your municipality’s requirements before work begins.
A shower that looks good in a photo is appealing. One that feels good every morning and is built to handle daily water use is the better upgrade.