Unlike a traditional shower head, a rain shower is designed to mimic the light pitter-patter of rain. That said, it is unrealistic to expect it to feel the same as a high-pressure shower head, although installing one at the right angle may save you many headaches and chilly showers. Placing it in the same place as a regular shower head instead of directly above you on the ceiling ensures that you can move in and out of the water as you please without it hitting you directly on the top of the head.
Uncovering the Truth About Rain Shower Designs: Are They Practical?
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Published: February 26, 2024
Updated: January 2, 2024
It is one of the unfortunate truths of interior design trends: unique designs cannot be applied as seamlessly as one would hope. One of the main areas we see this reality is rain showers. Extending out of the ceiling with wide shower heads, they create an experience that should transport you to a romantic retreat, but that’s impossible if water is falling directly in your eyes, soaking your hair with limited water pressure that leaves you freezing if you venture even six inches away from the water’s direct flow.
With all of that being said, there are positive attributes to these sumptuous spouts, and one of those is how well they can be combined with a hand-held spout or traditional faucet. There are numerous ways to include multiple water sources in one shower that can maximize the spa-like atmosphere. Our lovely contributors, readers, and professional interior designers have shared just how this is possible, hoping to inspire and educate on this pressing subject. With their advice, the rain shower of your dreams may be within reach!
02 of Unideal for Infrequent Hair Washers
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Most of us have had an experience where we want a quick rinse without requiring the labor-intensive situation of drying and styling our hair. Homeowner Lyn offers a necessary tip while sharing her wife’s experience, explaining, “My wife regularly takes a shower without getting her hair wet after having her hair done. That’s non-existent with a rain shower.” Because of the direction of the water flow, it is certainly impossible to avoid getting your hair wet with a rain shower.
03 of Impractical for Everyday Use
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A brief word from one of our fabulous designers, Neha Kamal, offers irreplaceable advice regarding rain showers. She states, “While rain showers are undeniably stylish and create a unique showering experience, they can be somewhat impractical for everyday use. To balance indulgence and functionality, I advise complementing the rain shower with a hand shower. This dual setup adds versatility to your bathing routine and ensures a more practical approach, allowing you to enjoy both a soothing rainfall experience and a targeted, convenient showering option.”
04 of Difficult To Direct Flow
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Piggy-backing off of Lyn’s sentiment, it may be the gender divide that indicates, in Heather’s opinion, why “men tend to love rain showers as long as the pressure is good. I hate them. You cannot direct any of the water. You need a handheld somewhere to clean the shower.” Contributor Heather boldly states what we’re all thinking and suggests that it’s best to avoid them. After all, who wants to shave with water falling directly on their head?
05 of Perfect in Wetroom
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Wetrooms are open bathing spaces with limited doors and a drain that flows directly into the floor. As shown here, they typically exist near a tub or minimalistic basin sink. Because of the indulgent and luxurious nature of this design, rain showers can be lovely additions, especially with the inclusion of a hand faucet.
06 of Creates Spa-like Experience
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Though partially impractical, rain showers are coveted features that many enjoy. Interior Designer Ellen Matthews shares her opinion with Soul & Lane readers: “While rain showers provide a luxurious spa-like experience with their wide spray and gentle cascade, their functionality might not be sufficient for everyone. Tasks like rinsing hair or thoroughly cleaning the body may be easier with a traditional showerhead or handheld sprayer. Adding one of these options alongside your rain shower will enhance your showering experience by offering both a relaxing spa-like sensation and practical functionality.”
07 of Best With Diverter
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There are various ways a rain shower can be installed. It could have a diverter in the plumbing system that will only allow water pressure to exit from one faucet at a time, or the water will flow freely between two shower heads at once. Reader Andrea has experience with this feature and further elaborates, “I need to be able to switch to the handheld to get rinsed off well, plus after c-sections and a knee surgery, I need to sit and shower…. A handheld showerhead was a must.”
08 of Two Is Better Than One
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One of Soul and Lane’s readers, Erika, does her best to stress the importance of understanding the drawbacks of one singular rain shower, and to her, we say thank you. She promises, “Especially with a bigger shower, you’re really going to want at least two water streams, or you’re going to feel cramped and cold.” Unless trendy cold showers are your thing, we highly recommend taking her advice, or you may accidentally find yourself welcoming a new wellness trend into your daily routine.
09 of Traditional Rain-like Option
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It is not an all-or-nothing with rain showers. So many products and designs on the market can assist in the ambiance of a rain shower without suffering from their limited functionality. Homeowner Myia shares her opinion, stating, “If I had to choose, I would do a regular because they make awesome shower heads that are similar.” Take this beautiful gold faucet, for example. It is similar to a rain showerhead but extends out of the wall, and the actual head can still be adjusted up or down for extensive sprayability.
10 of Benefits in Versatility
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Finally, interior designer Annuska Menoita emphasizes the beauty of options in the appeal of your home: “Designing a primary bathroom with only a rain shower is a personal preference, and there’s no right or wrong choice. While it can create a luxurious and spa-like atmosphere, offering a multi-option shower head provides flexibility for different preferences. Opting for versatility not only caters to the homeowner’s current needs but also adds appeal for potential future buyers.”
Clearly, a rain shower adds luxury but has its limits. Take the advice of our readers and interior designers and ensure that you have multiple options when designing your primary bathroom.
