A great shower can transform how your bathroom looks

A great shower can transform how your bathroom looks, feels and functions. Whether it's a refreshing start to the morning or an opportunity to unwind at the end of the day, the right shower should offer comfort, reliable performance and a design you'll appreciate for years to come.

But with so many options available, choosing the best shower for your bathroom can feel overwhelming.

Should you choose a slide shower or a column shower? Is a rainfall shower head worth considering? How do you know if your home's water pressure is suitable? And what should you look for when comparing water efficiency, finishes and temperature controls?

For New Zealand homeowners, the answer depends on more than appearance. Your bathroom layout, hot water system, household needs and installation requirements all influence which shower will perform best.

At Robertson Bathware, we believe good bathroom design brings together thoughtful aesthetics and everyday practicality. Our own Elementi collection offers a range of shower solutions designed to complement contemporary New Zealand bathrooms, from versatile family shower systems to refined, design-led options.

This guide explores what to consider before choosing your shower, helping you make a confident, informed decision.

1. Start With How You Use Your Shower

Before comparing shower heads, finishes or features, consider who will use the bathroom and what matters most to them.

A busy family bathroom has different requirements from a guest ensuite or a luxury primary bathroom.

For example, a family might prioritise an adjustable hand shower that can accommodate different heights. Someone renovating a compact ensuite may prefer a simple wall-mounted shower head that keeps the space visually uncluttered.

If you're designing a more luxurious bathroom, a combination of overhead and handheld showering may provide the experience you're looking for.

Think about these questions:

• Will the shower be used by adults, children or guests?
• Do different household members need adjustable shower heights?
• Would a handheld shower make cleaning or rinsing easier?
• Do you prefer a strong, focused spray or a softer rainfall sensation?
• Is water efficiency a priority?
• Are you replacing an existing shower or planning a complete renovation?

Answering these questions first can help narrow down the options before you start choosing products.

Start exploring: Browse Robertson's shower collection, including slide showers, column showers, shower heads and accessories.

2. Understand the Different Types of Showers

One of the most important decisions is choosing a shower configuration that suits both your bathroom and your lifestyle.

Slide showers: Flexible and family-friendly

A slide shower features a handheld shower attached to an adjustable vertical rail.

This allows the height of the handpiece to be changed to suit different users. The handpiece can also be removed from its holder for more targeted rinsing.

Slide showers are particularly practical for:

• Family bathrooms shared by people of different heights.
• Bathrooms used by children.
• Compact ensuites where a single shower outlet is preferred.
• Everyday cleaning and rinsing of shower surfaces.

The Elementi Uno Slide Shower is a versatile option, with a clean, contemporary design and adjustable rail configuration. Selected versions are suitable for low or unequal pressure systems, making them worth investigating when renovating an older New Zealand home.

For homeowners interested in additional spray settings, Elementi also offers options such as Splash Plus and Splash Pro, which provide different showering experiences.

Explore Slide Showers at Robertson

Column showers: Everyday practicality with a luxurious feel

Column showers combine an overhead shower head with a handheld shower, generally mounted on the same vertical assembly.

They offer the flexibility of two showering experiences without requiring completely separate visible systems.

The overhead shower provides a relaxing, more enveloping spray, while the handheld shower is useful for targeted rinsing and cleaning.

This makes column showers an appealing choice for contemporary family bathrooms and primary ensuites.

Within Robertson's Elementi range, the Uno Column Shower and Splash Lux Column Shower offer different approaches to combining design and functionality.

When comparing column showers, check the available shower head size, adjustment options, installation configuration and required water pressure.

Explore Column Showers at Robertson

Fixed shower heads: Simple, architectural design

A fixed shower head is an appealing choice for homeowners who prefer a clean, minimalist bathroom.

Depending on the configuration, the shower head may be wall-mounted or positioned overhead.

With fewer visible components, a fixed shower can create an uncluttered appearance, particularly in a carefully designed tiled shower or walk-in enclosure.

However, without a separate handheld shower, it may offer less flexibility for everyday rinsing and cleaning.

Explore Shower Heads or browse Shower Roses.

3. Check Your Home's Water Pressure Before Choosing

A beautiful shower is only enjoyable if it performs well with your home's plumbing system.

In New Zealand, homes can have different water pressure arrangements, particularly when comparing older properties with more recently built homes.

Some have mains-pressure hot and cold water systems, while others may have low-pressure or unequal-pressure arrangements.

These differences can significantly affect how a shower performs.

Why water pressure matters

Every shower mixer and shower head has an operating pressure range.

A shower designed for mains pressure may not deliver the expected spray performance when installed on a low-pressure system.

Equally, a shower with a large overhead head may need careful consideration of available pressure and flow to achieve the intended experience.

Before selecting a shower, ask your plumber to confirm:

• Whether your hot and cold supplies are mains, low or unequal pressure.
• The available operating pressure and flow.
• Whether the chosen mixer and shower head are compatible.
• Whether any additional plumbing components are required.

If you're unsure, avoid ordering a shower based only on its appearance.

Elementi Uno includes options designed for different pressure conditions, but compatibility should always be confirmed against the exact product specifications.

For a more detailed explanation, read Robertson's Shower Systems Explained: Finding the Right Type for Your Home.

4. Choose the Shower Spray That Feels Right for You

Two showers can look similar but feel quite different when in use.

The shape, size and internal design of a shower head influence how water is delivered.

Rainfall shower heads

Rainfall-style shower heads typically provide a broad, gentle spray designed to create a relaxing, spa-inspired experience.

They work particularly well in contemporary primary bathrooms where comfort and atmosphere are priorities.

However, a larger shower head does not automatically mean a stronger shower. The experience depends on available flow, operating pressure and the head's spray design.

Focused shower sprays

A more concentrated spray can feel invigorating and is often preferred by people who enjoy a stronger sensation.

Smaller shower heads and selected multifunction handpieces can provide a more targeted experience than a broad rainfall spray.

Multifunction shower heads

Multifunction handpieces allow users to change between different spray patterns.

The Elementi Splash Pro collection, for example, offers Rain, Soothe and combined spray settings, giving users greater control over their showering experience.

This can be particularly useful in a shared bathroom where household members have different preferences.

Explore more: Discover the Elementi Splash Pro Shower Collection and its spray settings, finishes and design features.

5. Consider Water Efficiency and WELS Ratings

Water efficiency is an important consideration when choosing a shower in New Zealand.

A shower is used regularly, so the amount of water flowing through the shower head can have an ongoing impact on water consumption and the energy required to heat it.

The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) helps consumers compare the efficiency of showers and other water-using products.

WELS labels display a star rating and relevant water-consumption information.

For showers, looking for a 3-star WELS rating or higher is a useful starting point when comparing efficient options.

Does a water-efficient shower mean less comfort?

Not necessarily.

Modern shower technology can improve how water is distributed, helping create a satisfying spray while using less water.

For example, a shower head delivering 9 litres per minute uses less water during the same shower duration than one delivering 15 litres per minute.

Over time, this difference can be meaningful for households looking to manage water and hot water use.

However, the shower's actual performance still needs to suit the home's water pressure and the user's preferences.

When comparing showers, check:

• The WELS star rating.
• The stated flow rate in litres per minute.
• The required operating pressure.
• Whether the rating applies to the exact configuration you're purchasing.

Water-efficient showering is about finding the right balance between comfort, performance and responsible water use.

For more information about shower efficiency, explore Robertson's shower range and review the technical details of individual products.

6. Choose Between a Standard and Thermostatic Shower Mixer

The shower mixer controls how hot and cold water combine to deliver your preferred temperature.

Although often visually understated, it plays an important role in everyday comfort.

Standard shower mixers

A conventional shower mixer allows the user to manually adjust the water temperature.

It's a familiar and practical solution commonly used in residential bathrooms.

Standard mixers can suit many bathroom projects, provided they are compatible with the plumbing system and correctly installed.

Thermostatic shower mixers

A thermostatic mixer is designed to regulate the mixed water temperature as supply conditions change.

Inside the thermostatic cartridge, a temperature-sensitive mechanism responds to changes in the incoming water, adjusting the mix to help maintain a more consistent outlet temperature.

This can improve comfort, particularly in households where water is used in different parts of the home at the same time.

Selected thermostatic mixers also incorporate safety features that help reduce the risk of sudden temperature changes.

For family bathrooms, this added consideration may be especially valuable.

Robertson's Elementi range includes One Touch thermostatic mixer options, offering another way to combine practical temperature control with considered bathroom design.

Learn About Thermostatic Showering with Elementi

Before selecting a thermostatic mixer, confirm the operating pressure requirements, hot and cold supply compatibility and installation details with your plumber.

7. Match Your Shower Finish to the Bathroom Design

The finish of your shower can influence the character of the entire bathroom.

While chrome remains a versatile choice, contemporary bathrooms increasingly use other finishes to complement tiles, furniture, basins and accessories.

Chrome

Chrome offers a bright, clean appearance that works across a wide variety of bathroom styles.

It is particularly effective in classic white bathrooms and contemporary interiors where a crisp metallic finish is preferred.

Brushed Nickel

Brushed Nickel creates a softer, understated metallic appearance.

It pairs beautifully with natural stone, pale timber, warm greys and neutral palettes.

For a refined bathroom where you want the fixtures to feel integrated rather than dominant, it can be an appealing choice.

Brushed Brass

Brushed Brass introduces warmth and a sense of luxury.

It works particularly well alongside travertine-inspired tiles, warm whites, timber finishes and earthy colours.

Black and Gun Metal

Black shower fittings create strong contrast against lighter surfaces.

Gun Metal offers a darker metallic alternative with a different character from traditional black.

Both can work effectively in bathrooms with architectural lines, textured tiles and contemporary furniture.

Creating a coordinated look

One of the simplest ways to create a polished bathroom is to coordinate the shower finish with the basin mixer, towel rails and other accessories.

Robertson's Elementi collections make it easier to explore complementary bathroom products within a consistent design language.

For the best result, compare actual finish samples where possible, as lighting and surrounding materials can affect how a finish appears.

Explore Elementi Showers and browse the Robertson Resources Library for collection information.

8. Plan the Shower Around Your Bathroom Layout

The best shower is not always the largest or most elaborate option.

It is the one that fits comfortably into the space while allowing the bathroom to function naturally.

For a compact ensuite, a simple slide shower can offer excellent practicality without visually overwhelming the enclosure.

In a larger primary bathroom, an overhead shower combined with a handheld option can introduce a more luxurious experience.

Think about the whole showering area

When planning the layout, consider:

• The overall shower enclosure dimensions.
• The location of the shower controls.
• The position and reach of the shower head.
• The direction of water spray.
• The location of glass panels or shower doors.
• Access to shelves and recessed storage.
• Comfortable entry and exit.
• Cleaning access around fittings.

For a walk-in shower, the position of the shower head and glass partition should be considered together to help contain splashing.

The position of the controls is also worth planning carefully. A conveniently located mixer may allow you to turn on the shower without immediately standing beneath the spray.

Don't overlook installation requirements

Changing from a slide shower to a column shower, or adding another water outlet, can involve plumbing changes.

Similarly, concealed mixers need suitable wall construction and access arrangements.

A licensed plumber should confirm installation requirements before work begins.

For broader bathroom planning advice, explore Robertson's Bathroom Products for Architects and Designers in New Zealand.

9. Think About Cleaning, Durability and Long-Term Maintenance

A shower is used frequently, often in a humid environment, so long-term care should be part of the selection process.

Beautiful finishes are important, but practical maintenance can make a noticeable difference to everyday satisfaction.

When comparing products, look for features such as:

Easy-clean shower nozzles: Flexible nozzles can help make it easier to remove surface mineral deposits.

Adjustable shower rails: A smooth, well-designed slider makes height adjustments more convenient.

Easy-clean hoses: A smooth hose surface can simplify regular cleaning.

Quality shower components: Materials, cartridge design and manufacturer support should all be considered.

Replacement parts: Knowing that compatible parts and technical documentation are available can be valuable when maintaining a bathroom over time.

Elementi's Splash Pro collection includes easy-clean nozzles and slider features designed with everyday usability in mind.

Gentle, manufacturer-recommended cleaning products should always be used, especially on coloured or brushed finishes.

You can explore the latest Elementi Shower collections and find supporting information through Robertson's Downloads and Resources.

10. Which Shower Is Best for Your Bathroom?

The right choice depends on the balance between your space, household needs, plumbing and preferred showering experience.

Here is a simple starting point.

Your Bathroom	Shower Type to Consider	Why It Works
Family bathroom	Slide shower	Adjustable height and removable handpiece
Compact ensuite	Slide shower or fixed shower head	Practical and visually simple
Primary bathroom	Column shower	Combines overhead and handheld showering
Luxury walk-in shower	Overhead shower with handheld option	Comfort, flexibility and refined appearance
Bathroom with varying user preferences	Multifunction shower	Different spray experiences
Older home with low or unequal pressure	Pressure-compatible shower system	Helps achieve suitable performance

These are general recommendations rather than fixed rules.

A well-designed family bathroom can still feature a column shower, while a luxurious ensuite may benefit from a beautifully detailed slide shower.

The most important thing is choosing a shower that suits how you live.

Shower Buying Checklist: What to Confirm Before Ordering

Before making your final selection, take a moment to confirm the following:

• Shower type: Have you chosen between a slide shower, column shower or fixed shower head?
• Water pressure: Is the shower suitable for your home's hot and cold water supply?
• Water efficiency: Have you checked the WELS rating and flow rate?
• Shower experience: Do you prefer rainfall, focused or multifunction spray settings?
• Mixer control: Would a standard or thermostatic mixer better suit your requirements?
• Bathroom layout: Is there enough space for the shower, controls and enclosure?
• Finish: Does the selected colour coordinate with your tapware and accessories?
• Installation: Has a plumber confirmed compatibility and installation requirements?
• Maintenance: Are cleaning instructions, technical documents and replacement parts available?

Taking the time to answer these questions can help prevent unsuitable product selections and unnecessary changes during installation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Shower in NZ

What is the best type of shower for a family bathroom?

A slide shower is an excellent starting point because its adjustable height and removable handpiece make it practical for different household members. A column shower can also work well when you want both overhead and handheld showering.

Are rainfall showers suitable for small bathrooms?

Yes, provided the shower head is appropriately sized and the enclosure can comfortably contain the spray. The available water pressure, head projection and glass placement should all be considered before installation.

Can I use a mains-pressure shower in a low-pressure home?

Not necessarily. Some showers require a minimum operating pressure that a low-pressure system may not provide. Choose a model specifically suitable for your home's plumbing arrangement and confirm compatibility with a plumber.

What WELS rating should I choose for a shower in New Zealand?

A 3-star WELS rating or higher is a useful starting point when looking for a water-efficient shower. Compare the actual litres-per-minute rating and ensure the product still provides a comfortable experience for your household.

What is the difference between a slide shower and a column shower?

A slide shower typically consists of an adjustable rail and handheld shower. A column shower generally combines an overhead shower head and handheld option in one assembly, providing more flexibility in how you shower.

Is a thermostatic shower mixer worth considering?

A thermostatic mixer may be worthwhile if you value consistent water temperature and additional temperature-control features. It can be particularly appealing in a family bathroom, provided the unit is compatible with the home's water system.

How do I choose a shower finish?

Consider the overall bathroom palette, including tiles, basin mixers, furniture and accessories. Chrome is versatile, while Brushed Nickel, Brushed Brass, Black and Gun Metal can introduce different design effects. Coordinating visible fittings creates a more cohesive result.

Can I replace my shower without renovating the entire bathroom?

In some cases, yes. Replacing a shower head or handpiece may be relatively straightforward, while changing the mixer, plumbing arrangement or number of outlets can require more extensive work. Always check compatibility and installation requirements.

Find the Right Shower With Robertson Bathware

Choosing the best shower for your bathroom comes down to more than appearance.

Water pressure, shower configuration, efficiency, comfort and long-term maintenance all contribute to a successful result.

When these considerations are addressed together, your shower becomes more than a functional fixture. It becomes an enjoyable part of your everyday routine and a considered feature of the bathroom.

At Robertson Bathware, our own Elementi collection offers a range of shower solutions that combine contemporary design with practical functionality.

From adjustable slide showers to elegant column showers and specialised shower controls, there are options to suit different spaces, preferences and renovation requirements.

Whether you're upgrading a family bathroom or planning a completely new interior, explore the collections online or visit a showroom for guidance on product selection, compatibility and finishes.

Continue exploring:

Discover Elementi Showers

Shop All Showers

Compare Slide Showers

Explore Column Showers

View Product Catalogues and Technical Resources

Find a Robertson Bathware Showroom