What to Look For in a Quality Shower Head

A great shower shouldn’t just be about how good the water pressure is (although it is very important). A quality shower is about how the whole setup feels. The right shower head can turn an everyday rinse into something a little more relaxing, a little more spa-like, and a lot more enjoyable.

But with so many options out there (round, square, handheld, rainfall, the list goes on), how do you actually know what makes a good one? Here’s what to look for if you're ready to upgrade and want something that lasts.

A Quick Summary

Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing your next shower head:

• Go for solid construction – stainless or brass over plastic

• Look for designs that balance pressure with water flow

• Choose a shape and arm that suit your space

• Pick finishes that are practical and easy to clean

• Stick with a collection that lets you grow into the rest of your bathroom
  
  

1. Solid Construction

Let’s start with the basics. A quality shower head should feel solid. Look for stainless steel or brass construction. These materials don’t just look better, they actually hold up better over time. No flaking, no weird wobbles, no peeling chrome.

Phoenix shower heads, for example, are known for combining sleek, modern designs with durable, long-lasting materials. It’s the type of quality shower tapware that looks sharp straight out of the box and still feels great five years on.

Phoenix shower heads look good and are made from quality materials that go the distance.

2. Water Pressure That Delivers

There’s nothing worse than stepping into a new bathroom only to be greeted by a sad little trickle. If you’re after a proper, full-body rinse, check the pressure rating of your shower head before you buy. 

Most good-quality heads work well with standard Australian water pressure, but it’s worth double-checking if you live in an older home or apartment. Look for heads that are designed to give good coverage without needing to be cranked up.

3. A Design That Fits Your Space

This one’s part function, part aesthetics. Do you want a ceiling-mounted rain head that feels luxe and hotel-like? Or something wall-mounted and more minimalist? Your choice of shower arms and shower heads can make a big difference to the feel of your bathroom.

Think about how much room you have, how high your ceilings are, and how the new shower head will line up with everything else. You want it to feel balanced – not like it was an afterthought.

This rain shower from Phoenix gives the ultimate spa vibes. Shop now.

4. An Easy-to-Clean Finish

Showers get messy. Between water spots, soap residue and calcium build-up, you want a finish that’s easy to wipe down. Brushed metal options like brushed nickel or gunmetal are great for hiding everyday wear and fingerprints. Matte black is another popular choice, but keep a microfibre cloth handy to keep it looking fresh.

If you’re updating your whole shower space, it’s also worth checking out matching bathroom accessories so everything ties in. Matching rails, hooks and holders = a cleaner, more pulled-together look.

5. Options That Grow with Your Space

If you’re doing a full bathroom upgrade (or even thinking about it in the next few years), go for a shower head that can work with future updates. That means looking for brands that offer matching tapware, arms, and accessories, so you can build a cohesive setup over time, without having to rip everything out.

Upgrade Your Shower Experience

Swapping out your shower head might seem like a small change but when you get it right, it makes a big difference. You’ll feel it every morning (and your bathroom will look better too). Explore our shower arms & heads and bathroom accessories to easily upgrade your shower experience.