Selecting the perfect height for a showerhead is a critical part of the design process. If it’s too short, the taller folks in your household will look down on the showerhead and need to crouch for a thorough rinse.
On the flip side, the shorter folks in your home will be in a long-distance relationship with the showerhead, waiting forlornly for the warm water to reach them and hoping it doesn’t get cold before it does. Neither scenario translates to a soothing or relaxing shower.
Okay, maybe it isn’t quite that dramatic. But it’s still essential. After all, the height of the showerhead plays a significant role in the comfort and functionality of the showering experience. So, what is the standard shower height? Here’s what you need to know.
Standard Shower Head Height
In general, showerheads rest at a standard height of 80 inches (203 cm) above the floor. They’re not too tall but not too short, so they work comfortably for most people. The average height ensures most folks receive a steady spray of water directed at the center of their body, which bodes well for a comfortable showering experience.
Of course, the height of a standard showerhead varies based on the type of shower. For example, a rain-style shower, designed to mimic the soothing pitter-patter of rainfall, is often mounted on the ceiling or higher on the wall. The standard height for these showerheads is around 84 inches (213 cm).
However, since folks come in all sizes, showerhead heights aren’t a one-size-fits-all type of thing. So, as you consider the placement of the showerhead in your bathroom, don’t forget about the taller individuals in your household.
In addition to the height of the showerhead, it’s essential to consider its proximity to the wall. You don’t want the showerhead to be too close to the nearby wall, as users will bump against it during use, and splashing could be a problem. So, to avoid these issues, most showerheads are at least 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm) away from the nearby wall.
Factors Influencing Shower Head Height
User Height and Preferences
The heights of the individuals in your household are essential considerations in selecting the ideal shower head height for your home. While most showerheads are installed at a standard height, they might be too low for taller individuals.
So, to ensure everyone in your household remains comfortably under the stream of water while showering, place the showerhead at least 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) above the tallest user’s head.
Bathroom Design and Space
As you consider the best placement for your showerhead, don’t forget about factors specific to your home. While some bathrooms share similar layouts, considering factors specific to your bathroom, including the dimensions, layout, and ceiling height, is essential.
If your bathroom is on the small side or has a low ceiling, you might need to make minor adjustments to the showerhead placement for the best results. You’ll usually have more leeway in larger bathrooms with lofty ceilings and massive showers, but it’s still important to consider the best placement based on the bathroom’s design.
For some folks, the standard height between 80 and 84 inches (203 to 213 cm) might be perfect, but tweaks might be necessary for others.
Shower Type and Features
The type of shower and its unique features also contribute to the placement dilemma. While the controls for most showers usually rest around 38 to 48 inches (96.5 to 122 cm) above the shower floor, the shower type can affect the best placement of the showerhead.
Some showers are adjustable, featuring various spray settings, handheld showerheads, or slidebar systems that enable easy height adjustments.
Handheld showers offer more flexibility, but it’s essential to place the mounting setup high enough to allow taller users to comfortably use the shower while it sits on its mounting bracket. Slidebar systems are also flexible, allowing you to adjust the showerhead height based on the user. However, while they’re adjustable, you’ll still need to position the system high enough to give the taller folks in your household plenty of room.
How to Adjust Shower Head Height
A showerhead that sits too low or too high doesn’t bode well for a comfortable showering experience. So, for best results, you can adjust the showerhead to your liking. Of course, some situations are less flexible than others, as some bathrooms have features that restrict showerhead placement.
That said, work with what you have to make the most out of the situation. In the following section, we offer a few suggestions to help you adjust the showerhead to your liking.
Installing a New Shower Head
Sometimes, installing an entirely new showerhead is the best course of action. This is especially true if you’re remodeling your bathroom or starting from scratch by building a new one, as you have plenty of room to let the creative juices flow.
Choose a showerhead that works well for your household. For example, if you prefer the soothing massage of a rain showerhead, pick a model that offers plenty of space for the tallest person in your household. For some folks, this might be a ceiling-mount model instead of a wall-mounted showerhead.
Or, if you prefer the flexibility of dual showerheads, like fixed and handheld combos, pick a model that works for your bathroom. These are excellent options for households with drastic height differences, as they allow you to cater to different heights. The fixed showerhead can be set high enough for taller folks, while the handheld showerhead works perfectly for shorter individuals.
Using a Shower Head Extension
If you’re not too keen on the headache of remodeling your bathroom to adjust the showerhead, opt for a showerhead extension. This option is affordable and offers a quick and easy alternative for accommodating different heights.
You can attach the extension to the existing shower arm, providing extra length and more leeway for height adjustment. If you decide to go this route, pick an extension that matches the size and finish of your showerhead. You might be able to find a precise match from the brand that manufactured your showerhead, so that can be an excellent place to start.
When installing the extension, take your time and follow the instructions to a tee, as this will ensure a secure, leak-free fit.
Considering an Adjustable Shower Arm
In some settings, an adjustable shower arm is the best solution. These adjustable attachments offer superior flexibility, allowing a hassle-free way to manipulate the height and angle of your showerhead. They’re easy to install – all it takes is a quick switch to remove the old shower arm and replace it with the adjustable model.
You can choose from varying types, including swivel and sliding models. Each has its own perks, so select the option that best fits your home’s needs.
Like most attachments, these shower arms come in numerous finishes and sizes, so ensure you match the new arm to your current shower setup and decor.
Accessibility Considerations
As you work out the kinks in your new shower installation, don’t forget to consider accessibility. You’ll need to analyze various aspects of the installation, including showerhead height and placement and control height. Here are a few key factors to consider:
ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines specific guidelines for accessible shower layouts. The ADA recommends placing standard shower heads between 72 and 84 inches (183 to 213 cm) above the floor to meet its requirements.
If you install a rain showerhead, the setup looks slightly different, as the ADA recommends installing them at 80 inches (203 cm) above the floor. Shower controls must be mounted between 38 and 48 inches (97 to 122cm) above the floor to ensure they’re accessible.
Multi-User
In households with occupants of varying heights, showers designed with multiple users in mind are ideal. These showers often feature adjustable showerheads, like sliding rails or adjustable shower arms.
The adjustable design enables users to manipulate the height of the showerhead to best accommodate their needs. So, whether it’s, a lanky person or a small child showering the flexible nature works for everyone.
Aging-in-Place Designs
When planning the layout for an aging-in-place shower, consider the following recommendations:
- The standard height for a shower head is 80 inches (203 cm) above the floor.
- Rain shower head height: 84 inches (213 cm) from the floor.
- Shower control height: 38 to 48 inches (97 to 122 cm) from the floor.
- Shower head distance from the wall: 15 inches (38 cm).
These guidelines offer accessibility for users of all ages and abilities, ensuring everyone has a comfortable showering experience.