The shower in the average bathroom is often thought of as a convenient, alternative way to clean yourself over soaking in a tub of warm water. While it is easy to think of a quick shower as being all business and no pleasure, the modern day shower offers us a great deal of luxury.

Today there are many innovative, new shower heads on the market as well as many types of body jets that can turn a shower into an extraordinary spa-like experience, much like what a whirlpool bath offers. When choosing a new shower, you have to decide three basic things: Which shower tray you want, the type of enclosure you prefer and which type of shower unit you wish to have. While it may seem hard to choose a shower based on these three decisions, it is not hard to do if you understand the type of heating and water system you have and if you determine the style of shower you need based on the design of your bathroom.

The foundation of any good shower is the shower tray. Low-profile, slim slower trays are very popular today. However, the amount of space you have available is the main factor that will determine which shower tray is best for you. Shower trays come in many sizes and styles as there are rectangular, square, quadrant and off-set quadrant shapes to choose from. A quadrant shower tray works well in small spaces as it can easily tuck into a corner while a rectangular or off-set shower tray is great for a large space. Even if you are going to install a walk-in shower in your bathroom, you can still add an eye-catching shower tray to create a focal point in your bathroom.

You will have to decide if you need an electric, mixer or power shower. Most homes in the UK use electric showers basically because electric showers get their water from the main cold water supply and do not rely on stored hot water. Electric showers are perfect for large families as there is never a worry that the house will run out of hot water, giving everyone the chance to shower. While electric showers of the past were very boring and plain to look at, designers today are offering all types of innovative and great looking electric showers that feature chrome, glass and even granite tiling for a very modern, contemporary look.

Mixer showers do just as the name implies – they mix hot and cold water. A mixer shower relies on a balance in pressure from the hot and cold water feed. Manufacturers are now offering all types of innovative mixer showers so if this is the type of shower you need or prefer, be sure to take a good look around so that you choose one that look fabulous inside your bathroom.

Even the best looking shower is nothing more than a plain shower when an ordinary shower head is used. Today you can choose from many different types of very innovative shower heads. There are even wall-mounted, fixed head shower heads on the market that feature concealed power control buttons that do away with the often bothersome shower cord or hose. You also can choose a shower that has body jets so that you can massage your sore aching muscles while taking a hot shower. Body jets can be used alone or they can be used while you are taking a shower. For the ultimate design statement, consider a designer shower tower in a bold style that features a shower head, body jets, thermostatic controls and an auto shut-down feature.

The shower enclosure you choose will complete the look of your shower. If you are lacking space, consider a bi-folding shower door that will not get in the way of other bathroom fixtures. A sliding glass shower door is a good choice if you have a good deal of space available and it also can make your bathroom look dramatically larger. A traditional hinged door is also a good choice as the modern versions are both sleek and elegant, especially the frame less variety which provides a seamless, modern shower space. Walk-in and wet rooms are also popular choices today as they bring the design and feel of high-end hotels into the home. Very attractive and highly stylish glass shower screens are available in many styles and sizes and most come with protective shields which keep the glass sparkling clean.