Are you looking to reduce stress, increase your energy levels, and be more productive with your day? A rain shower ceiling mount or wall mount is the perfect way to put your best foot forward by building an intentional relaxation practice into your morning routine.
Picture this: instead of rushing through your daily shower, you spend 15 minutes under a luxurious and calming rainfall effect. Maybe you take 5 deep belly breaths, list 10 things you’re grateful for, or just enjoy the warm water and silence – the possibilities are endless!
A rain shower install is the cornerstone of this daily brain and body reset, and we’re going to show you exactly how to make this a reality in your bathroom.
But first thing’s first: what is the difference between a ceiling rainfall shower and a rain shower head wall mount, and is one better than the other? Let’s start by taking a closer look at what exactly sets rain shower heads apart:
What is a rain shower head?
A rain shower head is significantly larger than a traditional shower head, ranging anywhere from 8 to 20 inches (compared to 3-4 inches for standard shower heads). By design, they are meant to be positioned overhead and spray directly down from above so water leaves the nozzles at the same angle.
This is especially true for bigger rain shower heads. Anything larger than 8” can significantly affect your shower’s water pressure, meaning water would come out at a trickle in some areas if the rain shower head was angled.
Our All Metal 8 Inch Rain Shower Head hits that sweet spot for maximum coverage without sacrificing pressure. The water is further pressurized by our proprietary nozzles, resulting in a powerful flow regardless of how you choose to mount it.
Now, let’s dive into the two different rain shower head installation methods:
Rain shower ceiling mount
A ceiling mount shower head requires rough-in plumbing that goes all the way up the wall and extends out across the ceiling above your shower floor. This upgrade is typically done when you’re planning a complete shower remodel or building a new shower altogether. Unless you are an extremely advanced DIY plumber, this project is going to require professional help.
Rain shower head wall mount
A wall mount rain shower head, on the other hand, uses a standard shower arm or specialty shower arm that connects to the traditional shower head plumbing. Depending on the shower arm you choose, the rain shower head may be angled or flat, and stay close to or extend out from the shower wall.
Using a standard 7” shower arm works well if the rain shower head is designed to deliver substantial pressure. You will still get a satisfying rain effect and full coverage without the need for a major plumbing project.
What can make or break it for either of these mounting styles are the shower arms and accessories you choose. Whether you’re leaning towards a rain shower ceiling mount, or planning to opt for the simpler wall mount route, here’s everything you should know and the products to look out for:
The benefits of rain shower ceiling mounts
If you’re committed to the investment or level of work required for a ceiling rain shower head, we promise you won’t be disappointed in the outcome.
For this type of install, the rain shower head attaches to a straight ceiling mount shower arm. These shower arms are available in a range of lengths for you to select from, depending on your ceiling height and how low you want the shower head to hang down.
There’s no denying the modern appeal and overall appearance of this rain shower setup. The minimalist design of the shower arm not only detracts from bulky plumbing on the shower wall, but can declutter and open up the entire shower space – making this a great option for compact showers!
Ceiling mount shower head cons
Aside from the complexity and cost of installing a rain shower ceiling mount, you are also unable to adjust the rain shower whatsoever (this goes for both the height and the angle). You are going to enjoy the rain spray from the most ideal position, but many people prefer the ability to personalize their rainfall shower without the expense and extra plumbing hassle.
The benefits of rain shower head wall mounts
Unlike ceiling mounts that come in one style, rain shower head wall mounts come in a variety of options and are very customizable depending on your specific needs.
J-shaped shower arm
This accessory is available in a variety of lengths and screws directly into the wall, replacing your existing shower arm. It is designed to extend the rain shower out and let it hang overhead. You don’t want to skimp on quality here, the design of this shower accessory requires a thick gauge shower arm that won’t bend under the weight of the shower head and a secure connection to prevent leaking.
Replacing your standard shower arm with a J-shaped shower arm is simple and won’t require any special tools or professional help. This video runs you through the process (just keep in mind you will be installing a J-shaped shower arm rather than another standard shower arm):
S-style shower arm
Then there’s the S-style shower arm. Similar to the J-shaped, this shower arm replaces the standard shower arm altogether. But where the J-shaped extends out, a Hi-rise shower arm primarily raises the shower head up.
Again, you want to make sure you’re getting a high-quality, thick-gauged pipe to guarantee it can support the shower head and won’t leak. If you’re looking for lift, this is one of the best options.
Our S-style shower arm and flange is made from 304 stainless steel and brass and gives a whopping 10.5 inches of added height. The downside (as with the J-shaped) is the lack of room for adjustment, which is why the next accessory on our list is one of our favorite recommendations:
Adjustable height shower head
An adjustable shower arm extender is the easiest way to get an adjustable height shower head. This accessory attaches between the existing shower arm and the shower head, offering a full foot (or more!) of extension AND the ability to adjust up or down.
Beware! Many adjustable shower arm extensions are cheaply made with locking gears that easily strip, causing the shower head to fall or droop. That’s why we developed the deepest locking gears on the market with ergonomic cross shaped knobs for secure tightening. This thing means business:
Adjustable shower arm extenders are the most versatile rain shower head wall mount on our list. This is also a great option if you have more than one shower head and only want to change the position of the rain shower.
A dual shower head, or wall mount rain shower head with handheld, offers the best of both worlds: the full coverage of a rain shower and the versatility of a handheld. The only thing that could make this combo any more luxurious than it already is, would be making the rain shower an adjustable height shower head with an shower arm extender:
Our all metal dual shower head set is built to last from high-quality stainless steel and brass. Switch easily between the rain shower and the handheld shower head or run both at the same time: you’ll hear an audible click on the diverter to let you know it’s in the right position. As with all of our products, every component is backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
How to clean your rain shower head
If you’re looking at all of those nozzles and dreading the upkeep of a large shower head, fear not! Our method is simple, mostly hands free, and doesn’t involve any harsh or toxic cleaning agents:
Soaking in vinegar will not only have your rain shower looking great, but will also get rid of any biofilm formation.
Pro Tip: Biofilm loves to hide in shower hoses as well, so be sure to use this same method for periodically deep cleaning your shower hose.
Rain shower ceiling mount vs. wall mount? The choice is yours!
Both installation methods have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s not a matter of better or worse, but depends on your budget, preferences, and the scope of your shower project.
Whether you choose a rain shower ceiling mount or a wall mount, we have all of the metal shower heads and accessories you need to get the morning routine of your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you install a rain shower head in the ceiling?
To install an overhead straight shower arm, you will need to extend the plumbing all the way up to the ceiling and then over your shower floor to the desired spot for your rain shower head. Because this requires getting behind the shower wall and into the ceiling, this project is usually done during a complete shower remodel or new shower construction.
Can a rain shower head be angled?
Yes, rain shower heads can maintain substantial pressure and deliver an immersive rainfall effect when angled. It's important to note that oversized rain shower heads are less likely to perform well when angled.
Do rain shower heads have less pressure?
While a wider spray face does mean less concentrated pressure, high-quality rain showers still deliver a very powerful flow. If you want the all over coverage of a rain shower but don't want to sacrifice the high pressure of a smaller diameter shower head, we recommend getting a dual shower head set.
Pro Tip: Opt for a multi-spray handheld with a massage setting for the ultimate spa-like combination!