You don’t have to hire a professional or break the bank to get fast and dramatic results when upgrading your bathroom. Don’t get us wrong, a full-on bathroom remodel is a worthwhile investment for several reasons (more on that here), but in this article we’ll be focusing on simple bathroom design ideas that can be accomplished by yourself in less than a day.
We’re covering all things shower accessories, locking in on the latest trends and highlighting functionality-boosting products that will transform your shower experience and bathroom appeal at the same time.
The benefits of upgrading your shower accessories
The bathroom often gets the shaft when it comes to thoughtful attention to detail. After all, it’s not exactly a place people go to socialize or spend more time than is absolutely necessary. But the truth is, you will spend time there, and upgrading your shower accessories can have a profound effect on your shower routine and the rest of your day.
What’s more, people tend to think if they can’t do it all, they shouldn’t start. So if the budget for ripping out the tub or replacing an outdated vanity is not a priority at the moment, or more labor and commitment than you have the time for right now, then these simple bathroom upgrade ideas are for you!
Let’s take a look at the shower accessories that will complete your wishlist of shower updates without putting a major dent in your wallet or spare time:
1. Upgrade to a dual shower head
Changing out your shower head for a model that excels at both design and functionality is a surefire way to instantly level up your bathroom decor with minimal cost or labor: and a dual shower head system is the ultimate upgrade.
If you’ve been using a standard, fixed shower head, allow us to introduce you to the world of handheld shower heads AND rain shower heads. The benefits of each one individually make it a tight race as far as which one we'd be more likely to recommend – and that’s why getting both of them together as a complete dual shower head set is the first upgrade on our list.
You can’t beat a handheld shower head when it comes to versatility and convenience. Handheld shower heads – especially those with a wide spray face – deliver all the coverage of a fixed shower head with the added mobility to move the spray exactly where you want it. This is crucial if you have kids, pets, or shower walls that ever need cleaning (so that’s everyone, right?).
Rain shower heads offer a drenching, and we mean couldn’t-escape-it-if-you-tried, spray that mimics softly falling rain. We’re talking big, warm drops with a firm pressure that is just enough to feel like a perfectly contoured and heated hug.
Don’t want to have to choose between the two? Us either. That’s why we designed our dual shower head set with lasting durability and functionality at the forefront.
The external diverter allows you to run the handheld, the rain shower, or both at the same time. It's made from solid brass and has an audible click that very satisfyingly lets you know when you’ve successfully adjusted to the correct position (ensuring you won’t miss out on any of the water flow and pressure you’re entitled to!).
Splurge for a slide bar
If you have anyone in the house who would benefit from easier access to the handheld shower head – kids, elderly, individuals with mobility issues – a slide bar is a shower accessory you don’t want to live without.
With over two feet of added range of motion, a slide bar allows you to attach the handheld and move it up and down to the most ideal height for each person in the household.
Cheap, plastic slide bars aren't designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. That's why our all metal slide bar – including the holders and brackets! – is made from stainless steel and solid brass to hold up over time.
Where other models have a push button that easily slips out of place, we use a hand crank for tightening down the shower head at your desired height, guaranteeing it won't go anywhere until the next adjustment.
2. Improve your health, hair, and skin with a shower head water filter
This one is less about changing your bathroom's decor and more about improving what you're getting – and not getting – from your daily shower. What you will get: softer hair, smoother skin, less irritation. What you won't get: chlorine, heavy metals, lead, bacteria.
It's pretty simple – if you wouldn't drink unfiltered water, then you shouldn't bathe in it either. Water filters for showers are a must-have shower accessory, but figuring that out is only the first step. Then comes the fun part: sorting through dozens of different styles and filtration methods.
Lucky for you, we've been there and done that and we have the science-backed solution to prove it. First thing's first, there is no benefit to having more "stages" in the filter. Most of those materials won't do a thing to improve the quality of your shower water. And even if they could, the filter doesn't contain enough of it to actually make a difference.
So what should you look for? Quality filtration media, and lots of it. KDF 55 and Calcium sulfite are the only two types of filtration media that are scientifically proven to remove chlorine and heavy metals in hot, shower temperature water (activated carbon is an excellent choice for cold to warm temperatures, but water exceeding 80° actually damages the media).
And remember, the filter needs to contain more than just a "stage's" worth of these materials, as the surface area and contact time is what allows the chemical processes responsible for purifying the water enough time to be effective.
The HammerHead Showers® All Metal Shower Head Filter is packed with 450 grams of KDF 55 and Calcium Sulfite, ensuring longer contact time for maximum contaminant removal (I know, even we're impressed with what we managed to fit inside while maintaining its sleek, minimalist design).
The solid brass housing comes in 6 different commercial-grade finishes and will never rust, crack, break or leak, meaning all you have to worry about replacing is the filter cartridge every six months.
3. Get the full rainfall effect with a shower arm extender
You will still get that spa-like, immersing rain flow from a rain shower head attached to a standard shower arm, but there’s no denying the difference in an overhead rain effect: water pouring down just like nature intended.
Not up for rerouting your plumbing and installing a ceiling mount shower arm? Don't worry – you've got options.
Adjustable shower arm
An adjustable shower arm extender attaches directly to your existing shower arm, giving you anywhere from 12” to 16” of extension depending on the model.
The truth is, the majority of shower arm extenders are not worth the hassle because they aren’t able to support the weight of the shower head and end up drooping. That’s why we developed the deepest locking gears on the market and replaced the flimsy wingnuts with ergonomic, cross-shaped knobs for easy tightening.
J-style shower arm
The second type of shower accessory for extending the rain shower overhead is a J-shaped or J-style shower arm. Instead of attaching between the shower head and the shower arm, this accessory replaces your shower arm altogether.
There are lots of styles and lengths out there, so you can easily customize your setup depending on your shower space and the angle you're trying to achieve. You don't want to skimp on quality here and risk the rain shower head bending the pipe or pulling it from the wall. Look for an all metal J-shaped shower arm made of thick gauge pipe with solid threading that won't leak.
4. Incorporate natural elements with teak shower accessories
There’s actually science behind the feeling that bringing elements of nature inside the house gives you, and the science says you can feel calmer, less anxious, and less depressed. The “unfinished wood” look is a wildly popular way to bring the outdoors in, but will it work in a damp environment like the bathroom? Thanks to teak bathroom accessories, we can say yes!
Why you should invest in teak for your bathroom
Teak accessories and the bathroom are a match made in heaven. Perfectly suited for humid environments, teak shower mats and teak shower benches are a durable and luxurious solution for the mats and makeshift seating that always eventually need replacing.
AVAILABLE IN 20" OR 24" RECTANGLE
Bring the notoriously timeless appeal of teak furniture inside with teak bathroom accessories and reap the benefits for decades to come (yes, you read that correctly!). Real-deal teak is the low maintenance, long-lasting solution that your wallet, bathroom, and the planet deserve.
Our teak bath mats and teak shower benches are made from high-quality, responsibly sourced Grade B teak that requires very little upkeep – simply periodically scrub with a soft brush and rinse off.
For more on why teak bathroom accessories are the best choice for your bathroom (and why you should NEVER treat them with teak oil!) head over to our article, Top 3 Benefits of Teak Shower Mats.
Natural bathroom decor ideas
Wanting more ideas for nature-invoking shower updates to compliment your teak shower accessories and boost your mood? Here’s how you can incorporate natural elements while staying on a budget:
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A tabletop fountain – Tabletop fountains emulate the natural flow of running water with a visually soothing cascade. The tranquil sound will make you feel less like you’re taking care of business and more like you’re having a moment to yourself!
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Bathroom plants – Indoor plants in the bathroom will purify the air and absorb excess moisture all while adding a lush pop of color.
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Candles – Candles are an elegant and affordable way to infuse your bathroom with cozy warmth and set the tone for a more intimate ambience.
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Stones – Create a focal point using natural stone or stone tiles to accent an area of the bathroom, like the shower floor or backsplashes.
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Soft, earthy color palette – Steer your paint colors and larger design elements like rugs and curtains toward warm neutrals, light shades of gray, as well as muted blues and greens.
5. Elevate luxury with matte black shower accessories
Despite all of the options out there, a reflective chrome finish is still the standard go-to for many people. So much so, that we tend to underestimate the statement you can make with shower accessories in other finish options.
Matte black shower fixtures are a prime example of how to completely transform your space with a modern, elegant finish. From bathroom sinks to soap dispensers and shower caddies, it won’t be difficult to outfit your bathroom with all of the matching shower accessories you need to complete the look.
A matte black shower head is the perfect focal point to pull it all together. You can go simple and subtle with a small fixed shower head (especially effective for minimalist design or in tight shower spaces). But don’t let size fool you, our All Metal 2 Inch Shower Head is a powerhouse that delivers high pressure showers.
Opt for more versatility with a 3-Spray Handheld, choose a spa-like rain spray, or do it up big with the aforementioned dual shower head set. You will get all that luxury along with a classic matte black finish to anchor the other black bathroom accessories.
Keep in mind that when you’re switching between shower head finishes, you will also need to replace the shower valve and trim to keep it uniform. Make the most of your shower valve replacement and optimize your shower experience with features like volume control plus temperature lock and memory. Read on to learn more!
Bonus: Replace shower valve and trim
Unlike the other bathroom upgrade ideas on our list, this project will require professional help if you don't have extensive DIY plumbing experience, but the payoff in the long run is more than worth it. With the right shower valve and trim set, you can get all the features of higher-end models without going over budget.
Best Shower Valve and Trim Kit
Fortunately, you no longer have to choose between affordability, guaranteed long-term performance, and must-have features when you replace your shower valve: “The Plumber’s Choice Shower Valve and Trim Kit” from HammerHead Showers® has it all!
Plumbers love our shower valve and trim set for its easy installation, durability, and built-in stops that simplify maintenance. The anti-scald ceramic disk pressure balancing cartridge self cleans with every turn so you have a consistent and safe shower every time.
Available in 6 different commercial-grade finishes, the minimalist design instantly adds a modern, elegant touch to any bathroom. But what really sets our single handle shower faucet apart is its intuitive operation: simply lift the handle to adjust water volume, find your ideal temperature with a quick turn, and lock in settings with a push. Your perfect shower was never this easy and accessible!
Our durable accessories are changing the shower game
At HammerHead Showers®, we believe better showers start with shower heads and shower accessories made from high quality materials. That’s why you'll find us using stainless steel, brass and teak wood that won’t need replacing in a season or two. Check out our full line of all metal shower accessories and transform your shower experience with these simple bathroom upgrade ideas today!