How High Should a Shower Head Be?

If you are not sure about the height of your shower head, worry no more, your concern is genuine. There is a tendency to disregard such topics in the midst of other compelling debates.

Could I be taking things too far by getting concerned about the height of my showerhead? Is this is a First World problem?

These are some of the questions that we get frequently.

Why Is Shower Head Height Important?

But it’s not really an inconsequential attention, if you think about it. If you set it too low, then you’re not able to get the kind of shower time you want.

It can be frustrating and uncomfortable, and that’s not what you want to feel when your home is supposed to be a haven.

If you set it too high, then it can be dangerous. You may need to jump to reach it, or use a chair. That can lead to rather serious accidents and hence a safety hazard.

In the light of this dilemma, there must be a balance.

So, we have taken some time to think about this problem.

Even if you have a height-adjustable shower head, it will still need a permanent connection to your shower wall. If you get the height wrong, then it will be a lot of trouble (and cost extra money) to correct that mistake.

Factors while considering how high your shower head should be

To get the right shower head height, contemplate the following dilemmas:

How Tall is the Tallest Person Who Will Use the Shower?

The shower head should be taller than this tallest person. Ideally, the shower head should be set about 3 inches from the top of the head. You’ll want enough space between your head and the shower head for your comfort.

So if the tallest person is 6 feet tall, the shower head ought to be set at 6 feet 3 inches in height.

At the same time, you shouldn’t have too much space between you and the shower head, so you can actually enjoy the different spray patterns your shower head may offer.

How Short is the Shortest Person?

If the shower head is for lots of people, then everyone should be able to use it. That includes the shortest person. At the very least, this person has to be able to reach for the shower head. That way, they can adjust the angle or use the shower head as a handheld (if that’s an option with your shower head).

Do You Have Plenty of People Using the Shower?

If it’s just you, then you have a much easier task. Basically, you just need to set the height of the shower head where you feel most comfortable.

Many people today use height-adjustable shower heads, if plenty of people will be using a single shower head. As long as everyone can reach the shower head, they should be able to set it at a height that suits them best.

You can find this design in plenty of hotels and other public spaces, since some guests can be rather tall. You don’t want guests to decide never to come back to your hotel simply because your shower head is set too low or too high for your guests.

Set the height of the shower head higher than the standard 80 inches, if you’re dealing with a hotel bathroom. Then put in a height-adjustable shower head system. That way, even NBA stars like Shaq won’t feel like their needs are ignored.

Do You Have a Handheld Shower Head?

The handheld shower head often has a long vertical bar, so you can have a wide range of shower head heights.

That means you can even set the fixed height of the shower head down to just 72 inches from the floor, if you have short people or kids to factor in.

Tall people won’t have to complain, since they can just set the height of the shower head higher so they can wash their hair.

Do You Have a Rain Shower Head?

This type of shower head is getting quite popular, because it’s so relaxing. It really feels like you’re standing in the rain.

However, you may want to set it at a higher height than normal. Instead of having the shower head 3 inches from the top of your head, it ought to be about 7 inches from your head, at least. That’s because the extra difference really simulates the feeling of a rain shower.

Since this type is set higher than usual, it’s a great option for showers that many people use. It’s usually set at a height that can deal with all people’s heights.

Also, it’s a great option if your shower space has a low ceiling. That’s because the shower spray is already spread as it comes out.

The main disadvantage with a rain shower head is that you’re usually unable to use the shower head as a handheld. That means you can’t focus the spray on certain parts of your body. This is why quite a few rain shower head systems come with a separate handheld shower head.

Conclusion

As you can see, the question of how high should a shower head be is not really as simple a question as it seems. It can be a big deal, especially if you get it wrong.

To play it safe, set the fixed height of the shower head where everyone can reach it.

Then install a shower head that’s height-adjustable, so that even the tallest in the household can have the shower head set over their head.

A handheld shower head is often the most practical, so get one even if you decide to go with a rain shower head. Here are some tips while removing your shower head.

With the right height for your shower head, everyone’s happy!