Choosing the right shower is about more than picking a style you like. The best shower should fit your bathroom, make everyday routines easier, and match the way you want to use your space. With so many types of showers available, from spacious walk-in showers and low-threshold designs to tub and shower combinations, knowing the differences can help you make a confident remodeling decision.
Since 2009, EZPro Baths Express has helped homeowners across North Carolina create beautiful, functional bathrooms while taking the stress out of remodeling. Our experienced team handles the process from design through installation, so you don’t have to coordinate multiple contractors or manage complicated schedules.
Ready to explore your options? Contact EZPro Express online or call 919-892-3814 today to get started.
Types of Showers at a Glance
Before getting into the details, here are some of the most common options homeowners consider:
- Walk-in showers
- Tub and shower combinations
- Corner showers
- Neo-angle showers
- Curbless or low-threshold showers
- Alcove showers
- Freestanding showers
- Shower stalls
- Rain showers
- Handheld and multi-shower systems
Some of these describe the layout or enclosure, while others describe the showerhead or features. That distinction is important because you can combine different options. For example, a walk-in shower can have a rain showerhead, handheld showerhead, built-in seating, and acrylic walls.
1. Walk-In Showers
Walk-in showers are among the most popular types of showers for modern bathroom remodels. Instead of stepping over the high wall of a traditional bathtub, homeowners can enter through a wider opening with a lower threshold.
A walk-in shower can be a good choice if you want:
- Easier shower access
- A more open bathroom appearance
- A larger showering area
- Better accessibility
- Less bathtub maintenance
- Custom seating and storage
Walk-in showers are particularly useful for homeowners who rarely use their bathtub and would rather have a larger, more functional shower.
2. Tub and Shower Combos
A tub and shower combination is one of the most traditional types of shower setups. It combines a bathtub and shower in the same space, giving homeowners the flexibility to take a shower or bath.
This option can make sense for families, especially when a bathroom needs to accommodate different preferences. A tub can also be useful when bathing children.
Common features include:
- Standard bathtub
- Wall-mounted showerhead
- Shower curtain or glass door
- Built-in shelving
- Handheld showerhead
- Acrylic or other wall surrounds
A tub-shower combination may be particularly practical for a hall or secondary bathroom where flexibility is more important than having a large walk-in shower.
3. Corner Showers
Corner showers are designed to fit into the corner of a bathroom, making them useful when floor space is limited.
Instead of extending across an entire wall, a corner shower uses two existing walls and a shower enclosure to create a dedicated bathing area.
This can make corner showers a practical choice for:
- Small bathrooms
- Guest bathrooms
- Powder-room conversions
- Narrow bathroom layouts
- Bathrooms where a bathtub isn’t necessary
A corner shower can also make it easier to preserve floor space for a vanity, toilet, or additional storage.
The most important consideration is making sure the shower isn’t so small that it becomes uncomfortable to use. A professional remodeler can help determine how much space is available and what configuration makes the most sense.
4. Neo-Angle Showers
A neo-angle shower is a variation of the corner shower that uses an angled front section rather than a traditional square or rectangular enclosure.
The angled design can create additional room for movement while maintaining a relatively compact footprint.
Neo-angle showers can work especially well in smaller bathrooms because they use corner space efficiently.
When considering this type of shower, pay attention to:
- Door swing
- Entry width
- Available floor space
- Showerhead location
- Storage
- Plumbing location
The best shower types aren’t necessarily the largest ones. The right choice is the one that provides enough room to use the shower comfortably without making the rest of the bathroom feel cramped.
5. Curbless and Low-Threshold Showers
Curbless and low-threshold showers are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who want easier access.
A curbless shower minimizes or eliminates the raised threshold between the bathroom floor and shower area. A low-threshold shower still has a small step or lip but makes entry easier than a traditional tub.
These types of showers can be especially useful for homeowners thinking about accessibility or aging in place.
Accessibility isn’t just about adding safety features after a problem occurs. Planning the shower entry, seating, grab bars, and other features during the remodel can create a bathroom that’s easier to use now and in the future.
EZPro also has a helpful guide on how to improve shower safety for seniors.
6. Alcove Showers
An alcove shower is installed between three walls, with the fourth side serving as the entrance.
This layout is common because it makes efficient use of existing bathroom walls and plumbing. An alcove shower can be enclosed with a glass door, sliding door, or shower curtain depending on the design.
One benefit of an alcove configuration is that it can be adapted to different bathroom sizes. A homeowner might use the existing footprint of an older tub or shower while upgrading the materials and features.
If you’re replacing an outdated shower without changing the entire bathroom layout, an alcove-style replacement may be worth considering.
7. Freestanding Showers
A freestanding shower is not enclosed on three sides by existing bathroom walls in the same way an alcove shower is.
This configuration can give designers more flexibility when planning the bathroom layout. It may be appropriate for larger bathrooms where the shower can occupy a dedicated area.
However, freestanding showers require careful planning because water containment, drainage, ventilation, and surrounding materials all need to be considered.
If you’re designing a completely new bathroom layout, a full remodel gives you more opportunities to reconsider where the shower should be located.
8. Shower Stalls
A shower stall is a dedicated shower enclosure that doesn’t include a bathtub.
Shower stalls can be found in many configurations and materials, including fiberglass, acrylic, tile, and other wall systems.
One major advantage is that the shower doesn’t have to accommodate a bathtub, so the available space can be dedicated to showering.
However, the material you choose matters.
EZPro’s guide on what a fiberglass shower is explains that fiberglass has been widely used because it is lightweight and affordable.
9. Rain Showers
Rain showers refer primarily to the showerhead style, rather than the layout of the shower itself.
A rain showerhead is generally designed to distribute water over a broader area, creating a rainfall-like experience.
Because this is a fixture choice, a rain showerhead can be incorporated into several different types of showers. You might install one in a walk-in shower, alcove shower, or freestanding shower.
Homeowners should also consider water efficiency when selecting a showerhead.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute, while WaterSense-labeled showerheads use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute and must meet performance requirements.
The EPA estimates that the average family can save about 2,700 gallons of water per year by replacing existing showerheads with WaterSense-labeled models.
Explore EPA’s WaterSense showerhead information to learn more about water-efficient options.
10. Handheld and Multi-Shower Systems
Handheld showerheads are another feature that can be incorporated into many different shower types.
Instead of being permanently fixed overhead, a handheld showerhead can be removed from its holder and directed where needed.
This can be useful for:
- Washing children
- Cleaning the shower
- Bathing while seated
- Improving accessibility
- Rinsing hair
- Providing more flexibility
Some homeowners choose both a fixed showerhead and handheld system. This gives users more control over how they shower.
Types of Showers by Material
Choosing the right layout is only part of the decision. You also need to consider what your shower is made from.
Acrylic Showers
Acrylic shower walls can also be designed to mimic the appearance of tile or stone without requiring individual tiles and grout lines.
This can make an acrylic shower appealing to homeowners who want a stylish appearance without the maintenance associated with traditional tiled surfaces.
Fiberglass Showers
Fiberglass showers are lightweight and widely used in residential bathrooms.
However, fiberglass requires appropriate cleaning and care. EZPro’s guide to cleaning and maintaining tubs and showers notes that abrasive cleaners can damage fiberglass surfaces.
Tile Showers
Tile gives homeowners extensive design flexibility because there are countless colors, shapes, patterns, and textures available.
The tradeoff is maintenance. Grout lines can require regular cleaning and maintenance, and improper installation can contribute to moisture problems.
If easy maintenance is one of your top priorities, it’s worth comparing tile with other shower materials before making a decision.
How to Choose Between Different Types of Showers
With so many options available, how do you determine which shower is right for your home?
Start by answering a few practical questions.
1. How much space do you have?
Measure the existing shower or tub area before choosing a configuration. A large walk-in shower may be appealing, but it needs to fit comfortably within the bathroom without creating an awkward layout.
2. Who will use the bathroom?
A primary bathroom used by adults may have different requirements than a children’s or guest bathroom.
For a family bathroom, a tub-shower combo may provide more flexibility. For a primary bathroom where the bathtub isn’t being used, a walk-in shower may be a better use of space.
3. Is accessibility important?
If you’re planning to age in place or simply want a bathroom that’s easier to use, consider a low-threshold or walk-in shower.
Features such as seating, handheld showerheads, grab bars, and slip-resistant surfaces can also improve usability.
4. How much maintenance are you willing to do?
Think about how much time you’re willing to spend cleaning.
EZPro’s acrylic tub and shower cleaning guide provides maintenance recommendations for acrylic systems and explains why abrasive cleaners should be avoided.
5. Do you need to keep a bathtub?
If this is your home’s only bathtub, replacing it with a shower may not be the right choice for your household. If you have another tub elsewhere and rarely use the existing one, a tub-to-shower conversion may make more sense.
Types of Showers: Which One Is Right for You?
There isn’t one best option among all the different types of showers. The right choice depends on your bathroom’s size, layout, users, accessibility needs, maintenance preferences, and budget.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Shower Type | Best For | Main Benefit |
| Walk-in shower | Primary bathrooms | Easy access and spacious design |
| Tub-shower combo | Family bathrooms | Bathing and showering flexibility |
| Corner shower | Small bathrooms | Efficient use of space |
| Neo-angle shower | Compact bathrooms | Uses corner space efficiently |
| Curbless shower | Accessibility | Minimal barrier to entry |
| Alcove shower | Standard layouts | Efficient use of existing walls |
| Freestanding shower | Larger bathrooms | Flexible placement |
| Shower stall | Dedicated shower areas | No bathtub required |
| Rain shower | Relaxation | Broad water coverage |
| Handheld shower | Flexibility | Adjustable water direction |
When Should You Replace Your Shower?
Knowing the different types of showers can help you plan a remodel, but you should also consider the condition of your current shower.
Signs that replacement may be worthwhile include:
- Cracked or damaged surfaces
- Persistent mold or mildew
- Difficult-to-clean grout
- Staining or discoloration
- Leaks
- An uncomfortable or unsafe shower entry
- A layout that no longer works for your household
- Outdated materials or fixtures
EZPro’s guide to common types of bathtub and shower damage covers issues such as peeling, stains, dull surfaces, chips, and holes.
If your current shower is showing several of these problems, replacing it may be more practical than continuing to repair an aging system.
Upgrade Your Shower With EZPro Express
Understanding the different types of showers is an important first step, but choosing the right shower for your home ultimately comes down to how you use your bathroom. A walk-in shower may provide the accessibility and open feel you’re looking for, while a tub-shower combination may make more sense for a family bathroom. If you’re remodeling a small space, a corner or neo-angle design may help you maximize every square foot.
The material matters, too. Acrylic, fiberglass, and tile each offer different advantages when it comes to appearance, maintenance, durability, and installation. Taking the time to compare your options before remodeling can help you avoid choosing a shower based solely on appearance.
Whether you’re replacing a damaged shower, converting an unused tub, or planning a complete bathroom renovation, the right shower can make your bathroom more comfortable, functional, and easier to maintain.
Ready to find the right shower for your bathroom? Contact EZPro Express or call 919-892-3814 to schedule your free consultation and start planning your shower remodel today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Showers
What are the most popular types of showers?
Some of the most common types of showers include walk-in showers, tub-shower combinations, corner showers, alcove showers, neo-angle showers, and dedicated shower stalls. The best option depends on your bathroom layout, available space, and how you use the room.
What type of shower is best for a small bathroom?
Corner, neo-angle, and compact alcove showers can work well in smaller bathrooms because they make efficient use of available floor space. A professional remodeler can help determine which configuration fits your specific layout.
Are walk-in showers better than tub-shower combos?
Neither option is universally better. A walk-in shower may be ideal if you prioritize accessibility, easy entry, and a spacious showering area. A tub-shower combo may be more practical if your household needs the option to take baths.
What type of shower is easiest to clean?
The easiest shower to clean depends on the material and design. Continuous or low-seam wall systems can reduce the amount of grout and joints that require cleaning. EZPro Express uses acrylic shower systems designed to be easy to maintain and resistant to mold and mildew.
What is the best shower for aging in place?
A low-threshold or walk-in shower can be a practical choice for aging in place. Features such as built-in seating, grab bars, handheld showerheads, and slip-resistant surfaces can further improve safety and accessibility.
Can I replace a bathtub with a shower?
Yes. A tub-to-shower conversion replaces the existing bathtub with a dedicated shower. EZPro Express offers tub-to-shower conversions that can improve accessibility, create a more open showering area, and make the space easier to maintain.
What shower material is easiest to maintain?
Acrylic is a popular low-maintenance option. EZPro Express uses virgin acrylic shower systems that can provide the look of tile or stone while avoiding many of the individual grout joints found in traditional tile installations.
