Bathroom shower bars: varieties, brands and selection

The bathroom is not just a necessary room, but also a place where a person comes to relax. This means that its conditions should be as comfortable as possible, and the environment should be comfortable.

One of the accessories for added convenience is the dedicated shower bar. It combines several useful functions at once, which greatly facilitate the reception of water procedures. However, the boom models are different. In this article, we will take a closer look at the main ones, talk about the most famous manufacturers, and also share tips on how to choose a bar for your bathroom.

A shower bar for the bathroom is considered an optional accessory. Manufacturers pay no less attention to them than to the plumbing itself.

It must not only fulfill its functions, but also fit correctly into the interior.

The tasks performed by the barbell include:

• placing the watering can and adjusting its height according to the height and preferences of the person taking the shower;
• fixing additional shower accessories, including holders for hygiene products;
• holding the shower curtain.

Basically, the bar is a more comfortable alternative to the standard shower set.

This is especially important in small bathrooms, as the use of free space is noticeably reduced.

By the way, the head can be installed not only in a standard shower, but also in a shower stall. Installation can be done by yourself.It is enough to imagine how it is done and to have the necessary tools at hand.

Today, a huge number of models from various manufacturers are presented on the Russian market. They all differ from each other in the following characteristics:

• material of manufacture;
• size and shape;
• type of attachment.

But the main differences do not stop there. Additionally, there are three types of shower bars.

• Without mixer - the cheapest variant, which includes a stand, bracket and watering can hose. In slightly more expensive models, the watering cans have the ability to move up and down the bar. Semi-automatic models are equipped with a special cord that allows you to lower the bracket, but you will have to raise it manually. For correct operation of the watering can, the length of the hose should not be shorter than the length of the rod itself. However, in the joints, the hose can leak - this is the main drawback of budget models. You can also attach detachable shelves to the bar, which are purchased separately.

• With mixer - the more popular and practical option. It will be cheaper to purchase such a model than to buy a rod and mixer separately. In addition, you do not have to select them so that they fit together in design. This variety has many subspecies and configurations. For example, the mixer can be a classic valve, single-lever, contactless or with a thermostat. In some models, water flows directly through the rod itself, while others are equipped with a spout and a switch for changing modes.

• With overhead shower - an improved version of the first variety without mixer. Differs in the presence of two watering cans at once - manual on a flexible hose and a stationary top. Depending on the model, the latter is also divided into subspecies, such as a massage shower or a cascade shower. In this case, the direction and pressure of the overhead shower can be adjusted independently. The bars themselves can have a variety of unusual shapes, and the upper watering cans differ from each other not only in shape, but also in size. The cost of this variety is averaged over the previous two.

In our country, the most popular is the type of bar without a mixer, because it is inexpensive, and most bathrooms are already equipped with all the necessary plumbing. But the question of choosing a suitable rack remains open.

According to its purpose, the rod is constantly in contact with water, which means that it must be resistant to corrosion and fungi that spread with increased moisture. Therefore, the following materials are most often used for their manufacture.

• Stainless steel has a beautiful polished appearance. Moreover, such rods are characterized by increased strength, stability and long service life. Stainless steel is not the cheapest material, but quite practical, so it pays for all the costs. And the light weight of the steel rods allows them to be attached to any base.

• Aluminum also lightweight and easy to install. However, this metal is not as strong as stainless steel. Aluminum is softer, which deforms faster and shortens its service life.

• Brass is considered the most practical material for plumbing and related accessories. It is quite durable, unpretentious, has an average affordable price and a long service life, and is also absolutely harmless to human health. Its only drawback is its large weight relative to other materials. Such a bar requires a good fastening that will not allow this whole structure to collapse.

• Plastic has earned its popularity due to the lowest price and lightness. Installing a plastic bar is much easier than others. In addition, it has an attractive appearance and is not susceptible to rust. But in terms of safety margin, plastic is inferior to all other materials.

Shower curtains are worth picking up too focusing on the material and appearance of the bar... Curtains, in turn, differ from each other not only in design, but also in the level of rigidity.

In an attempt to lure buyers, manufacturers are releasing barbells with unusual shapes. But not all of them are practical. The most common ones are:

• straight;
• corner;
• square or cubic;
• annular;
• repeating the shape of the bathroom.

Straight and angular shapes are the most popular in our country, as they perfectly fit standard baths and showers. The last three types are used for installation in bathrooms located in the center of the room.

The length of the bar also varies greatly. The most requested options:

• 55 cm;
• 60 cm;
• 90 cm;
• 100 cm.

The longer the length, the more possibilities for the installation of the watering can.

And if you plan to place many elements on the rack, you can install more than one rod.

The design of the shower bar depends a lot on the way it is attached. All of them are 3.

• Wall - the standard version, in which the stand is mounted on a wall or in a corner in a vertical position. There are wall-mounted suction bars that are easy to install, but this mount is the most unreliable.

• Floor - a more rare method of installing a rod in our country. The stand is fixed to the floor with screws. It is only suitable for showers without a tray and bathtubs that do not fit tightly against the walls.

• Combined - a method of attaching the rod to the wall and to the floor at the same time. It is the most reliable, but requires a certain location of the shower or bath.

Now let's take a look at some prime examples of design.

• Classic black stand with hand shower holder.

• Corner rail for flush-to-wall bathroom.

• The white color in the shower room design perfectly matches the silver and chrome bars.

• Elegant bronze covering the overhead shower rack.

• The simplest wall holder for a watering can with adjustable height.

The highest quality shower accessories are produced in European countries and the USA. Many buyers do not pay enough attention to the brand, and in vain. The more popular the company, the better the quality of its product. Here are a few manufacturers whose bathroom rails won't disappoint you.

A German company known for the production of sanitary ware and related products. Produces a variety of rack models using the latest technology.

Manufacturer from France. Its boom is renowned for its wide range of adjustment options, which allows you to fine-tune not only the height of the showerhead, but also the angle of inclination.

Czech company that produces barbells in various designs, from retro to Hi-tech. The material of their manufacture is mainly brass, but with various coatings.

Another manufacturer from Germany, famous for its German quality. His plumbing is very popular in Europe. It may not be the cheapest, but it is the highest quality.

Spanish company. Produces multifunctional booms in both classic and more modern styles.

An Italian company that is not inferior to its German competitors in terms of product quality. Also very popular in European countries. Produces predominantly elegant retro style racks. Brass with anti-corrosion coating is used for manufacturing.

As you can see, the market is mainly dominated by German manufacturers. Among them are companies such as Kaiser, Elghansa and Bravat. But their neighbors are not far behind either. Many Russian companies produce equally high-quality plumbing fixtures at more affordable prices.

Do not go for cheap goods from unknown Chinese manufacturers. Cheapness usually means poor quality, unreliability, and short lifespan.

When choosing a bar, the first thing to consider is the parameters of your bathroom. For example, if its area is rather small, it is better to choose a compact and fully equipped model, such as a stand with an overhead shower and spout, as well as with additional shelves, a soap dish, etc.

There is also a difference between bath and shower bars. In the first case, short racks from 60 to 90 cm are preferable. For a shower, a tall stick will be good, on which more necessary accessories will be placed, so that your hands almost always remain free. Wherein, if you are looking for a model with an overhead shower, choose one with the shower head more than 20 cm above your head.

Also they must match externally... And if your bathroom is a design development, you will have to order a bar from the same designer, because it will be very difficult to find the appropriate counter in a simple store.

Brass is the best barbell material, but stainless steel is also fine if you're looking for a cheaper option. When choosing, pay attention to the quality of every detail, especially the fasteners.

We hope that the guidelines in this article will make the barbell selection process easier for you. Today there are many models in plumbing stores, and not all of them are good or suitable for you. Anyway, it is not a quick purchase. Beforehand, you should carefully study the topic.

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