Shower Handle Types and Styles To Know

When renovating or designing a new bathroom, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right shower handles. Shower handles come in a variety of types and styles to suit your bathroom's decor and functionality needs.

Read on to learn how to select the ideal shower handles to match your bathroom style and meet your needs.

Basic Shower Handle Types

The first decision to make is whether you want a single-handle or dual-handle shower fixture. Each has its own benefits.

Single-Handle

Single-handle shower fixtures control both water flow and temperature with one lever or knob. They offer convenient one-handed operation. Some popular types of single-handle shower handles include:

• Ball joint handle: Uses a ball connector and socket to control water. This type tends to be less expensive but may wear out faster than other designs.
• Cartridge handle: Utilizes a cartridge with disks and seals to regulate water. Cartridges allow for precise temperature control.
• Ceramic disc handle: Employs ceramic discs to control flow. Ceramic discs resist corrosion and provide smooth handle control.

Dual-Handle

Dual-handle shower fixtures have separate handles for hot and cold water to allow you to find your perfect temperature. Common dual-handle types are:

• Compression (washerless) handle: Uses rubber seats and springs rather than washers to control flow. They tend to be affordable but may leak over time.
• Cartridge handle: Relies on a cartridge to manipulate water flow and temperature. They provide reliable performance.
• Ceramic disc handle: Utilizes ceramic discs that precisely control water and resist mineral buildup. This type offers durable performance.

Specialized Handle Types

Some other specialized shower handle types include:

• Thermostatic handles: Have a built-in thermostat to maintain a preset temperature. This prevents scalding or unpleasant temperature changes.
• Pressure balance handles: Offset sudden pressure changes to keep water temperature steady.
• Antiscald handles: Have limits to prevent water from exceeding a hot temperature to avoid burns.
• Touchless/sensor handles:Activate water flow without physical contact using motion sensor technology.

Materials

Shower handles come in a variety of materials. The material affects the handle's look, feel, durability, and price.

Metal Handles

Metal shower handles have a sleek, sophisticated look. Popular metals choices include:

• Brass: Provides a classic, elegant look that can develop a patina. Solid brass is more expensive but very durable.
• Stainless steel: Offers a modern, durable, and easy to clean option. Stainless steel resists corrosion and rust.
• Zinc: Gives a metallic look at a lower cost but may be less durable. Look for zinc handles with protective finishes.
• Chrome: A highly reflective silver finish that provides a clean, modern look. Chrome is prone to showing water spots.
• Oil-rubbed bronze: Has an antique dark bronze finish. The living finish evolves over time for a vintage look.

Plastic Handles

Plastic shower handles are affordable, lightweight options. The most common types are:

• ABS plastic: Strong, heat-resistant, and easy to clean plastic used in many consumer products.
• Acrylic: A glossy plastic that mimics the look of glass but is less prone to breaking.
• Thermoplastic: Plastic polymers that soften with heat allowing them to be molded into handles.

Glass Handles

Glass shower handles provide a sleek, contemporary look. However, they may be less durable than metal or plastic. Options include:

• Clear glass: Provides a transparent, minimalist look popular in modern designs.
• Colored glass: Available in various colors like bronze, navy, or grey for a pop of accent color.
• Frosted glass: Glass with a matte finish that softens the look and hides water spots.

Composite Materials

Some handles combine metal, plastic, and glass elements for unique designs like:

• Acrylic and metal: Acrylic handle with metallic trim or accents.
• Plastic and glass: Glass handle attached to a plastic base.
• Metallic resin: Resin made with metallic particles for a mixed media look.

Styles

Along with material and type, the style of your shower handle impacts the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Consider the style that best matches your bathroom's decor.

Traditional Style Handles

Traditional style shower handles feature elegant curved lines and often have intricate decorative details. Materials like brass, porcelain, and crystal glass create a timeless, classical look.

Traditional styles include:

• Victorian: Ornate shapes with decorative filigree, inspired by Victorian era design.
• French Country: Simple arched shapes, often in antique brass finish.
• Tuscan: Elaborate metalwork and architectural shapes influenced by Italian design.

Contemporary Style Handles

For a more modern, minimalist look, consider contemporary styles like:

• Modern: Clean, straight lines and geometric shapes in materials like matte metals and glass.
• Transitional: A blend of traditional and contemporary elements for a versatile, timeless look.
• Industrial: Black metals, exposed pipes, and hard edges for an urban loft aesthetic.

Decorative Style Handles

Decorative shower handles incorporate artistic details like crystal accents, unique shapes, colors, and finishes. This style adds flair and makes the shower a focal point.

Some decorative styles include:

• Art Deco: Bold geometric patterns and glass tile or crystal accents.
• Nature-inspired: Organic shapes and natural materials like stone or wood details.
• Nautical: Rope, anchor, and ship wheel shapes in finishes like rubbed bronze.

Popular Brands

Some top brands for high-quality, stylish shower handles include:

• Moen: Offers wide variety of styles and finishes at reasonable prices.
• Kohler: Known for unique designs like their Artifacts line with vintage appeal.
• Delta: Provides technology like Touch2O touch-sensitive handles.
• Grohe: Features stylish contemporary designs in finishes like brushed nickel.
• American Standard: Makes durable, affordable shower handles in classic styles.
• Hansgrohe: German brand offering innovative shower designs with overhead rain showers.
• Rohl: Luxury brand with traditional and contemporary designs made in premium materials.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Along with style, keep these factors in mind when selecting shower handles:

• Compatibility : Ensure the handles work with your existing shower valve and plumbing.
• Finish : Polished chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and more to match fixtures.
• Budget : Prices range from $20 to $500+ depending on materials and brands.
• Ease of installation : Look for handles with clear instructions and that don't require plumbing changes.
• Water pressure : If you have low water pressure, opt for low-flow shower handles.
• Durability : Solid brass, ceramic, stainless steel, and chrome last the longest.
• Ease of use : Handles that are smooth to operate and comfortable to grip.
• Style : Traditional, modern, minimalist, or decorative to match your bathroom.

How to Install Shower Handles

Installing new shower handles is a straightforward DIY project. Here are the steps:

1. Turn off the main water supply and open the shower valve to release pressure.
2. Remove old handles using a screwdriver. Clean any grime, soap scum, or mineral deposits.
3. Apply thread seal tape to new handle threaded stems before installing.
4. For cartridge handles, carefully insert new cartridge and engage with handle stem.
5. Align handle properly and hold in place while tightening set screw.
6. Attach any trim pieces or end caps and ensure a snug fit.
7. Turn on water supply and check for leaks. Tighten any areas that drip.

For the valve itself, it's best to get help from a licensed plumber, as replacing the inner valves can be complicated.

Maintenance Tips

With regular maintenance, your shower handles can last for years. Follow these care tips:

• Clean handles regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap and water to prevent buildup.
• Inspect seals, O-rings, washers for signs of damage or wear and replace as needed.
• For cartridge handles, remove and clean mineral deposits from the cartridge.
• Use white vinegar and water to remove hard water stains on metal handles.
• Spray rubber seals with silicone lubricant to prevent sticking and enhance water-tightness.
• Check hot and cold limit stops annually and adjust if necessary.

Safety Considerations

When selecting and installing shower handles, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Install scald guards to limit maximum water temperature to 120degF to prevent accidental scalding.
• Choose pressure balanced or thermostatic mixing valves to maintain safe shower temperatures.
• Use handles with slip-resistant grip and thumb rests for maneuverability.
• Ensure handle installation follows manufacturer instructions for proper operation.
• Clean away soap scum regularly to avoid slippery conditions leading to falls.

The shower is used multiple times daily, so handles that are durable, easy to use, and coordinate with your bathroom's style are key. By learning about the different types, materials, installation, and brands, you can make an informed choice.

Focus on the handle design and features that matter most to you, whether that's maintenance-free materials, safety for children and seniors, or achieving a certain aesthetic. With proper selection and care, your new handles can provide a comfortable showering experience for years.