Bathroom shower bars: varieties, brands and choices

A bathroom is not just a room of prime necessity, but also a place where a person comes to relax. So, its conditions should be as comfortable as possible, and the atmosphere should be comfortable.

One of the accessories that provide convenience is a special shower bar. It combines several useful functions at once, which greatly facilitate the reception of water procedures. However, 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 in the bathroom is considered an additional device. Manufacturers give them no less attention than the plumbing itself.

It should not only fulfill its functions, but also competently fit into the interior.

The tasks performed by the barbell include:

• placing the watering can and adjusting its height according to the growth and preferences of the person taking the shower;
• fixing additional accessories for the shower, among which may be holders for hygiene products;
• holding shower curtains.

In fact, the bar is a more convenient alternative to a standard shower set.

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

By the way, the headquarters can be installed not only in the standard shower, but also in the shower. Installation can be done independently.It is enough to imagine how this is done and have the necessary tools at hand.

Today on the Russian market there are a huge number of models from various manufacturers. All of them differ from each other in the following characteristics:

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

But the main differences are not limited to this. Additionally, three types of shower bars can be distinguished.

• Without mixer - the cheapest variety, which includes a stand, bracket and hose for a watering can. In slightly more expensive models, watering cans can 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 lift it manually. For the watering can to work correctly, the hose length must be no shorter than the length of the rod itself. However, at the connection points, the hose may leak - this is the main drawback of budget models. Also, removable shelves, which are purchased separately, can be attached to the bar.

• With mixer - A more popular and practical option. Buying such a model will be cheaper than buying a boom and mixer separately. In addition, you do not have to select them so that they are combined with each other in design. This variety has many subspecies and configurations. For example, the mixer can be a classic valve, single lever, non-contact or with a thermostat. In some models, water flows directly along the boom, while others are equipped with a spout and a switch to change modes.

• With overhead shower - An improved version of the first variety without a mixer. It is distinguished by 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 cascading one. At the same time, the direction and pressure of the overhead shower can be adjusted independently. The rods 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 such a variety is averaged compared to the previous two.

In our country, the most popular type of bar without a mixer is because it is inexpensive, and most bathrooms are already equipped with all the necessary sanitary ware. 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 high moisture. Therefore, for their manufacture, the following materials are most often used.

• Stainless steel Has a beautiful polished appearance. At the same time, such rods are characterized by increased strength, stability and a long service life. Stainless steel is not the cheapest material, but practical enough, so it pays for all costs. And the light weight of steel rods allows you to mount them on any basis.

• Aluminum It also weighs a little and is easy to install. However, this metal is not as strong as stainless steel. Aluminum is softer, which is why it deforms faster, and its service life is reduced.

• Brass considered the most practical material for plumbing and related accessories. It is strong enough, unpretentious, has an average affordable price and a long service life, and is also absolutely harmless to human health. Its only drawback is the large weight relative to other materials. Such a rod requires a good mount, which will not allow this entire structure to collapse.

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

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

In an attempt to lure customers, manufacturers produce rods with unusual shapes. But not all of them are practical. The most common ones are:

• straight;
• angular;
• square or cubic;
• roundabout;
• repeating the shape of the bathroom.

Direct and angular shapes are the most popular in our country, as they are great for standard bathtubs and showers. The last three types are used for installation on bathrooms located in the center of the room.

The length of the bar is also very different. The most popular options:

• 55 cm;
• 60 cm;
• 90 cm;
• 100 cm

The greater the length, the more opportunities for installing a watering can.

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

The design of the shower bar is largely dependent on the method of attachment. All of them are 3.

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

• Floor - more rare in our country, the method of installing the bar. The stand is attached to the floor with screws. It is suitable only for showers without a shower tray and bathtubs, which are not placed tightly against the walls.

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

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

• Classic black stand with holder for hand watering can.

• Corner rod for a bathroom placed close to the wall.

• The white color in the design of the shower goes well with silver and chrome bars.

• Elegant bronze covering a rack with an overhead shower.

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

The highest quality shower accessories are made 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 its product. Here are a few manufacturers whose bathroom rods will definitely not disappoint you.

A German company known in the field of plumbing and related products. Produces a variety of rack models using the latest technology.

Manufacturer from France. Its rods are known for their wide adjustment possibilities, which allows you to precisely adjust not only the height of the watering can, but also the angle of inclination.

Czech company that manufactures booms in various designs, starting with retro and ending with Hi-tech. The material of their manufacture is mainly brass, but with various sprayings.

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

Spanish company. It produces multifunctional rods in both classic and more modern styles.

An Italian company that is not inferior in quality to its German competitors. Also very popular in European countries. It produces mainly elegant racks in retro style. For the manufacture of brass is used with anti-corrosion coating.

As you can see, the market is mainly dominated by manufacturers from Germany. Among them, one can also distinguish companies such as Kaiser, Elghansa and Bravat. But their neighbors are not far behind. Many Russian companies produce no less high-quality sanitary ware at more affordable prices.

Do not get too busy with cheap products from unknown Chinese manufacturers. Low cost usually entails low quality, unreliability and short life.

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

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

Also they must be combined 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 choose the appropriate rack in a simple store.

The best material for the bar is brass, but stainless steel is also good if you are looking for a cheaper option. When choosing, pay attention to the quality of each part, especially the fixtures.

We hope that the recommendations from this article will make it easier for you to choose a barbell. Today, many models are presented in plumbing stores, and not all of them are good or will suit you. Anyway, this is not a quick purchase. It is worthwhile to carefully study the topic.

You can watch the shower bars of popular brands in the video.