The mere act of taking a shower refreshes you. However, you can make it even more enjoyable by using certain elements in the bathroom. The shower head is one of such elements which could essentially improve your shower experience.
Choosing a suitable shower head for your bathroom may sometimes seem like an easy task until you have options in front of you. One of these options is deciding between choosing a round shower head or a square shower head.
The debate as to which shower head shape is better is basically not much of a performance issue. It’s mainly a matter of style and the criteria being considered. A round shower head is better if you want a classic traditional look. If you prefer a more stylish and angular look, a square shower head will be best.
In this article, we would be discussing round shower heads vs square shower heads based on different parameters like design, water pressure, and user-friendliness to help you determine which one will fit your preference.
What Shapes Do Shower Heads Come In?
There are many shower head shapes on the market to suit any bathroom style and theme. Below are the three main groupings of shower head shapes:
1. Round Or Oval
As the name suggests, these shower head shapes are circular and oval. This shower head shape appears to be the most common as it offers good coverage and even distribution of water. It is also common because of its versatility and style. They can be modern and classic at the same time.
2. Square Or Rectangular
Shower heads that are square or rectangular usually have a wide and flat shape. This shower head shape is more angular, with sharp edges. They tend to be larger than round or oval shower heads and offer a different kind of showering experience, more like a “rainfall” vibe. Square or rectangular shower heads also have a contemporary look.
3. Irregular Shapes
There are also shower heads that come in irregular shapes such as petals, leaves, and even stars. These are mostly for decorative purposes and may not offer the same kind of functionality as the more common round or square shower heads. However, they are still fun to have in the bathroom. They are pleasing to the eye and great if you want an exceptional look for your bathroom.
Round Or Square Shower Head: Which Is Better?
As stated earlier, depending on the criteria being considered, a round or square shower head may be better than the other. Let’s look at these criteria one by one.
Style And Theme Of The Bathroom
Round shower heads have a softer look because of their shape while square shower heads have a more angular and contemporary look
For a modern, sleek, and more angular look, a square shower head is better than a round shower head. For contemporary bathrooms, most of the fixtures are angular like a square bathtub, and to tie in with the theme, a square shower head is better.
However, a round shower head is the better pick for more a traditional, classic, and timeless bathroom look.
Shower Head Aesthetic
Apart from fitting into the general theme of the bathroom, the shape of a shower head must be visually pleasing. This may be subjective but can be a game changer once the right choice is made.
For a more unique and custom look, between a round and square shower head, the better choice is the latter. most square shower heads are aesthetically more pleasing than round ones, and frankly, that is one of the main reasons why square shower heads were made. To stand out and offer a different look.
Size Of Bathroom
If you have a small bathroom, it will not be prudent to choose a big shower head. For a small bathroom, it is better to go for a sizeable round shower head. For a large bathroom, a square shower head will do.
Therefore, if the size of the bathroom is small, between a round and square shower head, round one wins. In another case, if the bathroom is big, a square shower head should be your pick.
Materials Used On The Body
Shower heads usually have a plastic, brass, or stainless steel finish. The material used for circular shower heads is mostly plastic while that of the square ones is either brass or stainless steel. In essence, since brass or stainless is more durable, square shower heads are better in turns of material used on the body, translating into more durability.
Price Of The Shower Head
The price of a round shower head is a bit lower than that of a square one. Square shower heads are usually more expensive because they offer more in design and style. They are also made with better materials which make them last longer.
Therefore, if you want a less expensive shower head, go for a round one. If money is not an issue, then you can go for a square shower head.
Number Of Water Jets
Let’s say you take a 9-inch square and round rain shower head, the square will have more water jets than the round. More water jets mean more coverage and a better shower experience. Therefore, if you want more water jets for a better shower, go for a square rain shower head.
Water Flow And Shower Experience
There is not much difference in the water flow and pressure between round and square shower heads. However, the experience you get from each may be different because of the different shower head designs.
The nozzles in a square shower head are arranged in rows and columns. The water comes out in a linear direction which some people may find relaxing. On the other hand, round shower heads have nozzles that are spread evenly around the circumference and you have a curved flow of water. Some people also find this more relaxing than a linear flow.
The Intent Of Entire Property
If you have plans of selling your property in the future, you may want to choose a shower head that will help increase the value of your home. You can also go with a shape that is more in tune with current and evolving trends. This may make it easier to resell when you want to.
A round shower head will usually match any type of bathroom fixture while a square one may not. Therefore, if you want a shower head that will be more versatile and fit in any type of bathroom, go for a round one.
If you want a stylish and modern look that will make your bathroom stand out, go for a square shower head.
Do Different Shower Head Shapes Make A Difference?
Functionally, different shower head shapes do not make a significant difference. I emphasized significance because there can be some minute differences in terms of flow and coverage. However, these differences are not big enough to be a deal-breaker for most people.
The main difference between round and square shower heads is in terms of design, style, and trends.
When it comes to the flow of water, shower head manufacturers around the world are being regulated to reduce water consumption by installing flow restrictors. Therefore, the flow from different shower heads is not much of a difference whether you have a round or square shower head.
Coverage, on the other hand, may differ a bit simply because different shapes will have different numbers of nozzles.
Now, when it comes to experience, that’s where things start to get a bit subjective. Some people may find the linear flow from a square shower head more relaxing while others enjoy the round and curved flow from a round shower head. It really depends on your preference.
At the end of the day, it really does not matter what shape your shower head is. What matters most is that it provides you with a good showering experience that you enjoy.
