The Ultimate Shower Upgrade Guide: Features, Costs, and What’s Actually Worth It
- Matt Littau
- 44 minutes ago
- 4 min read
If you’re remodeling a bathroom, the shower is where “nice” becomes daily luxury. It’s also where smart design decisions can save you money, reduce maintenance, and make the whole space feel bigger, brighter, and more modern.
This guide breaks down the most popular shower upgrades—what they do, who they’re best for, and what’s actually worth the investment—so you can build a shower you’ll love for years (not just something that looks good in photos).
1) Start With the Big Question: What Do You Want Your Shower To Do?
Before you pick tile or fixtures, decide what matters most:
Easy to clean / low maintenance
Spa-like experience
Accessibility / aging-in-place
More storage
Better water pressure + performance
Better lighting + less steam
When you lead with function, your design choices get way easier—and your remodel ends up feeling intentional.
2) Curbless Showers: The “Wow” Upgrade That Also Adds Accessibility
What it is: A shower that transitions flush with the bathroom floor—no curb to step over.
Why homeowners love it:
Looks high-end and modern
Makes the bathroom feel larger
Easier for kids, pets, and aging-in-place
What to know:
Requires correct slope and waterproofing
Drain placement matters (center vs. linear)
Glass choices and splash control are key
Best for: Anyone who wants a clean, modern look and a long-term bathroom solution.
3) Linear Drains: Clean Look, Better Water Management
What it is: A long drain (often near a wall or entry) that creates a sleek, minimalist finish.
Why it’s worth considering:
Enables large-format tile on the shower floor (fewer grout lines)
Looks modern and premium
Works great in curbless applications
Pro tip: Pair a linear drain with larger tile and tight grout planning for a cleaner, easier-to-maintain shower.
4) Built-In Niches + Bench Seating: Comfort and Storage Without Clutter
Shower niches
What it is: Recessed shelves built into the wall for shampoo/soap.
Why it’s worth it:
Keeps products off the floor and corners
Looks cleaner than caddies
Adds “custom” feel without huge cost
Niche upgrade ideas:
Add a second niche for “his/hers”
Put it on the “dry side” away from direct spray
Choose an accent tile to make it a design feature
Bench seating
What it is: A built-in or floating seat inside the shower.
Why it’s popular:
Comfort + accessibility
Great for shaving legs, relaxing, or assisting kids
Pro tip: If you want the look without the footprint, consider a fold-down teak seat.
5) Body Sprays + Rain Heads: When “Spa” Is Worth It (and When It Isn’t)
Rain heads
Pros:
Looks incredible
Great for relaxing showers
Reality check:
Rain heads don’t always feel “strong” unless your water pressure + plumbing support it.
They shine when paired with a handheld or standard head.
Body sprays
Pros:
True spa feel
Great warmth and coverage
Reality check:
More plumbing complexity
Needs correct valve planning and flow balancing
Best for: Homeowners who use the shower as an experience, not just a rinse.
Viking pro note: These features are all about proper plumbing design—done right, they feel amazing. Done wrong, they’re underwhelming.
6) The Most Underrated Upgrade: A Handheld Shower (Yes, Really)
If there’s one feature that improves real-life usability the most, it’s this.
Why it’s a must-have:
Easier cleaning
Great for kids and pets
Better for accessibility
Adds flexibility without a big cost
Best setup: A handheld on a slide bar + a primary head.
7) Steam Showers: Luxury Done Right
What it is: A sealed shower space with a steam generator.
Why people love it:
Relaxation, recovery, and warmth in winter
Spa experience at home
What it requires:
Proper sealing and ventilation design
Generator placement + electrical planning
Material selection that performs in high-moisture conditions
Best for: Homeowners committed to the experience and willing to build it correctly.
8) Tile Choices That Make Your Shower Easier to Maintain
Remodeling isn’t just about looks—it’s about how the shower lives day-to-day.
Want less cleaning?
Use larger-format tile (less grout)
Consider porcelain slabs for a super clean look
Choose grout and sealers designed for longevity
Love the look of small tile?
Great—just know it’s more grout = more maintenance
Use premium grout and plan for long-term care
9) Glass Choices: Frameless, Semi-Frameless, or Something Smarter?
Frameless glass looks incredible, but there are options depending on budget and maintenance preferences.
Consider:
A glass coating that reduces spotting
Partial glass panels (more open, modern, easier)
Black hardware for a bold look (but keep water quality in mind for spotting)
10) Shower Water Quality: Protect the Remodel You Just Paid For
This is the part most people skip—and it matters more than you’d think.
Hard water can cause:
Spotting on glass and fixtures
Faster wear on shower valves
Buildup in showerheads
More scrubbing and chemical cleaners
A remodel is the perfect time to talk about your whole-home water system—because once your shower is built, you want it to stay beautiful.
(That’s the Viking difference: bath & kitchen design + the plumbing expertise behind it.)
So…What’s Actually Worth It?
If you want upgrades with the best real-life payoff, prioritize:
A handheld shower (flexibility + ease of cleaning)
A niche + smart storage (keeps the shower clean-looking)
Better lighting + ventilation (prevents moisture issues)
Curbless + linear drain (if you want modern + aging-in-place)
Water quality planning (protects the investment)
Then add the “spa” features (rain head, sprays, steam) if they match your lifestyle and you’re building the plumbing the right way.
Ready to Build a Shower You’ll Love Every Day?
Viking Plumbing’s Bath & Kitchen team helps you design a shower that looks incredible and performs the way it should—backed by real plumbing expertise and a process that keeps decisions clear from start to finish.
If you’re thinking about a remodel, schedule a design consult and let’s talk about what’s possible.
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