The fixed shower head is mounted on the wall or ceiling, and you stand under it. The handheld shower head is the handset you hold in your hand, connected to the mixer by a hose. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same part, and you do not choose them in the same way.
If you want the movable part, take a look at our handheld shower heads; if you want rain falling from above, you need our overhead shower heads.
Fixed or handheld shower head: the table to stop you mixing them up
| Criterion | Fixed shower head (overhead) | Handheld shower head (handset) |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Fixed, on the wall or ceiling | Movable, held in the hand or placed on a holder |
| What feeds it | A shower arm or a column | A hose screwed onto the mixer |
| Use | Long showers, rain effect that covers the shoulders | Quick showers, rinsing hair, cleaning the shower enclosure |
| Connection on our models | 1/2 inch, 15/21 thread, shown on each product page | 1/2 inch, 15/21 thread, shown on each product page |
| What you replace if there is a problem | The head alone, on the existing arm | The handset alone, on the existing hose |
The diameter varies from one model to another: check it on each product page rather than relying on a general rule.
The handheld shower head: the movable, practical version
The handheld shower head is the handset you hold in your hand. Connected to the mixer by a hose, it allows targeted, flexible and precise use. It is the ideal accessory for a quick shower, rinsing your hair, washing a child or cleaning the shower enclosure. It is also known as a shower handset.
Discover our full range of handheld shower heads with a choice of spray patterns, built-in filters or high-pressure functions for a personalised experience.
The fixed shower head: for maximum comfort
The fixed shower head, often called an overhead shower, is a fixed installation on the wall or ceiling. It gives an enveloping rain-like feel that is much appreciated for long, relaxing showers. Because it does not move, you only adjust its angle once, when it is fitted.
Our overhead shower heads combine modern design and performance, for an elegant and comfortable bathroom.
Which one should you choose?
- For more flexibility: choose a handheld shower head.
- For an immersive experience: go for a large fixed shower head.
- To give up nothing: fit both on a combined shower column.
Why combine the two?
Many modern bathrooms combine a handheld shower head with a fixed one. This makes it easy to switch according to the moment: a quick shower or a moment of relaxation. It is also a sensible choice for families with children or people with reduced mobility, who keep the handset within reach without giving up the rain from above.
Key points for choosing well
- Type of spray (rain, massage, mist...)
- Diameter of the head or handset
- Ease of installation and compatibility with your system: check the connection size on the product page
- Design and finish (stainless steel, chrome, matt black, gold...)
To go further on choosing the spray and the shape, our guide to choosing a shower head covers every criterion.
The questions we are asked most often
What is the fixed shower head called?
It goes by several names: fixed shower head, overhead shower, or rainfall shower head when it is large and ceiling-mounted. All of them describe the fixed part the water falls from. The part you hold in your hand is the handset or handheld shower head.
What is a handheld shower head, in one sentence?
By definition, the handheld shower head is the movable head you hold in your hand, which delivers water at the end of the shower hose.
Are all shower heads compatible?
The shower heads in our range, handheld and fixed, have a 1/2 inch connection, the 15/21 thread of standard hoses, which you can check on each product page before buying. Special cases are covered in our article on whether shower heads are standard.
What size of shower head should I choose?
It depends on the width of the shower enclosure and the ceiling height. We have devoted a whole article to the size of an overhead shower head.
In short, the fixed shower head is all about comfort, while the handheld shower head is movable and very functional. One does not replace the other: it all comes down to use and lifestyle.
