Modern shower system

The heart of this column is its horizontal console, fixed to the wall by two round feet. In the centre, a graduated black dial acts as a selector; on the right, a flat lever adjusts the water. The flat top serves as a shelf.

In the photos, the console comes with a dark top on a dark grey column, or with a white top on a chrome column. A close-up also shows a transparent plate, drilled for the bar to pass through.

The supplier describes it as thermostatic, with a built-in valve: the control is on the column, not in the wall.

The first handset, with a square head, sits in a slider on the bar, under the square overhead shower head. It is used for everyday rinsing.

The second is a slim cylindrical holder with two buttons, stored upright to the left of the console. Its coiled hose stretches when you pick it up and retracts by itself afterwards: it doesn't trail on the shower tray.

This small extra spray is used to rinse the walls, feet or a pet, without unhooking the main handset. That is the real difference from a classic column.

The column is wall-mounted, on hot and cold water supplies that already come out of it. The console screws onto it, then the bar is fixed at the top. Measure the ceiling height before ordering: the square shower head is carried by an arm that holds it away from the wall.

The choice is between black and chrome; in the photos, the black version leans towards anthracite grey.

The square shower head is cleaned with a damp cloth; on the console, wipe off the drops after the shower to avoid limescale marks.