What is a concealed shower?
A concealed shower, sometimes called a built-in shower, has its valve installed inside the wall instead of on the surface. The hot and cold supply pipes run behind the tiles to the valve, and the pipe to the shower head is hidden too. All you see is the control plate with its handles or buttons, the shower head and, if fitted, a handset on a slide rail. Because there is no bulky valve or exposed pipework, a concealed shower gives the cleanest, most streamlined finish of any shower type. It also leaves more space on the wall, makes the shower area easier to clean and protects the valve and pipes from knocks and splashes.
Concealed or exposed: which should you choose?
A concealed shower is the best choice when you are renovating the bathroom or retiling the shower area, as the wall needs to be opened up or built out to house the valve. It suits modern wet rooms, walk-in showers and any bathroom where you want a minimal, high-end look. An exposed shower, with the valve on the surface of the wall, is quicker to fit and is usually the better option when you are replacing an old shower without retiling. Some valves in our range can be installed either concealed or exposed, which gives your fitter more flexibility if plans change on site. Whichever you choose, plan for future access to the valve, as concealed valves are usually serviced from the front through the control plate.
Types of concealed shower valve
Modern concealed valves
Modern concealed valves have square or round handles on a slim backplate that sits flush against the tiles. A twin valve controls temperature and flow for one outlet, such as an overhead rainfall head, while a triple valve adds a second outlet so you can switch between an overhead head and a handset. They suit contemporary bathrooms with large-format tiles and frameless glass screens.
Traditional concealed valves
Traditional concealed valves bring period character with crosshead and white ceramic lever handles on a shaped backplate. One way valves run a single outlet, while two way valves let you switch between an overhead head and a handset. They suit Victorian and Edwardian homes and country-style bathrooms where you want the tidy look of a built-in shower without losing the classic style.
Commercial and accessible concealed showers
Some concealed showers are designed for public and commercial washrooms. A non-concussive shower runs for a set time when the push button is pressed, then switches off automatically. This saves water and stops showers from being left running, which makes it ideal for gyms, sports clubs, swimming pools, schools and campsites. A sequential thermostatic lever valve uses a single lever to turn the water on and adjust the temperature in one movement, and it limits the maximum temperature for safety. Its long lever is easy to operate, so it is a popular choice for accessible bathrooms, care homes, hospitals and homes adapted for older or less mobile users.
What tiles go well with a concealed shower?
Because a concealed shower has so little hardware on the wall, the tiles become the main feature of the shower area. Large-format porcelain tiles are a natural partner, as fewer grout lines keep the wall looking as clean and uninterrupted as the shower itself. Marble-effect tiles in white or grey create a hotel-style finish with a chrome or brushed brass control plate, while concrete-effect and stone-effect tiles suit a matt black valve for a modern, industrial look. For a traditional concealed valve, gloss white metro tiles or patterned feature tiles pair well with chrome crosshead handles. Explore our marble-effect tiles for ideas, and see our guide on how to choose shower tiles for advice on slip resistance and grout.
To complete the look, pair the concealed shower with a frameless glass screen from our wetroom panels range. Before you buy, check your water system, as mixer valves need hot and cold supplies and perform best with good pressure. Tile Merchant supplies bathroom products only and does not provide fitting, so we recommend using a qualified plumber for installation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a concealed and an exposed shower?
A concealed shower has the valve and pipes hidden inside the wall. An exposed shower has the valve mounted on the wall surface, which makes it quicker to install.
Can I fit a concealed shower without retiling?
Usually not, as the wall needs to be opened up to install the valve. If you want to avoid retiling, an exposed valve or a valve that can be fitted either way is a better choice.
What is a non-concussive shower?
It is a push-button shower that runs for a set time and then switches off automatically. It saves water and is common in gyms, sports clubs and schools.
Which concealed shower is best for elderly users?
A sequential thermostatic lever valve is a good choice. Its single lever is easy to use, and it limits the maximum temperature for safety.
Do you deliver concealed showers across Ireland?
Yes. We deliver nationwide, and each product page shows the expected delivery time and whether the item is available for collection.