Are you looking for the ultimate showering experience? Then it would help if you had a ceiling shower arm. Ceiling shower arms are the perfect way to enjoy a luxurious rainfall shower and add a touch of style to your bathroom.
To help you find the perfect ceiling shower arm for your bathroom, we researched and reviewed the best options currently available.
Ceiling Shower Arms Compared
Here’s a comparison of all the ceiling shower arms we reviewed:
Ceiling Mount Shower Arm | Length | Available Finishes | Rating | Award |
---|---|---|---|---|
DELTA Ceiling Shower Arm | 6″ | 5 | 99.5 | Best Overall |
KOHLER Ceiling Mount Shower Arm | 6″ | 10 | 98.2 | Most Finishes |
Grohe Ceiling Shower Arm | 12″ | 4 | 97.9 | Made in USA |
Danze Ceiling Shower Arm | 6″ | 2 | 96.8 | Affordable |
American Standard Ceiling Shower Arm | 3″ | 3 | 95.3 | Low Ceilings |
Artbath Ceiling Shower Arm | 12″ | 1 | 94.1 | High Ceilings |
Anpean Square Ceiling Shower Arm | 12″, 16″ | 5 | 93.6 | Modern |
Best Ceiling Shower Arms
Here’s our list of the best ceiling shower arms of 2024 currently available:
Looking for a luxury upgrade to your bathing experience? Then you should strongly consider the Delta Ceiling Shower Arm. At 6″ in length and five different finishes, this shower arm provides a sleek and stylish way to enjoy your rainfall shower.
With standard 1/2″ NPT connections, the Delta Ceiling Shower Arm is compatible with your pre-existing or new shower system. It also has a matching shower flange for a complete and polished look.
Lastly, Delta provides a limited lifetime warranty on all of their products, so you can ensure that your investment is well-protected (source).
What customers are saying: The ceiling shower arm is highly praised for its high-quality finish, solid construction, and compatibility with rainhead showers. Some customers encountered issues with thread types, wishing for more size options, but overall the product is well-received.
Pros
- Available in five different finishes
- Comes with a matching shower flange
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- May be too long for some showers
- A bit pricey
Wisconsin-based Kohler has been in the plumbing business since 1873, so it’s no surprise that their 6-Inch Ceiling Mount Shower arm is one of the best on the market.
Available in 10 different finishes, the Kohler 6-Inch Ceiling Mount Shower arm is sure to match any bathroom’s decor. It also has a matching flange and standard 1/2″ NPT connections.
Of course, given the fine level of craftsmanship, the price of the Kohler 6-Inch Ceiling Mount Shower arm is a bit higher than some of the other options on our list. But, if you’re looking for the best of the best, this is it. Lastly, the shower arm is made from solid brass.
What customers are saying: The Kohler shower arm is well-made and often more affordable than local plumbing supply store options, but some customers experienced issues with missing parts or inconsistencies in the finish.
Pros
- Available in 10 different finishes
- Made from solid brass
- Comes with a matching flange
Cons
- Expensive
Unlike virtually all other plumbing manufacturers that make their products overseas, Grohe makes this 12″ shower arm here in the United States.
Of course, given that it relies on fine German engineering, the Grohe Rainshower 12 In. Ceiling Shower Arm is a bit more expensive than some other options on our list.
It has a sleek and stylish design, is available in four different finishes, and comes with a matching shower flange. Lastly, Grohe backs up this product with a limited lifetime warranty.
What customers are saying: This shower arm is praised for its solid construction, attractive finish, and easy installation. However, some customers find it expensive for a simple pipe. The 12″ length works well for various heights, and it pairs nicely with rain showerheads.
Pros
- Made in the United States
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Would have liked to see more finishes
- May be too long for some showers
Looking for a well-made product that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Then check out the Danze 6-Inch Ceiling Mount Shower Arm. Priced under $20, it’s one of the best values on our list.
Normally you would have to go with an unknown brand to save this kind of money, but Danze, a subsidiary of Gerber, has been in the plumbing business since 1932 – nearly 100 years.
Made from solid brass and featuring standard .5″ NPT connections, the Danze 6-Inch Ceiling Mount Shower Arm is every bit as good compared to some leading brands but costs a fraction of the price.
One downside is that this shower arm is only available in two finishes – brushed nickel and chrome. So it’s likely not going to work for all bathrooms.
What customers are saying: This ceiling shower arm receives positive feedback for its easy installation, high-quality brushed nickel finish, and compatibility with some Delta rain head showerheads. However, some customers caution that it uses IPS (straight pipe) threads instead of NPT, necessitating adapters for proper sealing with certain connections.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Made from solid brass
- Features standard .5″ NPT connections
Cons
- Limited finishes
If you have lower ceilings, yet want to enjoy the rainfall shower experience, then you need the American Standard Ceiling Mount Shower Arm. At just 3″ long, it’s one of the shortest options on our list.
However, don’t let the short size fool you. This ceiling shower arm can easily support the largest rainfall shower heads.
It’s made from solid brass and available in three different finishes – chrome, brushed nickel, and polished nickel. The American Standard Ceiling Mount Shower Arm also comes with a circular flange.
What customers are saying: Many appreciate the high-quality construction and easy installation of this ceiling shower arm. They also enjoy its strong water pressure and elegant design.
Pros
- Short 3″ length
- Made from solid brass
- Available in three different finishes
Cons
- May be too short for some ceiling heights
Emerging plumbing brand Arthbath makes a fantastic shower arm that costs less than $30. Crafted from solid brass and featuring a chrome-plated finish, it does the job.
Included with the Artbath Ceiling Mount Shower Arm is a matching flange and plumbers tape so you get a water-tight seal that won’t leak. In addition, this shower arm is backed by a five year warranty.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Made from solid brass
- Comes with a matching flange
Cons
- Only available in chrome
- Unproven brand
If you want to give your shower modern aesthetics that interior designers love, then you need the Anpean Shower Arm. With a sharp square design, it’s one of the most stylish shower arms on our list.
Available in both 12″ and 16″ lengths, it’s one of the longest shower arms available. Construction-wise, you’ll love that it’s made from a corrosion and rust-resistant stainless steel – so it’ll easily last you decades, not years.
Available in five different finishes, you should have no problem matching it with your current bathroom decor.
What customers are saying: Customers enjoy the quality and easy installation of the shower arm but some complain about its high price and compatibility issues with standard American shower heads.
Pros
- Stylish square design
- Long 12″ and 16″ lengths
- Made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- Available in five different finishes
Cons
- Shorter warranty than competing products
Considerations When Buying a Ceiling Shower Arm
First time buying a ceiling shower arm? Here are a few considerations to help you choose the right product for your needs.
Length
One of the most important considerations when choosing a ceiling shower arm is the height of your ceilings. If you have low ceilings, you’ll want to avoid long shower arms as they may not fit. Conversely, if you have tall ceilings, you’ll want to choose a longer shower arm.
When measuring, we recommend at least 12 to 18″ of clearance between the top of your head and the shower head. This will give you plenty of room to move around without feeling too cramped. The standard height for a shower head is 80″ from the floor.
Finish
Most ceiling shower arms come in multiple finishes, so you can match them to your bathroom’s existing decor. The most popular finishes are chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze.
If you can’t find a finish that matches, we recommend choosing one that closely matches your existing or new shower head.
Material
Ceiling shower arms are made from either solid brass or stainless steel. Both materials are durable and will last you a long time, but brass is generally considered to be of a higher quality. On the other hand, stainless steel will naturally resist rust and corrosion.
No matter the material, ensure that the exterior coating, especially chrome, is free of any cracks or chips, as water can seep in and cause rust.
Brand
While there are many no-name brands, we recommend choosing a product from a well-known and reputable company. Not only will you get better customer support, but you’ll also have a higher chance of getting a quality product.
If you are going with an unproven brand, read customer reviews carefully to look for any common issues.
Warranty
Most reputable companies will offer a product warranty, usually 1 to 5 years. This is important as it will protect you in case of manufacturing defects.
Larger brands may offer a limited lifetime warranty. This will protect the product against manufacturer defects but usually doesn’t cover any damage from normal wear and tear.
Price
Regarding price, you’ll find that ceiling shower arms can range anywhere from $20 to $80. The main difference between the cheaper and more expensive models is usually the finish, material, length, country of origin, and brand.
Installation Tips
Here are a few things to keep in mind when installing the new shower arm:
If you have an existing ceiling shower arm, removing it is usually a simple matter of unscrewing it with a wrench.
To install your new ceiling shower arm:
- Start by coating the threads with Teflon or plumbers tape and hand tighten it into place.
- Once it’s snug, use a wrench to finish tightening it.
- Avoid over-tightening as this can strip the threads.
- Place a towel or rag between the wrench and shower arm to prevent damage to the finish.
We recommend calling a plumber if you’re installing a new shower arm and have no existing one to remove. They’ll need to run a pipe from the main water line to the location of your shower head. This is generally a fairly easy process, but there’s always a chance that something could go wrong.