IMEX shower columns are complete shower sets—consisting of a riser rail, an overhead showerhead, and a hand shower—which the Spanish brand organizes into series such as Monza, Génova, Nápoles, Line, Moscú, or Suecia. These are available in thermostatic or single-lever versions, manufactured in stainless steel and brass, with finishes ranging from chrome to brushed gold, rose gold, or matte black.
Choosing a shower column from IMEX is complicated for a good reason: there are many series, and at first glance, they look similar. This guide organizes them by type (thermostatic, single-lever, and sliding rail), explains how each series differs, and gives you clear criteria to make the right choice the first time. All the models, measurements, and finishes mentioned are taken from the actual product data sheets in the IMEX catalog at Merkimarket.
Key facts about IMEX shower columns
- Families: thermostatic columns, single-lever columns, and sliding shower rails.
- Materials: stainless steel in most shower columns and brass in models like Europa or Fiyi.
- Featured series: Monza, Line, Génova, Nápoles, Art, Moscú, Suecia, Minsk, Dinamarca, and Europa.
- Finishes: chrome, brushed gold, brushed rose gold, matte black, matte white, and black-gold.
- Approximate price range: from about €95 (Europa series) to nearly €290 for built-in thermostatic sets; check each product sheet for current pricing.
- Regulation: thermostatic (fixed and safe temperature) or single-lever (a single handle for flow and temperature).
- Warranty: statutory minimum of three years for consumers in Spain, plus the seller's commercial warranty.
Now that you have your bearings, we will detail each type and series so you can decide with confidence.
What is an IMEX shower column and what types are available
A shower column is an assembly that replaces a standalone shower faucet: it integrates the faucet, vertical riser rail, overhead showerhead ("rain"), and hand shower into a single unit. The IMEX catalog features three main formats that should not be confused, as they affect price, installation, and user experience:
- Thermostatic columns: feature a faucet with a thermostatic cartridge that sets the temperature and keeps it stable even if someone else turns on another faucet in the house. These are the most comfortable and safe. This category includes Monza, Line, Génova, Nápoles, Art, or Moscú.
- Single-lever columns: regulate flow and temperature with a single handle, like a conventional faucet. They cost less and include series like Minsk or Dinamarca.
- Sliding shower rails: the hand shower slides along a height-adjustable rail; some incorporate an overhead showerhead and faucet (Roma, Delos, Olimpo). They are the most flexible option for users of varying heights.
Thermostatic columns: the star series
If you are looking for the most pleasant shower experience and don't want any cold or scalding water surprises, this is your group. The Monza series is the most versatile in the catalog: a column with a thermostatic faucet made of stainless steel and brass, available in chrome, brushed gold, and brushed rose gold, with an adjustable height riser rail version. This is the one to choose if you want to outfit the entire bathroom to match, as Monza is also available for washbasins and built-in faucets.
The Line series provides a minimalist language: stainless steel columns and thermostatic sets with finishes extending to brushed gold, and even a built-in set with a hand shower and overhead showerhead in matte gray and champagne for those who want something different. For classic or sober-style bathrooms, Génova and Nápoles offer thermostatic shower rails with fine lines in chrome-plated stainless steel, while Art elevates the design level with brushed gold and matte black finishes. The Moscú series, in chrome-plated stainless steel, is the most robust and sober option.
Single-lever columns and rails: simplicity and price
Not everyone needs a thermostatic model. If you are looking to spend less or have very stable water pressure, single-lever series are more than sufficient. The Minsk series is a modern-design single-lever column in chrome, one of the most competitively priced options in the catalog. The Dinamarca series plays the versatility card with columns and extendable rails up to 125 cm, in chrome and matte white, ideal for when multiple people of different heights are using the same shower. And if budget is the deciding factor, the Europa series, made of brass with a chrome finish, is the most economical shower column in the range.
Sliding shower rails: the flexible option
Somewhere between a standalone faucet and a full column are shower rails, where the hand shower slides and locks at whatever height you want. IMEX has developed these extensively with very striking finishes: Roma, Delos, and Olimpo are extendable single-lever rails in stainless steel with brushed gold and brushed rose gold finishes; Suecia offers a column with a stainless steel rail in a striking black-gold finish. They are perfect for renovating a shower without construction: you replace your old faucet and instantly gain an overhead shower and height adjustment.
Comparison of IMEX shower column series
This table summarizes, at a glance, the most representative series in the catalog by type of regulation, material, and finishes so you can compare without getting lost:
| Series | Type | Material | Typical Finishes | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monza | Thermostatic column | Stainless steel + brass | Chrome, brushed gold, rose gold | Matching the entire bathroom |
| Line | Thermostatic column/set | Stainless steel | Chrome, brushed gold, gray/champagne | Minimalist style |
| Génova | Thermostatic rail | Stainless steel | Chrome | Classic and sober bathrooms |
| Nápoles | Thermostatic rail | Stainless steel | Chrome | Fine lines, budget-friendly |
| Art | Thermostatic rail | Stainless steel | Brushed gold, matte black | Maximum design |
| Moscú | Thermostatic set | Stainless steel | Chrome | Robustness and sobriety |
| Minsk | Single-lever column | Brass/steel | Chrome | Simplicity at a good price |
| Dinamarca | Column/extendable rail | Stainless steel | Chrome, matte white | Adjustable heights (up to 125 cm) |
| Europa | Single-lever column | Brass | Chrome | The tightest budget |
| Roma / Delos / Olimpo | Single-lever sliding rail | Stainless steel | Brushed gold, rose gold | Renovating without construction |
Materials, finishes, and cartridges: what to look at before buying
Beyond design, what makes a column last for years lies in three technical details:
Body and rail material. Most IMEX columns use stainless steel, the most logical material for a piece continuously exposed to water because it resists humidity well and does not rust. Some entry-level series, such as Europa or Fiyi, use chrome-plated brass, which is also valid. Always be suspicious of shower columns that are suspiciously lightweight.
Cartridge. In thermostatic series, the thermostatic cartridge is what sets the temperature and prevents burns; it usually includes a safety stop (typically at 38 °C). In single-lever models, a ceramic cartridge regulates flow and temperature with a smooth touch. This is a replaceable part: keeping the model reference (e.g., BTM039 or BTG053) will allow you to order a replacement years later.
Finish. This is the most visible decision. IMEX offers chrome (neutral and easy to clean), brushed gold and brushed rose gold (warm and trendy), matte black, and matte white. Color finishes have a PVD treatment, which withstands daily cleaning better. A tip: choose the same finish for the column, drain, and accessories; the overall look will be more cohesive.
How to choose your IMEX shower column in 5 steps
- Decide between thermostatic or single-lever. If you value safety and comfort (stable water temperature, no surprises), go for thermostatic: Monza, Line, Génova, or Art. If you prioritize price, go for single-lever: Minsk, Dinamarca, or Europa.
- Measure your shower and the type of installation. Check the distance between the water inlets (usually 15 cm in wall-mounted columns) and decide if you want an exposed column or a built-in set, which is cleaner but requires construction.
- Choose the finish and stick to it throughout. Chrome for neutral; brushed gold, rose gold, or matte black to add character. Make a note of it and apply it to the hand shower and accessories as well.
- Think about who will use it. If there are people of various heights in the house, an extendable rail or column like Dinamarca gains in convenience over a fixed showerhead.
- Complete the matching set. If you are remodeling completely, start from a transversal series like Monza to combine the column, washbasin, and built-in components in the same design language.
Ready to see the products? Explore the complete IMEX faucet catalog or the shower columns category, and take a look at two very representative references: the Monza thermostatic column in brushed gold and the Génova thermostatic shower rail in chrome. If you are still doubting between technologies, our guide on single-lever vs. thermostatic shower faucets will help, and to understand the format in general, types of shower columns and how to choose. To get to know the brand in depth, don't miss the definitive guide to IMEX faucets.
Frequently asked questions about IMEX shower columns
Which IMEX shower column series is the best?
There is no single "best": it depends on your priority. Monza is the most complete and combinable for outfitting the whole bathroom, Line is the most minimalist, Génova and Nápoles are the most sober thermostatic options, and Europa or Minsk are the most economical. First, choose between thermostatic and single-lever, then by finish.
Are IMEX shower columns thermostatic?
There are both types. Series such as Monza, Line, Génova, Nápoles, Art, or Moscú incorporate a thermostatic faucet that keeps the temperature stable; others like Minsk, Dinamarca, or Europa are single-lever, simpler and more economical.
What material are they made of?
Most IMEX shower columns are manufactured in stainless steel, which is highly resistant to continuous humidity. Some entry-level series, such as Europa or Fiyi, use chrome-plated brass. Both materials are suitable for the shower.
What is their warranty and where can I buy them?
Like any product sold to consumers in Spain, they are covered by the statutory minimum warranty of three years against defects, which the seller may complement with their commercial warranty and spare parts. You can buy them at Merkimarket.com, with shipping throughout Spain.
Article written by the Merkimarket editorial team. Technical data (series, materials, finishes, and regulation) taken from the data sheets of the IMEX catalog at Merkimarket. Price ranges and availability may vary; check each product sheet for current information in Spain.
