IMEX shower bars and shower sets are shower systems mounted on a vertical bar (usually extendable and made of stainless steel) that integrate an overhead shower, hand shower, and single-lever or thermostatic tap. They are installed on the wall without construction work, and the brand offers them in several series, such as Bristol, Roma, Genova, or Naples, with finishes ranging from chrome to brushed gold.
If you are looking to renovate your shower without chipping tiles or opening up the wall, an IMEX shower bar or shower set is almost always the fastest and most affordable solution. In this guide, we bring together on a single page exactly what each format is, what series and finishes are available in the catalog, what they are made of, how to choose between a bar, set, or column, and how to install them step by step. All technical data is taken from the actual product sheets in the IMEX catalog on Merkimarket.
Key features of IMEX shower bars and sets
- What they are: exposed shower systems on a bar, with an overhead shower, hand shower, and integrated taps.
- Materials: stainless steel bar and hose (usually S304) and brass tap bodies.
- Tap type: single-lever (one handle) or thermostatic (stable temperature and anti-scald function).
- Featured bar series: Roma, Genova, Naples, Art, and Line; in column format, series such as Bristol or Monza.
- Finishes: chrome, brushed gold, brushed rose gold, matte black, and two-tone black-gold.
- Dimensions: many bars are extendable (for example, from 88 to 125 cm), making them suitable for almost any wall.
- Warranty: minimum legal three-year warranty for consumers in Spain, plus the seller's commercial warranty.
This summary gives you the essentials; next, we will develop each point so you can choose wisely.
Shower bar, set, and column: what makes them different
These are three formats that are often confused, and understanding the difference will save you from making a purchasing mistake:
- Shower bar: a vertical bar, almost always extendable, with a sliding bracket for the hand shower. The complete versions also include the tap (single-lever or thermostatic) and an overhead shower. It is the most versatile format because the bracket moves up and down to adapt to each person.
- Shower set: the tap (wall-mounted or concealed) together with the overhead shower and hand shower, designed to install a complete system or replace an existing one. It is a good fit when you already have the water connection in the wall.
- Shower column: a rigid one-piece structure with a fixed overhead shower and integrated tap, with a more solid appearance. This is the option in the Bristol series, for example.
If you are still unsure whether to install a bar, column, or concealed system, our comparison on IMEX showers: column, concealed, or bar will be useful to you.
IMEX shower bars: available series and finishes
The clearest way to browse the catalog is by series: each one maintains a specific design language and finish. Here are some of the shower bars available today, with their actual materials and finishes:
| Series | Tap type | Material | Common finishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roma | Extendable single-lever | S304 stainless steel and brass | Brushed gold, brushed rose gold |
| Genova | Thermostatic | Stainless steel | Chrome |
| Naples | Thermostatic | Stainless steel | Chrome |
| Art | Thermostatic | Stainless steel | Brushed gold, matte black |
| Line | Thermostatic / single-lever | S304 stainless steel and brass | Brushed gold, brushed rose gold |
| Fiji | Extendable single-lever | Chrome-plated brass and stainless steel | Chrome |
As a price reference, IMEX shower bars generally range from €190 for the thermostatic models in chrome (Naples or Genova) to €260–280 for the brushed gold or rose gold versions (Art, Line, or Olimpo). Check each product sheet for the current price and shipping cost in Spain.
IMEX shower sets: renovate with minimal construction work
When you already have the water connection in the wall and only want to replace the tap and the showerhead, the ideal format is the shower set. IMEX offers options ranging from affordable ones, such as the Belgica single-lever set in matte black brass with a steel hose (around €70), to complete thermostatic sets such as the Kent series—available in chrome, matte white, and matte black—or the Line series in brushed gold, now in the €190–280 range.
The set offers a double advantage: easy installation and the ability to match the finish of the rest of the bathroom fixtures. A thermostatic set also adds safety because it maintains a stable temperature even if someone opens another tap in the house.
Single-lever or thermostatic: which one is right for you
This is the decision that most affects day-to-day use. The single-lever tap controls flow and temperature with a single handle: it is more affordable and simpler, and it is perfect for bathrooms used by one person. The thermostatic tap includes a cartridge that sets the chosen temperature and keeps it constant, with a safety stop (usually at 38°C) that prevents burns: it is the recommended option for households with children or older people, and for installations where the pressure varies when using several taps at the same time.
If you want to learn more about how this technology works internally and when it is worth paying for it, we explain it in detail in the guide on IMEX thermostatic taps.
Materials, stainless steel, and finishes
What makes the difference between a bar that lasts for years and one that rusts is not visible in the photo. For IMEX bars and sets, it is best to look at three things:
The bar and the hose. They are made of stainless steel (frequently S304), the ideal material for continuous exposure to moisture and limescale due to its corrosion resistance. The steel hose also withstands bending better than a plastic one.
The tap body. In models with integrated taps, the body of the single-lever or thermostatic tap is usually made of brass, which provides weight and durability. Be wary of excessively lightweight sets: they often conceal lower-quality materials.
The finish. This is where IMEX excels: in addition to classic chrome, there is brushed gold, brushed rose gold, matte black, and even two-tone black-gold combinations. The practical advice is to choose the same finish for the bar, the tap, and the bathroom accessories; that detail is what gives the impression of a well-coordinated set.
Dimensions and compatibility: what to check before buying
Before adding a bar to your cart, check these points to avoid surprises during installation:
- Distance between water connections. The standard in Spain is 15 cm between centers for exposed shower fixtures. Measure it before choosing.
- Available height. Many IMEX bars are extendable (for example, from 88 to 125 cm), so they adapt to almost any wall; even so, check the height of your shower tray or bathtub.
- Installation type. Decide whether you want a wall-mounted (exposed) model or a set prepared for concealed installation, which is neater but requires construction work.
- Matching finish. If you are going to keep the rest of the fixtures, choose the same color so that everything matches.
How to install or replace an IMEX shower bar step by step
- Turn off the water at the main valve or the bathroom shut-off valves and open the tap to release the pressure.
- Remove the old fixtures by loosening the nuts on the connections. Clean the threads and remove any old Teflon tape or gaskets.
- Check the escutcheons. Screw on the new eccentric escutcheons and adjust them to leave the correct separation (15 cm) and level them.
- Seal the threads with Teflon tape and install the tap body or the bar base, tightening without forcing to avoid damaging the gaskets.
- Secure the bar to the wall with the upper bracket, using a level to ensure it is straight.
- Connect the hose and hand shower, open the water gradually, and check that there are no leaks at any joint.
If the replacement also includes the kitchen or bathroom sink tap, you will find more steps and tips in our installation guides on the blog.
Frequently asked questions about IMEX shower bars and sets
What is the difference between the IMEX Bristol series shower bar and an extendable bar?
Bristol is, in the IMEX catalog, a rigid one-piece shower column with a fixed overhead shower, while extendable bars (such as Roma or Genova) allow you to raise and lower the hand shower bracket and adjust the height. If you are looking for maximum adaptability, an extendable bar is the right choice; if you prefer a solid set with a fixed appearance, the column is your format.
Are IMEX shower bars thermostatic?
It depends on the series. There are single-lever models (one handle) and thermostatic models with stable temperature control and a safety stop. For households with children or older people, a thermostatic tap is recommended.
What material are they made of?
The bar and hose are usually made of stainless steel (usually S304), and the tap body is made of brass. This is the combination that best withstands moisture and limescale in the bathroom.
What warranty do they have?
Like any product sold to consumers in Spain, they come with a minimum legal three-year warranty against conformity defects, which the seller can supplement with their own commercial warranty and availability of spare parts.
Ready to choose yours? Explore the IMEX tap and shower catalog or go directly to two popular references: the Roma shower bar in brushed gold and the Genova thermostatic bar. And if you prefer a complete system, take a look at the Line thermostatic shower set.
Article written by the Merkimarket editorial team. Technical data (series, materials, and finishes) taken from the product sheets in the Merkimarket IMEX catalog. Price ranges and availability may vary; check each product sheet for the current information in Spain.
