IMEX offers three formats for equipping a shower: a shower column (a complete structure with an integrated thermostat or single-lever mixer), recessed fixtures (hidden in the wall, with or without a "Top" set), and a surface-mounted shower bar (extendable, fixed onto already-tiled walls); the choice depends on whether you are doing a complete renovation or working with an already finished bathroom.
Key Data
- The shower column integrates the faucet, showerhead, and in many models a hand shower into a single stainless steel structure.
- Recessed fixtures hide the faucet body inside the wall; only the control handle and the showerhead or hand shower remain visible.
- The shower bar is extendable and is installed over the already-tiled wall, with no construction work required.
- All three options are available in thermostatic versions (maintaining a stable temperature) or single-lever versions (simpler and more economical).
- Recessed fixtures are the only ones that require preparing the installation before tiling.
Shower column: the all-in-one solution
The shower column provides a complete shower solution in a single piece: a vertical stainless steel structure with integrated faucets (thermostatic or single-lever), an overhead showerhead, and, depending on the model, a hand shower. It is the most direct option when you want to replace an old shower without touching the existing water installation in the wall, as the column connects to an existing water outlet and does not require breaking walls to hide pipes. IMEX offers columns with an integrated thermostat, such as those in the Monza series, and simpler single-lever column designs.
Recessed fixtures: the option for complete renovations
Recessed fixtures hide the faucet body inside the wall, leaving only the control handle and the water outlet (fixed showerhead, shower arm, or hand shower with bracket) visible. It is the option with the most visually integrated finish, but it requires planning the installation before tiling: you must prepare the water inlet and the mechanism box in the wall. Within this format, IMEX offers both thermostatic sets like those in the Line series (including its "Top" variant with more functions) and simpler recessed single-lever pieces.
Shower bar: the no-construction option
The shower bar is a vertical surface structure, height-extendable, which is screwed directly onto the already-tiled wall. It is the solution when you do not want to or cannot break into the wall: it only requires an existing water outlet, just like a conventional surface-mounted faucet. There are thermostatic and single-lever versions available in various finishes and extension lengths.
| Format | Requires construction | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shower column | No (uses existing outlet) | Replacing an old shower without touching the wall |
| Recessed fixtures | Yes | Complete renovations where an integrated finish is desired |
| Shower bar | No | Updating the shower without construction, over already-tiled walls |
How to choose between the three options
The first question is whether you are willing to do construction work: if the answer is no, the choice remains between the shower column and the shower bar, both of which are surface-mounted. Between these two, the column usually includes more integrated functions (showerhead, hand shower, sometimes hydromassage), while the bar is more visually discreet. If you are doing a complete renovation and want the cleanest finish possible, recessed fixtures are the option to plan for from the beginning of the project, as once the wall is tiled, you cannot change the format without breaking the wall again. In any of the three cases, it is advisable to also decide between thermostatic and single-lever; our guide single-lever or thermostatic faucet: which to choose for the shower compares both systems in detail.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace a recessed fixture with a column without construction?
If the recessed water outlet already exists and is accessible, it is possible to replace the assembly with a column that connects to that same outlet, although it is advisable to check that the connection measurements match.
Does the shower bar support the same flow rate as a recessed installation?
Yes, the flow rate depends on the network pressure and the faucet cartridge, not the installation format (recessed or surface-mounted).
Which format is easier to maintain?
Surface-mounted fixtures (column or bar) are more accessible for checking gaskets and cartridges without needing to break into the wall, compared to recessed ones, where the mechanism is hidden.
IMEX showers at Merkimarket
In our IMEX faucet collection you will find all three options: the Monza thermostatic shower column in chrome, the Line recessed thermostatic shower set in brushed rose gold, and the Roma extendable shower bar in matte black.
To delve deeper into each series, check out IMEX Monza series: full analysis and IMEX Line series: minimalist design in detail.
Guide prepared by the Merkimarket editorial team based on manufacturer technical data sheets and the installation experience of our suppliers.
