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There are many different styles and types of shower faucets from which to choose. The most popular type of shower faucet is the wall mounted faucet that is positioned over the shower drain. More exotic shower faucets include designer faucets with longer arms stemming from the wall, or even ceiling mounted faucets that are set flush with the ceiling to produce a falling rain effect.

Along with the type or shape of shower faucets available, there are also different types of faucet finishes from which to choose. You want to look for a long lasting finish that doesn't require much maintenance and complements your bathroom decor.

The choices of finish are quite varied and include nickel plating, chrome plating, brass, white enamel, platinum, porcelain, stainless steel, silver gold, bronze or colored epoxy. Colored epoxy finishes usually have fancy names like 'glacier' or 'almond'.

The most popular finishes for shower faucets are brass and chrome because they are easily maintained as well as very durable. If you're going to choose a brass finish for your shower faucet, be forewarned: brass finishes require a special protective coating so that the material doesn't tarnish. This happens relatively quickly with brass, and you're certain to notice tarnishing very quickly if you do not apply a protective coating.

For the easiest clean-up and maintenance, go for a colored epoxy finish for your faucet. Today, many epoxy finishes utilize what's known as PVD or 'physical vapor deposition'. This stuff is darn near indestructible so you can count on such epoxy finish faucets lasting for several years.

Plus, with an epoxy finish to your shower faucet, your options for finish color are truly astounding. Any color you can imagine can be reproduced in a bright colored epoxy finish. The brightest colors of shower faucets are types of colored epoxy.

Overall, when shopping for shower faucets, look for quality. There are several inexpensive faucets that may look as good as the more expensive, premium faucets, but for the most part, these less expensive models will not last nearly as long as the more expensive faucets.

As far as differentiating between the lower and higher quality shower faucets, be wary of faucets whose integral parts are made of plastic. Also, many higher quality shower faucets will not have washers for controlling the water flow. These faucets will have either ceramic washers or enclosed cartridges that contain all the valves.

One important thing to consider before deciding on a faucet for your shower, is that different shower faucets use different shower valves. Rough-in valves are installed before the bathroom is finished being constructed, so you may be limited to the types of faucets you choose unless you're willing to replace this valve behind the shower wall.

It may be easiest to talk with your plumber about which types of shower faucets are going to work with the existing plumbing in your bathroom. He or she will be able to provide you with quick and accurate information about existing pipes and compatible shower faucet types.