His and Hers Shower: Designing for Two

The master bathroom is the one room in your home designed for two people, yet most master showers are built for one. Standard 36x48-inch shower stalls force couples into a awkward relay — one showers while the other waits, or one stands in the cold corner while the other monopolizes the water. A his-and-hers shower remodel solves this permanently, creating a shared bathing space where two people can shower simultaneously in comfort, each with their own shower head, their own temperature control, and their own space.

Beyond the practical convenience, a dual shower is one of the most visually impressive features in any master bathroom. The generous proportions, multiple fixtures, and spa-like atmosphere create a statement that immediately signals quality and luxury. It is the kind of feature that makes home buyers stop and linger during an open house.

Why Design a Shower for Two?

The practical case for a dual shower is compelling. Consider the typical morning routine in a household where two adults share a master bathroom. With a standard single shower, the daily schedule requires staggering wake-up times by 15–20 minutes to avoid conflict. Over the course of a year, that is 100+ hours spent waiting or adjusting schedules around a single fixture.

A his-and-hers shower eliminates this bottleneck entirely. Both people can shower at the same time, each with their preferred water temperature, flow rate, and shower head type. The morning routine becomes parallel rather than sequential, saving time and reducing the friction that starts too many days on the wrong foot.

From a design perspective, a dual shower requires an oversized footprint that opens up design possibilities unavailable in standard showers. The larger space accommodates features like a built-in bench, multiple niches, a rain shower head, body sprays, and a curbless entry — all of which enhance the shower experience for both daily use and resale appeal.

Getting the Size Right

Size is the most critical factor in a successful his-and-hers shower. Too small, and two people feel cramped. Too large, and the shower feels empty and wastes water heating an unnecessarily large space.

The most common approach in Sacramento-area master bathroom remodels is to reclaim space from an existing bathtub to create the enlarged shower. Many master bathrooms built in the 1990s–2000s have both a separate shower stall and a large soaking or jetted tub. Converting the tub area into additional shower space through a tub-to-shower conversion typically provides enough room for a generous 60x72 or even 72x72-inch dual shower.

Layout Configurations

The layout of your his-and-hers shower depends on the shape of the available space and where the shower heads are positioned. Here are the four most effective configurations.

1. Opposing Walls (Face-to-Face)

Each shower head is mounted on an opposite wall, with users standing facing each other. This is the most popular layout because it provides maximum separation and ensures each person gets their own water stream without cross-spray. The center of the shower remains open, and a ceiling-mounted rain head can serve as a shared third fixture.

2. Adjacent Walls (L-Configuration)

Shower heads are mounted on two walls that share a corner. Users stand at a 90-degree angle to each other. This works well for rectangular showers where the long dimension does not allow opposing placement. It also creates a natural dry zone in the corner opposite the shower heads.

3. Same Wall (Side-by-Side)

Both shower heads are mounted on the same wall, spaced 30–36 inches apart. Users stand side by side. This layout requires the least plumbing modification (both valve sets are in the same wall) but needs a wider shower to provide adequate shoulder room. A 72-inch-wide shower is the minimum for comfortable side-by-side use.

4. Shower Tower Configuration

Instead of wall-mounted fixtures, each side gets a freestanding or wall-mounted shower tower (also called a shower panel) that integrates the shower head, hand shower, and body jets in a single vertical unit. This is the most compact dual shower solution and works well in smaller spaces where separate plumbing runs are difficult.

Independent thermostatic controls let each person set their preferred temperature and flow rate — the key feature that makes a his-and-hers shower truly functional.

Shower Head Options for Dual Showers

A his-and-hers shower provides the opportunity to include multiple shower head types that would be excessive in a standard shower but feel perfectly proportioned in a larger space. Here are the options to consider.

• Wall-mounted fixed heads: The standard choice for each person's primary shower head. Choose 8-inch or 10-inch heads for generous coverage. Budget $100–$400 each.
• Ceiling-mounted rain head: A large (10–16 inch) rain shower head mounted in the center of the ceiling provides a shared rainfall experience. This is the signature feature of most dual showers. Budget $200–$800.
• Hand-held shower wands: One or two hand-held showers on adjustable slide bars provide flexibility for rinsing, cleaning the shower, and bathing pets. Budget $75–$300 each.
• Body spray jets: Multiple small jets mounted at torso height on one or both walls create a hydrotherapy experience. Typically installed in groups of 2–4 per side. Budget $100–$250 per jet.
• Waterfall spout: A wall-mounted spout that creates a wide, gentle cascade of water. Often positioned over a bench for a spa-like seated shower experience. Budget $200–$600.

Independent vs. Shared Controls

The control system is what separates a genuine his-and-hers shower from a large shower with two heads. There are two approaches, and we strongly recommend the first.

Independent Thermostatic Controls (Recommended)

Each side of the shower gets its own thermostatic valve that controls both temperature and flow rate independently. Person A can shower at 104°F with full pressure while Person B showers at 98°F with a gentler flow. Neither affects the other. This requires two complete valve sets and separate plumbing runs, adding $800–$2,000 to the project compared to shared controls, but it is the defining feature of a true dual shower.

Shared Control (Budget Option)

A single valve controls the water temperature for all shower heads, with individual diverter valves turning each head on or off. This is simpler and less expensive but means both people shower at the same temperature. For couples with similar preferences, this can work fine. For couples where one prefers hot and the other prefers warm, independent controls are essential.

Hot Water Supply Considerations

A dual shower uses significantly more hot water than a single shower, and your water heating system needs to keep up. Here is what to consider.

A standard shower head flows at 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM) under California water efficiency regulations. Two heads running simultaneously consume 4.0 GPM. Add a rain head (2.5 GPM) and the total flow reaches 6.5 GPM. At this rate, a standard 50-gallon gas water heater provides about 15–18 minutes of continuous hot water. For most couples showering simultaneously, this is adequate.

However, if your dual shower includes body jets (which add 1–2 GPM per jet) or if your household's hot water demand is high (dishwasher, laundry, other bathrooms used simultaneously), you should consider upgrading your water heating system:

• 75-gallon tank water heater: Provides 50% more hot water capacity. Budget $1,500–$3,000 installed. Good for homes with multiple hot water demands.
• Tankless (on-demand) water heater: Provides unlimited hot water by heating water as it flows through the unit. A whole-house tankless unit sized for dual shower use (minimum 9.5 GPM capacity) costs $3,000–$5,000 installed. The long-term energy savings offset the higher upfront cost.
• Hybrid heat pump water heater: The most energy-efficient tank option, using heat pump technology to heat water at roughly half the energy cost of a standard electric tank. Budget $2,000–$4,000 installed.

Careful layout planning ensures each person has adequate space, their own water zone, and easy access to controls without crossing into the other person's stream.

Must-Have Features for a His-and-Hers Shower

Beyond the basics of size, shower heads, and controls, these features make a dual shower truly exceptional:

• Built-in bench: A tiled bench seat (typically 18 inches deep x 30–48 inches wide x 18 inches high) provides a place to sit, prop a leg for shaving, or set products. Position it away from direct water spray. Budget $300–$800 for a custom tiled bench.
• Double niches: Two recessed storage niches — one on each side — ensure each person has dedicated product storage within arm's reach. Size niches at 12x24 inches for maximum utility. Budget $150–$300 per niche.
• Linear drain: A linear drain along one wall (rather than a center point drain) allows for a single-slope floor design that works beautifully with large-format tile and creates a clean, modern look. Essential for curbless entry designs. Budget $300–$800 for a quality linear drain.
• Frameless glass enclosure: A frameless glass enclosure showcases the shower's generous proportions and tile work. For dual showers, a door-and-panel configuration or a walk-in opening with a fixed glass panel provides easy access. Budget $1,500–$4,000.
• Heated floor inside the shower: Extending radiant floor heating into the shower floor eliminates the cold-floor shock when stepping in. Use only systems rated for wet locations. Budget $200–$500 for the shower floor area.

Cost Breakdown

Most Sacramento-area homeowners invest in the mid-range tier, spending $12,000–$18,000 for a complete his-and-hers shower installation. This delivers excellent quality with name-brand thermostatic valves, quality tile, frameless glass, and professional installation that will perform beautifully for 20+ years.

Making It Happen in Your Home

The biggest obstacle to a his-and-hers shower is space. If your current master bathroom has a separate tub and shower, you likely have enough room — the tub area provides the additional square footage needed when converted to shower space. If your bathroom has only a shower stall, expansion may require borrowing space from an adjacent closet, bedroom, or hallway.

A professional assessment of your master bathroom layout is the best first step. During a consultation, we evaluate the existing footprint, plumbing access, water heater capacity, and structural considerations to determine the optimal size and configuration for your dual shower. We also discuss your specific preferences — shower head types, temperature requirements, bench placement, and material selections — to create a design that works perfectly for both of you.

Frequently Asked Questions