A rainfall showerhead is a type of showerhead designed to mimic falling rain. Depending on water pressure and settings, a rainfall showerhead can ape the torrential rain of a storm or create a more mild experience. Rainfall showerheads are popular in some bathroom schemes because they bring a little bit of the outdoors into the house in a controlled fashion, and also provide even water coverage to individuals of all heights without the need for adjustment.

A very basic rainfall showerhead resembles a perforated disk with small rubber nodules emerging from each perforation to focus the water. When the water is turned on, it flows through all of the holes in the disk, creating multiple streams of water which feel like rain, especially with more sophisticated versions that integrate a pulsing system so that the water forms drops. The disk is usually positioned directly overhead in the shower so that people can stand underneath it, and is attached to a long arm so that it will project out from the wall. Many double showers integrate two rainfall showerheads for a unique shower experience.

A rainfall showerhead usually comes equipped with swivel joints so that it can be moved around on its arm. For a more traditional shower experience, the rainfall showerhead can be slightly angled so that the water does not flow straight down. In showers using multiple rainfall showerheads, sometimes they are aligned to spray water across different parts of the body, enhancing the illusion of being inside a rain storm.

More sophisticated rainfall showerheads include detachable showerheads, a variety of settings, and sometimes multiple showerheads. In some cases a deluxe rainfall showerhead may resemble a sprinkler, with multiple turning arms that randomize the drops of water. They also come in a wide variety of materials and treatments to coordinate with most bathrooms, including brass, steel, chrome, and distressed versions.

In most cases, a rainfall showerhead is easy to install. The old showerhead can be removed from the shower by unscrewing, and the housing of the rainfall showerhead can be screwed on to replace it. If the threading of one side does not match that of the other, an adapter may be needed so that the two can meet. In some cases, the original showerhead may have been located in a low position, which means that the rainfall showerhead will be too low. In this instance, an extending arm may need to be purchased to elevate the rainfall showerhead above the head of bathers.