A matte black shower set can give a bathroom a crisp, modern look, but the right choice depends on more than finish. Some options here are trim kits that need a separate rough-in valve; others include more of the hardware for a fuller shower setup. This guide compares five Delta sets by configuration, included parts, temperature control, and the kind of shower experience each is designed to provide.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Configuration | What to know | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Modern 14 Series Shower Faucet Set | Shower trim kit | MultiChoice rough-in valve sold separately | A straightforward shower-only update |
| Delta Modern 14 Series Square Tub and Shower Set | Tub-and-shower trim kit | MultiChoice rough-in valve sold separately | A bathroom with a tub and shower |
| Delta Modern Square Shower System | Shower head and handheld system | MultiChoice R22000-series valve sold separately | Those who want two showering options |
| Delta Modern 14 Series Square Rain Shower System | Raincan system with handheld | Includes required valves, according to the product description | A rainfall-style setup with included installation hardware |
| Delta Modern 14 Series Round Rain Shower System | Raincan system with handheld | MultiChoice R22000-series valve sold separately | Those who prefer a round raincan design |
Our Picks: Best Matte Black Shower Set reviews
1. Delta Modern 14 Series Shower Faucet Set: A Simple Shower-Only Trim
This Delta set is a shower-only trim kit with a matte black shower head and handle. Its pressure-balanced Monitor cartridge is included and is designed to balance hot- and cold-water pressure to help limit sudden temperature changes. The shower head is described as providing a steady, forceful full-body spray.
One important installation detail: this is not a complete rough-in package. The MultiChoice Universal Shower Valve is sold separately, with the R10000-UNBX listed as the recommended model. Check what is already behind your shower wall before buying, and confirm compatibility with your installer.
The finish is designed for corrosion resistance, and Touch-Clean spray holes are intended to make calcium and lime buildup easier to wipe away. Compared with the more elaborate systems below, this is the simpler choice if you want a standard shower head and control rather than a handheld or raincan setup.
Pros:
- Shower-only configuration with a clean, modern look
- Pressure-balanced cartridge is included
- Touch-Clean spray holes are designed for easier upkeep
- Delta lists a lifetime limited warranty for its shower fixtures
Cons:
- MultiChoice rough-in valve must be purchased separately
- Does not include a handheld shower
Verdict: Choose this trim kit if you want a straightforward matte black shower update and have, or plan to buy, a compatible rough-in valve.
2. Delta Modern 14 Series Square Tub and Shower Set: For a Tub Combo
This square matte black set is intended for a bathtub-and-shower installation. Like the shower-only 14 Series set, it includes a Monitor pressure-balanced cartridge to help keep shower temperature consistent when hot- and cold-water pressure changes. Delta also describes its spray as a steady, forceful full-body pattern.
The trim kit does not include the MultiChoice Universal Shower Valve. The recommended rough-in model is R10000-UNBX, so make sure the valve is compatible with your plumbing and included in your project budget. The product description does not provide a full parts list for every tub connection, so check the listing and installation instructions to confirm the exact components required for your setup.
Its main advantage over the first pick is its tub-and-shower purpose, not a different temperature-control approach. It is a practical fit when you want coordinated matte black trim for a tub combo and do not need a handheld shower or overhead raincan.
Pros:
- Designed for a bathtub-and-shower setup
- Includes a pressure-balanced cartridge
- Square styling coordinates with modern bathroom fixtures
- Touch-Clean spray holes are designed to help remove mineral buildup
Cons:
- Recommended rough-in valve is sold separately
- Does not include a handheld shower or raincan system
Verdict: This is the better match for a tub-and-shower bathroom, provided you verify the rough-in valve and other required tub components before installation.
3. Delta Modern Square Shower System: A Compact Head-and-Handheld Pair
This system pairs a 6.5-inch shower head with a wall-mounted handheld shower. It also includes a shower arm, wall elbow, and integrated diverter trim. The built-in diverter lets you select between outlets from one trim, so the design does not require an additional diverter valve.
The pressure-balanced cartridge is included, but the rough-in valve is not. Delta recommends a MultiChoice R22000-series valve for this system. Confirm the exact valve and plumbing requirements before work begins, especially if you are replacing an existing setup.
Compared with the two 14 Series trim kits above, this option adds a handheld shower and integrated diverter. That extra flexibility can be useful for rinsing the shower area or directing water where you need it. The tradeoff is a more involved installation and the need to purchase the correct rough-in valve separately.
Pros:
- Combines a 6.5-inch shower head with a wall-mounted handheld
- Integrated diverter keeps outlet selection in one trim
- Pressure-balanced cartridge is included
- Matte black finish is described as corrosion-resistant
Cons:
- R22000-series rough-in valve is sold separately
- More components to plan for than a basic shower trim kit
Verdict: Pick this system if you want both a fixed shower head and a handheld, and are comfortable sourcing the required rough-in valve separately.
4. Delta Modern Square Rain Shower System: Raincan Hardware Included
This square raincan system combines an overhead rainfall-style shower head with a wall-mounted handheld. The product description lists a shower arm, integrated diverter trim, wall elbow, and all required valves for installation. That makes it the most ready-to-plan option in this group based on the supplied parts information.
The integrated diverter provides separate outlet controls in one trim, while the included pressure-balanced cartridge is designed to help protect against sudden temperature changes. Touch-Clean spray holes are intended to make it easier to wipe away calcium and lime buildup. Delta describes the finish as corrosion-resistant.
A raincan offers a different feel from the forceful full-body spray described for the simpler 14 Series shower head. Choose this set for the rainfall-style format and the added handheld, not because it promises stronger water pressure. A larger rain-style head may also feel different from a concentrated spray, so consider your preferences and existing plumbing before choosing.
Pros:
- Raincan head and wall-mounted handheld are included
- Product description says all required valves are included
- Integrated diverter avoids the need for an additional diverter valve
- Pressure-balanced cartridge and Touch-Clean spray holes
Cons:
- More components than a basic trim kit to fit and install
- Rainfall-style spray may not suit shoppers who prefer a forceful, concentrated pattern
Verdict: This is the strongest option to consider if you want a square raincan with a handheld and prefer a package described as including the required valves.
5. Delta Modern Round Rain Shower System: A Softer Shape with a Handheld
This round raincan system includes an overhead rain shower head, shower arm, integrated diverter trim, wall-mounted handheld, and wall elbow. Its main design difference from the square rain system is the round head and matching look. Both offer a raincan and handheld arrangement.
The product description says the MultiChoice Universal Shower Valve is sold separately and recommends a model from the R22000 series. The Monitor pressure-balanced cartridge is included, and the integrated diverter is designed to manage the shower outlets from one trim. Touch-Clean spray holes are also listed as a maintenance feature.
Because the rough-in valve is a separate purchase, this set is not as complete a package as the square rain system above. Check current availability and confirm the valve requirements before making it part of a renovation plan. If the round design is your preference, compare the full parts list and installation needs with the square option.
Pros:
- Round raincan design with a wall-mounted handheld
- Integrated diverter combines outlet control in one trim
- Pressure-balanced cartridge is included
- Touch-Clean spray holes are designed for easier cleaning
Cons:
- R22000-series rough-in valve must be purchased separately
- Availability may change, so check the listing before planning installation
Verdict: Choose this system if you want a round raincan and handheld, and have confirmed the separate valve is available and compatible with your project.
How to Choose the Best Matte Black Shower Set
Check whether you need a trim kit or a complete system
A trim kit provides the visible shower controls and fixtures but may rely on a rough-in valve already installed behind the wall. In this selection, the first three products require a separately purchased MultiChoice valve, and the round rain system calls for an R22000-series valve sold separately. The square rain system is described as including all required valves. Compare the package contents with your existing plumbing before choosing; a similar-looking trim does not guarantee the same valve will fit.
Match the set to your bathroom layout
Start by deciding whether you need a shower-only set or a tub-and-shower configuration. The first product is shower-only, while the second is designed for a bathtub and shower. The other three add a handheld shower. If you are replacing existing fixtures, check the number and placement of outlets and controls so the new system suits the layout rather than requiring unexpected plumbing changes.
Choose the spray style that fits your routine
The standard shower sets are described as providing a steady, forceful full-body spray. The raincan systems are designed for an overhead rainfall-style experience, and the two system options also include a handheld. A rain-style head and a concentrated spray can feel different in use, so think about your preference before picking based on appearance alone.
Consider the diverter and controls
The three systems with handhelds include integrated diverter trim. This arrangement is designed to control the shower outlets without requiring an additional diverter valve. The simpler trim kits have fewer listed components. Review the installation information to understand how the controls work with the outlets in your planned setup.
Look at temperature protection and upkeep
Each product description lists a Monitor pressure-balanced cartridge that balances hot- and cold-water pressure to help maintain a consistent shower temperature. The sets also describe corrosion-resistant finishes. Several list Touch-Clean spray holes, which are intended to make calcium and lime buildup easier to wipe away. These features can help with routine care, but they do not remove the need to clean the fixtures as appropriate for your water and bathroom.
Plan for installation and verify included parts
Valve requirements differ across these sets, so read the product details and installation instructions carefully before buying. If you are not sure which rough-in valve you have, ask a qualified plumber to identify it. Also confirm which components are in the box—especially for a tub installation or a system with multiple outlets—rather than assuming that similar product names mean identical contents.
Think about finish coordination and warranty
Matte black can make a strong visual statement, so compare the shower set with your other bathroom hardware if you want a coordinated look. Delta describes its finishes as tested for corrosion resistance and lists a lifetime limited warranty for its shower fixtures. Check the manufacturer’s warranty terms for the specific product and installation conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these matte black shower sets include the rough-in valve?
Not all of them. The first, second, and third products require a separately purchased MultiChoice valve. The round rain system also requires a separate R22000-series valve. The square rain system’s product description says it includes all required valves. Confirm the exact package contents and valve compatibility before ordering.
Which set is designed for a bathtub and shower?
The Delta Modern 14 Series Square Bathtub and Shower Faucet Set is the tub-and-shower option in this group. Check the listing and installation instructions for the components required by your particular tub setup.
Which options include a handheld shower?
The Modern Square Shower System and both rain shower systems list a wall-mounted handheld. The first two 14 Series trim kits do not list a handheld in their product descriptions.
What is the difference between the square and round rain systems?
The most visible difference is the shape of the raincan head. The square version is described as including all required valves, while the round version requires a separately purchased MultiChoice R22000-series valve. Compare the current parts list and availability before deciding.
Do these sets help prevent sudden temperature changes?
Each supplied product description lists a Monitor pressure-balanced cartridge designed to balance hot- and cold-water pressure. This feature is intended to help keep shower temperature consistent when pressure changes occur.
Are the matte black finishes designed for durability?
Delta describes the finishes as corrosion-resistant and says its finishes are tested for durability. The exact testing language varies by product, so check the product details and warranty terms for the set you choose.
Which set is the best choice for most showers?
For a straightforward shower-only update, the first Delta 14 Series set is a simple place to start, as long as you account for its separately sold rough-in valve. If you want a handheld and raincan, compare the square rain system’s included valves with the round system’s separate-valve requirement.
Final Recommendation
The best matte black shower set depends on your bathroom layout and how much hardware you want in the package. For a basic shower-only update, the Delta Modern 14 Series Shower Faucet Set offers a simpler configuration, but its rough-in valve is an extra purchase. For a tub combo, choose the matching square tub-and-shower trim. If you want a handheld, consider the Modern Square Shower System; for rainfall-style spray, the square rain system stands out because its description says the required valves are included. Before ordering any option, verify valve compatibility, included parts, and current availability.
