The drain is the least glamorous fixture in the shower and the one most likely to ruin the floor if you pick the wrong one. Here is how to choose between linear and square — and how to choose a finish — using VIGO Elan drains specified at the Omni Dallas Hotel and Canopy by Hilton Tempe.
By VIGO Product TeamCategory Shower DrainsModels Elan VG07002 / VG07004Updated Jun 2026
Quick answer
Choose a linear shower drain for curbless, modern, or large-format-tile showers — the floor slopes one direction toward a single channel against the wall. Choose a square (point) drain for compact, budget-conscious showers where the floor slopes from four sides to the center. For finish, chrome is the safe, versatile default; matte black coordinates with black fixtures and makes a statement. VIGO's Elan line offers both formats in both finishes.
Key takeaways
Linear = single-slope floor, works with large-format tile and curbless entries (VIGO Elan 24" linear, VG07002).
Square/point = four-way slope, compact and economical (VIGO Elan square drain, VG07004).
Both use a brass body with a 304 stainless steel grate/cover and connect to a standard 2" waste line.
Finish-match the drain to your faucet and frame: chrome (Canopy Tempe) or matte black (Omni Dallas).
Elan linear drain ~$94.90; Elan square drain ~$54.90 (verify current pricing).
FormatsLinear + Square
FinishesChrome / Black
BodyBrass + 304 SS
Proof2 Hotels
Decision 1
Linear vs. square shower drain: which should you choose?
A linear shower drain is a long channel — typically 24 to 36 inches — installed against one wall or at the shower entry, so the entire floor slopes in a single plane toward it. That single slope is what makes linear drains the standard for curbless, walk-in, and large-format-tile showers: big tiles can't bend to a four-way slope, but they can tilt in one direction. A square (point) drain sits in the center and needs the floor to pitch from all four sides, which means smaller tiles or a mosaic around the drain — but it's compact, simple, and the most economical option.
FIG. 1 — Drainage footprint (not to scale)
Linear24" channel · 1-way slope
Squarepoint drain · 4-way slope
Linear vs. square — quick comparison
Attribute
Linear (Elan VG07002)
Square / point (Elan VG07004)
Best for
Curbless, walk-in, modern showers
Compact, standard, budget showers
Floor slope
Single plane (one direction)
Four-way slope to center
Tile
Large-format & slab friendly
Smaller tile / mosaic around drain
Footprint
24" channel against a wall
~4" square at center
Look
Sleek, near-invisible line
Discreet center point
Project finish
Chrome — Canopy by Hilton Tempe
Matte black — Omni Dallas Hotel
Starting price
~$94.90
~$54.90
Decision 2
What finish should a shower drain be?
Match the drain to the rest of the room. Chrome is the versatile default — it reflects surrounding tile, hides limescale reasonably well, and coordinates with almost any fixture, which is why it was the right call for the bright, clean showers at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown. Matte black is the statement choice: it reads as a deliberate graphic line, disappears into dark tile, and ties the drain to black faucets, frames and shower systems — the logic behind the matte black square drain specified at the Omni Dallas Hotel. The rule of thumb: a drain should either match your floor (to vanish) or match your fixtures (to coordinate) — never float as a third, unrelated finish.
The Proof
Where these VIGO drains are installed
Omni Dallas Hotel & Resort — Elan square drain, matte black
The Omni Dallas specified VIGO's Elan square shower drain (VG07004) in matte black — a compact, high-durability point drain whose brass body and 304 stainless cover stand up to the cleaning cycles of a major convention hotel while keeping the floor detail tight and modern.
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown — Elan 24" linear drain, chrome
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown used VIGO's Elan 24-inch linear shower drain (VG07002) in chrome, the single-slope channel that pairs cleanly with large-format tile and a contemporary walk-in shower — proof that the same Elan drain family scales from a statement-black point drain to a near-invisible chrome line.
Datasheet — VIGO Elan shower drains
Spec
Elan 24" Linear (VG07002CH)
Elan Square (VG07004MB)
Type
Linear / channel drain
Square point drain
Finish shown
Chrome
Matte black
Dimensions
24"L × 2.75"W × 2.5"H
~4" square
Outlet
Standard 2" connection
Standard 2" connection
Material
Brass body + 304 SS grate
Brass body + 304 SS cover
Grate
Removable, sloped channel, adj. feet
Removable cover
Price
~$94.90
~$54.90
Linear
Elan 24" Linear Shower Drain
~$94.90 · Chrome
Single-slope channel for curbless & large-format-tile showers. As specified at Canopy by Hilton Tempe.
What is the difference between a linear and a square shower drain?
A linear shower drain is a long channel (often 24-36 inches) set against one wall, so the floor slopes in a single direction and works with large-format tile. A square (point) drain is a small center drain that requires the floor to slope from four sides. Linear suits curbless and modern showers; square is compact and economical.
What finish should a shower drain be?
Match the shower drain finish to the other fixtures. Chrome is the versatile default and disappears into light tile; matte black makes a graphic statement and coordinates with black faucets and frames. VIGO Elan drains come in finishes including chrome and matte black.
What size linear shower drain do I need?
Choose a linear drain length that matches the width of the shower wall it sits against, or the shower entry for a curbless design. VIGO offers a 24-inch Elan linear drain; longer 36-inch options exist for wider showers. Confirm the drain outlet connects to a standard 2-inch waste line.
Are VIGO shower drains used in commercial projects?
Yes. VIGO Elan shower drains are specified in hospitality projects — including a matte black square drain at the Omni Dallas Hotel and a chrome 24-inch linear drain at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown — because the brass-and-stainless build holds up to high-traffic use.
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VIGO Product Team
VIGO's product specialists cover drains, shower systems and bath fixtures — how they're built, how to spec them, and how they perform in residential and commercial installs.
