Different types of taps for bathrooms – a complete guide

Because bathroom taps are a combination of style and function, it's important to make the decision with both of these factors in mind.

You don't want to fall in love with a tap that's completely incompatible with the anatomy of your bathroom. So here are a few basic details to look for before choosing a tap style.

Size of the fixture

One of the very first details you should be looking at is the size of the fixture. This is especially true of sink taps where space may be limited or has to be precise.

The size of the base may not fit on every countertop, or it may take up too much of the shower wall. The size of the faucet may be too large or too small for the area you're installing it.

Be sure to keep in mind the dimensions of the tap and the space you have.

Number of tap holes

This can go unnoticed very easily until you realise the tap you purchased is incompatible. How many holes does the tap need to function, and how many are available where you want to put it?

You'll often find taps that require either one, two, or three holes. Though with added accessories, they can use more. The number of required holes can also play a role in the look of the tap.

Hidden hardware

It's possible to fall in love with the look of a tap and think that it will work for your space, only to find out that it won't because of hidden hardware.

That's hardware in the walls like tubes and pipes that could dictate what kind of taps your bathroom can use. Before looking at taps, try to see if you have any hardware that would limit your choices.

When it comes to where you can mount your tap, you have three different options: the floor, the wall, or the deck. Each location has its own benefits, disadvantages, and style.

Wall-mounted taps

Wall-mounted taps attach directly to the wall above the sink or bath. They have become popular in recent years for the sleek designs they offer. This style of tap is easy to clean and looks great with any design.

However, they can be tricky to install because the plumbing is behind the wall of the sink or tub.

You'll probably need to hire a professional to do the work to install the tap. It may also be necessary to hire a professional to address any issues or maintenance the tap would require.

Floor-mounted taps

Floor-mounted taps are have taken the design world by storm for the sleek and stylish look they add to the bathroom furniture. These taps add a bit of vintage flair when positioned next to a freestanding or clawfoot tub.

They're mostly used for bathtubs rather than sinks. They're loved for flexibility when it comes to bathtub placement, allowing you to place the bathtub anywhere in the room.

But the dimensions can be tricky with floor-mounted taps. You have to take placement and tub size into consideration.

Deck-mounted taps

The most common mount is the deck-mounted tap. These are taps directly installed on the sink, countertop, or side of the bathtub. They can lean more vintage or traditional.

However, with deck-mounted taps, you're often limited in style, as there are only certain taps that work with the space that the deck provides.

With modern interior bathroom design comes a variety of tap styles, from ultra-modern to more traditional. However, you can categorise every tap into a style family. Here are the most common tap styles.

Mixer taps

Mixer taps are popular in modern bathrooms and kitchens. These taps feature a single nozzle that will run both hot and cold water.

This style allows you to create the perfect temperature based on how much hot and cold you let run. Mixer taps are especially great for those who like to have baths and want to control the temperature of the bathwater.

Pillar taps

The pillar tap has independent valves to control the water flow. There are two tap holes for hot and cold water, respectively. This is a standard tap for most homes but often comes in a variety of styles to match any bathroom design.

Monoblock taps

The monoblock tap has a single control to turn on the water and adjust the temperature. Loved for their sleek design, they're mounted on the countertop or the basin of the sink.

A monoblock tap is ideal for a simple and functional bathroom.

Filler taps

Filler taps have two taps that flow into a shared water outlet. This allows you to customise a temperature and is ideal for those who like to run a bath. Filler taps also work great with low water pressure.

Ball taps

Ball taps are more common in commercial uses, but you can find these taps for home use in kitchens and bathrooms. These have a hollow ball inside that controls the temperature and the flow.

One complaint about this style of tap is that it leaks more often.

Related article: 10 of the best bathroom taps in Australia

One often overlooked detail in a bathroom renovation is the tap. A bathroom tap provides both aesthetic and function to the interior design of your bathroom. Knowing the different types of taps for bathroom sinks and tubs is key to elevating these fixtures to ones that will work well, look stylish and stand the test of time.

Related article: 6 most popular types of taps used in Australia in 2024