8 exquisite bathroom tap styles

The right bathroom tap combines the aesthetic you are trying to achieve with the functionality required. Knowing about the history and design features of various bathroom tap styles will help you decide which is right. The most common styles are well-represented with options, meaning you’ll find something no matter what type of bathroom you are designing.

Art Deco was a style movement that began in Europe in the 1920s. It was part of the roaring 20s, a prosperous time with a vibrant art and culture scene. Art Deco made a splash in fashion, car design, architecture, and interior design. Colour palettes feature opulent colours such as gold, teal, dusty pink, brass, and shiny black touches. The style, defined by geometric patterns and rich wood tones, often includes round sconces, marble countertops, and brass hardware. Art Deco style is the epitome of luxuriousness. The popularity of Art Deco faded in the 50s but is making a huge comeback in today’s homes, especially in bathrooms. When recreating an Art Deco style in your bathroom, think sleek, angular, and bold. Choose taps with defined lines or high arching curves. Metallic elements are important so taps in chrome, bronze or brushed gold finish are key to creating the shimmering look that goes hand in hand with Art Deco style.

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Inspired by the grand Victorian homes of the 1800s, the Victorian style features elaborate woodwork and Gothic influences. The style was applied to entire homes using intricate wood carvings, floral elements, lace, historic antique pieces, and artwork. Victorian style is the opposite of minimalist style. Therefore, the focus should be on complex, ornate details to recreate the old-world appeal of a bathroom. Pedestal sinks and carved wood details are important features in Victorian bathrooms and pair well with rich, dark colour schemes. When choosing tapware, consider taps with a vintage look with traditional turn mechanisms. A tap cartridge can be installed to create a modern functionality, mixing both hot and cold water, but still with a traditional aesthetic. For an authentic Victorian bathroom, select taps in gilded metal, brass, or nickel taps in a Gothic or traditional style.

Inspired by minimalist looks and raw materials used in factories and warehouses, the industrial style in homes is becoming a popular choice. It's associated with using materials such as concrete, wood, brick, brass, and other metals. The look is authoritative and rugged yet can still create an elegant and streamlined look in a home. To carry the industrial trend into your home's bathroom, think of bold contours and practical materials. The bathroom colour palette should include darker, natural tones such as brown, grey, and taupe. Basins that include exposed metal are good fits for an industrial bathroom. When choosing taps for your industrial-style bathroom, stick to models that infuse raw materials with functionality, simplicity, and elegance. Select black, brushed metal, or copper taps with a streamlined, high-end look to achieve the industrial style.

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Hamptons style is inspired by the elegant beach houses of Long Island, New York. It is considered a welcoming and elegant style, emphasising clean lines, light colours, and natural light. Hamptons-style homes offer a soothing, seaside vibe, perfect for the coastal regions of Australia. Many people consider their bathrooms an oasis, making the livable, relaxed style of the Hamptons a perfect design choice. Floating vanities or shaker cabinets are often used to give a cleaner, airier look. Other design aesthetics for a perfect Hamptons bathroom may include white marble, herringbone patterns on walls or floors, and a white freestanding tub. Taps should be contemporary and sleek in style. Choose taps in chrome or matte black for a true Hamptons coastal-chic style.

Drawing from the modernism movement of the 20th century, a modern style is synonymous with minimalism. The style is about sleek, angular lines with very little focus on accents or decoration. Features of homes that take on a modern style typically feature natural materials such as wood, leather, and natural fibres. These natural materials are often paired with glass, steel, or chrome for a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. When it comes to a bathroom, this means a simple, clean and streamlined look. Taps are sleek and polished—a chrome finish is the most popular choice for a modern style. The style can be either a basin mixer, pillar taps, or separate hot and old taps. Tap holes to allow for the mounting on the sink or the wall. Modern bathroom design, while minimalist, is perfect for implementing unique, artistic choices as well.

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Traditional style is a timeless style. Traditional design choices don't have a singular aesthetic or style, avoiding trends and withstanding the test of time. While often considered heavy or ornate, traditional bathrooms can seamlessly blend detailed elements and contemporary lines. They include neutral colour schemes, curved, not angular details, and classic white sinks and tubs. Because traditional bathrooms have a historic element, antique or vintage touches are welcome to complete the elegant look. Tap choices should be traditional as well, but must also be practical and sprinkled with a touch of the past. Separate hot and cold taps are typical for a traditional bathroom, but single-lever taps can also be used. Choose brass or bronze taps with arches, rounded edges, and silhouettes for a classic charm.

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Mid-century modern design is known for its timeless appeal, blending simplicity with a touch of retro charm. This style, which emerged in the mid-20th century, favours bold shapes, warm wood tones, and pops of colour. Mid-century modern bathrooms often incorporate terrazzo tiles, brass fixtures, and earthy or jewel-toned accents. Taps in this style typically feature unique geometric shapes, such as cylindrical or angular designs. Look for finishes in brass, copper, or matte black to achieve a chic, retro-inspired look. Pair these taps with a vessel sink or a floating vanity for an authentic mid-century vibe. These additional styles bring further variety, offering options that cater to both minimalist and retro-inspired aesthetics.

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For a cutting-edge bathroom design, futuristic-style taps bring a bold, avant-garde look to the space. These taps often feature sleek, sculptural designs and innovative functionality, such as touchless operation, LED temperature indicators, or motion-sensor activation. Futuristic taps are typically finished in high-gloss chrome, matte black, or polished steel, complementing modern bathroom aesthetics. Look for taps with asymmetrical forms, geometric patterns, or even waterfall spouts to make a dramatic statement. Perfect for those who love technology and sleek sophistication, these taps embody innovation and style. These additional styles cater to both rustic, nature-inspired tastes and high-tech, forward-thinking design enthusiasts.

There are countless types of bathroom taps and many bathroom tap styles to choose from in Australia. No matter what style you prefer—modern, traditional or something in between—the tap must be a good fit for the rest of the decor and styling. Whatever your preference is, your choice of bathroom tap is an important touch to your bathroom oasis.

This article was updated on 27th November 2024

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