Gone are the days of chrome, chrome, or chrome taps. Now there is everything from a gently gleaming brushed nickel through to sleek and modern matte black. Find a style to match your bath and finish your bathroom to perfection.

The technical considerations for bath tap ware

Depending on your choice of bath, you may be limited in what style of bath spout and mixer you need. The stone, marble and resin baths will come with pre-drilled holes. If you have no, one, two or three holes, you’ll have to buy the bath spout that matches. Some plastic acrylic baths don’t have any holes drilled and your plumber can add in whichever configuration you choose.

No holes: This indicates you will either have a wall mounted or floor mounted tap set. The floor mounted are perfect for freestanding baths, and the wall mounted can be used for freestanding or inset baths. Just make sure they come far enough out from the wall that the water falls cleanly into the bath.

One hole: This is for a mixer and tap option in one. A modern looking option, this is a great no fuss choice. Mixers are ideal for bathrooms with children and elderly to avoid scalding hot water.

Two holes: This is for a hot tap and a cold tap, with no mixer, or a mixer and a spout.

Three holes: This is two taps and the bath spout. 

Types of finishes for bath spouts

From the modern chrome and matt black through to the classic golden taps from the past, there are finishes to suit every bathroom.

Chrome

Easy to clean, hardwearing and in the biggest range of styles, chrome is still the bath tap ware of choice for most. They show water spots and fingerprints easily, but also are the most affordable tap option and easy to match with almost any surface.

Brushed nickel

Possibly the most expensive option, brushed nickel has a warm glow and gives an element of class to every bathroom. With the golden lustre, it gives glamour to an otherwise functional space. 

Matte black

Chic and ultra-modern, a matte black tap and spout set can look incredible in the right bathroom. They don’t show up dirt or water marks and are easy to maintain.

Bronze

You can choose from a smooth satin or oil-rubbed bronze finish. Bronze bath spouts are low maintenance and look great in traditional bathrooms. Just be aware that the variation in such a natural product may mean that it’s difficult to find a full matching set for all your bathroom tapware. 

Copper

For a luxe finish, either modern or classic, copper provides a warmth and style that is unsurpassed. Copper develops a stunning patina as it ages, giving it a depth and tone like no other.

Polished brass

This is the beautiful, rich golden tapware you’ll see in traditional bathrooms. A tall floor mounted tap set in polished brass alongside a claw-foot freestanding bath is the ultimate in an antique look.