Bathroom Tapware

What Are Bathroom Taps

A bathroom may be the oasis for indulging or the super-modern display of functional efficiency, but rarely it's just an irrelevant side room. For most, it's a space that requires unique design, thoughtful solutions and attractive appliances. 

Regardless of style, every bathroom or a toilet needs at least one bathroom tap. With such a generous offer of bathroom faucets on the market, making the right choice is not an easy task. However, not all faucets are made for all bathrooms, and differences start from the mounting. Then, there are many other factors to consider – the environment, the water pressure, the available space, and more.  Bathroom taps should be considered for the basins but also for baths.

Types of Bathroom Taps

Basin Mixers & Taps

Attractive new basin mixers and taps can help to convey a feeling of a renovated bathroom. There are several basic models, each with its advantages. 

• Single wash basin taps: Often referred to as "monobloc taps," this type features a single spout and requires a single tap hole. 
• Pillar basin taps: Mostly traditional in style, pillar taps come with separate hot and cold water flows, making them a good solution for bathrooms with unstable water pressure.
• Three-hole basin taps: This model requires three holes, separately for the spout and both levers. 
• Tall sink mixers: Convenient for the countertop basins, tall bathroom taps are the elevated versions of mono basin mixers.
• Small wash basin taps: Mini designs, ideal for limited spaces and modest sinks. 
• Wall-mounted bathroom taps: Available in a plethora of designs, wall-mounted taps are a space-savvy and flexible solution. 
• Bathroom tapware with sensors: Hygienic and environmentally friendly varieties with controlled water flow. 

Bath Mixers & Taps

Bath taps and mixers are quite similar to basin faucets, except that they typically require stronger and more reliable water pressure.

• Single bath mixer taps:  Simplest and most common type of bathroom faucet that combines hot and cold water to deliver a steady, warm stream.
• Three-hole bath mixers: Similar to a single faucet, this model requires three holes instead of one and typically carries a shower handset.
• Four or more hole bath taps: An attractive, vintage model with a diverter valve.
• Bath shower mixer taps: This model features the extension of a handheld showerhead.
• Waterfall taps and bath fillers: An open spout that requires moderate pressure and delivers an appealing, cascading stream. 
• Bath pillar taps: Like traditional basin pillar taps, bath pillars come with separate faucets for hot and cold water.
• Freestanding bathroom taps: This model uses standpipes for floor mounting, ideal to compliment freestanding bathtubs. 
• Wall-mounted bath taps: Space-savvy and modern, wall-mounted fixtures can be used with a range of different bathroom and tub designs.  
• Thermostatic bath taps: Thermostatic systems offer more control over water temperature, ideal for families and multi-residential spaces. 

Shower Mixers & Shower heads

Equipped with various types of shower heads, shower mixers greatly vary in design and style. 

• Single handheld showerheads: Simple and traditional, this type can be found in most homes. 
• Dual showerheads: A versatile combination of fixed and handheld showerheads is available in an ample array of styles and finishes. 
• Fixed showerhead: A wall-mounted version delivers a steady stream with a range of variations. 
• Shower jets: Typically a part of a shower column, they bring a simple shower to a new level with the massage function.
• Rain showerheads: Waterfall showerheads are available in many versions, mounting styles, finishes and other options.
• Handheld shower heads: They connect to an existing fixture with a flexible hose.
• Shower columns: A variety of tall bars with a diverse selection of showerheads, massage jets, and body sprays, suitable for both indoors and outdoors.

Bathroom Taps Styles

Round Bathroom Faucets

Elegant, simplified designs are contemporary but not overly modern, easy to blend into most bathroom interiors. 

Square Bathroom Taps

Rigid and with a more modern appeal than the round ones, square taps make a statement feature in the bathroom. 

Traditional Bathroom Faucets

Traditionally designed bathroom taps are ideal for complementing roll-top or freestanding baths with a classic or eclectic flair. 

Modern Bathroom Taps

Sleek, more elaborated round taps, minimalist square style taps, and other design-forward models pair great with LED lights, fashionable bathroom accessories, and touch-screen mirrors. 

Bathroom Taps Materials

Metal Bathroom Taps

Metal faucets usually comprise some kind of alloy, with either copper, zinc, magnesium, or aluminium. These models are finished in brass or chrome, more durable than plastic faucets but still with a limited life span. 

Plastic Bathroom Taps

Plastic faucets are budget-friendly but also very short-lasting. They are not the best solution for hard water areas, where they would degrade quickly. One exception is the PEX-based faucet type, which normally features a resilient metal body.

Brass Bathroom Tapware

Brass is the golden standard for making taps and faucets for a reason. An alloy of zinc and copper blends the advantages of both to achieve high, long-lasting quality. A brass faucet price tag is closer to a higher-end of the spectre, but it pays off in durability.

Stainless Steel Bathroom Taps

The key advantage of stainless steel faucets is that they are lead-free and highly resistant to corrosion. Their quality matches the traditional solid brass models and makes a reliable buying option with a long life span. 

Bathroom Faucets Finishes

• Chrome: Versatile, durable, budget-friendly, easy to clean and maintain. On the other side, chrome also displays every water spot and fingerprint.
• Stainless steel: Not the most affordable solution, but it pays off in resistance to tarnish, scratches, and corrosion. Stainless steel is very durable and effortless to maintain. Slightly less shiny than chrome, it's also less prone to show spots and fingerprints. 
• Brushed nickel: One of the most durable finishes is also among the easiest to maintain. It rarely shows the signs of wear, smudges or fingerprints. It has a distinct antique flair that makes an attractive focal point. 
• Polished nickel: Similar to chrome, polished finish boats exceptional shine, but with a warmer tone. 
• Oil-rubbed bronze: Inherently vintage, this timeless finishing is highly sought after for elaborated, unique bathroom interiors. It's durable, easy to clean, not prone to showing spots and prints. 
• Champagne bronze: This attractive, industrial look perfectly fits rustic or robust interiors, as well as a range of contemporary home decors. Similar to oil-rubbed bronze in performances. 
• Gold: Recent resurgence of vintage and boho bathroom furniture styles also raised interest in gold bathroom faucets. This shiny finish is similar to bronze and boasts a strong visual statement.
• Matte black: Trendy and dramatic, matte black taps make powerful accents in the bathroom decor. Due to the absence of any shine, these models never show fingerprints.

Things to Consider Before Buying Bathroom Taps

The right choice of handle can make all the difference between convenient and irritating. It depends on comfort as much as on style. Knob handles might pose a challenge for children and seniors, as well as the more usable cross-handles. Lever handles require a simple turn and also come in a "joystick" version, thinner and modern. 

It's also possible to avoid handles altogether, with a sensor-equipped bathroom tap. However, these faucets require a power source and might not suit every bathroom. 

Some bathroom sink faucets come with handy drain assemblies. Those parts can also be purchased separately and incorporated later. 

Scald protection is a good idea, especially convenient for children, seniors, or anyone with limited mobility. It helps to avoid accidents in cases where a swift reaction is necessary. Alternatively, a thermostatic mixing valve can be fitted under the sink. 

Pull-out spray faucets can be an exceptionally convenient option for cleaning and watering plants.

If you need assistance to find the right bathroom taps for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.