Out of all the fixtures you’ll pick for your new bathroom, the bathroom faucet is probably not that high on your list of priorities. You’ll want a gorgeous counter top, a striking tub, a centerpiece vanity, the perfect tiles. But a faucet? Just not ranking that high.
But that’s where you’re wrong. Choosing a bathroom faucet is of utmost importance; the faucet is the most frequently used fixture in the bathroom (assuming, hopefully, that you wash your hands and face and brush your teeth regularly). So when the time comes to pick that all-important faucet, you’ll need to be prepared to make the right decision – practically and aesthetically.
Here’s how to choose a bathroom faucet from the vast array of options.
First, you’ll need to examine your sink holes.
Once you’ve chosen your bathroom sink, check the number of faucet holes that it has (many sinks allow you to choose, so don’t decide on a sink without choosing a faucet first or simultaneously). This number may be one, two, or three, with varying widths between holes.
A single-hole faucet is a one-piece fixture with the spout and control in one unit, designed to fit – obviously – a sink with a single hole. These faucets are typically sleek and minimalist, often with a single handle on the top or side of the faucet or, less commonly, separate hot and cold controls attached to the unit.
If your sink has two holes, it can be fitted with a faucet and a single separate control.
A three-hole sink may be fitted with a centerset or widespread faucet set (spout and two handles), depending on the layout.
When the holes are close together – with a 4-inch gap between the center faucet hole and the left and right holes – a compact centerset faucet, featuring the three pieces set on a central plate, will fit it well.
A wider gap of 8 or more inches will accommodate a widespread faucet, in which the faucet and handles are separate.
If you prefer a widespread faucet (they’re often easier to clean and looks sleeker) but have a smaller sink or closely spaced holes, a mini widespread can be the perfect solution.
No holes on your sink? You’ll want a wall-mounted faucet. These offer flexibility in positioning and location as well as an eye-catching appearance.
Mount
We’ve already covered wall and deck mounts; another option is the striking floor-mounted faucet. These freestanding fixtures act as a sculptural centerpiece in the bathroom.
Size
Faucet size should complement the size of the sink and the overall bathroom size; an oversized faucet will overpower a small bathroom, while a diminutive model will get visually lost in a large bathroom. Choose a faucet that fits the scale of your bathroom.
Important factors to consider:
- faucet height: make sure it clears the top of a vessel sink, if necessary, and allows plenty of room for handwashing over the sink. Check the height against the installed height and depth of your sink; don’t estimate!
- spout projection: if the spout sticks out too far or not far enough, water will splash on the sides of the sink and cut down on efficiency (and raise your annoyance factor every time you use it)
- drain compatibility: besides spout reach and height, check if your faucet comes with a coordinating pop-up drain assembly
Style and finish
Once you get the technicalities out of the way, find a faucet that complements the style of your bathroom – traditional, transitional, modern,and everything in between. Consider shape, size, configuration (bridge, waterfall, centerset, widespread…), and spout and handle shape while choosing your tap.
The faucet finish is also an important factor. Standard finishes like polished, brushed, or matte chrome, nickel, and brass are popular, but the options are practically limitless: bronze, black, white, and even bright colors.
And that’s how you choose a bathroom faucet! Visit us at QualityBath to find your perfect piece.
I had never considered the fact that faucet size could overpower the bathroom if it is too small. I can see why this would be something to consider when installing a new faucet. My sister is wanting to remodel her bathroom and is shopping for everything to go with it. I’ll have to talk to her about remember this when she gets to buying a faucet.
My brother recently purchased an older home to live in. The first thing he wants done is an updating to his master bathroom, since there are pink tiles everywhere. I didn’t know how important it is to consider spout projection when considering a faucet to make sure is pours into the center of the sink. I’ll make sure my brother is aware of this consideration.
I completely agree with the article that getting the right bathroom faucet is extremely important. I also appreciate how it mentions that the two factors needed to make a decision or practicality and aesthetics. I’ve been telling my wife that we need to find a good supply company that has a large selection of faucets available so that we can make sure we get the right fixture when we remodel our bathroom. I’ll point her to this article to show her just how vital the right faucet will be.