Book a free consultation

The Complete Guide To Bathroom Tapware

Bench Mounted Basin Mixer over Vessel Basin - Reece Happiness Project

Bathroom tapware plays an important part in the function and look of your bathroom.

For some renovators, tapware is a focal feature in the bathroom, but for others, it’s a non-competing element that needs to blend in cohesively with the chosen style and colour theme of the bathroom.

Selecting tapware is a personal choice. There are so many styles, spout shapes and colours to consider. 

This complete guide to bathroom tapware will offer all the information you need to select the right taps for your bathroom.

Mixer or Separate Hot and Cold Taps?

Three Piece Tapware - Raymor

The style of tapware you choose needs to work with the fixtures you’ve chosen for your bathroom. 

Wall mixers have been popular as they offer a minimal look and work well when positioned over an above counter basin. They are also most popular in the shower or over a bath as the move of a lever offers balanced temperature control. 

Bench-mounted wall mixers are a common choice for vanities as they are budget friendly and easy to install. They are also easy to replace at a future date when they’ve exhausted their expiry date. 

Three piece tapware which includes a separate cold and hot water tap and spout is a classic tapware choice. They offer a balanced aesthetic and can be a budget friendly option too.

Choosing the right taps for each fixture in the Bathroom

Caroma Chrome Wall Bath Mixer

Every fixture will need a tap to ensure its function. Taps will need to be selected for the shower, bath and basin. 

The rule of thumb in design is to ensure the tapware is uniform and matches each area of the bathroom. While you can mix the colours of your fixtures, it’s not recommended for tapware. Choosing the one finish it tapware will create a cohesive look. 

Mixers are the most popular choice in tapware. Whether wall mounted or bench mounted, they are versatile and can work with a range of basin types – including above counter basins which require a higher spout. 

Separate hot and cold taps are mounted in the basin itself or can be wall mounted for the bath and shower. They are a traditional type of bathroom tapware that suits heritage or classic style bathrooms. These taps can be ordered with ceramic discs or washer spindles. There are pros and cons for both, but ceramic disc spindles are easier to turn off which can make them a great choice in family bathrooms. 

Bathroom Tapware Finishes

The colour of tapware is a personal preference. The right hue can really elevate a bathroom. While chrome has long been a classic and popular choice, matte black and brushed metallic shades have started to trend in bathrooms. 

Whatever tapware colour you choose, always check the quality of the finish. 

Powder Coating

Powder coating finish is popular for your coloured tapware like black and white. It does fade and can chip off over time. This quality of finish is not the best if you’re after a tapware finish which will stand the test of time and frequent use.

Electroplated

The electroplated finish is a more durable finish, however, it can still be prone to scratches and dents. It’s the recommended finish to select when choosing coloured tapware as it will be more durable in quality.

PVD Finish

PVD Finish - Meir Tapware

PVD finish which stands for Physical Vapor Deposition is a popular bathroom tapware finish due to its resistance to wear over time. PVD is the process of a vacuum deposition method that changes the state of the film from condensed to vapour to condensed again on the tapware. Its popularity has soared due to quality finish and long-term durability.

Bathroom Tapware Brands to consider for your Bathroom

The best place to source your bathroom tapware is from a reputable plumbing supply retailer. Quality bathroom tapware brands to consider are

  • Caroma
  • Dorf
  • Posh Bristol
  • Mizu
  • GROHE
  • Meir Tapware
  • Milli
  • Sussex
  • Kado
  • Ram Tapware
  • LAUFEN
  • Phoenix
  • Teknobili
  • Nobili
  • Clark
  • Fienza
  • Raymor
  • Hansa

Visiting a showroom can allow you to feel the handle of the tapware to ensure you’re happy with how it not only looks on display but also how it feels.

Conclusion

Do you need help in choosing the right tapware for your Bathroom Renovation? Reach out to Vivid Bathrooms for a quote on your bathroom renovation needs. We can offer advice on the best tapware to suit your chosen bathroom style.