Bath Faucets
Compliment Your Bathroom Style
The style of your bath faucet should complement the style of your bathroom. Take into consideration the other design elements in the space such as countertops, cabinets, towel bars, rings and hooks, shower heads as well as other plumbing fixtures and décor. Faucets are available in sleek, clean lined modern styles as well as traditional, transitional, and rustic styles.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match the finishes but be sure to maintain consistency with either polished or satin, rubbed or brushed finishes for a balanced look.
When it comes to cost, invest enough in your faucets so that you will enjoy the quality and long-term durability. Bathroom faucets see a lot of action with brushing teeth, washing your face and hands multiple times a day. However, keep in mind that certain styles and finishes will add to the price and not always the quality.
More Information
Types of Faucets
Centerset
Also called centerspread, these faucets fit 3-hole sink drillings that measure 4” from one side to the other side and are typically found on smaller sinks. The handle and the spout are part of one unit rather than separated.
Widespread
These faucets have separate hot and cold handles from the spout. Sinks are required to have holes drilled between 8 and 16 inches apart or they can be mounted on the countertop behind the sink. When installing a widespread faucet on the countertop, the height of the spout needs to be high enough to reach up and over the side of the sink leaving enough room to wash your hands under the spout.
Single Hole
Faucets that have a single hole have the spout and the handle in one piece. Typically, the faucet has one handle.
Wall Mount
Mounted on the wall, these faucets are used with vessel sinks, wall-mounted sinks, or under-counter sinks that don’t have holes pre-drilled. The advantage of these faucets is the freedom to place the spout at any height, depending on the dramatic effect desired. The counter also stays clearer because the faucet is mounted on the wall. When planning where to place the faucet, make sure that the water will reach the center of the sink basin above the drain.
Handle Type Considerations
Single-handle faucets are more practical, but two-handle faucets give you more options for handle design.
If children or elderly persons will be using the faucet, consider using a faucet with a single or lever handles because they are easier to operate. Even in a household with no special needs, levers are easier to operate with wet and soapy hands.
You may prefer no handle at all and opt for touchless or voice-operated technologies.
Finishes
Stainless Steel
Chrome
Bronze (oil-rubbed, brushed)
Brass
Nickel
Black
Holes In Your Sinks
Changing your bathroom faucets is a simple way to update the look of your bathroom. If you are replacing a faucet or have already chosen a sink that has predetermined holes, be sure the number of holes in the sink matches the number of holes required for your faucet.
Options & Accessories
Often accessories such as towel bars, towel rings, toilet paper holders, and other plumbing fixtures such as showerheads, drains, etc. are available in matching or coordinating finishes.
Higher arched spouts give you more room to wash your hands, and face and use a glass to get a drink of water.
Touchless or voice-activated faucets
Care & Maintenance
Some material types are more difficult to maintain than others! Polished faucets are beautiful but require cleaning more often because of their sheen. Water spots tend to show up more on polished finishes.
Units with 2 handles are more difficult to clean because you must clean in between the handles.
Most faucets can be cleaned with mild soap and water.
After each use, wipe down the faucet with a dry cloth to remove minerals and water spots.
Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaners that contain ammonia or bleach because they can damage the finish of the faucet.
To remove hard water deposits and soap scum, use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water.