How Do I... Choose the Right Bathroom Taps?
In the market for new taps? Navigate your way through the vast array of designs on offer with our expert tips
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, Daniela Santilli, bathroom marketing leader at Reece, shares her top tips for selecting bathroom taps.
Tapware is something you handle every day, so it’s important to take the time to choose the right style. You’ll want quality tapware that is durable and will stand the test of time both in terms of looks and performance. Replacing broken or under-performing taps can be a costly exercise as tiles may need to be removed for access – so it’s wise to choose well the first time around!
What are the main styles?
Choose from three-piece tapware sets and basin mixers, both of which are generally basin- or wall-mounted to suit your bathroom’s style and layout.
Choose from three-piece tapware sets and basin mixers, both of which are generally basin- or wall-mounted to suit your bathroom’s style and layout.
- Three-piece tapware: This set-up is most commonly seen in traditional bathrooms. However, recently, we’ve seen modern iterations of this style with slim lines, architectural angles and new finishes that look great in contemporary bathrooms.
- Basin mixer: This outlet has a single mixing lever that can be curved or angular.
And finishes?
- Chrome: This timeless finish has been the most popular choice of tapware for years.
- Brass or gold: Great for achieving an old-world effect in traditional or heritage-style bathrooms.
- Coated finishes: Brushed metallics (such as nickel, gunmetal and rose gold) and matt black have rapidly gained popularity in recent years.
Brushed metallic and coloured tapware, which is hugely popular in Europe right now, is a fun, contemporary alternative to classic chrome.
What do I need to consider when choosing bathroom taps?
- Your current set-up: If you’re replacing old tapware with a new design, you’ll need to choose the same set-up. So, a bench-mounted, three-piece set will need to be replaced with the same arrangement.
- Size and height of the outlet: Tapware comes in different sizes to ensure that water lands in the correct position and angle. Be sure to choose the right size and height for your basin.
- Who is using the tapware: You might want to choose curved lines rather than sharp angular ones if young children will be using the tapware in order to prevent injuries (this is particularly important in the bath where children can bump their heads). A swivelling bath spout that can be moved out of the way once the tub is filled is a smart choice for young bathers.
- Look and feel: How will your choice of tapware fit within the context of your bathroom?
What’s the WELS rating?
All taps are labelled with a WELS star rating. This is the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards rating that tells you how water-efficient a tap is. It ranges from one to six stars – the more stars the more water-efficient the product.
The WELS label also has a figure that tells you the rate of water consumption (flow rate in litres per minute) so you can see how much water the tap will use.
All taps are labelled with a WELS star rating. This is the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards rating that tells you how water-efficient a tap is. It ranges from one to six stars – the more stars the more water-efficient the product.
The WELS label also has a figure that tells you the rate of water consumption (flow rate in litres per minute) so you can see how much water the tap will use.
Any tips for buying success?
- Don’t forget ergonomics: Tapware is something you handle every day, so it’s important that it feels good when you use it. The best way to test a tap’s ergonomics is to visit a bathroom showroom and try out different models yourself.
- Retrofitting taps can be tricky: Unless you’re undertaking major plumbing or renovation works, tapware will need to be replaced like for like. Before you buy that design you have your heart set on, it’s a good idea to speak to your plumber to make sure it will fit in your bathroom.
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