The bathroom is the most important room in our home because this is where we start and finish our day. It’s the place where we do our hygiene routine, and as such it should be functional and have all the essential elements an average bathroom should have. But this crucial space of our home is not only about functionality, it’s about aesthetics as well. From tiles and toilet seats to bathroom basins and other essential elements, the bathroom should feel pleasant and comfortable.

Often overlooked, the choice of bathroom tapware can have a profound influence on the functionality and aesthetics of the bathroom space. This element plays a pivotal role in our daily routines, therefore, think carefully about what choice you’re about to make when it comes to these bathroom fixtures.

Shopping For Tapware: How to Choose Yours?

Explore The Different Types

There are various types of bathroom tapware available such as bath faucets, showerheads, handles, spouts and of course, accessories. That’s why take your time to think about what exactly you need, and what you’re looking for. What’s the design of your bathroom like? Do you have a bathtub or a standing shower? How much space do you have in the bathroom?

These are some basic questions that will help you identify your needs. Here’s what you can find.

• Bath faucets, also known as bathtub taps, are fixtures that can be wall-mounted or deck-mounted and are used to control the water flow in the bathtub. Wall-mounted are more suitable for freestanding and clawfoot tubs, whereas deck-mounted faucets are mounted on the rim of the bathtub and as such, they are suitable for most bathtub styles.
• Showerheads deliver water for bathing in the shower. They can be fixed, handheld and rainfall-designed. Fixed showerheads are attached to the shower wall or ceiling and they provide a consistent water flow. Handheld showerheads can be attached to a sliding bar or they can be held in the hand and as such, they offer greater flexibility for targeted rinsing. Rainfall showerheads are luxurious fixtures that mimic the sensation of rainfall. You can even find showerheads that come with two options: a fixed overhead for a steady water flow and a handheld showerhead attached to the rail for added convenience.
• Handles are components of tapware and they come as single-handle faucets and double-handle faucets. The single-handle faucets have only a single knob used for controlling both cold and hot water temperatures, whereas double-handle faucets have separate handles for hot and cold water.
• Spouts are an essential part of bath tapware because they are responsible for delivering water into the bathtub or shower. They can be fixed, meaning, they deliver water directly into the bathtub and cannot be rotated unlike swivel spots, which can be rotated in the direction you need.

Choose Tapware Compatible With the Water Pressure in Your Home

The next thing you should pay attention to is the water pressure in your home. You should choose a tapware for your bath that is compatible with the water pressure. Here’s why this factor is very important.

Let’s say the water pressure where you live is very strong. If you buy tapware designed for low water pressure, the faucet will struggle to provide adequate flow which may result in water flowing out of the tap, splashing and wasting unnecessary amounts of water. In this case, opt for faucets labelled as “high-pressure compatible” to control the water flow.

On the other hand, if the water stream in your house is weak, installing tapware that is designed for high water pressure can result in a poor and inconsistent water stream, which is very annoying, especially when it comes to showering. To optimise the water flow, choose bath faucets designed for low water pressure.

Choose the Right Tapware Material

The choice of the material has an influence on the tapware durability, functionality and of course, the aesthetic appeal. Brass, stainless steel and chrome are the most common types of materials used in tapware for a bath.

Brass

Brass is a popular choice for tapware because it’s super durable and resistant to corrosion, which is highly preferable for bathrooms. Besides, brass exudes a classic and timeless appeal that complements a wide range of bathroom styles.

Brass bath faucets come in various finishes such as polished brass, matte black brass, chrome brushed gold, brushed nickel, gun metal grey, etc. There are also available faucets with brass construction that have a chrome finish. There are options to suit every taste and aesthetic preference so you can easily find something that aligns with your vision.

Chrome

Chrome is a budget-friendly option that not only is resistant to corrosion but is also easy to clean and offers a modern appearance to your bathroom. However, one thing about chrome faucets is that because of the shiny surface, the tapware may show fingerprints more easily than other materials. That’s why regular cleaning and maintenance is preferable.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is still a widely used material when it comes to bathroom faucets. It’s valued for its strength and corrosion resistance, as well as its ease of maintenance. Due to its benefits, stainless steel is often used in tapware for medical uses in hospitals because it allows for maintaining the hygiene of the faucet at optimal levels.

Select Your Style

When deciding about which style of tapware to choose, think about the overall design of your bathroom and your personal preferences. Would you like to add maybe something modern but more minimalist that has a sleek and simple design, or do you prefer traditional styles that involve ornate details and vintage-inspired designs?

If you love the raw charm of industrial style, opt for faucets with metal or matte finishes and weathered metal accents. Make sure to create a cohesive and harmonious bathroom that reflects your personality and sense of style.