We've all thought about ways to make a chance and enhance our bathroom, but without spending tons of money. Of course, there are ways you can do this. You can change the mats, add some greenery, buy a new mirror or even change the basin taps. This small, but noticeable change can give the bathroom a completely new look. You have a lot of different styles and materials to choose from. Manufacturers offer a wide array of taps that can match any bathroom's interior design.
Types of Basin Taps
Wall Mount Taps
Wall mount taps are one of the most popular choices on the market. They're a favourite among new homeowners and for a good reason. One of the best things about these practical, space-saving wall tap sets, is their instalment. With their wall placement, they’re a great way to save space on and around the basin. They can make even the smallest bathroom look open and spacious.
Now you have the space for soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste or sponges, that you previously hung on the wall. Or you can just leave it blank and enjoy a clean, minimalistic basin. They go well with practically any kind of basin and are quite contemporary. They work especially well with countertop basins because they give them an elegant end sophisticated look.
The clutter-free area looks sleek and enhances the beauty of the bathroom. They come in 3 modes of activation: twist, push and non-touch sensor. All of them are practical and easy to control, but most homeowners prefer non-touch ones. One thing that can possibly be an issue is the pipe placement. The pipe has to go inside the wall because of the instalment.
Consider this carefully because if something happens to the pipe and you need to replace it, you must go through the wall to make an adjustment or replacement. This involves a bit more work and extra expenses. But on the other hand, these taps are easy to clean and maintain. At one point they were only used in luxurious hotels, spas and upscale restaurants because of their price.
But nowadays you can find them at different price ranges, and everyone can afford a set. The more traditional design has a single flow control that also adjusts the water temperature. But there are also separate controls for the hot and the cold-water flow, and they have a more modern look. Some of these sets include a backplate, which gives them a unique look and makes them even easier to clean.
Mixer Taps
These taps just need one tap hole and have a single spout that can discharge both hot and cold water. There is only one sprout that lets the water out. There could occasionally be two sprouts, one for hot, and the other for cold water. Just like the wall tap sets, they come in different designs and can be made of different materials.
Mixer taps work well in modern and contemporary bathroom designs but will also look good in traditional settings. They can come with a square or curved waterfall or an aerated sprout. When it comes to finishes, the most popular one is chrome, but you can also get them in matte black, stainless steel, nickel or brushed brass.
These taps require only one hole in the basin. Keep this in mind because if you want to change to a double-hole tap, you’ll need to drill another hole in the basin. You might even need to replace the whole sink because it’ll look mismatched and asymmetrical. Don't consider these taps if you have a small basin. The water can splash over the sink and make a mess you’ll have to clean.
Pillar Taps
This fixture is also very common. It also has one tap for cold, and one tap for hot water. You'll find them very often in older homes and households with classic, traditional designs. So if you have a contemporary bathroom, pillar taps might not work. A lot of people install them for practical reasons and don’t mind the mismatch in design.
Make sure the water pressure is strong, so it has a nice flow through the long pillar tap. This usually isn’t an issue with this fixture because the hot and cold water come from different taps. They vary in price depending on the materials they’re made of, their style and the finish. Keep in mind that they require 2 holes for installation.
3-hole Taps
These taps operate similarly to mixer taps even though installation calls for three holes. The same sprout produces both hot and cold water. The levers that regulate the water flow go in the first two holes, and the sprout is fitted into the third. Just like the wall tap set, this fixture gives you good control of the water flow and the water’s temperature.
The only thing that people dislike, is that you have to use both hands for manipulating the water. Compared to the others, these sets have a higher price tag, but when you see the luxury and style they bring to the space, you’ll know they’re worth every dollar spent.
Small Taps
If you have limited space and a small bathroom, this is the ideal choice for you. But for everything to function properly and be practical the basin should be less than 600mm wide. In this case, size does matter. Don't just consider the price tag and buy a bigger but cheaper tap. This won’t work in your bathroom, and you’ll end up with splashes everywhere. Eventually, you’ll have to buy another one and spend more money than you intended.
Basin Tap Finishes
When choosing the finish, always make sure it complements the bathroom’s design and décor. Brass or gold work great with a vintage, Victorian-styled bathroom. Chrome finishes are very common and popular for a reason. They can fit into most bathroom styles depending on their design and shape.
If you want something with a shiny finish, remember that those taps require more cleaning. They're more prone to staining and can look dirty and old if not maintained properly and regularly. If you don’t have the time for this or just don’t want to do a lot of cleaning, a matte finish will save you the trouble.
