If you’re building a new home, remodeling or adding a new bathroom, the type of faucet is important. It may seem like a fundamental issue, but choosing a new bathroom faucet is a serious matter that can provide you with years of satisfaction or years of frustration. In this brief bathroom faucet buying guide, we’ll look at several factors you’ll have to consider when you make your choice in a new bathroom faucet, or two, depending on the number of sinks and the type of vanity you use. Here’s what you need to know about picking a new bathroom sink faucet that will offer the convenience and comfort you need.
Consider the Installation Type
Whether you are installing a new bathroom and have a chance to select an entirely new faucet or you are simply looking to update an existing sink, you’ll have to give attention to the installation type needed. The type of sink or counter you have determines what kind of faucet you can get. Different faucets require different mounting. There are some relatively common options that meet every possible need, and you will want to take some time considering which is most suited to your existing sink or the style you desire. We suggest you choose from:
- Single-hole faucets – As it sounds, this is a single unit that features a single handle and requires only one hole to operate. It will use a handle that can turn in multiple directions to deliver hot or cold water.
- Centerset faucets – This is a classic unit with two handles and a single spout. It features two holes drilled four inches apart in addition to the center hole.
- Widespread faucets – This is usually the most flexible option as it can be as wide or narrow as desired and features the spout and two handles as separate entities. In other words, it has three components and can work in any setup, including a corner sink.
- Vessel sinks – These are both an installation style and a flow type. A vessel sink’s faucet is usually a single-hole installation, but is far taller and pours into a vessel sink (i.e. a bowl or other similar design).
There are also options for wall-mounted faucets, though these are rare. And once you determine the installation type, you have to consider the “flow” type. There are the vessel flow sinks (such as the one described above, and this pours water from a spout-like faucet into the vessel. There are waterfall designs that make a wider and shallower stream, and then there are standard faucets that deliver steady, adjustable flows.
Once you decided on the installation type and the flow type, you are left with factors like the spout height, and you’ll want to consider things like the cabinet or shelf height to guarantee that the spout fits underneath it comfortably. The same can be said about handles and their distances from the walls and cabinetry.
Consider how much maintenance different types of faucets require. One with a ceramic disc requires minimal maintenance. You may want a faucet with a low flow rate in order to reduce water usage. If you have a disability or live with a chronic condition, choose an ADA-compliant faucet that allows ease of use when controlling flow or water temperature.
The Look of the Faucet
The bathroom faucet also a specific style apart from the installation style, flow, and arc height. For example, there are contemporary styles, more transitional styles, farmhouse chic, retro, and more. They will be finished in a way that will coordinate with the other components of the bathroom, and that means you’ll want to consider the finishing options.
The most common included:
- Chrome
- Brushed Nickel
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze
- Gold
- Black
- Stainless Steel
It is important to remember that the finish has an effect on the overall look of the space. For example, many think oil rubbed bronze as a trendy, farmhouse look. It gives an antiqued look that can be used in an array of styles. The same might be said of a black faucet, and the sleeker, more modern look it can impart or the retro atmosphere it can create.
Getting Started with Bathroom Design
So, as you look to update a bathroom’s appearance or install a new bathroom in a home or other space, try to remember that the faucet adds character as well as function and will reward you when you dedicate time to choosing it wisely.