The Best Bathroom Faucets You Should Buy Today
When you think of accessorizing your bathroom renovation, faucets might be an afterthought. However, this essential piece of hardware should not be overlooked, because not only is it essential to the function of your bathroom, the right faucet can transform the style and appearance of it as well.
A malfunctioning faucet is a terrible experience. If yours has a buildup from calcium or other debris, your water flow might be stifled. In other cases, the nozzle might be shooting water in the wrong direction, or you might be stuck with a lingering leak that is not only a huge waste of water, it also creates a sound that’s pretty grating over time.
Here we will review the types of bathroom faucets on the market (there are 6!) as well as the different finishes you can choose between. Then we will go over the type of faucet you want for the style of your bathroom or interior decor, and our favorite choices for faucets if you want to purchase one today.
Types Of Bathroom Faucets
You might not realize it, but there are just under a dozen different types of faucets available, and each is slightly different.
Centerset
The centerset faucet is where the faucet and two temperature valves are all-in-one. This means that the faucet comes with the “hot” and “cold” handles actually attached to the base, where the faucet itself is as well. This kind of faucet is most commonly seen on smaller sinks because next to single handle faucets, they are the most effective at preserving space. As the title would suggest, these faucets are installed in the middle of the sink, above the basin.
Single Handle
The most size-conscious faucet on the market is the single handle option. In this faucet, the hot and cold nozzles are combined into one, and it is situated on top of the nozzle. This means that you typically turn the faucet on by pulling the handle upwards, and then you adjust the temperature by moving it left and right. With no base installation, this faucet can be installed with just 2-3 inches of space, on average. It’s perfect for those who want the most efficient and streamlined option, and want to save space as well.
Widespread
The widespread fit is one of the more popular faucets and is often seen in traditional design as well as upscale homes. With this faucet, the nozzle is centered, while the two temperature valves are separate handles, apart from the nozzle itself, on the left or right of it. This extends the appearance of the faucet and can help with balancing a larger sink or drawing the eye to a statement piece.
Bridge
The bridge faucet is more popular in workspaces given that it has such a basic, industrial appearance. The bridge faucet has two valves that are grounded in the hot and cold water lines, and then another piece of metal that connects them. On top of that piece, the nozzle comes out, making the entire thing appear as a “bridge.”
Wall Mounted
The wall Mounted faucet is exactly as it sounds: a faucet that is installed to the wall above the sink as opposed to on the rim of the basin or on top of the vanity or countertop. This is a great option for a more retro look, as well as if you are short on space. Typically, a wall Mounted faucet requires two separate temperature valves on either side of the nozzle, disconnected, and the handles themselves tend to be round as opposed to arched.
Sprinkle
Despite the misleading name, this type of faucet actually has a very smooth flow. The nozzle here is not cylindrical, it is actually a rectangular shape, creating a sort of natural appearance to the water as it comes out, as though it were flowing effortlessly from a stream. This type of faucet is often found in high end, luxury and modern/contemporary homes, though it would be an excellent addition anywhere.
Types Of Faucet Finishes
Just as important as the build of the faucet is the finish, as well. Faucets typically come in many different options, here are the most popular.
Polished Chrome
Polished chrome will give you the simple elegance of a silver finish, but with either a more glossy or matte appearance. This will depend on the manufacturer.
Brushed Nickel
Brushed nickel is similar to polished chrome in that it does have a silver appearance, but nickel has a warmer tone to it, making it almost appear sepia in color. This finish can also learn more toward glossy or matte, but nickel tends to be the latter more often than not.
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Oil rubbed bronze can be described as bronze that’s been — you guessed it — rubbed with a thick, black oil. The appearance is mostly subdued, but pops of the bronze beneath do peek out from the finish, making it elegant and more easy to accessorize.
Matte Black
Matte black finishes are just becoming more popular, in contrast to statement metals like copper or gold. With a matte black, you still get a modern and contemporary look, without standing out too much like a brighter metal might.
Copper
Copper has a reddish hue to it and is often used on cups and other accessories. Because it is a unique shade, it isn’t very popular as a faucet finish, given that the metals in the bathroom need to coordinate and a lot of copper would certainly be a statement. However, if you are looking to add a unique flair to the room, this could be the way to do so.
Brushed Gold
Brushed gold differs from brass in that it has a more matted, subdued tone. This is the type of gold accessories that are most popular right now, as they are a bit more modern than shiny, polished gold.
Home Style And Faucet Choice
When choosing a faucet, you don’t only need to consider the style of your bathroom, you also need to consider the style of your home altogether.
For example, if you have a classic or traditional home, a spread-fit faucet with beveling, arches, and details would best match that design. A modern home would call for minimalistic, straight lines, while a transitional home might need a statement metal.
Faucets are essential to bringing together the appearance of your home, and in many cases, can make or break the styling.
The Best Bathroom Faucets
These are some of our favorite bathroom faucets available. Each either fits well within the parameters of the most popular bathroom styles, has great reviews, or has proven popular with buyers in the last year.
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This faucet is a great example of a traditional option, with beveled and engraved detailing, separate handles for each temperature nozzle, and a spread-fit layout. It comes in a number of different finishes, all that would suit a classic or traditional home very well.
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This faucet is both modern and unique but the design is a callback to popular vintage options, especially those you’d see in a schoolhouse or industrial workspace. With a spread-fit layout, minimalistic nozzle, and cross handles, it’s the perfect mix of fresh but classic. The finishes are all brushed, meaning that they are less shiny and more matte-looking, adding to the modern appearance.
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This faucet is as functional as it is sleek, with a wide-arch nozzle, polished finish and single temperature valve attached, it’s streamlined but still elegant and could easily suit a larger sink where balance may be a concern. This type of faucet would look great in a Japanese style bathroom, or a contemporary one.
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Similar to the last faucet, this option is a little bigger, and offers a bit more breadth, making it better suited for a slightly larger sink. The polished finish gives it a sleek edge, while the slightly beveled edges add a little bit of detail to an otherwise minimalistic design. With a single-handle and four finishes, you can’t go wrong with this option.
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This faucet is the perfect example of a centerset option. The two temperature valves are connected to the water spout by a common base, making it ideal for smaller sinks. The deep, brushed bronze finish also adds a more unique and high-end touch.
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Though many wall mounted faucets tend to be vintage looking, this option is as sleek and industrial as they get. With angular temperature valves, and a sprinkle faucet, you get a really smooth flow to the water, all while the angular, silver finish makes it appear modern and luxe.
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When it comes to choosing the right faucet, there are many options to decide between. Gone are the days of generic, outdated faucets. Now, you can choose between many stylish, highly functional statement pieces that will bring the entire look of your bathroom together.