Choosing the right taps for your bathrooms is not the simplest thing to do. You should consider various factors such as the pipework, the size of the basin and shower or tub, as well as design and finish. Speaking of finishes, it all depends on your choices. For instance, a brushed nickel basin tap will remain free of fingertip prints and also looks elegant, chic and timeless.
Things to Consider Before Getting New Taps
Taps and Water Pressure
The first thing to consider when buying your new basin taps is to check the water pressure in your bathroom. This will spare you many headaches. The low-pressure system is gravity fed and less than 1.0 bar (a 1-meter vertical distance between the tap and the bottom of the cold water storage tank gives 0.1 bar of pressure). If this type of system is what you have, you’ll need to choose basin taps that are designed to work on low pressure.
High-pressure systems work better with mains-fed, pumped and combination boilers. For homes with high water pressure, there are plenty of choices, so things will be easier for you. There’s a general rule – low pressure is up to 0.5 bar, 0.5 bar to 1.0 bar is medium pressure and anything above 1.0 bar is high pressure.
Types of Basin Taps
Monobloc
These are designed for a one-tap-hole sink and have a single spout that brings a mix of hot and cold water. The water temperature and flow are controlled with a one-lever handle, which is user-friendly. It comes in various styles and finishes.
Basin Mixer Taps
Bathroom basin mixer taps are quite similar to a monobloc tap but include separate controls for the hot and cold water. They are designed in both modern and classic styles, as well as two-hole and three-hole styles. Traditional basin mixer taps are ideal for adding elegance to any bathroom.
Hot and Cold Basin Pillar Taps
These taps are the most affordable and super easy to fit. They come as a pair; one controls hot, and the other one controls cold water. These taps come in modern and traditional styles and are great if you’re on a budget. If you are choosing pillar taps, make sure your basin has two tap holes.
Wall-Mounted Basin Taps
As the name says, these taps are designed to be mounted on the wall. This design can be challenging as you’ll have to fit the pipework within the wall itself. This type of tap is an excellent option for creating a neat, streamlined finish and is suited to contemporary bathrooms. A wall-mounted tap is often teamed with a countertop basin that doesn’t have any tap holes.
High Rise Basin Taps
These come in various styles and mimic a monobloc tap, but have a much taller design, which makes this type best for mounting to a worktop so you can use them with a countertop sink.
Finishes
The finish is as important as the design. After all, it should match the bathroom design, your taste and of course the colour palette. The VIntage finish on a classic faucet seems outdated, however, it’s a good thing to follow your heart. After all, it’s your space so don’t feel captive to any so-called rules of design. Many people love that trend of adding old-world finish to modern faucet shapes. So, follow your instinct and your heart, and no matter how the final result looks, if you like it, it’s all that matters.
Mix and Match
Yes, it’s completely OK to mix and match the finishes in the same bathroom. Multiple finishes will give great contrast and dimension to your taps. However, don’t just get carried away – there should be harmony. For example, you can choose a brushed nickel basin tap and polished or satin nickel. They match well and will create a harmonious look in your bathroom. Some people like to mix various metals so besides a brushed nickel basin mixer, they add oil-rubbed bronze which has that dark and worn-out look with some bronze peeking through.
Chrome, Nickel and Stainless
These are considered the neutrals and the classic bath taps. They’re sophisticated and easy to match with any other accessories you have in your bathroom. The nickel has a warm tone and matches well in more traditional-looking bathrooms; chrome is shiny but very popular for modern bathrooms (however it’s more expensive). Stainless steel is a classic choice that you can’t go wrong with.
Brushed Metals
If you’re tired of cleaning fingerprints from your taps, stick to brushed metals. For example, a brushed nickel tap will remain spotless no matter how often it’s used. Brushed metals aren’t reflective like polished finishes, making them a good choice for any bathroom, especially in bathrooms used by many people.
How to Keep It Clean
It’s important to avoid using alcohol, acid or solvent-based cleaners. They can easily ruin the colour of the finish especially if it’s a brushed nickel. Avoid vinegar as well, even though it’s a popular choice for cleaning taps. Abrasive cleaners like bleach powders are also not a good choice.
The easiest way to clean your brushed nickel taps is to use a wet microfiber cloth with warm water. Gently wipe away any impurity (that’s easy to remove). If there’s hard water, grease build or soap scum, use a little dishwasher detergent on a damp cloth. It can help you remove these stains. Finally, use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to completely dry the taps.
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