What to think about before choosing bathroom taps
A little planning goes a long way. Before you fall in love with a style or finish, it helps to understand what will actually work in your bathroom.
1. Tap type and location
Start by deciding where your new taps will go—basin, bath, shower, or bidet. Each one needs a specific type of tap, so make sure your chosen design is compatible with your existing fixtures.
2. Number of tap holes
Your basin or bath will dictate what you can install:
- 1 tap hole — perfect for mono basin mixer taps
- 2 tap holes — ideal for traditional hot and cold pillar taps
- 3 tap holes — often used for bath fillers or classic three-piece sets
Matching the tap to the tap-hole layout ensures a seamless fit.
3. Water pressure
UK homes vary widely in water pressure, and some taps need more pressure than others to work properly.
- Low pressure (0.1–0.5 bar) — common in older gravity-fed systems
- High pressure (1.0 bar+) — typical in modern combi boiler setups
Always check the minimum pressure requirement on the tap’s specification.
4. Bathroom style
Your taps should complement your overall look—whether that’s modern, traditional, industrial, or something in between. The finish you choose plays a big part in tying everything together.
Types of bathroom taps
Understanding the main tap styles makes it much easier to choose the right one for your space.
Basin mixer taps
A single tap that blends hot and cold water through one spout.
Why people love them:
- Sleek, modern look
- Easy temperature control
- Great for contemporary bathrooms
Pillar taps
Separate hot and cold taps—classic and charming.
Why they work well:
- Perfect for traditional bathrooms
- Simple, timeless design
- Budget-friendly
Wall‑mounted taps
Installed directly into the wall above your basin or bath.
Why they’re popular:
- Free up space on the basin
- Create a clean, minimalist look
- Make surfaces easier to wipe down
Tall basin mixer taps
Designed for countertop or vessel basins.
Why choose one:
- Provides the height needed for above-counter bowls
- Adds a striking design feature
Bath filler taps
Made to fill your bath quickly and efficiently. Available in single or dual-handle styles.
Bath shower mixer taps
A bath filler combined with a handheld shower attachment—great for families and practical everyday use.
Freestanding bath taps
The perfect partner for freestanding baths, available in both modern and traditional designs.
Bathroom tap styles and finishes
Your tap finish can completely change the feel of your bathroom.
Modern styles
- Clean lines
- Lever handles
- Minimalist shapes
- Available in black, brass, bronze, nickel, and more
Traditional styles
- Crosshead or ceramic disc handles
- Curved spouts
- Chrome or antique finishes
- Ideal for period-inspired bathrooms
Contemporary Designs
A blend of classic and modern elements for a timeless look.
Popular finishes
- Chrome — affordable, easy to clean, suits any style
- Matt Black — bold, modern, perfect for industrial or monochrome schemes
- Brushed Brass — warm, luxurious, and very on-trend
- Brushed Nickel — soft metallic tone with subtle warmth
For a cohesive look, match your tap finish with your shower fittings, accessories, and even cabinet handles.
Water efficiency and modern technology
Today’s taps are designed to save water without sacrificing performance. Look out for:
- Aerators — reduce water use while maintaining good pressure
- Ceramic disc cartridges — prevent drips and improve durability
- WRAS approval — ensures compliance with UK water regulations
Choosing efficient taps can help lower your household water bills.
Installation essentials
Before you buy, double-check:
- Your plumbing setup
- Pipe centres (especially for bath taps)
- Tap height and spout reach
- Compatibility with your basin and waste
Wall-mounted taps usually benefit from professional installation to ensure perfect alignment.
Choosing taps for small bathrooms
If you’re working with limited space:
- Pick compact mono mixer taps
- Consider wall-mounted designs to free up basin space
- Keep tap size in proportion to your basin
Good proportions make a small bathroom feel balanced and uncluttered.
Budget and quality
Tap prices vary depending on brand, finish, and internal components. Investing in quality means:
- Longer lifespan
- Smoother operation
- Less maintenance
What’s inside matters just as much as how it looks on the outside.
Final thoughts: finding the perfect bathroom taps
Choosing bathroom taps is all about balancing style, performance, and practicality. Whether you prefer sleek modern mixers, classic pillar taps, or bold statement pieces, the right choice will elevate your bathroom and make everyday use a pleasure.
Take your time exploring finishes, checking compatibility, and considering your water pressure to ensure your new taps are the perfect match for your home.
If you’re looking for inspiration, our online collection is a great place to start—or visit our North East showroom to see the designs up close and chat with our team.
