Style Guide
Faucet Types
Bath faucets need to look great, operate smoothly, and stand up to daily use. Choose a style and finish that complements your bath, but pay attention to function and durability, too.
Faucet styles range from ornate Victorian designs to taps with modern, streamlined looks. Cross-shape handles offer vintage charm, while large wing levers add con. temporary appeal. Two-handle models let you adjust water temperature more precisely with independent hot and cold controls, while single-handle models show off a sleek and contemporary aesthetic.
1. Widespread
These faucets have a separate spout and handles, spaced up to 10 inches apart. The valves and mixing chamber are hidden underneath the sink or counter.
2. Center Set
This compact style (water lines 4 inches apart) combines the spout and handles in one unit that mounts on the sink deck or behind it on the countertop.
3. Single Handle
Only one hole pierces the sink deck or countertop, saving space and allowing easy cleanup. A top- or side-mount lever controls flow and temperature.
4. Bridge
Ideal for undermount sinks, this nostalgic style’s exposed channel links spoke-style handles with a curvy spout for installation directly on the countertop.
5. Wall-Mount
Plumbed through the wall behind and above the sink, this type must be installed per the manufacturer’s spec.ifications to minimize splashing. The ideal position for the water stream is just behind the sink drain.
Tub Fillers
Today’s tub fillers blend function and sophistication and complement a range of design styles. A deck mount or Roman tub filler works well with a platform tub and is simply a larger version of a lavatory faucet. Floor-mount tub fillers enhance freestanding tubs; opt for a vintage design to complement a traditional clawfoot tub. The common three-wall alcove tub usually includes a wall-mounted fixture with the spout placed a little past the tub’s edge. To add a touch of luxury to your tub area, choose a waterfall fixture that transforms the chore of filling the tub.
Money Smart
Save More: If your budget is limited, opt for a chrome finish. And keep in mind that a standard two-handle faucet is likely to cost less than a single-handle faucet.
Spend Smart: Look for Water Sense-labeled faucets that reduce water consumption. And choose a faucet with replaceable internal parts, so you don’t have to replace the whole faucet if something breaks.