Tapware serves an integral function within the bathroom. Choosing well designed, quality tapware is not only important to avoid unnecessary plumbing expenses in the future, but has the ability to add character and flair to your newly renovated bathroom. Bathroom tapware available today really can provide that finishing touch that can take your bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary.

Marble mosaic feature floor, wall hung vanity with custom shaving cabinet and stunning modern, black tapware - bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Marble mosaic feature floor, wall hung vanity with custom shaving cabinet and stunning modern, black tapware – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Style

There are certainly many types, designs and finishes from which to choose when shopping for tapware. An easy way to cut your decisions by half, is to decide whether your bathroom is traditional or contemporary. Although there are no hard or fast rules, generally speaking, 3 piece sets suit traditional tapware and mixer taps create a more modern feel. The same can be said for the shape. Rounded and arched contours lend to a more traditional style whereas, straight, defined edge and rectangular shapes are more modern.

Ideally, all taps sets should match, that is, vanity, bath and shower. Although, at times this may not be possible as not all tapware sets have a complete range. In such cases, choose a type and design that has a similar shape and is in the same finish, that is chrome or black for example.

Whatever colour and finish is chosen for tapware, the accessories, towel rail holder, toilet roll holder etc, should be the same.

Function

With so many beautiful designs and colours to choose from, it is easy to forget about the function of your taps. It is important to consider who will be using the bathroom and how. Will the tapware be compatible with your fixtures. Will the shower heads spray be contained by the shower screen or panel? Will there be enough space for the wall mounted vanity taps without having to hang the mirror too high? Each and every fixture needs to be considered carefully to ensure the tapware chosen will create a perfectly functional bathroom.

Family Bathroom with large wall hung vanity, mixer taps and large recessed shaving cabinet

Double bowl wall hung vanity, wall mixer taps and large recessed shaving cabinet – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Vanity Basin

It is important to ensure that the tapware chosen for your vanity, specifically the spout, has ample height and reaches perfectly over the basin, leaving room to wash hands without an awkward motion. This is especially important when choosing wall mounted taps or an above counter bowl. To avoid problems it is best to choose tapware at the same time as selecting your vanity and bowls.

Consider who will be using the bathroom and its cleaning aspect. Wall mounted taps have the advantage of not only creating a sleek look, but free up more space on the vanity top and make cleaning easier . On the downside, wall mounted taps and certain high designed mixer taps are too high for young children to reach independently. Young children and those with a weaker grip such as the elderly, tend to find standard style mixer taps are easier to use than the traditional 3 piece sets.

Feature wall in shower recess with rainfall shower head and adjustable hand held shower rose - bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Feature wall in shower recess with rainfall shower head and adjustable hand held shower rose – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Shower Recess

The humble shower head is no longer quite so humble. Modern shower heads, rainfall showers and body jets offer everything from your favourite preset temperature control, rainfall showers, to a spa like massage. Wall mixers are extremely popular in showers as they make pressure and temperature easier to control and add a minimalist effect. Consider who will be using the shower and what type of shower head will suit best. For instance, family bathrooms are best suited to an adjustable hand held shower rose that can be set at varying heights to suit all members of the family. See our article Choosing your Shower Head for more information.

Bath

Nothing makes a statement quite like a free standing bath with a floor mounted bath filler. Waterfall bath spouts too add a truly luxurious touch when drawing a relaxing bath. If young children are to use this bathing space, a practical swivel bath spout can help avoid bumps and scrapes. These swivel spouts fold out to fill the bath and fold back close to the wall when bathing. Perhaps you like a hand held rose to wash hair whilst bathing, whatever your style of bath, there is a spout and tapware that will perfectly suit your tastes and needs.

Stunning free standing bath with floor mounted bath filler - bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Stunning free standing bath with floor mounted bath filler – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Water Saving

For those who are passionate about the environment and their water bill alike, look out for the tapwares WELS rating to reduce water consumption. The higher the star rating the lower your water bill and impact on the environment.

Be sure to consult your bathroom renovator or plumber for suitability of your tapware prior to purchase. It is important to be certain of the tapwares compatibility with the bath and vanity you have chosen. Generic taps will fit generic fixtures, yet some require a specific type. In addition, tapware such as wall mount taps and floor mount bath fillers require extra plumbing moves, which will incur an extra expense.

Beautiful chrome rainfall shower with hand held shower rose, shower niche and feature lighting in drop down ceiling - bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Beautiful chrome rainfall shower with hand held shower rose, shower niche and feature lighting in drop down ceiling – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Many query as to what finish is the most long lasting. Black tapware has recently had its time in the limelight and for good reason. Black tapware truly does make a statement in the bathroom. Brushed metal, matt white and brass have become increasing popular recently and are available in a wider range than previously seen. For a truly timeless and durable finish, look no further than chrome. Chrome will look current and on trend, keeping its shiny luxture for years to come! Chrome is still by far the most popular finish and has the greatest range available from which to choose from.

Whilst you do not have to choose the most expensive range of tapware, this is not an item that you want to purchase on the “cheap”. Tapware is the most used item in any bathroom. To avoid unnecessary plumbing expense in the future, we recommend purchasing quality brands.

Related Articles:

Advantages of Linear Shower Drains

Advantages of a Custom Plinth supported vanity.

Be smart with your bathroom mirror when renovating.

Master Bathrooms & Kitchens is a family owned and operated bathroom and kitchen renovation company that has been servicing the Hills and Hornsby Districts for the past 24 years. We take great pride in our work and like to provide our customers with renovation advice and how to keep their newly renovated bathrooms and kitchens looking their best.

Peruse our website for more renovation inspiration or simply call us on (02)9899-9330 for your bathroom or kitchen renovation today!

See our video below of just some of our beautiful bathrooms and kitchens.