With too many options, picking out a tub or sink faucet can be trickier than you’d initially imagine. Start by exploring these 10 types of bathroom faucets.
As you get a new sink or tub set up in your bathroom, you’ll need a quality faucet to go along with the look or aesthetic you want to achieve for the space. But picking out a tub or sink faucet can be trickier than you’d initially imagine. You have to choose from tons of faucets available in an array of colors, sizes, finishes, and styles. Plus, you have to carefully pick since you don’t want to deal with the hassle of replacing it repeatedly within just a few years.
The first thing you should do is familiarize yourself with all the available faucet options. Whether you’re planning to upgrade your bathtub faucet or retrofit a new faucet to an existing bathroom sink, here are the different bathroom faucet types you should know:
This faucet has one spout and one handle combined into a single unit. It’s compact and easy to install (it only needs one pre-drilled hole), making it ideal for small bathroom sinks. Some models of this type of faucet even have modern features, like automatic sensors and LED.
Do you want to retrofit a single-handle faucet to a sink with three pre-drilled holes? Look for a single-hole / single-handle model with a bottom plate that can cover those holes.
Center-set faucets are single-unit models ideal for the standard three-hole bathroom sinks. They usually have one spout and two handles for separate hot and cold water operations. And they are available in most stores, so you’ll find it easy to source them for your bathroom.
With a connection concealed below the sink deck, a spread-fit faucet usually has three separate pieces: a single spout and two handles. You can mount it in a nonstandard way. That’s because the pieces can fit holes that are spaced four to 10- inches apart. And since they don’t come as a single unit, spread-fit faucets can add a modern flair to your bathroom.
Blending the old-fashioned style with today’s technology, bridge faucets are a great addition to your bathroom. That’s especially true if you have an under-mount sink. Bridge faucets are usually mounted to the countertop, making it easy to clean the sink, countertop, and the faucet itself. It’s no wonder you’ll see bridge faucets in places where cleanliness is a priority.
Compared to faucets attached to the sink or the countertop, wall-mounted faucets look more modern and utilitarian. You’ll also find models with intricate designs, like a wall-mounted waterfall faucet. The main advantage of choosing this type of faucet is that it allows you to keep the sink clean conveniently. Dirt and calcium deposits tend to build up at the back of the sink or counter, but you can reach that part easily if there’s no faucet in the way.
This faucet has a tall spout ideal for vessel sinks installed above the counter. Usually, it’s available as a single-hole faucet with a lever handle. Select a vessel faucet that matches your sophisticated vessel sink while serving as an elegant focal point in your bathroom.
A sprinkle sink faucet comes with a unique spout. It has a rectangular shape and a grate that allows the water to flow out in a rectangular pattern. That’s truly a modern take to the traditional cylindrical spout. Some sprinkle faucets even take the stylish look to another level by adding incredible features, like waterfall design and LED in RGB colors.
You’ll often see deck-mounted faucets on large bathtubs. They sit on the tub rim instead of protruding from the nearest wall. They’re a great choice, especially if you have a tub with a large rim that prevents wall access. The installation may be challenging since you need to attach the faucet to a supply line before connecting it to the waterline. Still, from an aesthetic point of view, deck-mounted faucets help create a contemporary look.
A Roman tub faucet seems similar to a deck mount faucet as they both sit on the rim. Both also require a supply line connection. The key difference between the two faucets is the shape of the spout. A Roman tub faucet has an arched shape, while deck-mounted tub faucets often have a more standard look. Also, Roman tub faucets may come with a hand shower. That allows you to combine your bath and shower experience into one.
This faucet is often paired with a clawfoot bathtub or other types of a freestanding tub. Since it’s attached directly to the floor, and there’s an exposed pipe, it’s the perfect choice if you’re trying to achieve an industrial look for your bathroom. Just make sure you have under-floor access to the waterline before choosing this type of faucet for your bathtub.
