How to Choose the Right Bathroom Taps: A Complete Buying Guide

Choosing a bathroom tap is about more than finding a style you like. The right tap needs to work with your basin or bath, suit your water pressure, fit the available space and complement the rest of your bathroom.

Whether you're replacing an existing tap or designing a new bathroom, this guide will help you understand what to look for before you buy.

1. What to Consider Before Buying Bathroom Taps

Before choosing a bathroom tap, check a few key details to make sure your new tap is suitable for your bathroom.

Basin or bath

First, decide where the tap will be installed. Basin taps and bath taps have different designs, sizes and water flow requirements.

Number of tap holes

Check how many tap holes your basin or bath has. A single-hole basin is usually designed for a basin mixer, while a two-hole basin may require pillar taps or a suitable two-hole tap configuration.

Water pressure

Your home's water pressure can affect which taps are suitable. Always check the minimum operating pressure listed in the product specifications before purchasing.

Tap height and spout reach

The size of your tap should work with the size and shape of your basin. The tap needs to provide enough clearance for comfortable use without causing water to splash against the basin.

Finish and style

Think about how the tap will look alongside your basin, shower, bath fittings and bathroom accessories. Chrome, matt black, brushed brass and other finishes can create very different looks.

Installation requirements

Check how the tap is installed and whether you need any additional components, such as flexible hoses, wastes or fixing kits.

2. Which Type of Bathroom Tap Do You Need?

Bathroom taps come in several different styles. The right choice depends on your basin or bath, your bathroom layout and the look you want to achieve.

Basin Mixer Taps

A basin mixer combines hot and cold water through a single tap and is one of the most popular choices for modern bathrooms.

They are generally designed for basins with one tap hole and are available in a wide range of styles and finishes.

Pillar Taps

Pillar taps are supplied as a pair, with separate taps for hot and cold water. They are commonly used with two-hole basins and are a popular choice for traditional-style bathrooms.

Tall Basin Mixer Taps

Tall basin mixers are designed for use with countertop basins, where the basin sits above the worktop rather than being recessed into it.

The additional height allows the spout to reach comfortably over the rim of the basin.

Wall-Mounted Basin Taps

Wall-mounted taps are fixed directly to the wall behind the basin rather than to the basin or worktop.

They can create a clean, minimalist appearance and are particularly useful when paired with countertop basins.

Bath Filler Taps

Bath fillers are designed specifically for filling a bath and are available in different configurations, including deck-mounted and freestanding options.

Bath Shower Mixer Taps

A bath shower mixer combines a bath filler with a hand shower, making it possible to fill the bath and shower using the same fitting.

Freestanding Bath Taps

Freestanding bath taps are designed to stand on the floor next to a freestanding bath.

They are particularly suited to modern freestanding baths where there is no suitable tap deck on the bath itself. Because of their height and position, it is important to check the dimensions and spout reach before installation.

3. How to Match Your Tap with Your Basin

Choosing a tap and basin separately can sometimes result in compatibility problems. Before buying, consider the basin type, tap height, spout reach and number of tap holes.

Countertop Basins

Countertop basins sit on top of a worktop or vanity unit, so they usually require either a tall basin mixer or a wall-mounted tap.

A standard basin mixer may be too short to comfortably reach over the basin.

Inset Basins

Inset basins are fitted into a worktop or vanity unit. A standard basin mixer is often suitable, provided the tap dimensions are compatible with the basin.

Semi-Recessed Basins

Semi-recessed basins extend beyond the front of the vanity unit. Depending on the basin design, a standard or compact basin mixer may be suitable.

Always check the tap-hole position and dimensions before purchasing.

Cloakroom Basins

Cloakroom basins are smaller than standard basins and are designed for compact spaces.

A compact basin mixer is often a better choice because an oversized tap can look disproportionate and may cause water to land too close to the edge of the basin.

Wall-Hung Basins

Wall-hung basins can be paired with a basin mixer or wall-mounted tap, depending on the basin's design and tap-hole configuration.

Don't Forget the Tap Hole

The number and position of the tap holes are just as important as the tap's appearance.

As a general guide:

• 1 tap hole: usually suitable for a mono basin mixer

• 2 tap holes: suitable for pillar taps or certain two-hole configurations

• No tap hole: may be suitable for a wall-mounted tap

Always check the individual basin and tap specifications before ordering.

4. What Size Tap Do I Need for My Basin?

Tap size is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a bathroom tap.

A tap that is too short may not extend far enough over the basin, while a tap that is too tall or has too much reach can result in uncomfortable positioning or water splashing.

There are three key measurements to consider:

Tap Height

Tap height is the distance from the base of the tap to the highest point of the tap.

For a standard inset basin, a standard-height mixer is often suitable.

For a countertop basin, a taller mixer is generally required because the basin sits above the worktop.

Spout Reach

Spout reach refers to how far the tap extends forward from its base.

The spout should extend far enough into the basin for the water to fall in a practical position.

A tap with too little reach may direct water too close to the back of the basin, while excessive reach can send water too close to the front edge.

Basin Depth

The depth and shape of your basin also affect which tap will work best.

Before purchasing, consider where the water stream will land when the tap is running. Ideally, the water should fall comfortably inside the basin without hitting the basin wall or creating excessive splashing.

Tip: If you're buying a tap for a countertop basin, don't compare tap height alone. Consider the height of the basin itself and the distance from the worktop to the basin's rim.

5. Check Your Water Pressure Before Buying

Water pressure is another important consideration when choosing a bathroom tap.

Some taps are designed to work with low-pressure systems, while others require higher water pressure to provide the expected flow rate.

Water pressure is commonly measured in bar.

Before buying a tap, check the product specifications for its minimum operating pressure. If you're unsure about your home's water pressure, it's worth checking your existing system or asking a qualified plumber.

Choosing a tap that is not suitable for your water pressure can result in disappointing water flow.

6. How to Choose the Right Bathroom Tap Finish

Once you've found a tap that fits your basin, you can choose the finish that best suits your bathroom design.

Chrome

Chrome is a timeless option that works well with a wide range of bathroom styles. It is particularly easy to coordinate with other chrome bathroom fittings.

Matt Black

Matt black taps create a bold, contemporary look and work particularly well with modern bathrooms and monochrome colour schemes.

Brushed Brass

Brushed brass adds warmth and a more luxurious feel to a bathroom. It can work especially well with neutral colours, natural stone and warm-toned interiors.

Gunmetal

Gunmetal taps offers a softer alternative to polished chrome and can work well in both contemporary and traditional bathrooms.

Match Your Bathroom Fittings

For a coordinated bathroom, consider matching your tap finish with other visible fittings such as:

• Shower fittings
• Bath taps
• Basin waste
• Towel rails
• Toilet accessories
• Cabinet handles

You don't necessarily need every fitting to be identical, but keeping the finishes coordinated can help create a more cohesive look.

7. Which Bathroom Tap Is Best for a Small Bathroom?

When space is limited, the size and proportions of your tap become particularly important.

For a small bathroom or cloakroom, consider:

• Compact basin mixers
• Cloakroom basins
• Shorter spouts
• Wall-mounted taps
• Smaller bathroom accessories

Avoid choosing a tap simply because it looks good in a photograph. Check the dimensions carefully to make sure it works with your basin.

A large tap paired with a small basin can look disproportionate and may make the basin less practical to use.

8. Bathroom Tap Features Worth Considering

Different taps offer different features. Some are mainly aesthetic, while others can improve everyday usability.

Ceramic Cartridges

Ceramic cartridges are commonly used in modern mixer taps and can provide smooth control of water temperature and flow.

Aerators

A tap aerator mixes air with the water stream. This can help create a softer, more controlled flow and may help reduce water consumption.

Swivel Spouts

A swivel spout can provide additional flexibility, although this feature is more commonly associated with kitchen taps. Where available, consider whether the additional movement is useful for your particular basin or bath.

Waterfall Spouts

Waterfall taps allow water to flow over a wider opening, creating a distinctive visual effect. They are often chosen for their contemporary appearance.

Single-Lever Controls

Single-lever basin mixers allow you to control water flow and temperature using one handle, making them convenient for everyday use.

9. Do Bathroom Taps Come With a Waste?

Not all bathroom taps come with a basin waste, so don't assume that one is included.

If you are replacing your basin tap, check the product description carefully to see what is included.

You should also make sure the waste is compatible with your basin. For example, if your basin has an overflow, you may need a waste designed for use with an overflow.

Checking this before ordering can help you avoid buying additional parts later.

10. Bathroom Tap Buying Checklist

Before buying your new bathroom tap, check:

☐ Is it designed for a basin or bath?

☐ How many tap holes does your basin have?

☐ Is the tap suitable for your water pressure?

☐ Is the tap tall enough for your basin?

☐ Is the spout reach suitable?

☐ Where will the water land in the basin?

☐ Does the finish match your bathroom style?

☐ Does it fit the available space?

☐ Is a waste included?

☐ Are any additional installation components required?

Find the Right Bathroom Tap for Your Space

The best bathroom tap isn't necessarily the most expensive or the most stylish one. It is the one that works with your basin, water pressure, available space and bathroom design.

Take a few minutes to check the dimensions and specifications before ordering, and you'll have a much better chance of finding a tap that looks great and works exactly as it should.

Explore our range of bathroom taps, including basin mixers, pillar taps, tall basin mixers, bath taps and freestanding options, to find the right fit for your bathroom.