How to choose the ideal bathroom tap? An overview of different types

When you’re renovating or fitting out a bathroom from scratch, one of the most important items you’ll be looking for is bathroom taps. Not only are they essential for everyday use, they’re also a key decorative feature that can add character to your space. If you’re wondering what types of bathroom taps are available on the market and which would be ideal for you, this article is for you!

Single-lever and two-handle bathroom taps

When choosing the ideal brassware for your bathroom, you’ll likely face a dilemma: single‑lever or two‑handle taps? Each option has its own unique strengths and limitations. Before deciding which solution best meets your expectations, it’s worth considering their characteristics and functionality in detail.

Single‑lever taps are a modern solution that has undoubtedly come to dominate most contemporary bathroom designs. They feature a simple, minimalist construction with a single handle or lever to regulate water temperature and flow. The advantage of this solution is ease of use — you can set the right water temperature with a single movement of your hand. Bathroom taps of this type are also more economical in terms of water consumption, as they allow you to adjust the flow precisely to current needs. However, they may require more complex installation and, in the event of a fault, the whole tap usually needs replacing.

By contrast, two‑handle taps are a classic and traditional solution that for many years was the standard in bathrooms. They consist of two separate knobs to regulate hot and cold water. This allows even more precise adjustment of the water temperature to your needs. They are often chosen for their aesthetics, which suit more traditional bathroom schemes, including retro, loft, industrial or French styles. In the event of a fault it’s usually enough to replace just one of the handles, which can be a cheaper and simpler solution than with single‑lever taps.

Types of taps by installation – what to look out for?

As you face another choice regarding your bathroom fittings, consider this: do you prefer the elegance of a deck‑mounted tap or the minimalist aesthetic of a wall‑mounted tap? Both options offer distinct advantages as well as individual challenges in terms of installation and design.

A deck‑mounted tap is the traditional choice for most bathrooms. It is installed directly on the basin or bath, which means the entire body is visible. It’s an excellent option for those seeking classic solutions. When choosing a deck‑mounted tap, pay attention to the height of the spout — it should be matched to the size of the basin or bath to prevent splashing. What’s more, a deck‑mounted tap is usually easier to install, which can reduce installation costs. Interestingly, among deck‑mounted taps you can also find floor‑mounted models — these are most commonly used with freestanding baths, and more rarely with basins and bidets.

A wall‑mounted tap, as the name suggests, is installed directly on the wall, delivering a clean and minimalist appearance. It’s a great choice for modern bathrooms or those with limited space. Its main advantage is the lack of visible pipes and connections, creating an elegant and orderly aesthetic. However, installing a wall‑mounted tap requires careful planning, as all pipes and connections are concealed within the wall. This means any failure may require opening up the wall, which can be more costly and time‑consuming compared to a deck‑mounted tap.

Types of bathroom taps by function

When choosing a bathroom tap, it’s important to match it to its specific function. Bath taps feature a longer spout so that water can flow freely into the bath. Basin taps are smaller, with a spout appropriately matched to the width and depth of the basin. For showers, performance and the ability to connect to a shower handset are important, whereas bidet taps are designed to deliver a gentle yet precise stream of water in the right direction.

Don’t worry about whether you’ll be able to distinguish the type of tap by its installation location — the information provided by the manufacturer usually leaves no room for doubt, and the multifunctionality of some models can only be an advantage!

Types of kitchen taps – how to tell them apart from bathroom taps?

Although at first glance they may look deceptively similar, kitchen taps have a slightly different construction and functionality. They are designed for intensive everyday use and often have a longer, more flexible spout, making it easier to fill larger vessels or wash vegetables.

Many kitchen tap models are equipped with special water‑purifying filters or pull‑out spray heads with different spray modes. While both kitchen and bathroom taps serve the primary function of delivering water, their specific features make them dedicated solutions for their respective rooms.

When choosing the ideal bathroom tap, being clear about your needs and the aesthetics of the space where it will be installed is crucial. This way your bathroom will be not only functional but also stylish and tailored to your taste.

If, after reading this guide, you still have doubts or need specialist advice, please contact our Łazienka Rea team of specialists. They will help you make the best choice to suit your budget and requirements!