The New Bathroom Faucets

Bathroom faucets are not just for function anymore. Of course, function is the first concern when purchasing a faucet, but today there are so many styles and finishes to choose from it is a regular smorgasbord.

Bathroom faucet function
 

When selecting a bathroom faucet, don't choose the bottom of the line to save a few dollars. The valves are an important part of a faucet and choosing solid brass or brass base metal valves will save you aggravation and leaks.

Many of today's faucet also feature waterless valves. Those with ceramic disc or the cartridge models are much less prone to leaking and will last longer.

Bathroom faucet style
 

When you consider style for your bathroom faucet, you should also coordinate with your bathtub and shower fixtures in order to get a complete and coordinating look in your bathroom.

There are a multitude of styles from vintage looks to very sleek and contemporary looks in bathroom faucets. You will find bathroom faucets offered in single handle lever units, separate hot and cold handles if you prefer, and various types of spouts including the high rise or goose neck that was once only seen in the kitchen.

The high rise spout can make shampooing much easier, but if you choose this option make sure the basin is deep enough to avoid splashing.

Bathroom faucet finishes
 

There is a bathroom faucet finish to suit any taste. Traditionally polished chrome has been the most popular. While this gleaming finish can be attractive, it requires more upkeep because of water spotting.

Brushed finishes such as brushed chrome or brushed nickel offer less gleam, but nevertheless are very attractive, stylish and far easier to keep up especially in a busy household.

There are also many rubbed finishes that add to the styling and give more of a vintage look. Copper and even black faucets are now available.

Choosing the right bathroom faucet for an existing sink
 

If you are not starting fresh with a new sink as well as new faucets, then you need to match up your faucet with your sink.

If the faucets install directly to the sink, then you need to determine if the existing sink is set up for single hole, minispread, widespread or centerset faucets, so you can match up to the existing holes.

Centerset faucets are where the handles and spout are mounted to a single base. Minispread and widespread faucets are where each element of the faucet assembly is individually installed onto the sink. And the single-hole is self explanatory.

More information on bathroom faucets and selecting new vanities and sinks