Bathroom tap spacing: a key design element

When we think about designing a bathroom, our attention often focuses on choosing tiles, wall colours or the style of the fittings.

Often overlooked, but no less important, is properly planning the tap spacing — one that not only harmonises with the room’s aesthetic, but also ensures functionality and everyday comfort. You might think it’s merely a technical detail, but in practice it directly affects how we perceive the space and how efficiently we use it day to day. It also matters when choosing the right bathroom taps. Let’s take a closer look.

Spacing for bathroom taps — is there a standard?

In the world of bathroom design there are many trends and individual approaches, but when we talk about technical aspects — such as pipe spacing — it seems that having a standard would make life easier for many of us.

And in fact, there are some universal guidelines on spacing that are widely used in the industry. Although different tap models may have slightly different requirements, most manufacturers rely on established norms to facilitate installation and ensure compatibility with existing plumbing.

The standard spacing for bathroom taps, both shower and bath mixers, is most often 150 mm. This means the distance between the two mounting points is exactly 15 centimetres. This value is recognised by most manufacturers, which makes it easier to replace taps without altering the existing installation. However, it’s worth noting that some modern bathroom tap models — especially those with more avant‑garde designs — may feature a different dimension.

Always check the chosen product’s specification carefully and follow its requirements to avoid surprises during installation and to ensure the fittings work optimally.

What pipe centres for a tap might you encounter during a bathroom renovation?

During a bathroom renovation, you may also come across less common pipe centres for taps:

• 100 mm – though less common, this spacing is encountered, especially in older flats or houses where installations were done to older standards.
• 120 mm – an alternative spacing used in some tap models. Although rarer than the standard 150 mm, it may appear in some European makes.
• 180 mm – mainly found in some larger bath or basin taps. More often seen in luxury bathrooms or hotels.
• Individual spacing – in some cases, especially with specific bespoke orders or exclusive models, the pipe centres may be non‑standard and tailored specifically to a given tap model.

Choosing taps with design and functionality in mind

When choosing bathroom fittings, it’s not only the technical aspects that matter. It is equally important that the bathroom tap fits the interior aesthetic perfectly while ensuring durability and ease of use.

If you’re investing in contemporary designs, it’s worth looking for those that combine innovative technological solutions with unique styling. That way, the bathroom becomes not only a place for daily routines, but also an oasis of relaxation and elegance, where every decorative element plays an important role in shaping the overall concept of the space.

The shower mixer is particularly important in design terms, as the shape of the shower handset affects comfort not only when washing your body, but also your hair, and even pets. If it’s too heavy and angular, it can make it harder to direct the water stream to hard‑to‑reach areas, so it’s worth checking how it feels in the hand before installation.

How to measure pipe centres for a shower mixer and a bath mixer?

Accurate dimensions are key to selecting and installing bathroom taps correctly. To avoid mistakes and unpleasant surprises, use callipers or a metal tape measure.

Before measuring, identify the mounting points. For shower and bath mixers these are usually two connections in the wall to which the pipes are attached. If you’re mid‑renovation and the wall is exposed, these points will be easy to see. If not, they’re usually where the old valves or pipe ends are located.

Place the callipers or tape so it starts at the centre of one connection and ends at the centre of the other. Note the exact result in millimetres.

When investing in a new bathroom tap, remember that the harmony between design and functionality translates into comfort and satisfaction in everyday use. When it comes to installation, don’t hesitate to ask retailers for details — they often have the knowledge you need about the product specification!

We recommend our other articles:

• How to choose the perfect bathroom tap? A guide to the different types
• How to style a bathroom in boho
• How to remove limescale from a shower screen? Popular and lesser‑known methods