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

When you’re renovating or fitting out a bathroom from scratch, one of the key things to consider is your choice of bathroom taps. They’re not only essential for everyday use, but also a key decorative element that can add character to your space. If you’re wondering what kinds of bathroom taps are on the market and which one will be ideal for you, this article is for you!

Single-lever and two-handle bathroom taps

When choosing the perfect fittings for your bathroom, you’ll face a dilemma: single‑lever or two‑handle taps? Each option has its own unique strengths and limitations. Before you decide which solution will best meet your expectations, it’s worth taking a closer look at their characteristics and functionality.

Single‑lever taps are a modern solution that has undoubtedly dominated most of today’s bathroom designs. They’re defined by a simple, minimalist construction with one handle or lever to regulate the water’s temperature and pressure. The advantage 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 let you precisely tailor the flow to your needs. However, they may require a more complex installation and, in the event of a failure, the entire tap often needs to be replaced.

Two‑handle taps, on the other hand, are a classic and traditional solution that was the standard in bathrooms for many years. They consist of two separate knobs to control hot and cold water, allowing for even more precise adjustment of the temperature to your needs. They’re often chosen for their aesthetics, which suit more traditional bathroom schemes, including retro, loft, industrial or French styles. In the event of a fault, you usually only need to replace one of the handles, which can be a cheaper and simpler fix than with single‑lever taps.

Types of taps by installation — what should you look out for?

Facing the next choice for your bathroom, ask yourself: do you prefer the elegance of a deck‑mounted tap or the minimalist aesthetic of a wall‑mounted tap? Both options bring their own advantages, as well as specific challenges in terms of installation and design.

A deck‑mounted tap is the traditional choice for most bathrooms. It’s mounted directly on the basin or bath, meaning the whole body is visible — an excellent pick for those seeking classic solutions. When choosing a deck‑mounted tap, pay attention to the spout height — it should suit the size of the basin or bath to prevent splashing. A deck‑mounted tap is also generally easier to install, which can reduce fitting costs. Interestingly, 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 fitted directly to the wall, giving a clean, minimalist look. 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, uncluttered 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 with 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 water flows freely into the tub. Basin taps, on the other hand, are smaller, with a spout suited to the width and depth of the basin. For showers, performance and the ability to connect to a shower handset are key, while bidet taps are designed to provide a gentle yet precise stream of water in the right direction.

Don’t worry about having to tell tap types apart by where they’re installed — the information provided by the manufacturer usually leaves no doubt, and the multifunctionality of some models can only be an advantage!

Types of kitchen taps — how do they differ from bathroom taps?

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

Many kitchen tap models come with special water filters or pull‑out spray heads with different flow modes. While both kitchen and bathroom taps perform the basic function of delivering water, their specific features make them dedicated solutions for their respective spaces.

When choosing the ideal bathroom tap, it’s crucial to be mindful of your needs and the aesthetics of the space where it will be installed. 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, feel free to contact our Łazienka Rea team of experts. They’ll help you make the best choice, tailored to your budget and requirements!