How to Choose the Right Bathroom Tap — Buying Guide

The most common types of bathroom taps are:

Mono mixer taps — The most popular choice for modern bathrooms. A single spout mixes hot and cold water, controlled by one lever or two handles. They require a single tap hole in the basin.

Pillar taps — Separate hot and cold taps, each with their own spout and handle. Traditional in style, they require two tap holes. Still popular in period-style bathrooms.

Wall-mounted taps — The spout and controls mount to the wall above the basin, creating a clean, uncluttered look. Ideal with countertop basins or where you want to maximise worktop space. Requires concealed pipework.

Tall basin taps — Extended-height mixer taps designed for countertop basins. The extra height ensures the water reaches into a vessel basin sitting on top of a surface.

Freestanding bath taps — Floor-mounted taps for freestanding baths. They make a dramatic statement and are available in all popular finishes.

Water pressure is the single most important technical consideration when choosing taps. Getting it wrong means poor flow or dripping taps.

Low pressure (0.1–0.5 bar) — Common in gravity-fed systems with a cold water tank in the loft. Look for taps rated at 0.2 bar minimum. Many modern taps are designed for all pressures, but always check.

Medium pressure (0.5–1.5 bar) — Typical of combi boiler systems. Most taps work well at this pressure.

High pressure (1.5–3+ bar) — Mains-fed or pressurised systems. All taps perform well, and you can enjoy waterfall and rain-style designs at their best.

Not sure about your water pressure? A simple pressure gauge from any DIY store will tell you. Or ask your plumber — they'll check before starting any work.

The finish you choose sets the tone for your entire bathroom. Here are the most popular options:

Chrome — The classic choice. Highly reflective, easy to clean, and the most affordable finish. Suits any bathroom style.

Brushed brass — Warm, sophisticated, and on-trend. The brushed texture hides water spots and fingerprints better than polished finishes. Perfect for contemporary and mid-century designs.

Matt black — Bold and dramatic. Creates a striking contrast against white sanitaryware. Works beautifully in industrial, modern, and minimalist bathrooms.

Brushed nickel — A softer, warmer alternative to chrome with a subtle satin sheen. Growing in popularity for its versatility and understated elegance.

Gunmetal — A dark, smoky metallic finish that adds depth and drama. Pairs well with dark tiles and natural materials.

Tip: Match your tap finish across all bathroom fittings — taps, shower, towel rail, and accessories — for a cohesive, designed look. Browse all finishes.

Before choosing a tap, check how many tap holes your basin has:

1 tap hole — Suits mono mixer taps (the most common modern choice).

2 tap holes — Designed for separate pillar taps or a 2-hole mixer.

3 tap holes — For 3-hole mixer taps with separate handles and spout.

No tap holes — The basin is designed for wall-mounted taps. The spout and controls are fitted to the wall above.

Some basins come with a pre-drilled tap hole, while others let you drill your own. Always check the product specification before ordering.

Most tap installations are straightforward for a qualified plumber, but consider these points:

• Wall-mounted taps require concealed pipework behind the wall — plan this early in your renovation.
• Flexible tap connectors (usually included) make connecting to pipework easier.
• If replacing an old tap, check the existing tap hole size — standard is 35mm.
• Freestanding bath taps need a floor-mounted supply pipe, which should be planned during the rough-in plumbing stage.

All our taps come with fixings, connections, and installation instructions included.