Bathroom Tap Buying Guide: Choosing the Perfect Taps for Style and Fun

When it comes to creating your dream bathroom, choosing the right taps is essential. Not only do taps play a crucial role in how your bathroom functions, but they can also elevate the room’s style. With various designs, finishes, and installation factors to consider, it can be tricky to pick the perfect tap. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from understanding water pressure to choosing a colour scheme, helping you find taps that suit your space and budget. 1. The importance of water pressure2. Basin taps3. Bath taps4. Other types of taps5. Choosing a colour scheme for your taps6. How much will a new tap cost to fit?7. Conclusion: find the perfect tap for your bathroom with confidence 1. The importance of water pressure Understanding your home’s water pressure is essential for choosing the right taps, as the wrong type could result in weak flow or inefficient use. In the UK, water pressure is typically measured in bars, with most homes ranging between 0.2 and 3 bars. Anything under 0.5 bar pressure is considered as a low pressure system, as you move to 1.0 bar and higher then it’s considered a high pressure system. Typically if you have a gravity-fed system (a hot water cylinder in an airing cupboard and separate cold water tank) then you will have low pressure. If you have a combi-boiler or unvented cylinder system (such as a Megaflo) then you will have a high pressure system. The key issue is that if you have a low pressure system, you must use low pressure taps. Whereas if you have a high pressure system then you can have taps that are suitable for low or high pressure. How to check your water pressure: A professional plumber can measure your water pressure, or you can check with your local water supplier. Knowing whether you have high, low, or average pressure will help determine which taps will work best in your bathroom. Matching taps to water pressure: Some taps, especially designer or waterfall taps, require higher water pressure to function well. Traditional or low-pressure taps are more suitable for homes with low water pressure systems. Selecting taps compatible with your water pressure will ensure optimal performance, making sure you enjoy a steady, efficient flow every time. See our guide to water pressure for more information 2. Basin taps Basin taps are essential for any bathroom sink, and they come in a wide range of styles to fit different preferences and needs. For a modern bathroom, monobloc mixer taps are usually preferred or wall mounted taps can be used with countertop basins. For traditional themes consider a 3 hole mixer or a pair or pillar taps. These are the most popular types of basin taps: Monobloc mixer taps: Perfect for modern bathrooms, monobloc taps have a single spout and lever for both hot and cold water, requiring only one hole in the basin. Available in various styles, they’re suited to most bathroom themes. Cloakroom taps: These are monobloc mixer taps that have compact dimensions, making them ideal for smaller basins in cloakrooms, ensuites and small bathrooms. Tall basin mixers: Tall basin taps are also mono mixer taps but with increased dimensions. They are used for countertop basins and vanity units when you need to have the tap mounted onto the worktop rather than the wall. Pillar taps: These traditional taps feature separate hot and cold taps and are ideal for classic style bathrooms. They’re often more affordable and are compatible with 2 hole basins. 3 hole mixer taps: These can be used in traditional or modern settings and will recreate a luxury hotel vibe. You have separate hot and cold taps that blend water into a central spout and they require a basin with 3 tap holes. Wall mounted taps: As the name suggests, these taps are mounted on the wall above the basin. They free up counter space, offering a sleek, minimalist look and are used with basins without tap holes, such as a countertop basin. When choosing a basin tap, consider the style of your basin and the look you’re going for, as well as any compatibility requirements. 3. Bath taps Bath taps add both functionality and flair to your bathtub, and there’s a wide array of options available. Here are some common types: Deck mounted bath taps: These are installed directly on the bath's edge, allowing for easy installation as pipework can be concealed under the bath. These versatile options can come in 1, 2, 3, 4 or even 5 tap hole options and with or without a shower attachment and lend themselves to both modern and traditional themes. Bath filler waste taps: these fill the bath from the overflow meaning no extra taps on the bath or wall to worry about. Sleek and perfect for modern bathrooms, bath fillers can be controlled either by deck mounted panel valves, wall mounted shower mixers or even with built-in controls that mean you don’t require any extra valves at all. Freestanding bath taps: Ideal for freestanding baths, these taps create a luxurious feel. They typically come in a floor-mounted design and are best suited for larger bathrooms with ample space. Make sure you can get pipework to the spot where the tap will stand. Bath shower mixers: These dual purpose taps allow you to fill your bath or use an attached shower head. They’re a great space-saving solution and are especially useful for smaller bathrooms or family bathrooms. Wall mounted bath taps: Similar to wall mounted basin taps, these are installed above the bath. They create a clean and modern aesthetic, with water flowing directly into the tub. Each bath tap type has its unique installation needs, so consider your plumbing setup and the style of your bathtub when making your selection. 4. Other types of taps In addition to basin and bath taps, you may need other tap types depending on your bathroom layout and requirements: Bidet taps: These taps are designed specifically for bidets and often feature temperature control for comfort. Shower valves: these are used to control water flow and temperature to a shower system of some kind and can be exposed (mounted on the wall) or concealed (fitted within a wall) - see our Shower Buying Guide for more information Waterfall taps: With an open spout design, waterfall taps create a luxurious water flow resembling a natural waterfall. They’re popular in spa-like bathroom setups but typically require higher water pressure. Thermostatic taps: These taps allow you to set a precise temperature, helping to prevent sudden temperature fluctuations—a great choice for family bathrooms or homes with children. Whether you’re updating one fixture or doing a full bathroom renovation, consider any additional tap types you may need to complete your space. 5. Choosing a colour scheme for your taps Your tap colour and finish can significantly impact the overall look of your bathroom. Here’s a look at popular finishes to help you choose: Chrome: A classic choice, chrome is sleek, easy to clean, and complements most bathroom styles. Matt black: Perfect for modern or industrial-style bathrooms, black taps add drama and contrast to lighter tiles and fixtures. Brushed brass & gold: These finishes bring a touch of luxury and warmth to bathrooms, working equally well in contemporary or traditional themes. Brushed bronze: An earthy finish that pairs well with natural textures and colours, ideal for a contemporary rustic look. Brushed nickel: Nickel sits between chrome / silver and gold and works very well in traditional settings where you are looking for something more characterful than chrome. When choosing your tap finish, consider the colour of your furniture, tiles, accessories and other hardware to create a cohesive, stylish look. Remember that different finishes may require specific care to maintain their appearance. 6. How much will a new tap cost to fit? The cost of installing taps varies depending on the type of tap, the complexity of installation, and regional labour rates. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay: Replacing existing taps: If you’re simply replacing old taps with new like-for-like ones, installation can range from £100 to £200 per tap, as this typically involves minimal plumbing work. Installing new plumbing for wall-mounted or freestanding taps: This can be more complex and may cost around £500 or more (maybe much more), depending on the modifications required. It’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple plumbers to ensure a fair rate, and always work with a professional to ensure proper installation. Make sure to check whether your preferred taps will be suitable (in terms of pressure and installation) with your chosen plumber first. 7. Conclusion: find the perfect tap for your bathroom with confidence Selecting the right bathroom taps is all about balancing function with style. By understanding your water pressure, choosing tap types that fit your layout, picking a colour scheme that complements your design, and budgeting for installation costs, you’ll be well-prepared to find the perfect taps for your space. Whether you’re a homeowner, DIYer, or interior designer, investing time in choosing the right taps will pay off in creating a stylish, functional bathroom you’ll love for years to come. Happy renovating!