BUYING GUIDE

How to Choose the Best Bathroom Tap

Choosing the best bathroom tap for your space is about more than just selecting a finish that complements your interior. The right tap should suit your bath or basin, work with your existing plumbing and tap holes, and provide the functionality you need every day. Whether you are renovating your entire bathroom or simply replacing an existing fitting, understanding the different tap styles available will help you make a confident decision.

This bath tap guide explores the most popular basin and bath taps, including deck mounted, wall mounted and floorstanding designs, while also offering advice on finishes and styles available to help create a cohesive bathroom. By considering both practicality and aesthetics, it is much easier to determine which tap is best for your bathroom and choose a design that will stand the test of time.

What To Consider Before Choosing A Bathroom Tap

Before choosing a bathroom tap, it is important to consider where it will be installed and how it will be used. A tap designed specifically for a basin may not be suitable for a bath, while a shower-bath combination may benefit from a bath shower mixer that offers additional flexibility. You will also need to consider how much space is available, whether your basin or bath already has tap holes, and whether the tap will be mounted on the wall, basin, vanity unit, bath or floor. Checking product specifications and technical drawings before purchasing will help ensure your chosen tap is compatible with your existing plumbing and installation requirements.

The Different Types of Bathroom Taps

There are countless different bathroom tap styles and designs to choose from, and making a final decision can feel overwhelming. Below, we’ve broken down some of the most popular designs and what they’re best for, to help make your choice a bit easier.

Basin Taps

The best basin tap for your space is dependent on the style of basin you have, the available installation space and the overall look you want to achieve. From compact cloakrooms to spacious family bathrooms, LUSSO offers an option to suit every layout and practical needs.

Monobloc Basin Taps

Monobloc basin taps combine both hot and cold water through a single spout and are installed through one tap hole. The streamlined design makes them a practical choice for everyday bathrooms, en-suites and downstairs cloakrooms, while their simple installation often makes them ideal for replacement projects.

The Luxe Monobloc Basin Mixer Tap is one example from our collection of monobloc basin taps.

Best For: Basins with a single tap hole and bathrooms where easy installation is prioritised.

Deck Mounted Basin Taps

Deck mounted basin taps are fitted directly onto the basin, vanity unit or countertop, making them one of the most versatile options available. Suitable for both classic and contemporary bathrooms, they come in a wide variety of styles, handle configurations and finishes to suit almost any interior.

View the Regal Crosshead Deck Mounted Tap for an example of how this design will look and function in your space.

Best For: The majority of bathroom layouts, particularly where existing tap holes are already in place.

Wall Mounted Basin Taps

Wall mounted basin taps are installed directly above the basin, concealing the plumbing within the wall to create an uncluttered appearance. By freeing up space around the basin, they are easy to clean and help to create a refined, hotel-inspired aesthetic that is popular in modern bathrooms.

The Luxe Wall Mounted Basin Mixer Tap is just one example from our collection of wall mounted basin tap designs.

Best For: Countertop basins, floating vanity units and contemporary bathroom aesthetics.

Sensor Taps

Sensor taps use infrared technology to activate water flow automatically when hands are detected beneath the spout. As they don’t require physical contact, sensor taps are a hygienic solution for busy households as well as commercial environments such as hotels, restaurants and office spaces.

Best For: Modern bathrooms, family homes and commercial washrooms where hygiene and water efficiency are key priorities.

Bath Taps

The right bath tap for your project depends on the style of bath chosen, your available space, and how the plumbing is configured. Whether you are creating a refined spa-like bathroom or replacing an existing tap, selecting the correct installation type will ensure your bathroom functions as well as it looks.

Floorstanding Bath Taps

Installed directly into the floor beside a freestanding bath, floorstanding bath taps are designed to become a statement feature in their own right. Many include a handheld shower attachment, offering added convenience without compromising on style. They are particularly popular in larger bathrooms where the bath forms the focal point of the room.

Best For: Freestanding baths, luxury bathrooms and homeowners looking for a striking centrepiece.

Wall Mounted Bath Taps

Wall mounted bath taps are fitted into the wall above the bath, concealing pipework to create a sleek and minimalist finish. By removing taps from the bath edge, they maximise available space whilst making cleaning easier.

Best For: Built-in baths positioned against a wall and contemporary bathrooms where a clean, uncluttered appearance is desired.

Deck Mounted Bath Taps

Deck mounted bath taps are installed directly onto the bath rim or surrounding bath deck, making them one of the most familiar and practical choices. They are particularly well suited to baths with pre-drilled tap holes and often require less installation work than wall-mounted alternatives.

Bath shower mixer models combine bath filling with a handheld shower attachment, making them a versatile option for family bathrooms and shower/bath setups.

Discover the Urban Deck Mounted Bath/Shower Mixer Tap to learn more about how this design will look and perform in your bathroom.

Best For: Built-in baths, family bathrooms and replacement projects where existing tap holes can be used.

Bathroom Tap Styles And Finishes

Once you have decided on the right type of tap for your project, selecting a finish and handle style can help to tie your entire bathroom together. Whether you are creating a classic, contemporary or spa-inspired space, the right combination of colour, material and tap configuration can reinforce your chosen aesthetic.

If you are still comparing installation options, our guide to the types of taps available explains the differences between design options in more detail.

Traditional Elegance

Traditional bathrooms are inspired by classic British design, combining elegant proportions with timeless detailing. Finishes such as polished nickel and brushed gold work particularly well in these schemes, adding warmth and sophistication without overwhelming the room.

To complete the look, consider taps with crosshead handles or bridge-style designs, which reflect traditional craftsmanship while remaining practical for everyday use. Pairing these taps with a freestanding bath or a classic pedestal basin helps create a bathroom that feels refined and enduring.

Scandinavian Serenity

Scandinavian-inspired bathrooms focus on simplicity, light and functionality. Soft neutral tones, natural textures and uncluttered layouts create a calm, relaxing atmosphere, making minimalist tap designs the perfect complement.

Wall mounted taps are particularly effective in this style, creating a floating appearance above the basin while keeping surfaces clear and easy to clean. Matte black taps provide a striking contrast against pale stone, while matte white finishes offer a softer look that enhances the sense of space.

Modern Opulence

For a hotel-inspired bathroom space, brushed gold taps remain one of the most popular choices. The warm metallic finish pairs beautifully with marble and natural stone, adding depth and sophistication to contemporary interiors.

To elevate the overall scheme, consider floorstanding bath taps alongside a freestanding bath to create a striking focal point. Coordinating the finish across bath taps, showers and further accessories helps to create a polished and cohesive design.

Industrial Inspired

Industrial bathrooms embrace bold materials, clean lines and darker colour palettes. Finishes such as gunmetal and matte black complement concrete, textured stone and exposed architectural details, creating a contemporary look with plenty of character.

For this aesthetic, angular tap designs are often favoured over curved silhouettes, reinforcing the architectural feel of the interior.

Which Bathroom Tap Is Best For My Space?

The best bathroom tap depends on your individual space, taking into consideration the bath or basin you have, and how the room is used every day. While deck mounted taps are often the simplest choice for replacement projects, wall mounted designs create a clean appearance, and floorstanding taps make a striking statement.

When making your decision, consider the number of existing tap holes, the available installation space, your preferred finish and the overall style of your bathroom. Before purchasing, always check the product specifications and technical drawings to ensure compatibility with your plumbing and layout.

If you would like further guidance, explore our collection of tap buying guides, including the benefits of LUSSO taps, which tap to choose for your space, and the latest bathroom interior trends for additional inspiration.