BUYING GUIDE

Types of Taps: Understanding Taps for Bathrooms & Kitchens

Choosing between the many different types of taps available for your home can feel overwhelming, particularly if you are planning a bathroom or kitchen renovation, or replacing an existing tap. From wall mounted and deck mounted designs to mixer, sensor and boiling water taps, each option offers different benefits depending on where it will be installed, how it will be used and your existing plumbing.

This guide explains the most common tap types found in bathrooms and kitchens, covering all the differences you need to consider before making a purchase. Whether you are renovating an entire room or replacing a single fitting, exploring LUSSO taps alongside our expert tap buying guides can help you choose a solution that’s practical and compatible for your space.

How To Choose The Right Type Of Tap

Choosing the right tap for your space depends on more than just appearance. Before choosing between the different tap types, it’s important to think about where the tap will be installed and how it will be used day to day.

Consider whether it's for a basin, bath or kitchen sink, whether it will be fitted to the wall, floor, bath or worktop, and if you're replacing an existing tap or planning a full renovation of the space. It's also worth considering how much installation space you have available and whether your current plumbing is compatible with the type of tap you want.

Taking these factors into account from the outset will make it much easier to choose a tap that's practical for your space and suitable for your specific plumbing requirements.

Check Your Tap Holes

If you are replacing an existing tap, the number and position of your current tap holes may determine which styles are easiest to install. For example, a deck mounted tap usually requires pre-drilled holes in the basin or bath, whereas wall mounted and floorstanding taps require concealed pipework installed within the wall or floor.

Always check product specifications and technical drawings before purchasing to ensure compatibility. If you’re unsure whether a tap will work with your existing set up, contact our Customer Services team on 0203 370 4057 for expert guidance.

Bathroom Taps

Our collection of bathroom taps is designed to suit different layouts, plumbing configurations and styles of basins or baths. The most common types of bath taps include floorstanding, wall mounted and deck mounted options, while basin taps are available in wall mounted, deck mounted and taller options for countertop basins.

Bath Taps

Whether you’re fitting a freestanding bath or replacing an existing bath tap, choosing the correct installation type is essential. The three most common types of bath taps each suit different bathroom designs and plumbing arrangements.

Floorstanding Bath Taps

Installed directly onto the floor beside a freestanding bath, floorstanding bath taps create a refined focal point while providing practical functionality. These taps usually include a handheld shower attachment, making rinsing and cleaning easier while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance around the bath.

LUSSO offers freestanding bath shower mixer taps in a wide selection of styles, colours and finishes to complement both contemporary and classic interiors.

Best For: Larger bathrooms with a freestanding bath, where concealed floor pipework can be incorporated during installation.

Wall Mounted Bath Taps

Wall mounted bath taps are fixed above the bath, concealing pipework within the wall to create a sleek finish. By removing the need for taps on the bath itself, wall mounted designs maximise usable space around the bath edge and simplify cleaning.

Available in a variety of finishes and configurations, LUSSO’s range of wall mounted bath shower mixer taps provide a practical solution for modern bathrooms where a minimalist aesthetic is preferred.

Best For: Contemporary bathrooms, built-in baths and renovation projects where concealed wall plumbing is possible.

Deck Mounted Bath Taps

Deck mounted bath taps are installed directly onto the rim of the bath or surrounding bath deck. They are one of the most popular tap styles, and often the simplest choice when replacing an existing bath tap due to them using existing tap holes.

If your bath has suitable drilling or surrounding deck space, a deck mounted model such as the Eton Deck Mounted Bath Shower Tap provides an attractive and practical solution that is straightforward to install.

Best For: Bathrooms with existing tap holes or bath decks where minimal plumbing alterations are required.

Basin Taps

Basin taps are available in several configurations to suit different basin styles and bathroom layouts. Wall mounted and deck mounted taps remain the most popular choices, while tall basin taps and short projection styles are designed for more specialist applications.

Wall Mounted Basin Taps

Wall mounted basin taps are positioned above the basin with concealed pipework inside the wall. This installation leaves the basin surface free from tap fittings, making cleaning easier while creating a clean and uncluttered appearance.

This tap design does require careful planning before installation but offers an excellent solution for modern bathrooms where worktop space is an essential.

Best For: Countertop basins, floating vanity units and minimalist bathroom designs.

Deck Mounted Basin Taps

Deck mounted basin taps are fitted directly onto the basin, vanity unit or worktop. Most modern monobloc designs combine both hot and cold water through a single spout while using only one tap hole, making installation straightforward for both new bathrooms and replacements.

Designs such as the Regal Deck Mounted Tap combine practical everyday functionality with simple installation.

Best For: Most bathroom layouts, especially where existing tap holes are already in place.

Tall & Short Basin Taps

Tall basin taps are specifically designed for countertop basins, providing the additional height needed to comfortably reach over the basin while reducing splashing.

Short projection basin taps are ideal for compact basins commonly found in cloakrooms, en-suites and smaller bathrooms. Their shorter spout helps maintain comfortable handwashing while preventing excess water from splashing outside the basin.

The Luxe Monobloc Tall Basin Mixer Tap and Luxe Short Projection Wall Mounted Basin Mixer Tap are both examples of tall and short basin taps that can be used depending on what you need in your space.

Best For: Tall taps suit vessel basins, whereas short projection taps suit compact bathrooms and smaller sink areas.

Sensor Taps

Sensor taps use infrared technology to activate water automatically when hands are detected beneath the spout. Because they require no physical contact, they are particularly hygienic and help to reduce unnecessary water use.

Available in both wall mounted and deck mounted configurations, LUSSO sensor taps can be paired with a thermostatic mixing valve to maintain a safe, consistent water temperature. They can be powered by either batteries or a mains connection depending on the installation.

Best For: Commercial washrooms, hotels, restaurants, offices and busy family bathrooms where hygiene and water efficiency are priorities.

Kitchen Taps

Kitchen taps are designed to endure everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and food preparation, so functionality is equally as important as aesthetics. The most common types of kitchen taps include single lever and pull out mixer taps, alongside specialist options such as pot fillers and boiling water taps.

Understanding the types of mixer taps available will help you choose the correct design for your personal kitchen layout and needs.

Single Lever Kitchen Taps

Single lever kitchen taps control both water temperature and flow with one handle, making them a practical choice for busy households. They are easy to operate with one hand, whether you are washing produce, filling pans or cleaning dishes.

Available in both round and square neck designs, our collection of kitchen mixer taps provides smooth, precise control while keeping operation simple.

Best For: Everyday kitchens where ease of use, quick temperature adjustment and simple operation are priorities.

Pull-Out Kitchen Taps

Pull-out kitchen taps feature an extendable spray head that can be pulled away from the main body of the tap before returning neatly into place after use. This added flexibility makes it easier to rinse large pans, clean awkward corners of the sink and wash produce.

Many models include a ceramic cartridge, which helps provide smooth control over water flow and temperature, alongside an aerator that mixes air into the water stream for a more controlled flow to aid in reducing splashing.

Best For: Larger kitchens, double sinks and households that regularly prepare fresh food or wash oversized cookware.

Boiling Water Taps

Boiling water taps combine multiple functions into a single fitting, delivering boiling, filtered cold, standard hot and cold water from one spout. By replacing a traditional kettle, they help free up worktop space while providing near-instant boiling water whenever needed.

When choosing this style of tap, remember that most boiling water systems require additional under-sink space to house the tank and filtration unit, so installation needs to be planned carefully.

Best For: Busy households that want instant boiling water, less worktop clutter and greater kitchen convenience.

Pot Filler Taps

Pot filler taps are wall mounted above or beside the hob, allowing large pots and pans to be filled exactly where they are needed. Their articulated arm extends when in use before folding neatly back against the wall to save space. Because they remove the need to carry heavy pots from the sink to the cooker, they are a practical addition to larger kitchens and keen home cooks.

Want to learn more? Read our expert pot fillers buying guide to find out why these taps make an excellent addition to commercial and domestic family kitchens.

Best For: Spacious kitchens where cooking large meals is a regular part of everyday life.

Deck Mounted, Wall Mounted or Floorstanding Taps: What’s The Difference?

One of the biggest considerations when choosing a tap type is deciding where it will be installed.

Deck mounted taps are fitted directly onto a basin, bath or worktop. They’re the most familiar option and are often the simplest to install when replacing an existing tap, particularly if suitable tap holes are already in place.

Wall mounted taps conceal their pipework inside the wall, creating a minimalist aesthetic. However, these designs do usually require additional planning, especially during renovations, as the plumbing must be positioned correctly before installation.

Floorstanding taps are designed specifically to accompany freestanding baths. Installed directly into the floor, they create a striking centrepiece but require concealed floor pipework, making them better suited to new bathroom projects or major refurbishments.

The right choice for your bathroom depends on the layout, plumbing configuration and whether you are replacing an existing tap or designing a new space from scratch.

Choosing A Tap Finish For Your Interior

While functionality should always be prioritised, your tap finish plays an important role in creating a cohesive interior.

Contemporary homes often favour finishes such as matte black, brushed stainless and chrome, while finishes such as brushed gold and aged bronze offer warmth and character across both traditional and modern interiors.

Different handle styles is also a factor to be considered. Single lever taps offer simple one-handed control, twin lever taps use separate controls for hot and cold water, while crosshead handles provide a more traditional appearance.

Choosing taps that coordinate with shower fittings, towel rails and other brassware helps to create a consistent and considered aesthetic throughout your bathroom or kitchen.

Discover LUSSO’s Luxury Tap Collection

Understanding the different types of taps makes it much easier to choose a solution that’s practical, compatible with your plumbing and suited to the way you use your bathroom or kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for bathroom basin taps, freestanding bath taps, kitchen sensor taps or boiling water systems, LUSSO offers carefully crafted collections in a wide range of styles and finishes.

Before making your decision, consider where the tap will be installed and how it will be used each day, and which installation type best suits your specific project.

If you need further guidance, the LUSSO team is available to assist you in choosing the right product for your space on 0203 370 4057. You can also explore our expert buying guides on choosing the right tap, owning and maintaining your tap, and the benefits of LUSSO taps for additional information.