While often overlooked, faucets are essential pieces of your kitchen and bathroom spaces. Not only do they add visual appeal to your space, but they also need to be functional and accessible. Your faucet is probably one of the most used features in your home, which is why learning how to choose a faucet that’s right for you is so important.
In this blog, we’ll review the factors that go into choosing types of faucets for your kitchen and bathroom as well as the different styles you should consider while making your decision.
How to Choose a Faucet
Whether it’s for your kitchen or bathroom, many factors go into learning how to choose a faucet. Of course, you want your faucet to align with the design of your room and sink selection, but you also want to keep functionality and durability in mind.
Depending on your lifestyle and interior design preferences, you’ll need to consider a few different things such as materials, size, and style. Once you’re able to narrow down the most functional faucet type for your home, you can concentrate on which style you like best.
Faucet Materials
The first thing to decide when choosing your faucet is what type of material you’d like to use. Your choice of faucet material will depend on your stylistic desires, budget, and how long you want it to last. There are three main materials that are commonly used for faucets:
- Brass
- Zinc
- Stainless Steel
After choosing your material, you’ll also want to consider your faucet finish. Finishes are not only used for stylistic purposes, they can also ensure your faucet is well protected and lasts longer. You may want to think about using these popular finishes:
High-quality faucets can be pricey, but they’re made to last longer. While it’s an investment upfront, opting for a more expensive one may save you more money in the long run.
Faucet Size
Learning how to choose a faucet for your kitchen or bathroom requires you to know the standard faucet size. It’s important to know the standard hole size as well as spacing. Typically, a kitchen or bathroom faucet hole will be approximately 1 ⅜” in diameter. But this size can vary depending on different faucet brands and/or models.
Single vs. Double-Handle Faucets
Before you decide on a specific type of faucet, you’ll have to compare single vs. double-handle faucets. While both types provide the same function (controlling water flow and temperature) there are some pros and cons for each.
Single-handle faucets are much more user-friendly than double-handle faucets. They are easier to install, maneuver, and don’t occupy much space. However, a big disadvantage of single-handle faucets is that when there’s a leak, you need to turn off both valves to repair them. Another common issue is selecting the right water temperature since there’s only one handle to control both hot and cold water.
Double-handle faucets are popular for their appearance. Many homeowners choose these faucets because they add charm and style to their kitchen or bathroom. These faucets also allow you to control water temperature and pressure more easily. Unfortunately, double-handle faucets are more difficult to install and require more parts, which may mean more repairs.
7 Types of Kitchen Faucets
There’s a variety of kitchen faucet designs and styles that are functional and contribute nicely to the overall look of your kitchen space. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular types of kitchen faucets to help you begin your search.
1. Pull-Down Faucet
This type of kitchen faucet is the most basic you can purchase. The pull-down faucet is designed to use a spray wand that pulls down straight into the sink. These are used best for cleaning dishes, messy sinks, or other basic tasks.
2. Pull-Out Faucet
The pull-out faucet is very similar to the pull-down faucet. The main difference is that the body of this faucet works in a straight line. These faucets are designed to allow you to have 360-degree spraying, making them more effective and accessible when cleaning in your sink.
3. Pot Filler Faucet
These faucets are made with a special arm extension that moves outwards. The design of a pot filler faucet allows you to swivel the faucet outwards as well as go over a pot or other large item. Most models are made to fit onto the wall above your stovetop and connect to your plumbing system.
4. Commercial-Style Faucet
These types of kitchen faucets offer a longer and more flexible design. Depending on the model you want, they usually have multiple taps for different needs. Commercial-style faucets are designed to create a more modern appearance and are often found in professional kitchens.
5. Separate Spray Faucet
Separate spray faucets are popular for their flexibility. They use separate handles with a trigger that averts the water flow from the primary faucet to the spray nozzle. The handle is linked to the water supply that comes from the regular tap. When the normal tap is turned on, the spray nozzle will also become active.
6. Motion Detection Faucet
These types of faucets are becoming more popular in kitchens, especially in smart households. Motion detection faucets work by placing your hand over a sensor that will activate water flow. The sensor is usually placed in the middle part of your faucet near the base. You can adjust the water temperature on motion detection faucets by using the lever at the base.
7. Filtered Water Faucet
Filtered water faucets provide purified water on demand. They’re connected to an under-counter purification system, such as a reverse osmosis filter.
These systems are best for home water systems because they offer more than seven different filters. Reverse osmosis filters aren’t made to be mounted to a faucet, but rather connected directly to the incoming water supply.
Now that we’ve discussed how to choose a faucet for your kitchen space, let’s look at some options for your bathroom.
9 Types of Bathroom Faucets
Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom or simply replacing your sink or tub, you’ll want to learn how to choose a faucet that has all the elements you need. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each design will allow you to find the perfect fit for your space. Here are nine popular types of bathroom faucets for you to consider.
1. Center Fit Faucet
These are the most common types of bathroom faucets and can be found in most hardware stores. The center fit faucet design features a small faucet body and either one or two knobs. The handles control the water pressure and temperature, and the spout is typically shorter than most faucets.
2. Bridge Faucet
Bridge faucets are exactly what they sound like. They provide a sleek bridge-like design and usually come with a pull-away spray faucet. There are two separate handles or knobs that control the water pressure and temperature.
3. Spread Fit Faucet
These types of faucets use three separate pieces that stick out from the surface of your sink. Spread fit faucets are most similar to center fit faucets, but they offer more liberal spacing and design flexibility.
4. Wall-Mounted Faucet
Wall-mounted faucets are typically designed for floating sinks. They allow you more design flexibility because you have the option to switch out the sink basin. These faucets are best-suited for more modern bathrooms. However, remember to check your measurements before installing so you can ensure your faucet reaches the sink.
5. Sprinkle Faucet
A unique type of spout, sprinkle faucets manipulate the water flow to come out in a rectangular pattern. These types of faucets have a rectangular-shaped spout with a grate at its mouth which enables the water to flow differently than traditional faucets.
6. Free-Standing Tub Faucet
Free-standing tub faucets work best with a clawfoot or freestanding tub. The faucet attaches directly to the floor. These types of faucets can contribute to a variety of bathroom styles such as old-fashioned or industrial. The spout can either hang over the tub, filling from above, or be attached directly to the tub via pre-filled holes.
7. Tub Wall-Mounted Faucet
Instead of being mounted to the bathroom wall, these faucets are mounted to the tub wall. Both the spout and faucet handle come straight through the tub. Tub wall-mounted faucets are best suited for stand-alone tubs and offer an old-fashioned look. You may need a diverter valve when you attach it to your waterline.
8. Deck-Mounted Faucet
Deck-mounted faucets are most often seen on larger bathtubs. They also are only used for stand-alone tubs and are best-suited for tubs that have a large rim that prevents wall access. The faucet sits on the rim of the tub instead of protruding from the wall. These are perfect for a clean, contemporary look.
9. Roman Tub Faucet
This type of faucet sits on the rim of the tub as well. While it’s similar to a deck-mounted faucet, these faucets are different when it comes to the shape of their spouts. Roman tub faucets have an arched shape and often come with a handheld showerhead that combines both shower and bath experience.
When searching for the right faucet, an interior designer can be helpful to choose the best type for your needs and preferences.