Choosing bathroom taps might feel like a decision you can leave until the end of your bathroom renovation, but it’s a detail that can have a surprisingly big impact. From how the water flows to how comfortable the handles feel in your hand, bathroom taps have to look good and earn their place.
Thankfully, there’s far more choice than ever. Whether you’re drawn to a clean, modern wall-mounted mixer or something classic with a heritage twist, the right tap can pull your whole bathroom design together.
That said, taps aren’t just about what looks good on your moodboard. Water pressure, basin style and even how much cleaning you’re willing to do all play a role in selecting well. Below, our experts walk you through how to choose bathroom taps, so you don't make a decision you later regret.
What to consider before choosing bathroom taps
“Before thinking about finish or style, homeowners should start with the practical realities of how the tap needs to work within their bathroom,” explains Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs. “That means understanding how the tap will be mounted, whether on the basin, bath, wall or floor, and ensuring it is compatible with the sanitaryware already specified.”
Keeley suggests asking yourself the following questions before narrowing down your options:
Where will your bathroom tap will go?
Tap placement is one of the first things to establish. Basin-mounted taps are usually the most straightforward option to go for, but wall-mounted and freestanding designs can create a cleaner, more design-led look – provided they’re planned early enough. These tap styles require pipework to be concealed within walls or floors, so they’re best decided at the layout stage of a bathroom renovation rather than treated as a last-minute upgrade.
Bath taps also vary widely in how they’re installed, from deck-mounted mixers to floor-standing taps designed for freestanding baths. Each option comes with different space, plumbing and cost considerations, so it's important to think about how the tap will work within the room as a whole, not just how it looks.
Keeley Sutcliffe is Brand Manager for award-winning British bathroom designers, BC Designs. Since 1999 the award winning company has been leading the way with its thoughtful, innovative and considered bathroom designs.
Have you checked your tap holes before you shop?
Most basins and baths are manufactured with a set number of tap holes, and this will dictate whether you can use a monobloc mixer, a three-hole tap or separate pillar taps. It’s worth checking this detail early, as it can quickly narrow down your options and prevent disappointment later on.
As Jamie Heath, plumbing expert from Build & Plumb, explains: “It’s important to establish whether the taps are for a basin or a bath, and whether the basin or bath has pre-drilled tap holes and how many there are. Typically, one tap hole is used for mixer taps, while two holes accommodate separate pillar taps. Some basins and baths have no tap holes at all, in which case wall-mounted or freestanding taps are required.”
Jamie is a highly experienced manager with over 24 years of expertise in the plumbing and heating sectors. Having worked for both national and regional merchants, he now brings his knowledge to Build & Plumb, an online retailer, supplying top-quality products for DIYers, renovators, and trade professionals alike.
What is your water pressure like?
Water pressure will have a direct impact on how your bathroom taps perform, yet it’s often one of the last things people think about when choosing them. Taking a moment to check it early on can save a lot of frustration later.
As Jamie Heath explains, “Water pressure will play a key role in your tap's performance. Some taps are designed specifically for high-pressure systems, while others are suitable for low-pressure or gravity-fed systems. Choosing taps that are incompatible with your home’s water pressure can result in poor flow or inefficient operation.”
This is particularly relevant in the UK, where many older properties still operate on gravity-fed systems, while newer homes are more likely to have high-pressure combi boilers. A tap designed for high pressure may only deliver a weak trickle on a low-pressure system, while fitting a low-pressure tap to a high-pressure supply can cause water to discharge too forcefully and unpredictably.
A quick pressure check before you buy – whether that’s looking at your boiler spec or asking a plumber – can be the difference between taps that work effortlessly and ones that never quite perform as they should.
How to get proportions right and choose the right type of tap
Once the practical details are in place, the next step is choosing a tap that suits your basin or bath, and getting the proportions right so it works comfortably day to day.
Basin vs bath taps
“Basin and bath taps differ in height, spout length and water flow,” explains Jamie Heath," and although they can look similar, basin and bath taps are designed for very different tasks."
This distinction matters, as basin taps are designed for handwashing and everyday use, while bath taps need to deliver a higher volume of water more quickly. Using the wrong type can lead to slow filling, awkward reach or excessive splashing. When in doubt, it’s always worth checking the intended use or speaking to your supplier before buying.
Sanitaryware & Scale
Your choice of sanitaryware will play a factor in choosing the right bathroom taps. For example, standard inset basins usually suit compact mixers or pillar taps, while countertop and vessel basins often require a taller deck-mounted or wall-mounted tap to provide enough clearance.
Freestanding baths, meanwhile, are typically paired with floor-mounted taps that are designed to deliver water at the correct height and position. Jamie Heath offers the following advice:
“The spout should reach comfortably over the basin or bath and align well with the waste to minimise splashing," he explains. "Tap height should also allow enough clearance for comfortable handwashing or filling the bath.”
Aesthetics & Style
Once you’ve narrowed down what will work practically, the style of your tap will likely be the deciding factor. Rather than thinking about taps in isolation, it helps to look at how they sit alongside the basin or bath itself. A sleek wall-hung basin paired with an ornate tap can feel visually unbalanced, just as an ultra-minimal tap may look a touch underwhelming against a statement roll-top bath.
According to Paul Dwyer, managing director at Thomas Crapper, it’s better to think in terms of 'balance' than exact matching: “The goal is for the tap to feel like it belongs," he explains, "complementing the shape, scale and style of the sanitaryware without competing with it.”
In practice, that usually means keeping tap style consistent across key fixtures such as the basin, bath and shower controls. Once that foundation is in place, there’s more freedom elsewhere. Small variations – like mixing finishes on bathroom lighting, furniture or accessories – are unlikely to jar and can even add depth to the scheme.
Paul Dwyer is managing director of iconic British bathroom brand Thomas Crapper, leading its modern growth and retailer strategy while championing quality heritage-inspired brassware.
Your overall bathroom aesthetic can also help steer your tap choice. Bathrooms tend to fall broadly into two camps: traditional bathrooms and contemporary bathrooms. While it’s not a strict rule, aligning your tap style with the character of the space usually leads to a more cohesive design scheme.
Jamie Bebbington, managing director at Aston Matthews, puts it well: “While its not essential to match your taps to your bath type, in general a traditional style tap will look better on a traditional bath, and the same is true for matching modern with modern."
In practice, that means more detailed designs – such as crosshead handles, curved spouts and visible detailing – tend to work best in period-style or Victorian bathrooms. Cleaner lines, single-lever mixers and pared-back forms suit contemporary spaces, where simplicity is part of the appeal.
Jamie is the MD of Aston Matthews: a long established, family run bathroom specialist with showrooms in London and Guildford and a website where you can browse and buy from an extensive range of sanitaryware and bathroom suites.
Durability and maintenance
While it’s easy to fall for a finish based on looks alone, how a bathroom tap copes with daily use matters just as much. A little consideration from the outset can make the difference between taps that always look good and ones that constantly need attention.
“Special tap finishes like gunmetal and matt black have soared in popularity in recent years,” explains Nancy Emery, bathroom specialist at Drench. "But these do need a little more care to keep like new for years to come."
"When caring for these types of tap, it’s especially important to avoid using harsh chemicals such as vinegar when cleaning,” Nancy adds. “Cleaning with a mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth is the best way to keep a shine and not damage or scratch the surface.”
If low maintenance is a priority, more forgiving finishes – such as chrome and some brushed options – can make upkeep much easier, particularly in family bathrooms.
Beyond finish, what really determines how taps perform over the years is the quality of the materials and internal components. Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Villeroy & Boch, notes that investing a little more upfront can often prevent issues later on: “While budgets are tight across the board at the moment, it can pay to invest a little more when it comes to brassware. Investing at a higher starting point can prevent the need for maintenance and replacements, as well as help prevent leaks which can add up over time and increase water bills dramatically.”
As Drench's bathroom expert, Nancy provides valuable advice and tips on creating dream spaces. She has worked in the lifestyle sector for 17 years, advising on homes and interiors.
Shop bathroom taps for all styles and budgets
Upgrade your bathroom with this a sleek and modern deck-mounted mixer crafted from solid brass with a high-shine chrome finish that elevates any contemporary basin.
Elevate your washbasin setup with this contemporary tall deck-mounted tap designed especially for countertop basins.
Enhance your cloakroom or small bathroom with this compact and stylish solution that doesn’t compromise on performance.
With its classic period-style design and sumptuous brushed brass finish, this wall-mounted mixer adds a refined focal point above any basin.
Elevate your bathroom with this elegant mixer tap, a beautifully hand-finished fitting that brings 1920s glamour and refined craftsmanship to your space.
Add a refined and contemporary touch to your bathroom with this mixer tap, beautifully finished in striking rose gold for a look that complements both modern and classic interiors.
Ultimately, choosing the right bathroom tap comes down to balance: picking a finish you love, investing in quality materials, and being realistic about how much maintenance you’re happy to take on once the bathroom is in use.
If you’re planning a wider bathroom refresh, our guide to bathroom renovation costs is a useful place to start, alongside our advice on bathroom flooring and choosing the right shower for your space.
