Finding the Right Bathroom Faucets For Your Bathroom Decor

July 29th, 2008 Posted in Bathroom Faucets

It’s time to finally replace that leaky old faucet. That constant dripping is keeping you up all night and it’s not a simple repair like a washer which is called for; you’re going to have to replace the entire thing. So it’s off to the home supply store - and there you freeze, unable to choose from the huge variety of faucets on display.

Keeping the Same Style of Bathroom Sink Faucets is Easiest

The easiest thing to do is to simply replace your bathroom sink faucet with one which is similar or identical in style. You can even take the malfunctioning faucet off of your sink and bring it in to find a good match. This of course may not be possible in all cases, in which case you’ll need to learn a little bit about your current faucet’s configuration to make sure that that faucet which looks perfect at the shop will actually work with your sink once you get it home. There are many different ways which faucets can mount and this is what you must be aware of before you go shopping for a replacement faucet.

Determine Your Type of Mounting

The most commonly seen  mountings include widespread, where there will be individual cold and hot water knobs; centerset, with a single knob for hot and cold and covering all three holes which may be present for mounting on your sink; mini-widespread, similar to widespread except for the knobs being less spaced apart; and single-hole, which is similar to centerset but only filling one hole and usually wall-mounted (e.g. - most likely a bathtub faucet). Sinks with 4″ holes pre-drilled are best for centerset and wini-widespread type faucets. Some of the single hole faucets may also be used on these sinks. However, if yours is one of the other types, you’re better off using a replacement faucet of the same mounting type.

Once you have determined which type of mount will suit your sink, it all comes down to looks. Which finish best matches your bathroom? Look for something which will complement the look of the room. You should also evaluate whether your bathroom decor is classic, modern or antique in look. This will help you to choose a faucet which will match the room well.

Choosing the Finish

After choosing a faucet, you just have to install it, right? Not so fast - you need to decide on a finish. Bathroom fixtures can be found in many different finishes and materials. While chrome and stainless steel are the most common, every finish and material has its own pros and cons. The most common (stainless steel and chrome) are prone to scratching and show fingerprints easily. Brass is very attractive, but rusts. Brushed nickel has a nice flat finish, but is pricy and the plating eventually wears off. Know what choices are available too you before deciding on a finish.

There is also a wide array of choices open as to the style of handles for your faucets. This is  a matter of personal choice of course, but be sure to select one which matches your décor. Once you’ve selected the most suitable faucet, all that remains is to take it home and install.