A Complete Guide to the Different Types of Bathroom Taps

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As with much of the general home improvement landscape, and pertaining to bathrooms especially, stylish bathroom tap options are bountiful.

So much so, it can be difficult to know where to begin your search for the perfect bathroom tap upgrade.

That said, we’ve decided to conduct an exploration of the many different types of bathroom taps on the market, with key discussion surrounding the main advantages and disadvantages of each.

So if you’re not so clued up on the differentials between countertop taps and bath filers, the need to be mounted to the wall, or don’t know whether a monobloc tap will suit your needs better than pillar taps would, allow us to light the way…

The importance of selecting the right bathroom taps

First things first, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of selecting the right types of taps to populate your space.

When you really think about it, bathroom taps are one of the most used components in the room, and are often required in multiple forms – to accompany a sink, bathtub, and occasionally as an additional shower element.

All in all then, a lot more than just a nice finish to complement your more prominent bathroom fixtures and fittings.

You need your bathroom taps to deliver a premium quality performance to match top-notch aesthetics, but how do you know which type offers the ideal functionality and style for you and your space?

To begin with, you can eliminate half the field by coming to a decision on modern or traditional taps – usually a relatively simple choice based on your existing décor.

Unless, of course, you’re planning a full bathroom refurbishment, and revamping the style accordingly.

Take your time and think about creating a timeless look that you won’t get tired of.

There’s such an immense variety of different types of bathroom tap designs in circulation now that it can be a really fun process to cipher through all sorts of models and work out which might be best for you.

What will work well with your current bathroom setup, or provide a stylish springboard for you to build a new bathroom style from?

Our breakdown of each of the different types of bathroom taps should make it much easier for you to narrow down your search for the perfect pick…

Wall-mounted bathroom taps

We begin with one of the most popular space-saving designs available in the form of wall-mounted bathroom taps. There’s no tricks in the moniker – the taps are designed in the exact way you’d expect, emerging from the wall to hang above a sink or bathtub.

Their appeal from the perspective of maximizing room is obvious, with plenty of wall-mounted tap models also incorporating sleek, contemporary aesthetics perfect for enhancing a modern bathroom. They’re really easy to clean, too.

The main drawback with this style of tap stems from that attractive modern look, in that they work from concealed pipework hidden behind a wall. As such, they can be a nightmare to repair if ever they should falter. Will you open your arms out to them?

ashurst brushednickel tap
Milano Arvo freestanding bath mixer tap

Freestanding bathroom taps

Another contemporary development in the world of bathroom taps, floor-mounted models contrast with the previous design style in featuring exposed pipes and plumbing.

Offering excellent versatility, freestanding taps can accompany any freestanding bathtubs or other styles situated anywhere within the bathroom, provided the plumbing can be directed to that specific space.

A perfect option to deliver a touch of classy authenticity to the bathroom.

Deck mounted bathroom taps

The style traditionally most often teamed with bathroom sinks or basins. Tap holes drilled into the rim of the basin or bathtub provide the foundation for the attachment of deck mounted taps.

That deck mounted bathroom tap designs represent some of the very most popular models on the market is unsurprising – they deliver the easiest possible access for pipes and plumbing to transport water to the bathtub or basin.

Monobloc Bathroom Taps

Monobloc bathroom taps are designed for basins and baths featuring a single tap hole only.

Sometimes referred to as mixer taps, they combine both the hot and cold water streams together as they emerge, delivering a comfortably balanced temperature before reaching the sink or bathtub.

Ideal for family households in which children will make regular use of the taps, monobloc models massively reduce the risk of water running scalding hot or freezing cold.

Pillar Bathroom Taps

Perhaps the bathroom tap style most frequently found within UK households.

Pillar taps are supplied in a pair, each featuring separate valves for the control of water flow and temperature.

They are suitable additions to bathtubs or basins that include two tap holes – one for the hot tap and one for the cold tap.

And whilst traditional designs dominate the category in the main, there are some stylish modern exceptions so pillar taps can be considered a viable option for classic and contemporary spaces alike.

The Milano Mirage basin pillar taps are a fine example of one such model (or two models) that exude new-wave designer aesthetic appeal.

Countertop Bathroom Taps

With the range of countertop bathroom taps on offer at Big Bathroom Shop, high rise profiles are dominant.

The tall mixer taps incorporate beautifully rounded design features, making for a complementary teaming element alongside any sink from our countertop basin collection.

Most styles include a single lever only, for a streamlined look and water control made simple.

Bath/Shower Mixer Taps

Two outlets account for the makeup of bath/shower mixer taps in the form of bath fillers and a handheld shower head. The latter component lengthens away from the tap, so combined use of the outlets allows complete coverage of the body, thus an excellent overall showering or bathing experience.

An excellent all-in-one option for bathtub/shower combi systems.

Bath Filler Taps

In the case of bathtub filler taps, the moniker pretty much defines the style of faucet better than any elaborate explanation could.

Bath filler taps deliver a mixture of hot and cold water, usually incorporating a pair of handles or levers to control the flow and temperature of the water. Users will find these to be a dream in identifying the ideal temperature to enjoy a lovely relaxing bath.

An added advantage is that bathtub filler taps don’t require a high level of water pressure to operate to full capacity.

Milano Parade wall mounted bath filler tap

Shop bathroom taps from Big Bathroom Shop

Now you have a better idea of the properties, advantages and drawbacks provided by each type of bathroom tap, you can set about selecting the right model to populate your bathroom space.

Big Bathroom Shop offer modern bathroom taps in a variety of styles as well as traditional taps in all sorts of stylish streamlined designs. Shop our full range of basin taps and bath taps, as well as kitchen taps, online today.

If you would like any further information regarding our bathroom taps, or want to know more about any of our luxury bathroom collection, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

You can leave your thoughts or queries in the comments section below, or contact us via InstagramFacebook or X.

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