Simple Guide to Buying Bathroom Tapware: Update the Space Where You Wash Up

tapware

It’s oftentimes said that the bathroom is the smallest yet ironically, the largest home investment you’ll ever make. And the fact that we’re willing to put so much attention to detail and effort in such a small space speaks volumes about the importance of the role that bathrooms play in all our lives. Starting from morning skincare and makeup routines and all the way to late-night pampering before bed, we definitely put it to good use on a daily basis.

But make no mistake, organising your bathroom can be a really tricky thing to pull off. It’s not just about putting together a random shower, sink and mirror, it’s about getting those things to work together in perfect harmony to create the final product. While those big pieces make a huge difference when it comes to presentation, it’s actually the smaller details that make the whole thing shine. With that said, it’s time to turn our attention to perhaps the most important detail of all – the kind of tapware you top off your sink with. 

What Types of Tapware Styles Are There?

Quite expectedly, we all have different tastes and therefore not all bathrooms are the same. This means that there’s an endless number of ways you can personalise your bathroom to reflect your preferences. Beauty lies in diversity, don’t you think?

After you’ve made your decision regarding this issue, you’ll have to match the style of your tap to the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Essentially, there are three main tapware styles that can be found in homes these days and we’ll be diving into each one in just a bit.

Traditional

If you’re the type of person that appreciates tradition and you’d like to take the more conventional route, then you’re absolutely in luck here. What better way to pay homage to the past than by including sophisticated traditional tapware in your bathroom? Of course, these types of taps have undergone certain changes throughout the years and you can definitely see a bit of modern influence in their appearance but they’ve no doubt managed to stay true to their roots and live up to the hype.

traditional tapware
source: reece.com

Since we’re living in a world where ornate accessories and detailing are constantly celebrated, going for something that oozes timeless sophistication and elegance is truly a breath of fresh air. But even so, antique taps are still available in a range of different colours and finishes so you’re more than likely to find a suitable match. You don’t have to stick to the regular yellowish-gold style if you find that too sparkly for your taste. Instead, you can opt for a simple black or white ensemble that’s definitely going to upgrade your space unlike anything else.

We think it’s safe to say that there’s hardly anyone who could pass up on the opportunity to witness the striking contrast between the modern-day tiles and conventionally-styled taps. Sure enough, it’s the perfect combination of past and present trends that’s bound to be a sure-fire hit. However, it’s worth noting that traditional tapware usually has two separate taps, one for hot and one for cold water. While most people may not find this troubling, it can be a nuisance for those of you that aren’t used to such arrangements.

Contemporary

This design can be a little difficult to get right due to its fickle nature. In other words, trends change on a daily basis so being up-to-date with everything isn’t as easy as it seems. What’s ‘contemporary’ and relevant in the present changes constantly which is why it’s not always so straightforward.

These days, contemporary tapware is widely thought to consist of sleek designs with soft curves and edges. For example, gooseneck taps are all the rage right now, with people willing to get their hands on them left and right.

Minimalist

You know the saying, less is more? That’s what minimalist tapware designs are all about. You’ll want to look for simple, monochromatic shapes that aren’t too chunky or eye-catching. Sometimes though, you might run into a few accent colours here and there but even those are kept on the down-low as much as possible. Think about it this way, if your bathroom is already cluttered, to begin with, why would you want to over-embellish the space?

Key Considerations When Buying Tapware

source: realestate.com

Since we’re all familiar with the different styles at our disposal, it’s time to take a peek at a few factors that could easily help you decide which one to get.

Materials

By and large, the most common type of tapware material is chrome, due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. Plus, seeing as it so popular, you can easily match it with all the other items in your bathroom.

Another possible contender is copper tapware which is just as long-lasting and stylish. Unfortunately, it’s a little on the expensive side so if you don’t want to spend a fortune, we suggest you look elsewhere.

Water Pressure

You should be aware of the fact that water pressure varies among Aussie homes. This difference plays a significant role when it comes to selecting your tapware. Generally speaking, most households have standard to low water pressure but it’s advisable to check in with a professional just to be sure. This is because some taps require higher levels of water pressure in order to serve their purpose.