The Ultimate List of Tips for Choosing Tapware
Choosing the right tapware is one of the most important decisions in any new home or renovation. Tapware isn’t just about looks—it plays a vital role in the functionality of your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. Making the wrong choice can result in inconvenience, increased water bills, and potentially costly repairs in the future. On the other hand, choosing the right tapware can elevate your space, make daily tasks easier, and add a polished finish to your design.
This article provides the ultimate list of tips for choosing tapware for your home. You’ll learn practical tapware tips tailored for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries, touching on essential factors like water efficiency, installation, and quality. We’ll also explore how to choose tapware that balances style and durability, with advice on finishes, consistency, and maintenance. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to select taps that look fantastic and perform reliably for years to come. Whether updating a single room or selecting tapware for your entire home, these tapware tips will help you make smart, informed decisions.
General Tips for Choosing Tapware
Choosing the right tapware for your home feels overwhelming, but key areas like water efficiency, installation, budgeting, style consistency, and tapware maintenance simplify the process. These general tapware tips will help you find high-quality tapware that blends seamlessly into your home while performing reliably and offering longevity.
Consider Water Efficiency: Save Money and Reduce Your Footprint
Water-efficient taps do more than conserve water—they help reduce water bills and lower your environmental impact. When choosing tapware, look for WELS-rated tapware, as these taps are tested for water-saving performance. Features like aerators and flow restrictors are also essential for maintaining smooth water flow without waste. Installing a WELS-rated tapware system is a smart step towards a more sustainable household.
Plan for Installation: Avoid Unexpected Costs or Delays
Tapware installation can quickly become costly if not properly planned. Start by evaluating your plumbing setup to determine what it can support—for example, whether it can handle wall-mounted taps or if you’ll need to stick with top-mounted options. Changing to wall-mounted taps may add extra costs for new plumbing configurations. Budget for professional installation instead of attempting a DIY approach. A professional ensures your tapware is fitted correctly, saving you from potential headaches.
Set a Realistic Budget: Find Tapware That Balances Quality and Cost
Tapware comes in a wide range of styles, finishes, and price points. While it’s tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in durable tapware pays off long-term by reducing repairs or replacements. Finishes like matte black or brushed nickel may cost slightly more, but their quality and appearance are worth the investment. Understanding your budget while keeping quality in mind will help you choose tapware that stands up to daily use.
Focus on Consistency in Style and Finish Across Rooms
A cohesive look throughout your home enhances your interior design. Tapware consistency can be achieved by selecting pieces from the same tapware range for every room—for example, matching sleek matte black finishes in your kitchen, laundry and bathroom. However, you can also mix it up subtly by using bold finishes in areas like the bathroom while keeping kitchen and laundry finishes neutral. Cohesive tapware finishes provide a polished and cohesive interior design.
Learn more about tapware finishes in our articles below:
- Decoding Tapware Finishes: From Chrome to Brushed Nickel
- Beyond Stainless Steel: Exploring Alternative Finishes for Kitchen Taps
Think About Maintenance: Select Finishes That Are Easy to Clean
Different finishes require different care levels, making maintenance a key factor when choosing tapware. For instance, chrome and brushed nickel resist water stains, fingerprints, and limescale better than other finishes, making them popular choices. Matte black offers a modern, sophisticated look but might need extra cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance. Opt for easy-to-maintain tapware to reduce cleaning efforts in the long run.
As Phyah Nicholson, State Manager for Nero Tapware, explains, “Most people now prefer PVD-coloured tapware. For those not wanting ‘colour,’ brushed nickel is very popular. PVD finishes barely show fingerprints or water drops, keeping the bathroom or kitchen looking beautifully maintained with little effort.“
By addressing these areas—water efficiency, installation, budgeting, style, and maintenance—you’ll make smarter choices when selecting tapware for your renovation. High-quality tapware that aligns with your design and practical needs will elevate your home while ensuring long-term satisfaction.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tapware for Your Bathroom
Choosing bathroom taps is essential to creating a functional and stylish space. The right bathroom tapware can elevate your design, improve water efficiency, and ensure user convenience. When selecting bathroom tapware, consider the types of taps you need, how they will fit with your bathroom design, their functionality, the finishes that complement your décor, and whether they suit your home’s water pressure. These bathroom tapware tips will help you make informed decisions to achieve a cohesive and practical bathroom design.
Understand the Different Types of Bathroom Tapware
Start by identifying the types of tapware you need for your bathroom:
- Basin Taps:
- Wall-Mounted Taps: Sleek design and space-saving, ideal for minimalist bathrooms.
- Basin Mixers: Top-mounted taps combining hot and cold water with a single lever for modern convenience.
- Three-Piece Tap Sets: Classic design with separate hot and cold taps for a timeless aesthetic.
- Shower Tapware:
- Standard Showerheads: Simple and functional for everyday use.
- Shower Arm & Shower Rose: A separate shower arm and rose can offer more flexibility in water flow and positioning.
- Twin Showers: Includes a fixed shower rose and a handheld showerhead for flexibility.
- Shower Rails: A complete set including a showerhead, rail, and handshower for a luxurious bathing experience.
- Handheld Showerheads: Ideal for families and easy cleaning.
- Shower Mixers: Control water temperature and flow with single or dual controls.
- Bath Taps:
- Freestanding Bath Taps: Floor-mounted taps for freestanding baths, adding a luxurious touch.
- Wall-Mounted Bath Spouts & Mixers: Best suited for back-to-wall baths, combining style and practicality.
Selecting the right combination of basin, shower, and bath tapware ensures your bathroom is both functional and stylish.
Choose Tapware Based on Your Basin and Vanity Design
Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom requires careful consideration of your basin and vanity design. The tapware height and reach should complement the depth and shape of your basin to prevent splashing or awkward usability. For example, tall basin mixers work well with deep, above-counter basins, while wall-mounted taps are ideal for slimline or compact vanities.
Your tapware style should also align with your vanity design to create a cohesive aesthetic. For traditional bathroom finishes, consider chrome or brass taps that add timeless elegance. Modern bathroom styles often feature bold options like matte black taps or brushed gold taps, which pair beautifully with contemporary vanities. Whether designing a sleek, minimalist space or a warm, classic bathroom, selecting tapware that harmonises with your vanity ensures a polished and stylish result.
Prioritise Functionality and Accessibility
When choosing bathroom tapware, functionality is just as important as appearance. Features like anti-scald mechanisms can prevent injuries, making them an excellent choice for family bathrooms. Single-lever mixers provide ease of use by allowing you to adjust water flow and temperature with one hand. For elderly-friendly taps or family-friendly bathroom taps, consider ergonomic designs that are easy to grip and operate. Selecting accessible tapware ensures convenience for all members of your household.
Select a Finish That Complements Your Bathroom’s Design
The finish of your tapware sets the tone for your bathroom’s overall look. Brass and chrome tapware finishes are timeless choices that work well in traditional bathrooms, while matte black taps and brushed gold taps are perfect for modern spaces. When selecting bathroom tapware finishes, consider how they pair with your tiles, cabinetry, and other fixtures. A well-chosen tapware finish pulls your design together, creating an intentional and stylish bathroom. For further guidance, explore our bathroom tapware buying guide.
Check Water Pressure Compatibility
Before finalising your bathroom taps, ensure they are compatible with your home’s plumbing. Water pressure plays a crucial role in tap performance. Homes with low water pressure can benefit from aerated taps, which maintain steady water flow and improve efficiency. Always test showerheads and taps to ensure they perform as expected before installation. Plumbing compatibility is key to avoiding water flow issues or unnecessary replacements.
Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom involves balancing aesthetics with practicality. From understanding the different types of tapware to considering finishes and water pressure, these bathroom tapware tips will help you make choices that align with your needs and style. High-quality, well-selected tapware elevates your space and ensures lasting convenience for years.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tapware for Your Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in any home, so selecting the right kitchen tapware is essential. It isn’t just about functionality—choosing kitchen taps that match your overall style and suit your daily needs will make a huge difference in both design and comfort. Whether you have a modern kitchen or a more traditional setup, these kitchen tapware tips will help you find options that look great and perform well under frequent use.
Match Your Kitchen Tapware to Your Overall Style
Your kitchen tapware should work harmoniously with the other elements in your space, such as splashbacks, benchtops, and cabinetry. For modern kitchens, sleek finishes like matte black or brushed nickel are popular for creating a contemporary, minimalist look. These modern kitchen tapware finishes can tie together elements like high-gloss cabinetry or a statement splashback. On the other hand, traditional kitchens benefit from classic options such as polished chrome or brass taps. These finishes pair well with warm timber benchtops and shaker-style cupboards. Matching your kitchen mixer to the overall style ensures a cohesive design that enhances your kitchen’s appeal.
Choose the Right Type of Kitchen Tap
Functionality should be a top priority when selecting a kitchen tap. Here’s a quick guide to some popular types of kitchen taps that suit different needs:
- Single-lever kitchen mixers simplify water control with just one handle, making everyday use easier.
- Pull-out spray taps are an excellent choice for rinsing dishes, filling large pots, or cleaning your sink.
- Gooseneck taps have tall, elegant spouts that work well with deeper sinks, adding a touch of sophistication to your kitchen.
Consider whether wall-mounted kitchen taps or top-mounted taps are better suited to your setup.
- Wall-mounted kitchen taps are more widely available as a three-piece tap over a mixer tap, though you can get wall-mounted mixers. You also need to consider the material on your wall. If you have a tiled splashback, wall-mounted taps are suitable. However, if you have a glass panel that acts as a window, then wall-mounted faucets are out of the question.
- Top-mounted kitchen taps are more common, and there is a broader range of styles and designs: single-lever mixers, tall kitchen taps, deck-mounted taps, mixer taps, monobloc mixers, pull-out spray taps, and many more. They are easy to install into any kitchen, regardless of the splashback material.
For more tips on finding the perfect fixture, check out our guide to selecting the right kitchen mixer.
Consider Sink Depth and Tap Placement
Pairing your tapware with the right sink setup is another important step. If you have a deep sink, taller taps, such as gooseneck taps or pull-out spray taps provide extra washing flexibility, avoiding the issue of water splashing. Pay attention to tap placement to ensure there’s enough clearance between the tap and the sink, minimising splashing while washing dishes or filling containers. Proper tap placement not only improves functionality but also adds to the overall practicality of your kitchen.
Focus on Practical Features for Everyday Use
Kitchen taps must work hard to keep up with daily demands, so practical features are a must. Swivel spouts offer greater versatility by allowing you to direct water flow where you need it, which is particularly useful for large or double sinks. Durable materials like solid brass or stainless steel are great choices for tapware that will endure frequent use. Additionally, ergonomic handles make controlling water flow and temperature easier, ensuring comfort and convenience.
By keeping these considerations in mind—from matching your tapware to your kitchen style to selecting practical features—you’ll be able to choose kitchen taps that are functional, durable, and perfectly aligned with your design vision. High-quality kitchen tapware is an investment that offers both aesthetic appeal and reliable performance for years to come.
For more help making the right choice, head to our kitchen tapware buying guide.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tapware for Your Laundry
Your laundry deserves just as much attention as the rest of your home when you choose tapware. The right laundry tap makes juggling daily tasks much easier by being functional, durable, and aligned with your design. Follow these laundry tapware tips to ensure your space is practical and well-appointed.
Look for Functionality That Meets Your Laundry Needs
The functionality of your tapware should rise to the demands of a hardworking laundry. Swivel spout taps are a great option, as they offer flexibility when washing large items or accessing deep troughs and basins. Whether hand-washing clothes or tackling heavy-duty cleaning, taps designed for dual-use utility tasks will prove invaluable. Consider models that provide enough water flow and versatility to meet your laundry requirements.
Consider Tapware Types, Including Washing Machine Stops
Laundry tapware comes in several configurations. Laundry mixer taps are perfect if you prioritise simplicity and ease of use, allowing quick temperature adjustments with a single lever. For those after a more traditional touch, three-piece taps provide a classic aesthetic while maintaining practicality. Don’t overlook the importance of washing machine stops—they’re essential additions that allow you to control and isolate water flow to your washing machine, preventing leaks and conserving water. Choosing the right type of laundry sink tapware is key to creating a smooth workflow.
Match the Finish to Your Laundry’s Design
Tapware doesn’t just need to function well—it should look good doing it. Laundry tapware finishes should balance practicality and design coordination. Chrome and stainless steel are popular practical finishes due to their durability and ability to blend effortlessly with most laundry designs. Whether working with a simple utilitarian space or aiming for a polished look that aligns with nearby rooms, coordinating your tapware with splashbacks or cabinetry will ensure a cohesive appearance throughout your home.
Check Water Pressure and Durability for High-Use Areas
Laundry taps see frequent use and often handle higher water flow rates, so durability should be a top priority. Look for taps made from quality materials like brass, which can withstand wear and tear over time. Ensuring compatibility with your home’s water pressure is also essential for optimal performance. High-use areas demand robust, reliable options, especially for utility tasks like filling buckets or washing sizeable items. Durable laundry tapware, such as chrome or stainless steel options, ensures your investment lasts for years with minimal maintenance.
Choosing laundry taps becomes straightforward by selecting the right combination of functionality, style, and build quality. Durable laundry tapware, designed to meet the challenges of high-use areas, will simplify everyday laundry chores while complementing your home’s overall aesthetic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Tapware
Selecting the perfect tapware is an exciting part of any renovation or new build, but it’s easy to make costly mistakes if you don’t do your research. From ignoring key technical requirements to prioritising style over practicality, certain oversights can affect performance and design. Follow these tapware buying tips to avoid common pitfalls and make informed choices that enhance your home.
Neglecting Water Pressure Requirements
One of the easiest mistakes to make is overlooking water pressure compatibility. If your tapware isn’t suited to your home’s water pressure, it can lead to poor performance, such as weak water flow or excessive splashing. For example, homes with low water pressure often benefit from taps equipped with aerators or flow restrictors, which maintain steady water flow while boosting efficiency. Always consult your plumber or check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure your chosen tapware will perform optimally with your water pressure setup.
Overlooking Consistency in Tapware Design
Consistency in style and finish is crucial for creating a cohesive interior design across your home. Mismatched tapware styles or finishes, such as combining brass taps in one bathroom with chrome taps in another, can leave your spaces feeling disjointed. Choose tapware from the same range or collection for a harmonious look, particularly when coordinating bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Consistent finishes like polished chrome or brushed nickel can tie all areas together for a sleek, unified aesthetic.
Prioritising Aesthetics Over Functionality
While it’s tempting to prioritise the top tapware trends or bold finishes, functionality should always come first—especially in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Tapware performance hinges on practical features, such as ergonomic handles, swivel spouts, or durable materials. For example, while a matte black tap may look striking, it won’t serve you well if it lacks water-saving features or if the finish is prone to scratching. Aim to choose functional tapware that looks great and meets your day-to-day needs.
Choosing Cheap, Low-Quality Tapware
Cheap taps can be alluring, but they often carry hidden risks. Poorly made tapware may use substandard materials, leading to issues like leaks, rust, or peeling finishes over time. Investing in high-quality materials, such as solid brass or stainless steel with durable finishes, can dramatically extend the lifespan of your tapware and save you money on future repairs or replacements. Remember, tapware is a long-term investment—a little extra spent upfront ensures lasting performance and satisfaction.
By considering these potential missteps, you’ll avoid the most common mistakes when choosing tapware. Prioritising water pressure compatibility, ensuring consistent finishes, balancing style with functionality, and investing in quality materials will result in tapware that enhances your home’s design and performs reliably for years to come.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tapware for your home requires a thoughtful balance of style, functionality, and quality. Whether you’re selecting taps for the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry, it’s essential to prioritise durability and practicality alongside aesthetics. By focusing on water pressure compatibility, cohesive design, and robust materials, you can ensure that every piece of tapware performs as beautifully as it looks.
Take these tapware tips and apply them to your renovation project. Whether you install pull-out spray taps in your kitchen, opt for ergonomic handles in your bathroom, or choose swivel spouts for your laundry, small decisions can make a big difference. Remember to consider water-saving features and invest in high-quality tapware that aligns with your design vision.
The right tapware does more than just complete a room—it transforms it. With the perfect blend of elegance and practicality, your tapware can elevate your renovation and provide lasting comfort and style.