Wall Tapware: Is It the Best Choice for Your Kitchen, Bathroom, and Laundry?
If you’re planning a renovation or fitting out a new build, there’s a good chance you’ve come across wall tapware—and maybe you’re wondering whether it’s the right choice for your space. From bathroom wall taps to kitchen wall faucets, this style of tapware is becoming increasingly popular across Perth homes, and for good reason.
As the Head of Purchasing at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, I help homeowners compare tapware options every day. And one of the most common questions I get is: “Are wall taps better than mixers or traditional three-piece sets?” The truth is, it depends on where you’re installing them and what kind of look—and functionality—you’re after.
Today, I’ll break down the pros and cons of wall taps in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry, comparing them with deck-mounted options like mixer wall taps, three-piece sets, and freestanding fixtures. We’ll look at everything from layout and cleaning to cost, installation, and design choices like black wall taps, wall bath taps, and more. If you’ve been searching for the most practical—and stylish—tapware solution for your home, you’re in the right place.
What Is Wall Tapware?
Wall tapware refers to taps installed directly into the wall, with the spout and handles—or mixer—protruding outward, rather than being mounted on the benchtop, sink, or bath edge. This tapware style connects to plumbing concealed inside the wall cavity, offering a sleek, floating appearance that’s increasingly popular in modern renovations.
You might hear people refer to these as taps on wall or taps from wall, but they all describe the same thing: in-wall tapware designed for use above a basin, bath, kitchen sink, or laundry trough. Wall tapware is available in a few main configurations—mixer wall taps (spout and single lever), three-piece wall taps (spout with separate hot and cold handles), and combination sets where mixer and spout are mounted on a shared backplate.
While most people associate taps from wall with bathroom basins or baths, they’re equally practical in the kitchen and laundry, especially when paired with inset sinks or troughs. Whether chasing a minimalist look, freeing up bench space, or planning your plumbing around a splashback, wall-mounted tapware is worth considering across every wet area in your home.
Bathroom Wall Tapware vs Other Tapware Options: What’s Best?
Wall tapware is a standout choice in modern bathrooms, offering a streamlined look and freeing up valuable space—whether you’re installing it over a basin or a bath. But is it always the best option? And how do they compare to basin mixers or freestanding bath mixers in terms of functionality, cost, and layout?
Let’s break it down by type.
Wall Basin Tapware: Wall vs Mixer vs Three-Piece
In bathrooms, it’s popular to see taps on wall with above counter basins—particularly where bench space is limited or a sleek, minimalist look is desired. But how does it compare with more traditional options like basin mixers and three-piece tapware?
At Ross’s, we often help customers compare three main options: wall basin taps, basin mixers, and three-piece tapware. Here’s a breakdown of how they differ and what each one offers.
| Feature | Wall Basin Taps | Basin Mixer Taps | Three-Piece Tapware |
| Design Style | Sleek, minimalist, floating look | Compact, modern, streamlined | Traditional, symmetrical, often more decorative |
| Installation | In-wall plumbing, higher cost | Deck-mounted, simple install | Deck-mounted, moderate install effort |
| Ease of Use | Single mixer or two handles (varies) | One handle for temp and flow control | Separate hot and cold handles |
| Best for | Modern or space-limited bathrooms | Small vanities or contemporary designs | Federation, heritage or classic bathrooms |
| Cleaning | Easy to clean around, no clutter | Easy cleaning, minimal hardware | More to clean around due to multiple fittings |
| Cost Impact | High install cost, premium appearance | Affordable, simple upgrade option | Mid-range, good for restoring older bathrooms |
Wall Basin Tapware
Basin wall tapware gives a custom look that works beautifully with above counter basins. The wall-mounted spout and handle(s) create more usable bench space and bring a sense of elevation to the room. But keep in mind that in-wall plumbing means you’ll need to finalise your placement before tiling and ensure correct height and reach.
Basin Mixer Tap
If you’re short on space or working with existing plumbing, a basin mixer tap is an excellent choice. It’s easy to install, simple to use, and a perfect fit for smaller vanities. See our Ultimate Basin Mixer Buying Guide for a deeper look at mixers.
Three-Piece Tapware
Want a more classic look or renovating a period-style home? Three-piece tapware offers elegant symmetry and tactile charm. It’s especially handy if your vanity already has three holes drilled and you want to avoid replumbing.
Quick Pick: Choose wall tapware for basins if you’re after a sleek, elevated look and have space for in-wall plumbing.
TL;DR: Choose basin wall tapware for a sleek, modern look, especially with above counter basins and minimalist designs. Stick with a basin mixer if you’re working with limited space or want simplicity. Prefer a heritage touch? Three-piece tapware gives you classic charm with easy compatibility for older plumbing setups.
Still not sure what bathroom tapware option is best? Read or post on Wall-Mounted Bathroom Tap Pros and Cons to help you decide.
Wall Bath Tapware: Wall Taps vs Freestanding Mixers
Wall tapware for baths offers a tidy, space-efficient solution when your bath is positioned against a tiled wall. But in bathrooms with a freestanding tub, a freestanding bath mixer may be more fitting—if you have the space and budget.
Whether installing a back-to-wall bath or a freestanding bathtub, choosing between wall bath tapsand a freestanding bath mixer comes down to space, access, style, and budget.
Here’s a comparison to help you decide which suits your bathroom and lifestyle best.
| Feature | Wall Bath Taps | Freestanding Bath Mixers |
| Design Style | Neat, minimalist, suits back-to-wall or inset baths | Bold, sculptural, ideal for freestanding centrepiece baths |
| Installation Location | Mounted into tiled wall | Mounted into floor, often beside bath |
| Plumbing Requirements | In-wall plumbing, moderate complexity | Floor plumbing, high complexity |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | Easy to clean around, no exposed fittings | Slightly harder to clean around base |
| Visual Impact | Subtle and space-saving | High visual impact, creates a luxury feel |
| Cost Impact | More cost-effective, especially in renovations | More expensive due to plumbing and product cost |
| Best for | Small or narrow bathrooms, built-in or back-to-wall baths | Open layouts, luxury bathrooms, statement bath setups |
Wall Bath Tapware
If your bath is positioned against a tiled wall, wall bath tapware is the most practical and space-efficient option. These taps from wall include a spout (often longer to reach over the bath edge) and may feature either a mixer or separate hot and cold wall top assemblies. They look neat, don’t take up floor space, and allow you to keep your plumbing hidden within the wall cavity.
They’re also easier to maintain and clean around than freestanding bath mixers—no need to worry about water pooling around fittings. At Ross’s, we often recommend mounted wall faucets for smaller bathrooms or where the bath is built into a recess or alcove. They’re also significantly more affordable to install than freestanding options, especially if your plumbing is already in the wall.
Freestanding Bath Mixers
A freestanding bath mixer is all about drama and design. Perfect for freestanding baths that sit away from walls, these mixers make a bold visual statement and bring a luxury-hotel vibe to your bathroom. They’re often used in master ensuites or high-end renovations where aesthetics are just as important as function.
However, they require dedicated floor plumbing, which can be tricky or expensive to install—especially if you’re retrofitting into an existing bathroom. Cleaning around the base can also be a bit more involved. But if you’ve got the space and the budget, the effect is well worth it. Customers often pair these with freestanding oval or egg-shaped baths to create a true centrepiece.
Quick Pick: Bath wall tapware is ideal for back-to-wall baths; choose a freestanding mixer for big impact and layout flexibility.
TL;DR: Go with wall tapware for baths if your tub sits against a wall and you want a clean, functional setup with easier installation. Choose a freestanding bath mixer if you’re after a high-impact design feature and have the room—and budget—to make it work.
Need more help choosing bathroom taps? Check out our Ultimate Bathroom Tapware Buying Guide for expert advice on styles, finishes, pressure requirements and layout tips—perfect for renovating a bathroom or ensuite.
Kitchen Wall Tapware: How It Compares to Mixers and Three-Piece Taps
The kitchen sink is one of the hardest-working parts of the home—so getting your tapware right is a big deal. While most Australian kitchens stick with standard kitchen mixers, kitchen taps on wall are gaining popularity for their practicality and clean design. Whether you’re building a new kitchen or updating an old one, it’s worth comparing your options before you decide.
At Ross’s, we help customers choose between three main types of kitchen tapware: kitchen wall taps, kitchen mixers, and three-piece sets. Here’s how they stack up.
| Feature | Kitchen Wall Taps | Kitchen Mixer | Three-Piece Tapware |
| Design Style | Clean, classic, pairs well with splashbacks | Sleek, modern, fits most benchtop layouts | Traditional, suits heritage-style kitchens |
| Installation | In-wall plumbing, may need pre-planning | Deck-mounted, straightforward install | Deck-mounted, needs multiple holes |
| Ease of Use | Two handles or a single mixer | Single handle for temp and flow control | Separate hot and cold handles |
| Best for | Inset/farmhouse sinks, tiled splashbacks | Most common modern kitchens | Older homes, restorations |
| Cleaning | Easy to clean around, no fittings on bench | Easy wipe-down, minimal fittings | More joins, harder to clean around |
| Cost Impact | Mid to high (due to in-wall plumbing) | Most cost-effective | Mid-range, but more complex plumbing |
Kitchen Wall Taps
Wall kitchen taps offer more than just looks—they create extra bench space, reduce clutter, and make cleaning a breeze. Installing taps from wall complements inset sinks and farmhouse basins, especially where tiled splashbacks or window-facing layouts make benchtop-mounted taps awkward. They’re ideal for anyone chasing a timeless, architectural kitchen with better splash control.
Just keep in mind: like other wall tapware, you’ll need to plan your plumbing early. If you’re retrofitting, installation may be trickier depending on access behind your splashback.
Kitchen Mixers
The most common tapware style by far is kitchen mixers, which offer single-lever control of temperature and water flow, all in one neat fitting. They’re easy to install, budget-friendly, and compatible with most standard sink and benchtop setups.
If you want a pull-out sprayer or a high arc design, you’ll likely find it in mixer form. While they may not offer the visual drama of wall taps, they’re a go-to for everyday practicality and are available in finishes from chrome to matte black.
Three-Piece Kitchen Tapware
Still found in many older homes, three-piece tapware features a spout with two separate handles—one for hot and one for cold—installed onto a benchtop. While not as space-efficient as other options, they bring a sense of nostalgia and suit heritage kitchens, especially with ceramic or cross-style handles.
They’re also a practical option if you’re updating an existing setup with three holes and want to avoid altering your benchtop or cabinetry.
Quick Pick: Kitchen wall tapware is perfect for tiled splashbacks and farmhouse sinks—just plan early for in-wall plumbing.
TL;DR: Choose wall tapware for kitchens if you want a classic, clean look with easy-to-clean surfaces and more splashback space—especially around deep inset sinks. Go for a kitchen mixer for convenience, affordability, and compatibility. Prefer a traditional or vintage look? Three-piece taps are functional and full of character, particularly in older kitchens.
Planning your kitchen renovation? Our Kitchen Tapware Buying Guide covers everything you need to know about kitchen mixer types, sink compatibility, spout height, finish selection and installation tips.
Laundry Wall Tapware vs Other Tapware Options: What’s Best?
The laundry is a true home workhorse, which means your tapware needs to do more than just look good. Whether you’re soaking stained clothes, filling a mop bucket, or rinsing paint brushes, your taps must be functional, durable, and easy to clean around. That’s where choosing the right tapware becomes critical.
At Ross’s, we help Perth homeowners weigh up the pros and cons of the three most common laundry tapware options: laundry wall taps, laundry mixer taps, and three-piece tapware. Here’s how they differ when it comes to laundry-specific use.
| Feature | Laundry Wall Taps | Laundry Mixer Tap | Three-Piece Tapware |
| Functionality | Simple and sturdy, but not always swivel | Always swivel, great for directing water easily | Fixed position, less flexible |
| Best Use Case | Troughs with tiled splashbacks | Drop-in sinks with cabinetry | Older troughs or built-in cabinets |
| Installation | In-wall plumbing, may require build-out | Deck-mounted, simple install | Deck-mounted, three holes needed |
| Ergonomics | Good for wall access but limited range | High-arc and pull-out options make usage easy | Basic function, no flexibility |
| Cleaning | Easy to clean wall area, no deck clutter | Simple wipe-down, all in one unit | More joins, harder to clean |
| Visual Appeal | Practical, understated | Sleek and modern | Traditional and functional |
| Cost Consideration | Mid-range, wall plumbing adds cost | Most affordable for modern renos | Moderate if plumbing is already in place |
Laundry Wall Taps
Laundry wall taps are standard for laundries, especially when paired with ceramic troughs or steel sinks mounted against a tiled splashback. They’re functional, easy to clean around, and ideal if you’re retrofitting into a brick or block wall that already has plumbing at height.
That said, not all wall tapware includes a swivel spout—which can be a drawback in the laundry. A fixed spout may not reach every corner of the trough, making it harder to rinse large items or fill a mop bucket. When customers are set on wall taps, we recommend choosing a swivel spout model for added flexibility.
Laundry Mixer Taps
Where taps on wall sometimes fall short, laundry mixer taps tend to shine. They almost always feature swivel spouts or even pull-out spray heads—great for aiming water where you need it, whether washing out a muddy school uniform or filling a heavy bucket that won’t fit neatly in the sink.
Mixers also suit built-in cabinetry with engineered stone or laminate benchtops, where benchtop-mounted tapware makes sense. You only need one hole for installation, and the single-handle control makes one-handed operation easy when you’ve got your hands full.
Three-Piece Tapware
If you’ve got an older laundry setup with an existing three-hole laundry cabinet or benchtop, three-piece tapware sets are still a reliable option. While not as flexible as mixers or modern wall taps, it’s easy to service, especially if you prefer separate hot and cold control. This can be handy in homes with older plumbing systems that aren’t compatible with modern mixer cartridges.
Functionally, three-piece sets lack features like swivelling or adjustable flow direction, which are handy in a utility-focused space like a laundry. If you go this route, choose a spout with enough reach and clearance for most tasks you’ll use it for.
Quick Pick: In laundries, wall tapware works best with a swivel spout—mixers win if you need reach and range.
TL;DR: Choose wall tapware for laundries if you have a tiled splashback and want a clean look—but make sure it has a swivel spout for bucket filling and rinsing. Go with a mixer tap if you want flexibility, especially for daily utility tasks like soaking clothes or cleaning. Stick with three-piece tapware only if you’re working with an existing layout or restoring a traditional setup.
Need a practical tap that can handle laundry life? Visit Ross’s and we’ll show you the best wall tapware options for real-world use—bucket-filling included.
Conclusion: Is Wall Tapware Right for You?
Wall tapware has come a long way. Whether you’re designing a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry, it offers a sleek, practical alternative to traditional tapware—with the added bonus of easier cleaning and a more open-feeling space. But it’s not the right fit for everyone.
If you’re working with tight benchtop space or want to showcase a feature splashback, taps on the wall are a clever design move. Remember: they need more upfront planning and may require a higher installation budget, especially for in-wall plumbing or tiled surfaces.
From bathroom wall taps over above counter basins to kitchen tapware on the wall paired with farmhouse sinks, or laundry wall taps that need a swivel spout for bucket filling, every room has different requirements.
Still not sure what suits your home best? Come and visit us at Ross’s Discount Home Centre in Guildford. Our experienced team can walk you through the options in person and help you find the right tapware for your layout, style, and budget. Whether it’s a wall faucet, black wall taps, or something more traditional, we’ve got the range—and the advice—you can count on.
