How To: Choose the Right Faucet for Your Bathroom

Until it’s time for a remodel, your bathroom faucet might not be something you think about very often. But with so many different designs to choose from, selecting the right faucet for your bathroom can quickly become a daunting process. Read on to learn more about the 5 most common types of bathroom faucets.

4” Centerset

Two bathroom sinks with center-set faucets
In a centerset faucet, the spout and two handles are affixed to a plate to form one cohesive fixture. Centerset faucets are made for sinks or counters with 3 holes that are set 4 inches apart. For many years, this was a very popular type of faucet design, but recently, more and more homeowners have been moving towards other faucet types.

Widespread

Two bathroom sinks with widespread faucets

Widespread faucets are made up of three separate pieces – a spout and two handles. Since the components of a widespread faucet are mounted independently, three separate holes will need to be drilled into your countertop. The standard spacing between the handles of a widespread faucet is 8 inches, but different designs may require different spacing. Make sure to check your faucet before drilling any holes.

Single-Hole

A bathroom faucet with a single hole, single handle faucet

In a single-hole faucet design, the handle and the spout are combined into one fixture. This type of faucet only requires one hole to be installed in your counter or sink. Single-hole faucets tend to give off a modern vibe and can be a great option for smaller spaces where every inch of counter space is a commodity.

Vessel

Vessel faucets set in vessel sinks
Vessel faucets are a variation of the standard single-hole faucet design. This type of faucet is made specifically to be paired with a vessel sink. Since vessel sinks are designed to sit on top of the counter, vessel faucets are typically much taller than a typical single-hole faucet. When selecting a vessel faucet, it is important to ensure that the spacing between the spout and the bottom of the sink bowl is large enough for comfortable use.

Wall-Mounted

Wall-mounted faucet above a sink
Like the name suggests, wall-mounted faucets are affixed to the wall above your sink. This type of faucet has become more common along with the increase in popularity of vessel sinks and other unique sink designs. Typically, the water supply lines that feed your faucet run up through your sink. When considering a wall-mounted faucet, keep in mind that the water supply may need to be rerouted through the wall.
With so many different kinds of faucets available on the market today, not every faucet design can be easily classified into one of the categories above.

4 thoughts on “How To: Choose the Right Faucet for Your Bathroom”

  1. Thanks for your post,because i need to buy a bathroom faucet so i glad to seen your post. Your content is really helpful for me. Thank you again for share a such helpful and informative post.

    Reply
  2. you’ll want to choose a design that matches your decor. but also functions well for you and your family considered spout height and reach when choosing your faucets spell height is how far the end of the spouts is above the rim of the sink. you’ll want enough clearance to comfortably wash your hands.

    Reply
  3. Thanks for mentioning that vessel faucets are much taller than traditional faucets. I’ve been thinking about remodeling my master bathroom sometime this month. I’d really like to get a new faucet that will have a higher pressure than my current one.

    Reply

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