Bathroom Faucet Buying Guide


Bathroom Faucet Buying Guide - Vassor Single-Hole Bathroom Faucet in Brushed Gold Bathroom Faucet Buying Guide - Vassor Single-Hole Bathroom Faucet in Brushed Gold

Whether you’re doing a full bathroom renovation or just upgrading fixtures, the faucet is what keeps the room running. With a variety of styles, installation types, and finishes; it can feel overwhelming to make a selection. We’ve got you covered.


Installation Type

When selecting a bathroom faucet, make sure that the style you choose is compatible with your sink. Most faucets are designed to fit pre-drilled holes, but some may require special installation and plumbing. Whether mounted to the wall, countertop, or directly onto the sink, it is important to know the anatomy of a bathroom faucet and the benefits that come with each option.

Read: How Hard is it to Install Bathroom Fixtures?

Widespread

Widespread faucets are designed for three-hole installation and feature three separate pieces: two handles and a spout. The standard distance between the handles is at least 8 inches, making them slightly larger than other types of bathroom faucets.

Shop All Widespread Faucets 

Centerset

Centerset faucets are designed for standard three-hole installation and have handles that are 4 inches apart. These faucets typically feature two handles mounted to a 6-inch plate, or escutcheon, and are a great fit for most bathroom sinks.

Shop All Centerset Faucets 

Single Hole

Single hole faucets are installed directly onto the countertop and require only one drilled hole. Single or double handle styles are available, and often come with decorative plates to cover unneeded pre-drilled holes.

Shop All Single Hole Faucets 

Bridge

Bridge faucets offer a classic look that features an above-counter “bridge” that connects the hot and cold water supplies. These are ideal for undermount sinks and make it easy to clean the countertop around the faucet.

Shop All Bridge Faucets 

Wall-Mount

Wall-mount faucets are mounted to the wall above the sink. If you want to preserve countertop space and streamline the cleaning process for those hard-to-reach areas, this style may be the right fit. To ensure compatibility of the sink and faucet, measure the height and distance of the waterspout. A wall-mount faucet may require relocating your existing plumbing, so consider contacting a professional to perform the job.

Shop All Wall-Mount Faucets 

Widespread

Widespread faucets are designed for three-hole installation and feature three separate pieces: two handles and a spout. The standard distance between the handles is at least 8 inches, making them slightly larger than other types of bathroom faucets.

Shop All Widespread Faucets 

Centerset

Centerset faucets are designed for standard three-hole installation and have handles that are 4 inches apart. These faucets typically feature two handles mounted to a 6-inch plate, or escutcheon, and are a great fit for most bathroom sinks.

Shop All Centerset Faucets 

Single Hole

Single hole faucets are installed directly onto the countertop and require only one drilled hole. Single or double handle styles are available, and often come with decorative plates to cover unneeded pre-drilled holes.

Shop All Single Hole Faucets 

Bridge

Bridge faucets offer a classic look that features an above-counter “bridge” that connects the hot and cold water supplies. These are ideal for undermount sinks and make it easy to clean the countertop around the faucet.

Shop All Bridge Faucets 

Wall-Mount

Wall-mount faucets are mounted to the wall above the sink. If you want to preserve countertop space and streamline the cleaning process for those hard-to-reach areas, this style may be the right fit. To ensure compatibility of the sink and faucet, measure the height and distance of the waterspout. A wall-mount faucet may require relocating your existing plumbing, so consider contacting a professional to perform the job.

Shop All Wall-Mount Faucets 

Handle Type

Serving both function and form, faucet handles vary by personal preference. Single Handle faucets control the water temperature through one handle, while double handle faucets feature a separate handle for hot and cold water. Options include:

Lexia Widespread Bathroom Sink Faucet with lever handle
Lever Handle
Vassor Widespread Bathroom Sink Faucet with cross handle
Cross Handle
Lentz Widespread Bathroom Sink Faucet with knob handle
Knob Handle

Spout Height & Reach

Officially, there is no standard distance that a faucet should reach into a sink, but there are a few things you want to consider. Ideally, you should have your spout centered over the sink drain.

If the spout is too low or short, you may have trouble getting under it for everyday tasks like washing your hands or brushing your teeth. If the spout is too high, it could cause water to splash all over the countertop and surrounding area. Generally, the spout should not extend beyond halfway into the sink.

Lentz Single-Hole Bathroom Sink Faucet in Brushed Gold

Color and Finish

Faucets are constructed of brass and plated in varying water resistant metal finishes. When selecting a finish, consider how it complements existing elements in your space, makes the statement you want, and how little or how much it will require to keep clean.

oil-rubbed bronze swatch for bathroom faucets
Oil Rubbed Bronze
brushed nickel swatch for bathroom faucets
Brushed Nickel
brushed gold swatch for bathroom faucets
Brushed Gold
matte black swatch for bathroom faucets
Matte Black
polished nickel swatch for bathroom faucets
Polished Nickel
chrome swatch for bathroom faucets
Chrome
antique copper swatch for bathroom faucets
Antique Copper
polished brass swatch for bathroom faucets
Polished Brass
aged brass swatch for bathroom faucets
Aged Brass
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