Hello World! Welcome Friends! So you’ve got the perfect tiles, the tub you’ve always dreamed of, a statement vanity and sink combo, and a show stopping ornate mirror in your bathroom. And now it’s time to complete the whole look with suitable tapware.
Not So Fast!
When choosing tapware, remember that it will be one of the most commonly used elements in the home, both by the homeowners and by any quest. As a result, it’s critical to take your time choosing the proper tap design. You want something that will last both in functionality and appearance.
Also, shopping for tapware should be approached as a long-term decision. Changing out a damaged or disappointing tap design can incur additional costs since the tiles will get irreparably damaged and the plumbing will need to be adjusted. As a result, it’s prudent to double-check that you’ve made the appropriate decision the first time.
Even though fitting taps may appear to be the simplest chore when decorating a new bathroom, it’s easy to become overwhelmed once you dive into the sea of designs. Here’s all you need to know about tapware to make an informed decision.
Choose the Adequate Finish for a Finished Look
Although matching tapware with the rest of the bathroom is not a rule set in stone, the whole space will look much better if the different taps and metal hardware like showerheads, towel rails, and toilet paper holders are all in the same finish.
When glancing around a room, the eye is drawn to similarities in order to make a connection. And too much variety can give the impression of a busy room. That said, sticking to the same finish can make the bathroom look tied together and cohesive.
So, how do you choose a tap finish? It helps to take your existing hardware into account. For instance, if you have a contemporary bathroom, it might feature some chrome elements as this finish has been popular for quite some time now. Chrome is known for its shiny appearance and being easy to clean.
Then, you have brass finishes. If you have a traditional, vintage or art-deco style bathroom, going for a brushed brass tap collection will make the space look rich and opulent. While taking care of a brushed brass tap may seem like too much work as this finish is notorious for showing wear, if it’s left alone to age it will get an attractive patina color that will perfectly capture the vintage feel.
But if you want to maintain the lustrous shine of your brass taps, you will need to do some scrubbing from time to time. You can go for an abrasive cleaning product that’s labeled suitable for brass, or create your own natural cleaner using a mix of equal parts salt, flour and white vinegar and letting it sit on the taps for about an hour.
Another popular finish, especially in Scandi-style bathrooms, is matte black. Matte black tapware pairs especially great with ceramic sinks in a contrasting white color, but it can also be used with stainless steel sinks to achieve an industrial aesthetic. Due to their dark, mysterious looks, matte black taps are perfect for creating drama and bringing some sophisticated depth to the bathroom.
It’s worth noting, though, that faucets that have the same finish but are from different manufacturers won’t always appear the same. If you’re buying taps from scratch, then choosing from the same supplier and brand series can help establish a flawless unity.
Look for Water-Efficient Fixtures
Most models of tapware will come with a WELS star rating listed on them. The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards, or WELS, in short, shows consumers how much water-saving a particular model is.
It helps to know that bathroom taps can have a WELS rating from one to six stars. Logically, the more stars the model has, the more water-efficient it is and the more money you will save on your utility bills.
For example, low-flow water taps, commonly known as aerators, are the most water-efficient 6-star types. Air is mixed into the water flow via low-flow tapware. Even though the volume of water is substantially reduced, you get the sensation of full water flow.
A low-flow faucet can save as little as 2 liters of water each minute. The water savings are significant when compared to a conventional tap, which uses roughly 15-16L.
Consider How Easy to Use the Taps Are
While the stunning tapware designs out there may tempt you, remember that bathroom taps should be functional first and aesthetic second. As mentioned, taps are things you’ll use numerous times a day, therefore they need to be simple to operate.
Consider a monobloc tap with a single spout for dispensing a blend of hot and cold water if you have a small basin and need something that is both space-conscious and smart. Faucets installed on the wall are also available if you don’t want to drill holes into your sink and vanity. To reach the sink in this instance, the spout must be longer than conventional faucets.
And don’t forget to also think about the age of the people who will be utilizing the taps. For example, a faucet with a small rounded bezel on top that needs to be rotated may look fashionable, but using it will be incredibly difficult for an elderly person or someone who has arthritis.
Monobloc taps with a single leaver allow you to switch the water on and off with very little effort. This makes them a good alternative for families with young children and the elderly.
If young children need to use the taps, go for a design with softer, curving lines rather than sharp, angular edges to avoid accidents and injuries. This is especially crucial in the bathroom, where children can easily knock their heads. When young bathers are in the tub, a tap with a swiveling spout that can be easily moved out of the way is a much safer option.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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Toodles,
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