Bathroom tapware come in a multitude of colours, shapes, designs and styles. It is fascinating to note that it wasn't that long ago when there were few options for taps. In todays world however, the growing needs and demands of the market have resulted in a wider than ever before collection of tapware in an assortment that is easy to get lost in.

To make it easier to choose the right bathroom tapware, it is important to follow a few steps

Choosing tapware is not as difficult as it may first appear. It can appear overwhelming when you consider the different types of taps, however it is comforting to remember that once you have a style down in mind, it then becomes a matter of matching the rest of the taps to the same style. If you know the style you are after, but are unsure on the different types of tapware, here is a quick rundown on the most common:

• Basin Mixer (Bench Mounted) - These basin mixers are fixed to a position on the vanity top or basin, where a small 32mm hole is cut-out. These mixers are used every time you wash your hands or face in the bathroom sink. Popular for small vanities as well as single mould tops, these mixers are typically straightforward and easily replaced. The taller basin mixers, which are often called "Vessel Mixers", are required for basins that sit above the counter, as they have the extra height to reach over the basin.

• Basin Mixer with Spout (Wall Mounted) - A wall mounted basin mixer is installed just below the mirror, and features a spout and mixer, typically attached together behind the wall, plumbing wise. These are great for vanities with large sinks, especially if the basin sits above the counter. They are the most pragmatic for day to day use, however are more difficult to replace than a bench mounted basin mixer and often have higher installation costs. These types of mixers are most common in new homes or fresh renovations.

• Bath Mixer with Spout (Wall Mounted) - This is almost, in all manners, the same as a basin mixer with spout. There is one key difference, and that is that there are no waterflow restrictions for bathtub spouts. In some cases, bath mixers with spouts may also have longer or shorter spouts than a typical basin mixer.

• Freestanding Bath Mixer (Floor Mounted) - These mixers connect to a point prepared in the floor by the plumber. Typically the most expensive type of tapware, with the most expensive cost of installation. Floor mounted bath mixers are very long, in order to reach over the bath, and can add an elegant appearance to your bathroom. However we are finding that the majority of people going for an elegant look are moving away from the impracticality of a floor mounted mixer, and towards a detached wall mixer and bath spout.

• Wall Mixer (Wall Mounted) - These mixers are the most common type of mixer, and are used for baths or showers. In some cases, they may be used for a vanity as well, provided that the spout it is plumbed to complies with WELS requirements, as wall mixers do not have WELS flow requirements. You may use a wall mixer with a detached bath spout for a bath, or in the shower a wall mixer is used with a detached shower.

• Wall Diverter Mixer (Wall Mounted) - A diverter mixer is functionally the same as a wall mixer, with the addition of a control, typically a press or rotatable control, that allows you to divert the flow of water from one direction to another. These are popular in showers where a rain shower is separated from a hand shower, or for a bath where the bath spout is separated from a small rinsing shower.

• Wall Top Assemblies (Wall Mounted) - these taps are frequently found in older bathrooms that have not been renovated. They use a spindle rather than a cartridge like the more modern mixer. You may purchase wall top taps with regular washers, or with a ceramic disc. A ceramic disc is the preferred choice, as the mild cost difference is adequately made up for by the significant improvement in durability.

There are still other types of tapware, such as hob sets and basin tap sets, however these have become less common over time due to the higher costs and lower practicality when compared with the modern mixer.

Bathroom tapware and colours, how do you make the right choice?

Bathroom tapware today is available in a variety of colours, from the polished chrome we have all seen, to unusual and exciting colours like the PVD brushed colours, old style copper, or even brass taps deliberately designed to show their age over time, a concept known as patina. Choosing the colour can be simple, first start with an idea of what tiles you like, and then choose a colour that complements or contrasts the tiles. Tapware colours that are dark, such as matte black or gunmetal, look most striking against lighter colour tiles and fixtures. Lighter colours, such as white and nickel, are more flexible and can be used in almost any context.

Bathroom tapware is also very easily matched to bathroom accessories, with all tapware typically having matching accessories, that have a similar style as well as colour.

Buy tapware online, and get Australia wide shipping

We are based in Sydney, and ship tapware Australia wide. You can simply choose the various taps you like, bundle them together, and ship them from the comfort of your home. Reach out to us if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular.