How to Choose a Bathroom Faucet

Whether you’re revamping a powder room or starting a master suite from scratch, you’ll need a bathroom faucet that fits. Here’s how to ensure the one you pick is The One.

• Does the bathroom see heavy traffic? If it’s a morning gridlock zone, opt for a function-first faucet.
• Who uses the bathroom faucet in your home? You’ll want a faucet that’s easy to turn on and off, particularly if elderly family members or kids are regular users. Hands-free models make it a cinch. Or opt for a single-handle faucet, which makes adjusting the water temperature a snap.
• How deep is the sink? Smaller bathroom sinks need smaller fixtures (a faucet that’s too big will leave your countertop drenched). A vessel-style sink needs a faucet tall enough to crane over the bowl.
• Picking out new countertops, too? Some counters are custom-drilled to match your faucet holes, so you’ll need to buy the faucet first.
• What two words describe your bathroom’s style? You’ll want to tell your salesperson whether you’re aiming for industrial-chic or retro-glam.

• The thickness of the deck—that’s the sink or countertop, whatever your faucet will attach to.
• The number of holes in the deck.
• The spacing in inches between each hole, measured from the approximate center.

• Your measurements.
• A measuring tape.
• Any materials you plan to match the faucet’s finish with (such as cabinet hardware), and photos of your sink area. Shopping online? Send snapshots to your salesperson.

• Match the faucet finish to that of the bath or shower fixtures. If the sink is in a powder room, match it to the cabinet hardware instead. Most faucets are available in stainless steel, bronze and chrome, though those finishes aren’t identical from brand to brand.
• If you’re keeping your countertop, make sure the faucet won’t extend too far over the sink once it’s installed. The water stream should hit near the center of the basin or just behind it.
• Before you choose, find out whether a lifetime warranty covers the faucet. Most well-known brands offer them.
• Ask your salesperson about the longevity of the brand. You want to be sure the company will be in business down the line to honor that warranty.

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There are many different types of bathroom faucets, and choosing the right bathroom faucet type can be a challenge. From deciding between a one hole vs three hole faucet to what size faucet is best for the bathroom sink, here’s how to choose a bathroom faucet that will look and work great in your space.

Single hole faucets are a simple, classic addition to any bathroom sink with their streamlined and modern appearance. They are also relatively easy to install, as they only require one hole in the sink or countertop. Single hole faucets may be ideal for a smaller sink, such as in powder rooms.

Centerset faucets have the hot and cold water handles, as well as the spout, mounted on a single base or plate, and are a great option for those who prefer a more traditional look. There are endless options available including varying faucet heights as well as single-handle or two-handle options.

Widespread bathroom faucets have each piece mounted on separate base plates, making them an ideal choice for larger bathroom sinks. Widespread faucets offer a classic and sophisticated look and feature two handles to make controlling hot and cold water easy.

Wall mount bathroom faucets are mounted on the wall above the bathroom sink or countertop, rather than being installed in the sink itself, making them a great choice for sinks without pre-drilled holes. Wall mounted bathroom faucets add an upscale and streamlined look to any bathroom, as they do not have any visible mounting hardware.

Choosing the perfect finish for your bathroom faucet can really elevate your space. From classic Chrome to sophisticated Champagne Bronze™ to modern Matte Black, the possibilities are endless. If easy cleanup is your priority, consider a faucet with a Lumicoat™ Finish that easily wipes clean with just a soft cloth and is guaranteed to resist hard water stains and mineral buildup.

Does leftover toothpaste in the sink drive you crazy? Consider a Pull-Down Bathroom Faucet. The pull-down spray wand simplifies cleanup by quickly clearing away toothpaste, dirt and small debris. To help avoid messes on your faucet, consider a bathroom faucet with Touch₂O.xt Technology that lets you turn on the faucet with just a tap. A simple touch anywhere on the spout or handle with your wrist or forearm activates the flow of water, stopping messes before they start.