Choosing Bathroom Faucets That Fit In With Your Bathroom Style

It's time again to fix that faucet. You're sick of the 'drip, drip, drip' from your bathroom sink that keeps you awake until all hours of the morning. It's not the washer in the faucet itself that's gone bad this time; it's the whole apparatus. You go to Lowe's or Home Depot and wind up staring at the huge selection before you slack jawed because you have no idea what to choose. You need help.

Keeping the Same Style Is Easiest

The easiest thing to do is to simply replace your faucet with one which is similar or identical in style. You can even take the malfunctioning faucet off of your sink and bring it in to find a good match. This of course may not be possible in all cases, in which case you'll need to learn a little bit about your current faucet's configuration to make sure that that faucet which looks perfect at the shop will actually work with your sink once you get it home. There are many different ways which faucets can mount and this is what you must be aware of before you go shopping for a replacement faucet.

Determine Your Type of Mounting

There are some common types of mounting such as widespread faucets which have individual hot and cold water handles; center set faucets with just one handle to control both hot and cold water and covering all three holes which may be in your sink for mounting; mini widespread faucets which are similar to the widespread variety but positioned closer together, single-hole which is similar to the center set design but with only one hole and last but not least, wall mounted, most commonly found on your bathtubs. The center set and mini-widespread faucets are both aimed at sinks with pre-drilled 4" holes and some of the single-holed faucets include covers allowing them to be used on a sink with 4" pre-drilled holes. Needless to say if you have one of the other types, you would be best going for a replacement of the same kind.

Once you have determined which type of mount will suit your sink, it all comes down to looks. Which finish best matches your bathroom? Look for something which will complement the look of the room. You should also evaluate whether the decor of your bathroom is classic, modern or antique in look. This will help you to choose a faucet which will match the room well.

Choosing the Finish

You've picked out the faucet. You're ready to go home and install it. Not yet. Have you considered your faucet's finish? Bathroom fixtures come in a variety of finishes, from dull to shiny, chrome to wrought iron. Each finish has its pros and cons. Stainless steel and chrome are the most common finish available, but they scratch easily and show up fingerprints and water spots. Brass, which simulates gold and is very distinctive, rusts easier. And brushed nickel, which includes your flat finishes that do not show your fingerprints, is more expensive and its plating will eventually wear. The finish is personal choice, but know your options.

Some faucets even offer a choice in the style of handles that come with it. But once again, choose something that will be a good match for your bathrooms decor. The only thing left now is to take your new faucet home and install it. And then enjoy the compliments you will get on this most basic of bathroom items.