- Table of contents
- Types of Bathroom Sink Faucets
- Bath Faucet Sizes and How to Measure
- Picking High-Quality Bathroom Faucets
- Bath Faucet Styles and Colors
Although every bathroom faucet is a functional element with the same purpose, bathroom faucets aren’t universal in terms of size, style, and configuration. Here we’ll explain the different types of bathroom sink faucets, installation considerations, and various bathroom faucet styles, so you can choose a faucet that’s right for you.
1. Types of Bathroom Sink Faucets
Faucet Mount Types
Bath faucets have three mounting options. To determine the right one for you, consider whether counter space is a priority and the number of holes in your existing sink.
Wall-mount faucets allow for more counter space than a deck-mounted faucet, as they are attached to the wall. They require a wall-mounted valve connection.
Deck-mount faucets (also called sink-mount) are attached to the countertop or rest on the sink. If you’re replacing a deck-mount faucet, the number of holes in your existing sink is a key factor. If the number of holes in your existing sink is greater than in your chosen faucet, you can use a deck plate to cover the extra holes. However, if your faucet requires more holes than your sink has, the only option is to drill additional holes in the sink.
Floor-mount faucets are the least common, as they take up more space than a deck-mount or wall-mount, and are usually used for bathtubs.
Faucet Configuration Types
Single-hole faucets. A single-hole faucet is known for easy installation, as it requires only one hole at the back of the sink or vanity. It usually has a single handle, knob, or lever at the side of the spout for precise volume control.
Two-hole faucets. A two-hole faucet has either one hole for hot water and one hole for cold water, or one hole for the spout and another for a mixing valve.
Three-hole faucets. Three-hole faucets have one hole for the spout and one each for hot and cold water.
Centerset faucets. A center-set faucet is a single piece that contains the spout and usually separate handles for hot and cold water, for precise temperature control. It is mounted directly on the sink and is used on sinks with three holes and faucet centers no more than 4 inches.
Widespread faucets. A widespread faucet is composed of three separate pieces (the spout and two separate handles) and requires a sink with three holes. This is the most popular configuration, as widespread faucets can begin at 8 inches and can measure up to 16 inches between the two furthest holes.
Vessel faucets. As most vessel sinks sit on the counter, vessel sink faucets have a taller spout and usually a single lever.
Bridge faucets. A bridge faucet has separate handles or knobs for hot and cold water, joined by a single exposed horizontal pipe, on which the spout stems in the center. They require two or three holes depending on whether the spout requires its own hole.
Faucet Connection Types
While a rough-in valve behind the wall controls a faucet’s overall water temperature and volume range, the type of sink faucet connection determines the pressure and volume for each use. The most common types of faucet connections are:
Compression valves. For separate hot and cold handles. A rubber or plastic washer seals off each valve.
Ball valves. For single-handle faucets. A sphere above the faucet base has openings and channels that can be shifted to manage water flow and temperature.
Cartridge valves. For single or double-handle faucets. A metal or plastic cartridge has holes and seals to manage water pressure and temperature.
Ceramic disc valves. Usually for single-handle faucets. One fixed and one movable disk slide against each other for more precise volume and water temperature control.
Note that wall-mounted faucets have a separate wall-mounted valve versus deck-mounted faucets.
Faucet Handle Types
There are many types of faucet handles and materials to fit a wide range of bathroom styles. The most common handle materials are metal and glass. Some of the most common faucet designs are:
Single handle. With a single-handle faucet, one handle is used directionally to manage water flow and temperature.
Double handle. Two separate handles manage hot and cold water individually.
Lever. Lever handles are the most common handle type, found on both single- and double-handle faucets. A lever is a long thin metal bar operated by lifting and lowering or pushing and pulling.
Blade. Has a flat, tapered shape that resembles an elongated horizontal teardrop.
Cross. Two arms perpendicular to each other form the shape of a cross in this type of handle. Cross handles are operated by twisting and are not as ergonomic as a lever or blade.
Knob. Knob faucets can be round, square, or another shape. They are operated by twisting and are not as ergonomic as a blade or lever handle. Crystal knob handles are particularly popular and add an elegant touch.
Wheel. Each handle is circular and has either spokes or an interior plate with holes. Wheel handles work beautifully in rustic, industrial, and farmhouse baths.
Push-tilt handle. Resembling a cap that can be lifted slightly and tilted to adjust water flow and temperature, push-tilt handles are often found in institutional settings, as they typically deter vandalism.
Important Faucet Features
Low-flow faucets: To save water and lower your water utility costs, choose a low-flow faucet type.
Touchless faucets. A touchless faucet uses an electronic or battery-operated proximity sensor rather than a manual control. The water temperature is usually fixed.
ADA-compliant. This faucet designed for people with varying abilities has handles that are easy to grasp and maneuver, such as levers or blades.
2. Bath Faucet Sizes and How to Measure
Many people wonder, “Are bathroom faucets a standard size?” The answer is no. How to measure faucet size for the right fit involves five factors:
1. Faucet center (spread). How to measure faucet spread? Measure the space between the very centers of the farthest-left hole and farthest-right hole drilled into your sink (if it has more than one). While there is no standard bathroom faucet size, faucet centers usually are 4 to 16 inches. Centerset faucets typically are 4 inches, and widespread are 6 to 8 inches. If your sink has just one hole, you’ll need a single-hole faucet with a built-in handle.
Tip: If your sink has multiple pre-drilled faucet holes but you want a single-hole faucet, you can install a deck plate or mounting plate (also known as an optional escutcheon plate) to cover the unused holes.
2. Spout height. This is the vertical measurement from the mounting surface to the highest point of the spout. If you have a mirror or cabinet above the sink, be sure the spout doesn’t impede their use. Be sure that it allows enough room to wash your hands, but taller faucets can create splashes beyond the bathroom sink unless installed over a vessel sink. The average spout height is about six inches from the bottom of the sink.
Tip: Faucet spout height vs. faucet height. These terms are often used interchangeably, and either one should be a measurement to the highest point. Check the manufacturer’s full specs for the most accurate measurements.
3. Spout reach. Spout reach is how far the spout extends from the faucet base; measure from the base to the end of the spout. Having a spout reach between a quarter of the way and halfway across the sink, or typically about four to eight inches, is often ideal for bath and kitchen faucets.
4. Faucet hole size. Faucet holes and sink holes aren’t universal sizes; they range from seven-eighths of an inch to one and one-eighth inch in diameter. If the sink holes are too large for your chosen faucet, you can install an escutcheon plate. If the holes are too small, you must drill to expand them.
5. Faucet distance from sink. The centerline of sink holes is typically about two and a half inches from the back of the sink.
Other questions people often have about bath faucet sizes and measuring include:
What is standard bathroom faucet hole spacing? Faucet holes typically are spaced four inches apart. However, some are six or eight inches. Eight-inch faucet hole spacing requires a widespread faucet.
Do I need a four-inch or eight-inch faucet? A four-inch faucet is a centerset or minispread design. An eight-inch faucet is a widespread design.
3. Picking High-Quality Bathroom Faucets
A quick overview of the high-quality sink faucet attributes:
- A high-quality bathroom sink faucet should last 15 to 20 years
- Brass (forged or cast) is a popular material for its durability and ability to resist rust. Look for a National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) 61/9 stamp on the box, meaning the solid brass faucet meets lead content standards
- Stainless steel faucets also are highly durable and contain no lead
- Zinc is less durable, and plastic is the least durable material
The most popular high-quality faucet brands:
4. Bath Faucet Styles and Colors
Latest Trends
The latest trends in bath faucets for 2024 are:
- Matte black finishes
- Brushed nickel and pewter finishes — note that brushed and black finishes resist fingerprints and water marks
- Niche colors and finishes, such as a bright color that matches a vessel sink basin, copper finishes that patinate over time, and chrome-plated brass
- Unusual designs, such as colored glass handles and channel spouts with a waterfall effect, sometimes over unique vessel sinks
- Gold and brass finishes are among the most popular as always
Popular faucet styles
Modern: Has a sleek look and a streamlined shape, often with a single lever handle. Chrome and black are popular finishes.
Contemporary: Geometric shapes, bright finishes such as brass and chrome, lack of extensive ornamentation.
Traditional: Widespread design, cross handles, antiqued finishes, ornate details.
Transitional: A blend of modern and traditional styles. Gold and other bright metals are popular.
Industrial: A utilitarian look with a rough or black finish, pieces resembling plumbing pipes, wheel handles, or a rugged design.
Rustic: Weathered and patinated finishes such as copper and oil-rubbed bronze, farmhouse-style designs, wheel handles.
However, your faucet style should be based on personal preference and the design of your bathroom. Other eternally favorite styles include streamlined midcentury modern, casual coastal, eclectic, and vintage-look victorian.
Popular brands
Brands offering a wide range of bath faucet styles and colors include: