Make it work for you
STATEMENT TAPS If you want a quick and easy way to update your bathroom, swapping taps for something more current should do it…
When designing a bathroom the spotlight is often on the big-ticket items, but taps can have a huge impact. For clean lines and designer style, pick a contemporary choice. Q Why should I go modern? Contemporary brassware is a natural fit in a modern space but sleek, minimalist taps can create dynamic pairings in otherwise classic bathrooms, too. And new designs are easier to clean, with no dirt-trapping nooks. Q Where can I find the hottest designs?
Italian and German designer brands tend to lead trends – think Axor, Dornbracht, Gessi and Vola. Key looks – such as waterfall spouts and joystick-style handles – soon filter down into more affordable options from the likes of Bathstore, Crosswater or Ikea. Q Which finishes are best? Chrome is always a safe bet, but warmer metals like brass, rose gold and copper are a great choice of you’re after an elevated look. Boldly coloured taps, made from brass with a PVD coating – red, yellow or black pack a powerful punch in a white scheme. Designs made from mixed materials, such as chrome bodies with glass spouts are becoming more popular for homeowners who want to pack their bathrooms with personality.
Q
How do I make sure they fit?
As with any tap, modern designs come in two-hole, threehole and monobloc formats, which mix the water before it flows from the spout. Taps installed on a basin or bath require pre-drilled holes. Wall-mounted installation provides a more modern look and giving the whole scheme a more spacious feeling, plus it’s easier to keep clean.
Q
What about water pressure?
Some modern taps are only suitable for high-pressure systems. Every tap has a minimum pressure rating – typically between 0.1 and 3 bar. If you have a gravity-fed system and no pump, look for a rating of 0.2 bar or less.
“Taps are used multiple times every day – they’re the element you touch most in the bathroom. Investing in quality will always spent” be money well