Whether you have private spa-like bathroom or a functional washroom used by the whole family, it's important to choose the right basin taps. Modern bathroom basin taps come with new features such as eco-friendly tech that helps limits water use, while other sink basin taps can be made to look more rustic or vintage. No matter your needs, there's a bathroom tap style for you. Our bathroom tap buying guide covers the most popular ways to mount your bathroom sink taps, the many tap handle options out there, as well as a few special features.

Bathroom Tap Installation Types

The five common bathroom sink tap mounting options are: 'single-hole', 'centreset', 'widespread', 'vessel' and 'wall-mounted'. Choosing the correct mounting option (the number and placement of holes) is especially important if you're installing a new tap into an existing sink or countertop, where a set number of holes and spacing are already in place. A bathroom sink or countertop usually comes with three holes, but that number can vary. Sink hole covers can be used to hide unused holes. A tap spread refers to the width between handles.

Single-Hole Taps

Providing more precise volume and temperature control, single-hole taps make the most of a small sink space. This type of tap is also much easier to install. If you have chosen a single-hole tap but have multiple holes in your existing cabinet, look for a tap with an option escutcheon plate. If you have one hole on your existing sink or countertop, this is an ideal fit.

Centerset Taps

A centerset tap works with both single-hole and 3-hole basins; this is an easy-to-install option. This style features a deckplate that contains the handles and spout in one plate. This type of tap can be used on sinks and countertops with one to three holes. Centerset taps require holes with 4-inch centres. This is the measurement from the centre of the left hole to the centre of the right. This is a popular tap style.

Widespread Taps

Taps and handles are mounted individually to the sink or countertop without a deckplate in a widespread tap. Multiple holes on your countertop or sink are required for installation. Widespread taps require holes with a range of 8-inch to 16-inch centres. Also known as non-deckplate taps, widespread taps are the most popular option.

Vessel Sink Taps

Vessel sinks sit above the countertop, and therefore require taller taps. Taps that are taller than 4 inches will clear most vessel sink basins and are therefore called vessel sink taps. It is important to measure the height of your vessel sink before purchasing a tap.

Wall Mounted Taps

Wall-mounted taps are hung on the wall above the sink, making it easier to clean the countertop. It requires a separate wall-mounted valve and drain for installation. Also, a new rough-in valve may be required when replacing an existing wall-mounted tap

Tip:Consider a wall-mounted or single-hole style if you want a touchless or touch-activated tap.

Bathroom Tap Types

Mono Basin Mixer

The most common type of bathroom basin tap, mixer taps provide the desired temperature of water by mixing hot and cold water. The water flows through a single spout.

Deck Mounted Taps

Deck mounted taps come directly attached to the basin. This style of bathroom tap comes as either single or centreset.

Pillar Taps

A more traditional style of bathroom tap, pillar taps are usually used in 2-hole basins and come with two separate handles - one for cold water and the other for hot.

Timed Flow Taps

Timed flow taps are designed to shut off after a set amount of water has flowed. These tap types are much more energy and cost efficient.

Bridge & Deck Taps

Bridge taps are retro in design and typically come with two tap handles that are connected across the middle. Both tap and handles stem from one single base.

Bathroom Tap Finish Types

Bathroom sink taps come in a variety of finishes including brushed nickel, chrome, black, gold and brass, so you;re sure to find one to suit your bathroom's design. To find the ideal finish for your taps, simply filter by 'finish' when browsing the bathroom tap catalouge page.

Handle Options

Single Handle

A single-handled tap can come attached to a deckplate to cover up unused handle holes, but it doesn't always. Hot and cold water are both operated through one handle.

Lever Handle

One of the more common handle styles, lever handles swivel forward to turn on and off the tap. Lever taps come in styles that turn horizontally or vertically, and in styles with two handles or one main handle.

Cross Handle

Cross handles twist left and right to turn the water on and off. With a more distinctive design, cross handles often have a vintage look.

Double Handle

Double-handled taps may have individually mounted handles or the handles may be integrated into a deck plate. They feature separate handles for hot and cold water.

Knob Handle

Similar to cross handles, knob handles also twist to turn the tap on and off. These handles can offer a more minimal design or a vintage look with glass knobs.

Bathroom Sink Tap Holes

1-Hole Taps

1-hole tap types make the most of a smaller sink space. This style can easily accommodate single or centerset taps.

2-Hole Taps

2-hole styles are most commonly used with taps that are attached to a base.

3-Hole Taps

3-hole tap types work better with centerset or widespread tap mouths.

Special Features

Touchless Taps

Touchless tap styles require no active handle. The motion sensors in the tap detect when your hands are close and automatically turn on the water. These tap types are usually sleek in design and offer a more hygienic hand-washing experience.

Swivel Spout Taps

Swivel taps allow you to manoeuvre the direction of the water flow to suit your needs.

Waterfall Spout Taps

Waterfall taps are defined by a design or aesthetic feature rather than a functional element. The water pours from the spout similar to a waterfall.

Tip: Now that you're clued up on bathroom sink taps, learn how to remove and replace your old model for a new one with our step-by-step guide to replacing a bathroom tap.