Your bathroom faucet is one of the first things you see and touch every morning. A well-chosen faucet doesn’t just function — it sets the tone for the entire room. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to choosing the right bathroom faucet for your space.
1. Wall-Mounted vs. Deck-Mounted
Deck-mounted faucets sit on the sink or countertop. They are the most common type and the simplest to install in most homes. They typically require 1 or 2 tap holes in the basin.
Wall-mounted faucets are fixed directly to the wall above the basin. They create a visually open vanity surface, make cleaning easier, and give the bathroom a distinctly architectural feel. Ideal for vessel sinks and above-counter basins.
2. Match Your Finish to Your Bathroom
The finish you choose should complement the existing metals in your bathroom — towel rails, mirror frames, cabinet handles, and shower fixtures.
- Brushed Brass — Warm, contemporary, and increasingly popular in modern design. Works particularly well with earthy tones and natural materials.
- Brushed Copper — Rich and distinctive. Pairs beautifully with dark tiles and wood tones.
- Matte Black — A bold, modern choice. Striking against white or light surfaces.
- Brushed Nickel — A softer alternative to chrome. Versatile and low-maintenance.
- Gunmetal / Brushed Slate — A dark, industrial-edge finish that adds drama to a contemporary bathroom.
- Chrome — Timeless and bright. Works in virtually any bathroom style.
The one-finish rule: try to use the same finish across all the metal hardware in a bathroom. It doesn’t need to be identical in texture, but consistent in tone.
3. Single Handle or Two Handles
Single-handle faucets are the modern standard — one lever controls both temperature and flow. Intuitive and easy to use, especially over a basin sink.
Two-handle faucets provide separate hot and cold controls. They tend to work best in more traditional settings or where precise temperature adjustment is important, like a family bathroom with young children.
4. Basin Type Compatibility
Before you buy, check:
- How many tap holes does your basin have? (1, 2, or 3?)
- Is the hole diameter compatible with the faucet?
- If wall-mounted, is your plumbing positioned behind the wall at the right height?
5. Minimum Pressure Requirements
Most basin faucets require a minimum water pressure of 1.5 bar to operate correctly. Check your home’s water pressure if you’re unsure. Most UK households run at 2–3 bar.
6. WRAS Certification
In the UK, any faucet used with drinking water should carry WRAS approval. This confirms the product has been independently tested and meets water regulations. All Cortenvale bathroom faucets are WRAS certified.
Cortenvale Bathroom Range
Our bathroom faucet collection includes both wall-mounted and deck-mounted designs, across six finishes. Whether you prefer the minimal cylindrical form of the KNOTA, the architectural angle of the NEXO and QUARO, or the refined curves of the AURON — each design is built to work as part of a considered, cohesive interior.
Browse the full bathroom collection at cortenvale.com/collections/bathroom.