What are the different types of bathroom faucets?

Updated: Jul 14, 2024

Bathroom faucets come in a variety of styles, each suited to different preferences and bathroom designs. Here are the main types:

Features: A single handle that controls both water temperature and flow.
Installation: Requires a sink with one hole.
Ideal for: Modern and minimalist designs.
Aboutfixtures Tips: A single-hole faucet, typically deck-mounted, is easier to clean and easy to find replacement for most of the bathrooms.

Features: Separate hot and cold handles and a spout, all installed separately.
Installation: Fits on sinks with three holes, spaced 6 to 16 inches apart.
Ideal for: Larger sinks and more spacious vanities.
Aboutfixtures Tips: Widespread bathroom sink faucets typically have an 8-inch spread between the handles and spout, requiring more complex installation compared to single-hole faucets.

Features: Smaller version of widespread faucets with 4-inch handle spacing.
Installation: Fits on sinks with three holes.
Ideal for: Small bathrooms and powder rooms.
Aboutfixtures Tips: Unlike centerset faucets, mini widespread faucets install separately, providing flexibility when choosing pre-drilled holes for bathroom vanities or countertop sinks available at stores such as Rona, Home Depot, or Lowe's.

Features: Combines spout and handles on a single base unit.
Installation: Fits on sinks with three holes, spaced 4 inches apart.
Ideal for: Smaller sinks and compact spaces.
Aboutfixtures Tips: Centerset faucets are typically budget-friendly options available at stores such as Rona, Home Hardware, Home Depot, or Lowe's.

Features: Tall spout designed to pair with vessel sinks.
Installation: Can be single-hole or wall-mounted.
Ideal for: Vessel sinks and artistic bathroom designs.
Aboutfixtures Tips: Require to choose a Tall Faucet / longer spout for installation.

Features: Combines vintage and modern styles with two handles connected by a bridge.
Installation: Requires three holes for installation.
Ideal for: Traditional and farmhouse-style bathrooms.
Aboutfixtures Tips: Finding replacements can be tricky. Some brands offer customizable options for bridge width and spout length to match specific requirements. Bridge faucets are commonly found in vintage kitchens paired with farmhouse apron front sinks.

Features: Uses motion sensors to activate water flow.
Installation: Must be battery-powered or hardwired.
Ideal for: High-tech, hygienic bathrooms, as well as hotels, restaurants, and other commercial restrooms.
Aboutfixtures Tips: Touchless faucets are not only prevalent in public or commercial restrooms but are also increasingly popular in residential bathrooms, reflecting a growing trend towards modern, hygienic home environments.

Features: Attached directly to the wall above the sink.
Installation: Requires plumbing to be run through the wall.
Ideal for: Vessel sinks offer a unique, contemporary look, favoured by designers for installation!
Aboutfixtures Tips: Rough-in valve is essential for wall-mount faucets. It may come separate with the trim. It must be done before drywall installation. Once installed, they offer a clean, simple look and are easy to maintain.

Features: Mounted directly on the sink or countertop.
Installation: Available in single-hole, centerset, and widespread configurations.
Ideal for: Versatile designs that can fit various sink styles.
Aboutfixtures Tips: Commonly ensure the faucet's design complements the overall style and functionality of your bathroom, blending seamlessly with the sink and countertop.

Features: Freestanding faucets mounted on the floor, typically with a tall spout.
Installation: Requires plumbing through the floor.
Ideal for: Freestanding tubs and creating a luxurious, spa-like feel.
Aboutfixtures Tips: Installing a rough-in valve is essential for floor-mount faucets. It may come separately, please check carefully. Installation must be done before any flooring.

Features: Suspended from the ceiling with a long spout.
Installation: Requires specialized plumbing through the ceiling.
Ideal for: Modern and avant-garde bathroom designs, adding a dramatic, eye-catching feature.
Aboutfixtures Tips: ISame as floor-mounted faucet and wall-mounted faucets, installing a rough-in valve is essential for ceiling-mount faucets. Rough-in valve may come separately, please check carefully. Installation must be done before any ceiling.