Guide to Designing and Buying a Bathroom

A Professional Designers Guide

Bathroom Taps Guide

Taps are fairly self explanitary and possible to cover without too much introduction . There are technical issues such as water pressure , types of valves and numbers of tap holes required, that need clarification but that is it. it is possible to browse all the suppliers complete ranges through my links, if you want to focus on one company.

Please click on company name links to view products

Ceramic or washer option

Rubber washer type tap valves are a very old system that can be more practical in hard water areas where ceramic valves can clog up frequently.It is available in more traditional styles but should be considered as a cheap repairable option for the handyman.

High pressure or gravity fed taps

Many European taps are made for higher pressure systems than our gravity tank fed systems so it is necessary to decide whether your water system requires upgrading or you require low pressure tap options.

Modern pillar taps

Not an option chosen by younger customers, but has a following with older customers who have a habit of banging their heads on single hole taps !

Traditional pillar taps

There is more justification for use of this option with Pegler type traditional taps for traditional or period interiors and they look better than single hole mixers on a traditional sink.

Three hole mixer taps

An elegant tap option with traditional and modern choices. This style can look particularly good on larger sinks and in larger schemes. The look is stylish on the traditional inset baths

twin lever modern taps

This is a popular option for bathroom taps with good choice and style options. The twin lever style is more practical for easy use and for impaired hand function by using large lever choices. I have provided links to popular and more design based styles.

Twin lever and cross head traditional taps

Still a popular choice for period properties and period style. I seem to use this style less and less because of the interest in transitional and more modern styles.Traditional taps are popular as single hole twin lever or as crosshead taps. I prefer the crosshead option if compact and well made, There is a lot of reproduction rubbish around that is heavier styling and never looks as good as slim elegant original reproductions.

Tall basin taps

This tap is required for vessel basins if the wall-mounted tap option is not used. It can look out of scale with delicate styles of vessel so I prefer the wall variety.

Hansgrohe taps . Hudson Reed taps 1 . Hudson Reed taps 2 . Hansgrohe taps . Tre Mercati taps

Single hole twin lever or cross head traditional taps

Traditional taps are popular as single hole twin lever or as crosshead taps. I prefer the crosshead option if compact and well made, There is a lot of reproduction rubbish around that is heavier styling and never looks as good as slim elegant original reproductions.

Transitional taps

These are taps that have elements of traditional and modern design. If it is a cross head tap then it will have modern styling to update the look for instance. This style is also good for bathrooms with freestanding modern baths and other transitional elements.

Ultra taps . Hudson Reed taps . Hansgrohe taps 1 . Grohe taps . Hansgrohe taps 2 . Tre Mercati taps

Single hole single lever modern taps

This is my favourite option for basin fitted taps. it is a simple and elegant solution with nothing more than is needed. It can be a problem with combi boilers to regulate the temperature, and it can baffle some users but it is easy to learn if patient.

Traditional wall mounted taps

Wall mounted taps are my favourite design option, but are tricky to fit into solid walls and can cause lots of problems if they start leaking from the back after tiling. Traditional bath options are elegant but again are a fitters Achiles heal.

Transitional wall mounted taps

Transitional wall mounted taps are a middle of the road kind of solution and not one that excites me with so many stylish modern options available. I think that there is a lot of work to fit these taps so I would prefer to make a statement

Retro wall-mounted taps

A good compromise option for the more traditional house that requires updating but without losing its identity. This style can look good in a number of style contexts so is quite versatile.

Hudson Reed taps . Tre Mercati taps . Heritage taps . Hansgrohe taps

Modern wall mounted taps

This is my favourite style and design option with a better choice than traditional options. This style is pricy compared to normal taps and costs more to fit. I would still consider it because the basin access for washing can be set to suit the user more than sink fittings.

Hudson Reed taps . Hansgrohe Axor taps . Grohe taps . Bristan taps . Hansgrohe taps . Bristan taps

4/5 hole Tap combinations

This option is for the larger bath and provides a shower tap and soap dispenser facility. The shower head hose and dispenser are recessed into the bath side making it a much neater solution than exposed options.

3 hole bath fillers

An elegant option whether modern or traditional. I like this style of tap with its echos of traditional styling and ageless adaptability. the styling is also more minimalist compared to bridge type taps,

2 hole bath fillers modern

This category covers all the most popular bath filler options in the medium and lower price brackets whether deck or bridge.

Bath pillar taps traditional

Another traditional option that is more for the period renovation and is not as pretty as the 3 taphole traditional options. I think there are too many nicer options for me to take this particular road.

Bath pillar taps modern

Again this is a traditionalists option in modern form and not for the adventurous. I have rarely had to resort to this option for anyone under 70 years of age ( only kidding ). This is quite an economical choice on the upside.

Floor-standing bath fillers

A traditional option that has been updated for modern freestanding baths. Other options are wall mounted and bath mounted taps. I the choice is roll top type then this is the best option for providing clean uncluttered lines to the bath.

Shower type bath mixer taps modern

Shower option type single and double hole bath taps are more elegant with bridge type phone options, but not very neat with low level wall brackets. Single hole single lever options are even less elegant with hoses trailing in the bath for low level use.

Shower type traditional bath mixer

This is the telephone style bridge mixer that is always found on traditional rolltop baths until recent modern updates. I have a nostalgic soft spot for this style and have used Pegler often in the past with various traditional house renovations.

Spout type bath fillers

It is possible to run a bath spout off the shower valve if you buy a valve with a diverter on it. The bath shower screen can be a hindrence but the look is minimalist and very neat.

Special Bath fillers

The waterfall type bath fillers add theatre and fun to the bath experience and are a stylish addition to the large bathroom. Water output often needs increasing with pumps for the best effect and this will fil lthe bath quickly keeping the water warm but emptying your tank very quickly!

Overflow bath type fillers

This is a neat solution again connected to your shower valve or tap studs on the side of your bath. The outlet is an adapted overflow device connected to the overflow hole. This is a neat solution but not an elegant one.

Bath single lever taps

This section has been added to emphasise the fact that this is a neat and minimalist solution especially sited to the front of the bath with some shower bath options. It is easier to keep clean and can solve design problems.

Bath wall-mounted taps

Another stylish and ultra modern solution if chosen wisely. You will probably guess that I like a bath with nothing on it. After 5 years of climbing over a front mounted single lever tap on our Ideal Standard 'P' bath I probably have due cause ( its the best place because of the large curved shower screen).

Thermostatic bath shower mixer taps

Mira do a thermostatic bath tap with thermostatic shower mixer option. It is quite bulky but does solve a problem when a shower valve is not wanted on the wall. I think it is fine for more budget type bathrooms but would not like to consider it in contemporary settings. There are more elegant options I have provided links to.

Special design ideas and new releases

This section is for new releases and the unusual when launched and available. There are regular updates to ranges and I will add them when possible.