Selecting the ideal fixtures can add an element of sophistication and style to any home, yet with so many styles on the market it can be daunting task to narrow down and select your ideal plumbing fixtures.
Consultations with a design expert or visiting a bathroom showroom may prove beneficial when selecting the latest trends, however. Here are a few helpful hints for selecting appropriate fixtures:
Look at the Space
Residential building projects demand high hygiene and energy efficiency standards as well as aesthetic choices tailored to each individual client. Faucets and sinks should play a pivotal role in every renovation, remodel, or new build project – be it renovation, remodel, or new build.
Faucets come in many styles and finishes, so selecting one that satisfies both functionality and your design theme can be daunting task. A more ornate faucet may look out of place on an otherwise sleek modern sink.
At first, consider how many faucet holes exist on your sink or vanity; this will determine which type of faucet can be installed. Centerset faucets typically fit three-hole sinks with their spout, two handles, and single plate attached together while widespread faucets feature separate levers designed to fit multiple 4 inch apart holes in their base plate. Furthermore, take note of your desired spout reach which measures from its base to midway of sink surface area.
Consider the Style
Your faucet is one of the most visible and used fixtures in your bathroom, making an impressionful statement about its overall style. Different designs and finishes allow you to customize it in order to reflect both your personal taste and that of the room.
Size matters when selecting a faucet; its spout must match up perfectly with the sink it’s installed in. Small sinks need smaller fixtures while vessel-style basins necessitate taller faucets in order to reach over its bowl.
Some prefer contemporary looks while others favor classic or transitional ones. Although many homeowners gravitate toward brushed nickel or chrome finishes for their bathrooms, you have various finish options when selecting your faucet – just ensure its finish complements other bath or shower fixtures (or, in powder rooms, cabinet hardware). This creates an upscale appearance that’s simple to update over time.
Look at the Water Pressure
Water pressure should always be an integral factor when selecting faucets, sinks and toilets. Low water pressure makes cleaning dishes challenging and filling a bathtub can take an inordinately long time; in contrast, higher-pressure faucets provide enough power to easily carry out their duties.
There can be multiple causes of lower-than-expected water pressure in your home. First, check that the shutoff valve under your sink is fully open – even partially closing it can reduce water pressure in your sink and result in decreased pressure.
Mineral deposits or debris that builds up over time in your pipes and fixtures may also have an impact on water pressure, reducing it in one fixture in particular. If this happens only occasionally, this could indicate a blocked aerator.
An inexpensive water pressure gauge can be an invaluable asset when troubleshooting the water pressure in your home. A reading over 15 psi is considered normal in most households.
Consider the Temperature
No matter if you’re upgrading an older sink or adding new faucets to your bathroom, there are various factors you must take into account before selecting fixtures that suit the style, functionality and space available in it. Paying careful attention to style, functionality and compatibility will help ensure you select fixtures which will enhance your space while offering reliable performance for years.
Faucet finish should also be carefully considered. For optimal design aesthetic, seek finishes that complement nearby cabinet hardware, towel bars and other fixtures in order to create a unified design aesthetic. Mismatched or clashing finishes can give an unfinished feel; selecting one that blends in will produce cleaner and more polished looks.
Make sure to consider both the height and reach of the faucet spout when purchasing. A faucet spout that’s too high or low can make accessing your sink basin difficult and cause messy, splashy water flow when in use. Furthermore, its size should correspond with that of your sink in order to avoid awkward hand placement when washing hands.
