Selecting a Faucet for your Sink
Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Greenbrook Design, managing day to day operations, marketing, sourcing product and keeping the showroom beautifully designed. Stacey also does interior design & home styling for a select number of clients. Find out more about Stacey here.
We love spaces that look beautiful but many times we underestimate the little things that can have the biggest impact. Facets provide our bathrooms and kitchens with a clean and elegant way to wash our hands, our food, and our dishes. They are a functional part of the design but function does not mean boring. There are so many styles and finishes offered by manufacturers now that it can be a little difficult to know which one will work best for your home. Several other things should be considered as well including durability, maintenance, and suitability for specific areas in the home. Let’s talk about them here before you head out to buy your next amazing faucet.
Faucet finishes
When in comes to finishes there are many elegant ones to choose from including:
- Copper
- Nickel
- Brass
- Oil-rubbed Bronze
- Stainless Steel
- Matte Black
Each one has its own benefits and beauty that make it attractive. Brass has become a popular choice and continues to remain a favorite with homeowners and interior designers. It is easy to clean plus it adds a fun pop to the space especially when paired with white or wood. Pairing your brass faucet with matching hardware instantly creates something stunning and amazing. If you don’t like shiny metal but don’t want the warm tones of brass, oil-rubbed bronze might be just what you are looking for since it has a more traditional feel. One great benefit to this finish is that it doesn’t show water spots or fingerprints easily. This is a lovely finish choice that can make any space beautiful plus there is hardware to match. One con is that it is a little more pricey than many other finishes. When looking for a finish that is different and will stand out, copper is your go to choice as it is bold. It naturally adds a luxurious feel to any space and is a great option for those who enjoy a steampunk bathroom or even a farmhouse look. Black faucet finishes are another one that is trending since it can be paired with multiple styles and materials. It also adds a touch of class and contrast to any space. When looking for a modern feel this is the finish you will want. Before finalizing your selection, be sure to talk with your designer and take time to browse the other items you need such as light fixtures and hardware to be sure you can find something that will work or at least compliment it.
Faucet durability
For homeowners, durability is an important aspect to almost any feature in the home, after all we don’t like to spend money on something only to replace it every few years. It is recommended that you exchange your faucet every ten years or so due to mineral buildup from the water but with good maintenance that time can be extended. The material you select can also have an affect on the durability as well and it seems that brass is on top of the list. They are a material that is long-lasting and has less chance of rust or leakage. Their price is a little higher but the durability makes them worth the investment. Remember that a faucet is not too difficult to exchange which means you can go with another material that may not last as long but gives you the look you want. Some faucets come with a warranty which may cover an exchange after several years so this is also an option. Be sure to discuss this with your designer, their years of experience can greatly benefit you when looking to make your final choice.
Facet styles
Manufacturers have broadened their design styles for faucets to include farmhouse, modern, minimal, and even vintage ones now. This means the options have become so large that it can be difficult to know which direction to go. Before making your final selection take some time to assess what your needs are in a facet since this can help narrow down which one will work best for you. Think about whether you want a single versus multiple handles or if you type you want such as one that needs to be turned or simply pulled out. Think about height and the faucets reach as well. The color finish you select also plays a part in representing your style since certain tones work better than others. A matte black finish pairs well with a modern style as it is elegant and sleek in appearance while oil-rubbed bronze is better suited for an old world style like Tuscan or even Mediterranean look. Polished nickel delivers a smooth, shiny look every time and can compliment several varying styles such as modern, contemporary, and traditional. Investing some time into what you want out of a faucet will help narrow down your choices when shopping and save you time.
Best faucet for kitchen
The kitchen is where we do just about everything from washing our hands before dinner or doing the dishes so there are certain needs that ought to be thought of before purchasing a faucet. Some features like a pull-down sprayer are a great addition since it can be used to rinse out the sink or the veggies before cutting them. Having two faucets is an added benefit when you have a longer sink like the Galley Workstation plus it increases the use for multiple cooks. The faucet handle is an important aspect here since our hands can get dirty or oily due to working with food making it hard to turn a knob or even cross handle. There are now options for a touchless version which is great for everyone including the kids or those suffering with arthritis. Because the sink tends to be in a more open space you can also go higher with your faucet choice and can create a dramatic look in this space.
Best faucet for bathroom
There are several popular options but what matters most is your personal style. There are a few things that should be considered though when buying a faucet for the bathroom. Is this for a master bathroom with a double sink? Will children be using it? What color is your countertop? Is there a particular height you are looking to have? These will help you determine which one is right for you. For children it is important to have a faucet that turns on and off easily so they don’t struggle when they are trying to wash their hands or brush their teeth. Lever handles work well since they take minimal pressure to turn them on and off. Cross handles are attractive as they possess a certain charm and work well with traditional and even farmhouse design styles. Certain finishes like oil-rubbed bronze tend not to show water spots which can be a great choice for guest bathrooms.
Selecting a facet for your sink
There are several factors that go into the selection process but it is worth the investment to find the one just right for you and your home. Whether you are looking to go more modern with a sleek matte finish or with a bold choice like copper or brass, what matters is that it represents your unique style.
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