When it comes to kitchen taps, most people’s first and only association will be their basic function – to dispense hot and cold water so you can wash your hands, food, or dishes. However, interior designers go beyond that and that’s how making the right choice becomes harder. You can choose from many styles, materials, finishes, etc. and it’s completely understandable if it becomes somewhat overwhelming. So, here’s a nifty guide to kitchen tap choices.
Handle the handle
The first thing to consider is handles on a tap. You can choose amongst single and double-handed but now there are fancy, contemporary taps that operate hands-free, so the choice becomes tougher. A single-handled tap works by rotating the handle directionally – you can regulate the water temperature and flow by moving the handle. They require only one hole in your deck or wall to be mounted but the temperature control might not be as precise as it is with double-handled taps.
They, on the other hand, need at least three holes to be installed and might be limiting when it comes to adjusting them to your interior design style. Finally, hands-free taps have a little handle on the side with which you can control the temperature and the flow but the water is turned on by activating the sensors. That’s good for children that can’t reach the handles and it lowers down water consumption. However, you still need to adjust the temperature and the flow manually, so choose wisely.
Find your finish
As for the materials and finishes, taps come in a variety of styles, so there’s something to match every kitchen interior style. However, when you choose a finish for your tap, don’t consider only the way it looks – select a high-quality tap with a design that has timeless appeal and you won’t have to worry about its durability. For instance, opt for a matte finish, such as matte black or wrought iron, if you don’t want to see a lot of fingerprints and water spots on your tap.
Oil-rubbed bronze and polished brass are durable and easy to clean while copper has natural anti-bacterial properties thus making it perfect material for taps. If you’re looking for an affordable yet versatile finish, chrome is the way to go. It might be somewhat more difficult to clean but it matches most interior design styles and it’s not as expensive as brass or bronze are.
Consider the mounting style
There are three places where the tap can be mounted – on your sink, on the deck, or onto the wall. Sink-mounted taps are great for reusing the old sink but it can limit your tap style options. If your sink has more holes than needed, opt for a tap that comes with a deck plate on the base to cover it up. You can also mount taps directly on the countertop so they match perfectly with contemporary kitchen design. Although these are a bit harder to clean, their main advantage is that each part can be easily replaced without having to replace the whole tap.
When mounting your tap on the wall, you must be careful when syncing it with your sink to make them compatible. If you mount it on the outside wall, you’ll need some kind of insulation to prevent freezing. They are, on the other hand, easier to use and clean and they can fill large pots much faster.
Finally, find a tap that will work best for the rest of your kitchen. Also, whenever possible, opt for a high-quality one – both interior designers and plumbers agreed that there are plenty of ways to save up on a kitchen remodel, but your tap isn’t a good place to do that. A good tap will last for years and stay trendy forever, so make your pick wisely!
