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Ah, faucets, the under appreciated, overworked kitchen and bathroom fixtures we all know and love. While they may not be at the top of most renovation to-do lists, they do have the ability to add polish to any project and once you find a good one, you’ll never look back. Here are some key things to consider when choosing a faucet.
Location, Location, Location
Where you’re installing your new faucet is going to have a big impact on what type you buy. A tall faucet with a detachable nozzle would be perfect in a kitchen where it will have to accommodate all sorts of pots and pans, but will probably look strange in a bathroom. Make a list of requirements before hitting the fixture store to avoid being overwhelmed and/or making impulsive decisions.
If you see yourself bathing your baby in the bathroom sink, look for something with rounded edges. If you fill a lot of massive pots in your kitchen, you’re going to want a high arc. Each design has its pros and cons, just make sure that you have a general ideas as to what you need to avoid buyer’s remorse.
The Future is Now
One thing that can really get in the way of a fun culinary experience is having to fumble with taps when your hands are dirty, full, or otherwise out of commission. Enter the motion sensor faucet—an innovative solution to this common kitchen nightmare. Whether you use it to help with two-handed jobs or just appreciate the fact that it reduces the spread of germs, a motion sensor faucet can be a great addition to any sink. The Jetsons would be so proud!
It’s All About the Finish
One of the biggest things people consider when buying faucets is how they look. This makes sense considering the fact that they stick out and can be hard to miss. These days, it’s not hard to find aesthetically pleasing faucets that appeal to just about everyone’s taste and budget. Once you’ve found a style you love, think about what finish will best suit your needs. A faucet used in a high-traffic area might benefit from a smudge-proof finish whereas that not might matter in a high-gloss guest bathroom. Chrome, an old favourite, is versatile but options like copper, bronze, and ceramic have the ability to elevate an average sink into a work of art.
Don’t Cut Costs
Faucets are often one of the last things to be chosen during a renovation project, and often when budgets have been stretched, we tend to go for lower-priced options. Saving money is usually a good thing, but when it comes to fixtures, what you pay for is what you get. Cheap faucets tend to drip, leak, crack, and ultimately stop working, which means that you’ll have to replace them sooner—not exactly a money saving option in the long run. Instead, set aside enough to buy faucets that are built of high quality materials that are made to last. Trust us, you’ll be grateful that you made the investment.
Get a Handle On It
Handles on faucets are important, even though you may not think about it initially. Old-timey basin knobs with ceramic hot and cold tops may look terrific in your bathroom but can be mighty inconvenient if you’re looking for quick on/off capabilities. Single, adjustable mixer taps are a great option if you’re looking to fine-tune temperatures (great for baths and showers) but aren’t as sleek as bib taps. Spend some time perusing design magazines and check out several stores before making your final decision. There are a lot of options out there and you’re all but guaranteed to find something that feels like it was designed just for you.
Faucets Unfiltered
So you’ve decided on a look, on a finish, on a style… you’re pretty much good to go. One last thing to think about before taking the final plunge is whether or not you want your faucet to go the extra distance by acting as a water filter. While you can always use a pitcher-style filter or install an external contraption, companies have begun to recognize consumer demand for purified water and have incorporated filters into their design. This means that access to clean, fresh water is only a quick tap-twist away. Think about whether or not this feature is something you’d benefit from and check with manufacturers to see if they offer this option.
