It’s surprising how little attention bathroom taps get until it’s time to replace one.
You can spend weeks choosing tiles, debating paint colours or comparing vanity units, only to realise right at the end that you haven’t thought about the tap at all. Then you start looking, and suddenly there are mixer taps, pillar taps, wall-mounted taps, sensor taps and dozens of different finishes. What looked like a quick decision suddenly feels anything but.
The truth is, a bathroom tap is one of the hardest-working fittings in your home. You’ll use it every morning, every evening and countless times in between. It needs to feel comfortable, work properly and still look good years after it’s installed.
If you’re trying to decide between the different types of taps, this guide will help you understand what each one offers without making things more complicated than they need to be.
Start With How You Actually Use Your Bathroom
Before comparing different tap styles, it’s worth thinking about your own routine.
Do you share the bathroom with a busy family? Is it a small en-suite that only gets used in the morning? Are you creating a modern bathroom from scratch, or simply replacing an old tap that’s finally reached the end of its life?
The answers matter because the “best” tap isn’t the same for everyone. A family bathroom often needs something practical and easy to clean, while a guest bathroom might allow you to focus a little more on appearance. A compact cloakroom may also need a completely different solution from a large master bathroom.
It’s also worth thinking about how your bathroom might change over the next few years. A couple renovating their first home may have very different needs from a family with young children. If several people use the bathroom every morning, comfort and ease of use become much more important than simply choosing the latest design.
Mixer Taps Have Become the Everyday Favourite
Walk into almost any newly renovated home and you’ll probably find Mixer Taps.
There’s a simple reason for that. They’re easy to live with. Instead of turning two separate taps until the temperature feels right, you adjust one control and you’re done. It sounds like a small improvement, but it’s one of those little things that makes daily life easier without you really noticing.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You’ll find mixer taps on bathroom basins, baths and even kitchen sinks because they suit almost every style of home.
People often choose them because they:
- Make temperature control simple.
- Create a cleaner look around the basin.
- Work with both traditional and modern interiors.
- Are available in hundreds of different designs.
Why Some People Still Prefer Pillar Taps
With all the modern options available today, you might think Pillar Taps would have disappeared by now. Looking at your daily routine before you start shopping often makes the decision much easier. Instead of asking which tap is the most popular, ask which one will suit the way you actually live.
They haven’t. In fact, they’re still the first choice for plenty of homeowners. Part of that comes down to appearance. Separate hot and cold taps simply suit older properties better. If you’re restoring a Victorian terrace or updating a period home, pillar taps often look more in keeping with the rest of the room.
Some people also like the familiarity. They’ve used this style for years and don’t see any reason to change. That’s the interesting thing about bathroom design. Newer isn’t always better. Sometimes it’s just different.
Pillar taps remain popular because they:
- Suit traditional bathroom designs.
- Offer separate hot and cold controls.
- Are simple to install and replace.
- Continue to be a reliable everyday option.
Wall Mounted Taps Change the Feel of a Bathroom
If there were one tap style that’s become noticeably more popular over the last few years, it would probably be the Wall Mounted Tap.
The first thing you notice isn’t actually the tap. It’s the extra space. Without fittings sitting on top of the basin, everything suddenly feels lighter and less crowded. Cleaning also becomes easier because there’s no awkward gap around the base where water and toothpaste always seem to collect.
Of course, there is one thing to keep in mind. Wall mounted taps usually need to be planned before the wall is finished. They’re much easier to install during a full renovation than as a quick replacement later on.
Wall mounted taps are often chosen because they:
- Create a clean, modern appearance.
- Free up space around the basin.
- Make cleaning easier.
- Work beautifully with countertop basins.
Sensor Taps Are No Longer Just for Airports
For a long time, a Sensor Tap was something you expected to see in public toilets.
Airports. Shopping centres. Hotels.
That has changed quite a bit. More homeowners are installing them because they’re practical rather than flashy. You don’t need to touch the tap with dirty hands. Children are less likely to leave the water running. The bathroom also feels just that little bit more modern.
Technology works best when you stop noticing it’s there. A good sensor tap does exactly that.
Sensor taps are worth considering if you want:
- Better hygiene with touch-free operation.
- Reduced water wastage.
Conclusion
The different types of taps available today give homeowners far more choice than they had even a decade ago. Whether you prefer the simplicity of Mixer Taps, the classic look of Pillar Taps, the clean lines of a Wall Mounted Tap or the convenience of a Sensor Tap, the right decision comes down to how you use your bathroom rather than what’s currently fashionable.
Bathroom trends will continue to change, but comfort, reliability and good design never really go out of style. Taking a little extra time to compare the different options before buying can help you avoid costly replacements later. A tap is one of those fittings you’ll use every single day, so it’s worth choosing one that suits both your bathroom and the way you live.
If you’re planning a bathroom upgrade, it’s worth choosing fittings that combine thoughtful design with dependable performance. Jaquar offers a wide range of bathroom taps in different styles and finishes, making it easier to find an option that suits both modern and traditional UK homes.
