Choosing the right bathroom tap is more important than most people realise. The tap is one of the most-used fixtures in any bathroom, and the wrong choice — whether in terms of finish, style, or functionality — can undermine an otherwise well-designed space. This guide covers everything you need to know before buying bathroom taps, from choosing the right finish to understanding the difference between basin mixers and bath fillers.
Choosing a Finish
Chrome, matte black, or brushed gold?
The finish of your bathroom tap is one of the most important decisions you'll make, because it sets the tone for the entire bathroom. At Splash Supply Co, we offer three finishes across all our tap ranges: polished chrome, matte black, and brushed gold.
Polished chrome is the classic choice — it's bright, reflective, and works with virtually any bathroom style. Chrome taps are easy to keep clean and maintain their appearance well over time. They're the safe, reliable choice for bathrooms where you want a clean, timeless look.
Matte black has become increasingly popular in recent years, driven by the trend for bold, contemporary bathroom design. Black taps make a strong visual statement and work particularly well with grey or white bathroom panels and vanity units. They do show water marks more easily than chrome, but a quick wipe with a dry cloth keeps them looking great.
Brushed gold brings warmth and luxury to a bathroom. It's a more distinctive choice than chrome or black, and works particularly well in bathrooms with marble-effect panels or warm-toned accessories. Brushed gold is less prone to showing fingerprints than polished gold, making it a more practical choice for everyday use.
- Chrome: timeless, easy to clean, works with any style
- Matte black: bold, contemporary, pairs well with grey panels
- Brushed gold: warm, luxurious, suits marble-effect bathrooms
- Match your tap finish to your other bathroom accessories for a coordinated look
Basin Mixer Taps
The most common type of bathroom tap
A basin mixer tap combines hot and cold water through a single spout, controlled by a single lever or two separate handles. Mixer taps are the most common type of bathroom tap in the UK, and for good reason — they're easy to use, easy to install, and available in a huge range of styles and finishes.
Our basin mixer taps are available in three ranges: Capture, Foam, and Waterfall. The Capture Range has a clean, contemporary design with a standard spout. The Foam Range has a slimmer, more refined profile. The Waterfall Range features a distinctive wide, flat spout that delivers a smooth, sheet-like flow of water.
When choosing a basin mixer tap, consider the height of the spout relative to your basin. A taller spout gives more clearance for washing hands, while a shorter spout is better suited to shallower basins. Our team can advise on the best tap for your specific basin when you submit your order request.
Bath Filler Taps
Filling the bath quickly and stylishly
A bath filler tap is designed to fill the bath quickly and efficiently. Most of our bath filler taps also include a handheld shower head, which can be used for rinsing the bath, washing hair, or showering over the bath.
Our bath filler taps are available in the Capture, Foam, and Waterfall ranges, in chrome, matte black, and brushed gold. The Waterfall Range bath filler is particularly popular — the wide, flat spout creates a dramatic waterfall effect as the bath fills, making it a genuine design statement.
When choosing a bath filler tap, consider the flow rate. A higher flow rate fills the bath more quickly, which is particularly important for larger baths. Our team can advise on the best bath filler for your specific bath when you submit your order request.
Shower Sets
Complete shower solutions in a coordinated finish
Our shower sets include a thermostatic shower valve, a fixed overhead shower head, and a handheld shower head — all in a coordinated finish. Available in chrome, matte black, and brushed gold, our shower sets are designed to complement our basin mixer and bath filler taps for a fully coordinated bathroom look.
Our Square Head shower sets are particularly popular, featuring a modern square profile that works well with contemporary bathroom designs. The thermostatic valve maintains a constant water temperature, making showering safer and more comfortable.
When choosing a shower set, consider the size of the overhead shower head. A larger head provides a more immersive showering experience, while a smaller head is more water-efficient. Our team can advise on the best shower set for your bathroom when you submit your order request.
Coordinating Your Taps with Your Bathroom
Getting the look right
The key to a well-designed bathroom is coordination. Your tap finish should complement your panel finish, your vanity unit, and your other bathroom accessories. Here are some combinations that work particularly well.
Chrome taps work with virtually any panel finish — white gloss, grey marble, sparkle, or cut-tile. They're the most versatile choice and the safest option if you're unsure. Matte black taps work particularly well with grey marble or super-matt panels, and with grey gloss vanity units. Brushed gold taps work beautifully with white marble or gold leaf panels, and with white gloss vanity units.
At Splash Supply Co, we stock all three tap finishes across all our ranges, so you can mix and match to create the perfect coordinated look for your bathroom. When you submit your order request, our team will help you choose the right combination.
- Chrome + white gloss panels + white vanity: classic, timeless
- Matte black + grey marble panels + grey vanity: bold, contemporary
- Brushed gold + white marble panels + white vanity: warm, luxurious
- Match all accessories (towel rails, toilet roll holders) to your tap finish
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