No longer just a means of getting water to wash up, faucets have become a stylish design element in today’s bathroom.
The range of styles and finishes is almost endless. In fact, choosing new faucets for the bathroom can be an overwhelming experience for the uninitiated.
Here’s a quick overview to help narrow the range:
Materials
Although chrome is still the most popular choice for homeowners, other finishes are gaining in popularity in recent years.
According to Gary Pember, Wholesale Director of Marketing for Moen — a leading faucet manufacturer — the sleek, contemporary look of brushed nickel has moved it into the number two spot in consumer preference.
Other finishes high on many a homeowner’s desirable list are what is known as old world finishes, such as oil rubbed bronze, antique nickel and wrought iron. Combinations of finishes, such as chrome and brass are also a top choice.
At the upper end of the price scale are gold- or silver-plated faucets.
 Styles
Faucets come in a virtually infinite range of shapes and sizes. The faucets should, however, complement the overall style of the bathroom.
One of the first style decisions that must be made is whether to go with a single-handle or two-handle faucet. Single-handle faucets are very popular in kitchens, and many bathrooms as well, for their practicality — with one movement you can adjust both the water flow and the temperature.
Two-handle models are often a more desirable choice for the bathroom sink as they have a greater style range — offering a wider selection of spout and handle design options.
Faucets are mounted on the sink in three basic styles: centerset, widespread and mini-spread. In the centerset style both the spout and handles are part of a single unit, with the handle(s) approximately 4 inches apart. In a widespread model the hot and cold taps are mounted separately from the spout, and can be as much as 8 to 12 – or even more — inches apart. In a mini-spread set the set-up is similar to the widespread but the handles are mounted closer together, measuring about 4 inches center to center. For a vessel-style sink wall-mounted faucets will probably work best.
 Quality
Once you begin to look at the various faucets available, you’ll quickly gauge how wide the price range can be — even for models that look very similar. When purchasing faucets it’s good to keep the old adage “you get what you pay for” in mind. A cheaper model may look good, but chances are the valve won’t hold up very long and the money you saved will be spent either on plumbing services, or getting a new model in a few years.
Although improvements have been made in recent years, faucets that use a compression valve often wear out faster as the rubber washer deteriorates with use. Other types of units, such as washerless, ceramic disc and cartridge, last longer.
Look for a model with a good warranty to ensure a top quality product.
For more information about Moen faucets, visit www.moen.com or call 1-800-BUY-MOEN (1-800-289-6636).
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