Bathroom Tapware

The best material for tapware is one that's strong, durable and impermeable. Tap material also needs to be resistant to water corrosion and capable of performing well despite frequent temperature changes and the presence of hot water. Metal is the material that meets all these criteria, at the same time as being attractive, easy to work with and reasonably priced. As a result, most taps are made of metal or a mixture of metals (alloys).

Brass, an alloy of zinc and copper, is commonly used to make taps. The brass tap may be coated with Chrome to give a shiny surface. It may also be coated with a coloured, waterproof compound to create gold or black tapware, or coated with copper. Stainless steel (a mixture of carbon and iron) is also used to create tapware.

The short answer is that there's no single way of coordinating fixtures to achieve your preferred look. Everybody's taste is a little different - designing your bathroom provides an opportunity to express your individual preferences and tastes. If you want some help with planning your next bathroom project, take a look at <a href="https://www.ambertiles.com.au/news/post/9-bathroom-renovation-ideas">9 bathroom renovation ideas</a>. For some top tips on bathroom styling, including consideration of how tapware can add appeal to your bathroom's interior, read <a href="https://www.ambertiles.com.au/news/post/15-bathroom-renovation-tips-you-need-to-know">15 bathroom renovation tips you need to know</a>.


If you're unsure about the best choice of tapware or would value expert input from a knowledgeable professional, why not book an appointment with a member of the Amber team to discuss your options?

The short answer is that there isn't a "best" finish for taps. Whilst it's important that the exterior of a tap satisfies certain basic criteria, ultimately the best finish for your bathroom tapware is the one that you like and which complements the rest of the room. In general, any tap finish needs to be waterproof and resistant to corrosion from water. It also needs to cope with high levels of humidity and changes in temperature. As well as being hardwearing, a tap's exterior also needs to be easy to clean and comfortable to touch whilst the tap is in use.

Tap finishes are commonly made from metal alloy or some form of synthetic coating. A matt surface (such as black tapware), may be slightly easier to maintain as it's less likely to show smudges and marks. In contrast, a chrome-coated tap needs to be kept spotless to ensure it retains its shine.

There is no law that says you can't mix tapware colours! That said, many people choose to have matching taps for their basin and bath, as this provides a coordinated look that's easy on the eye. In <a href="https://www.ambertiles.com.au/news/post/fresh-functional">James and Brooke's stunning bathroom</a>, for example, the tapware has been carefully coordinated as part of a carefully planned bathroom design. Tapware that matches simplifies the design process and reduces the risk of a bathroom (which is often a compact space) looking too busy with lots of contrasts and accents.

If you have a larger bathroom, have eclectic tastes or are simply a bold interior designer that has the imagination and talent to carry off a unique bathroom style, it's possible to pick contrasting taps that add impact or make a powerful statement that adds value to your bathroom's aesthetic appeal. Some people not only select different designs and colours for their bath and basin taps, but they may also even have a contrasting colour and style for the hot and the cold tap, rather than use a mixer! Ultimately, when it comes to bathroom styling, there are no rules, only suggestions, so if you crave non-matching tapware colours, then there's a great range to choose from at Amber.