When choosing a faucet to accompany your bathroom sink, you may be wondering – will any faucet fit? Or do you need one specifically designed for a bathroom? We've researched and broken down the options so you can find the right faucet for your space.
While it is possible, we don’t always recommend using a kitchen faucet for your bathroom sink. For one, kitchen faucets are usually more expensive, starting at around $100, and you can find a perfectly good bathroom faucet for $75 or cheaper. Not to mention it will be much easier to find a matching bathroom faucet for your tub. Not all sinks are created equally. Here are some things you’ll need to consider on your trip to the hardware store:
- What mounting type does your sink require; a single-hole, centerset, or wideset faucet?
- Do you want the faucet to match other hardware in the room?
With that caveat out of the way, we understand that sometimes the faucet that calls your name might technically be for a kitchen, and that’s okay. Whether you’re installing a kitchen faucet into a bathroom sink or still searching for a perfect match, keep reading to learn everything you’ll need to know.
Do All Faucets Fit All Sinks?
The short answer is no, although bathroom and kitchen faucets aren’t inherently different. Faucet hardware, no matter what room it’s meant for, will come in a few set configurations and will only fit a sink with corresponding mounting holes. That means that while not all kitchen faucets will fit your bathroom sink, not all bathroom faucets will either. So take a close look at your sink’s mounting configuration before dropping any cash on a new faucet.
What Are The Different Types of Faucets?
Centerset
A centerset faucet will fit a sink with a three-hole arrangement where the holes are no more than four inches apart. The hole in the center houses the spigot, while the holes on either side will be for the hot and cold water handles. Most bathroom sinks require a centerset faucet, although some kitchen faucets are centerset as well.
Click here to see this Moen centerset faucet on Amazon.
Widespread
A widespread faucet is for a sink with a three-hole arrangement where the holes are more than four inches apart – usually eight to 16-inches. A kitchen sink is more likely to require a widespread faucet than a bathroom sink.
Click here to see this Delta widespread faucet on Amazon.
Single Hole
A single-handle faucet is made to fit a sink with only one mounting hole – although a single-handle faucet can usually fit a centerset basin if installed with a deck plate to cover the other two holes. The single-handle faucet is a common design found in both kitchens and bathrooms.
Click here to see this Delta single hole faucet on Amazon.
Do You Need A Special Faucet For An Undermount Sink?
Unlike their drop-in counterparts, undermount sinks sit flush with your countertop. They offer a great elegant look, but do not require a different type of faucet.
Click here to see Kohler undermount bathroom sink on Amazon.
The mounting holes for an undermount sink are positioned on the countertop rather than on the sink itself, but the holes are exactly the same. If you are fitting the countertop yourself and need to drill mounting holes, you actually have an advantage. In that case, you can find a faucet you love and drill the holes accordingly instead of searching for a faucet that has to fit a predetermined mounting configuration.
Do Sink And Tub Faucets Have To Match?
With all the technical stuff out of the way you can start thinking about how you want your bathroom to look. There is no denying that having a tub faucet that matches your sink is an easy way to tie the room together and make it seem more streamlined. The upside of choosing a faucet made for a bathroom is how easy it is to find a matching faucet for the tub. Some even come together as a set!
While it is ultimately a personal decision, we think matching your sink and tub faucets is the better choice. If you do decide to install a kitchen faucet in your bathroom, you can still keep everything streamlined by choosing a tub faucet with the same finish, even if it can’t match perfectly.
What Is The Best Finish For A Bathroom Faucet?
Choosing the right finish for your faucet is where you can really start to add a personal touch to your bathroom decor. While individual style is number one here, it’s good to know the pros and cons of what’s available. Here is a guide to all the most common finishes for bathroom faucets:
Chrome
This is by far the most common finish for bathroom hardware. Think of a classic silver faucet with a shiny finish that goes with pretty much any decor – that’s chrome. While it is the cheapest option and easy to style around, chrome is known for collecting smudges and water spots. A good option, but buyer beware.
Click here to see chrome finish, centerset faucet by Delta on Amazon.
Stainless Steel
Chrome’s elevated older cousin, stainless steel, has a similar silver hue but with an ever-so-slightly matte finish. This makes cleaning much easier as spots are less likely to show up on its surface, although stainless steel is usually more pricey.
Click here to see this stainless steel finish, wideset faucet by Ufaucet on Amazon.
Polished Nickel, Bronze, or Brass
Nickel, bronze, and brass are all variations of a gold-ish color that will give your bathroom an antique appearance, with bronze being the darkest and nickel being the lightest of the three in the shade. A polished variant of any of these options will give a modern spin on the old-school classic. As with chrome, a polished finish will be susceptible to showing fingerprints but can be worth it if you like a sleek look.
Click here to see this brass, widespread faucet by Delta on Amazon.
Satin Nickel, Bronze, or Brass
A satin finish is the happy medium between polished and matte. While still retaining some shine, faucets with a satin finish are brushed with an abrasive to soften the exterior's look. Satin nickel, in particular, is a great option because of its versatility. The light color and muted finish complement most styles and won’t smudge like chrome or polished metal, all while being affordable at a mid-price range.
Click here to see this champagne bronze finish, single hole faucet by Delta on Amazon.
Brushed Nickel, Bronze, or Brass
A brushed finish is similar to satin only with even less shine. Rather than offering a soft mutable appearance like satin, brushed metals add a rustic touch. Brushed bronze is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants that antique, farmhouse feeling in their bathroom.
Click here to see this brushed nickel finish, centerset faucet by Parlos on Amazon.
Matte Black
Matte black hardware is the quickest way to achieve an updated, modern look in your bathroom. Although more expensive than most other options, it is easy to clean and easy to style. A matte black faucet looks great paired with sleek black-and-white tile floors and simple, modern accents.
Click here to see this matte black finish, centerset faucet by Parlos on Amazon.
Happy Renovating!
With all this information at your disposal, it should be easier than ever to decide what faucet will compliment your newly renovated bathroom. Remember, it doesn’t matter whether it’s designed for a kitchen or bathroom as long your faucet is the correct mounting type -you’re good to go! Keep all these tips in mind to make the buying process as easy as possible.
To answer more of your plumbing questions, check out our related posts:
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