Exploring the differences between vintage and modern faucets

Modern and vintage faucets are both popular in today’s design world. Some people appreciate the simplicity of a smooth fixture, while others request a more ornate spout. If you aren’t exactly sure which style is for you, explore this roundup of all the features modern and vintage faucets have to offer.

Vintage
In recent years, interior design trends have moved back to vintage aesthetics. This is due in part to the popularity of clawfoot tubs. These units have deep basins and, when made from cast iron, have great heat-retaining properties. However, it’s not just their functionality that has homeowners choosing this bathtub in waves. Vintage tubs are extremely decorative with ornate claw feet anchoring the look. The edge of this tub has a roll top that helps the user enter and exit the unit with ease. Freestanding tubs are so popular that other styles have come back into style. The pedestal tub has a structured base that is perfect when you want your bathtub to be the centerpiece of the room.

Antique bath fixtures – Vintage tubs call for antique faucets. There are a variety of styles on the market. Quality units are made from brass, which is durable because it holds up to heat and wear. Clawfoot tub faucets also have more features than their standard counterparts. They have different spouts, yet most have a swooped curvature to their design. The handles are either traditional rotating knobs or teardrop turn handles.

Shower heads – It’s up to you whether you would like a standing shower head that can easily be attached to the tub. However, for another, more relaxing option, you could choose a hand-held sprayer that connects directly to the faucet base when not in use.

Mounting – There is another option to consider when choosing a vintage clawfoot tub faucet. You need to decide whether you would like it mounted on the wall, deck or floor. Each of these choices has its advantages, but pick floor-mounted if you wish to set the tub away from the wall.

Modern
Modern faucets have a common theme. Most of them are streamlined in design, with either a smooth or geometric shape.

Bridge – Bridge faucets attach directly to your sink base. These feature two separate knobs for cold and hot water.

Mono block – This faucet is very simple, in that it only has one small knob to turn on the spout. These fixtures are great if you don’t have much space for a larger style.

Widespread – A widespread faucet takes up more room, but is similar to the bridge version.

Wall-mounted – Just as you can choose a wall-mounted tub faucet, you can have the same style in a modern fixture. These are extremely basic, yet stylish, units with a metal lever handle.