Bathroom Sink Faucets

Different Mounting Styles

Once upon a time, there were only two variations in bathroom sink faucets — metal or porcelain. Today, the choices in lavatory or bathroom sink faucet materials, design, and structure are so vast that it can become confusing to select one for your home or office. Here’s a quick review of the different mounting styles and the benefits and application of each.

8” Widespread

A widespread faucet is generally for larger sinks as it allows for more room between the faucet handles and spout than a centerset faucet. The “spread” in widespread is the distance between the faucet mounting holes.
Benefits: A more elegant look for larger bathroom spaces.
Application: Expansive sink areas with at least 16 inches of available space for faucet installation.

Mini-Widespread

A mini-widespread faucet is the version for bathroom counters. Its handles are separated by 4 inches.
Benefits: Smaller than the 8” widespread but offers the same advantages of a three-piece installation.
Application: Smaller bathrooms.

4” Centerset

Bathroom sink faucets that are centerset work with basins with three holes. Centerset bathroom faucets have handles that are 4 inches apart. These faucets include a spout and two handles, one on each side of the base unit but all in one piece.
Benefits: Simpler installation with one piece.
Application: Fits counters with three faucet holes that measure 4 inches from side to side. Great for small vanities.

Single-Hole

These faucets may come with two separate handles each controlling the volume of hot or cold water or as single-lever faucets, the singular handle controls both the water temperature and pressure. These faucets only require one hole in the bathroom countertop for faucet installation.
Benefits: One-hole installation or add a plate to adapt to a sink with three holes.
Application: Great for small spaces.

Vessel

For the faucet configuration on a vessel sink, holes are drilled into the countertop for the sink faucet. You can choose if you want a single-hole or multi-hole configuration for your vessel sink faucet.
Benefits: Flexibility in changing out the vessel sink without changing or replacing the faucet or handles.
Application: Made for vessel sinks that clear the high rim of the basin.

Bridge

Bridge faucets are called “bridge” because rather than hot and cold water lines coming together in the housing at the base of the faucet or under the countertop, the lines connect at an elevated spot known as the bridge. The spout extends up to or out from the bridge depending on the design. This typically requires two holes in the bathroom countertop, but some bridge faucets require three.
Benefits: The benefits are purely aesthetic, but we can add that because the water mixing is achieved above the counter, they are easier to install.
Application: Great for top mount of undermount sinks. Unique two-handled design favors more traditional design.

Wall Mount

Wall-mounted faucets are attached to the wall, versus the sink or counter, and extend over the sink.
Benefits: Cleaning the sink deck or countertop is easier with no faucet installed there, also you have the added benefit of selecting the height at which you would like to install the faucet.
Application: Great for vintage-style decor, vessel sinks, traditional laundry sinks or farmhouse/apron sinks.

Basin Tap

Basin tap faucets are a traditional design that allows users to mix water to their desired temperature within the sink basin through two separate spouts — one for hot and one for cold water. They are available in a wide variety of styles.
Benefits: Allows temperature adjustment in the basin.
Application: The vintage style makes it perfect for early-1900s and Victorian decor. A great addition to a pedestal sink.

Check out our extensive style selection of bathroom sink faucets on our site!