The Ultimate Guide to Black Taps: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
So. You’re thinking about joining the dark side.
We get it. We really do. There is something about matte black tapware that just grabs you. It’s bold. It’s modern. And it makes a statement that chrome just can’t quite match. Here at The Blue Space, we see thousands of renovations every year, and the shift towards black fixtures hasn’t slowed down one bit. It’s massive.
But we also know you’re worried.
You’ve probably heard the horror stories. The peeling paint. The scratches that show up out of nowhere. The nightmare of trying to keep them clean. We’ve heard them too. Look, we aren't going to lie to you and say every black tap is perfect. They aren't. But if you pick the right one, it can be the best design decision you make for your home.
We want to walk you through exactly what you need to know. No sales fluff. Just the honest truth about finishes, brands, and how to stop your new mixer from looking distinctively average after six months.
What Actually Are Black Taps?
It sounds like a silly question. They’re taps that are black. Right? Well, yes. But how they get that way matters more than you think.
In the early days, a lot of manufacturers just powder-coated their brassware. Think of it like a layer of paint baked onto the metal. It looks great on day one. But if you drop a heavy perfume bottle on it? Chip city.
Technology has moved on. Big time.
While we still see powder coating, the best black tapware now uses Electroplating or PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). This bonds the colour to the metal on a molecular level. It’s tough. Really tough. It’s the difference between a finish that sits on top and a finish that becomes part of the tap itself. When you are browsing our huge range of taps and tapware, checking the finish method is the first thing you should do.
Where Does Black Tapware Work Best?
Honestly? Almost anywhere.
We used to see it only in industrial-style lofts. Exposed brick. Concrete floors. That sort of thing. Now? It’s everywhere. We’ve seen gorgeous Hamptons kitchens use black mixers to ground an all-white space. We’ve seen Scandi bathrooms use them for a sharp, graphic contrast against timber vanities. It just works.
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The Kitchen: This is the heart of the home. It's also the place where your tap gets the most abuse. Greasy hands. Pots banging around. Hot water running constantly. If you go black here, you need quality. A standard sink mixer in matte black creates an instant focal point on an island bench.
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The Bathroom: This is where you can have a bit more fun with the design. Whether you are looking at bathroom taps & mixers for a family bathroom or a master ensuite, black adds a touch of luxury. It contrasts beautifully with white basins and baths. It pops against grey terrazzo tiles. It’s versatile.
Breaking Down the Types
You might know you want black, but do you know what shape you need? The variety out there is staggering. We stock so many different configurations that it can get a bit confusing. Let's break it down.
For the Basin
You have a few main choices here. The most popular by a country mile is the standard mixer. Simple. Easy to use. But don't ignore the others.
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Basin Mixers: These sit on the vanity top. Single lever. Easy. If you check out our basin mixers, you'll see tall ones (for vessel basins) and standard height ones.
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Wall Sets: These are great for saving bench space. A wall basin bath mixer set mounts directly onto the splashback. It looks cleaner. More architectural.
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Three Piece Sets: Traditional style. Hot tap. Cold tap. Spout in the middle. We have plenty of black 3 piece bathroom taps that bridge the gap between heritage charm and modern colour.
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Hob Mixers: These are a bit different. Hob mixers mount on the horizontal surface but often separate the controls from the spout.
And if you are buying a separate spout, maybe for a wall mixer you already have, make sure you browse our basin spouts to get the length right. Nothing is worse than water splashing on the back of the sink because the spout is too short. Trust us on that.
For the Shower and Bath
Consistency is key. If the basin tap is black, the shower needs to match. It has to.
You’ll likely need shower mixers to control the water flow. Some people prefer a diverter to switch between an overhead rose and a hand shower. For the tub, you might want a wall spout, or if you have the space, one of our stunning freestanding bath mixers. They stand on the floor next to the bath and look absolutely incredible.
If you are retrofitting an older bathroom, you might need wall top assemblies (the actual tap handles) to replace existing taps without ripping tiles off the wall. We also stock specific bath fillers and shorter bath tub spouts designed for high water flow.
Sometimes you need a combined unit. Shower and bath mixers often come with diverters built-in. It saves space on the wall plate.
For the Kitchen
This is where function meets fashion. We mentioned standard mixers, but have you considered a pull out sink mixer? The end of the spout pulls out on a hose. It changes your life when you're trying to rinse vegetables or clean the corners of a square sink.
The shape matters too. A gooseneck sink mixer has that high, elegant arch. It’s great for filling big pots. If you have a traditional setup, we also carry 3 piece sink sets for the kitchen.
And yes, we have a dedicated section for black kitchen taps and mixers because the demand is just that high. Check it out.
Specialty and Tech
It’s not just about turning a handle anymore. Technology is creeping into tapware in the best way possible. We are seeing a huge rise in progressive mixers. These are sleek. You twist the dial to turn it on and start with cold water, and as you keep twisting, it gets hotter. Very minimalist.
Hygiene is a big one lately. Electronic sensor taps aren't just for shopping centres. We sell them for residential powder rooms all the time. They stay cleaner because you don't touch them. Simple.
We also care about safety and accessibility. Our range of accessible taps features longer levers that are easier to turn, without looking like they belong in a hospital. Plus, for the health-conscious, we have lead-free taps available too. It’s peace of mind.
The Brands We Trust
We don't just put anything on our shelves. We are picky. We have to be. If a product fails, you call us, and we want you to be happy.
When it comes to black tapware, the brand matters immensely because the finishing process varies between factories. Here are some of the heavy hitters we recommend:
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The Australian Icons: You can’t go past names like Caroma and Dorf. They have been around forever. They know Australian plumbing standards inside out. Clark is another reliable staple. Phoenix is huge for us right now—their designs are sharp, and their warranties are solid.
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The Design Leaders: If you want something that looks like it came out of a magazine, look at Meir. Their matte black is legendary. Nero is another favourite of our design team; they do amazing textured finishes. Fienza offers incredible value without skimping on the look.
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The Specialists: For kitchen sinks and taps, Oliveri is a go-to. If you want that traditional farmhouse vibe, Turner Hastings does beautiful heritage-style black taps. Greens and Methven bring that New Zealand innovation that we love.
We also stock fantastic ranges from Indigo, Modern National, Seima, and Suprema. There is something for every budget.
And hey, if you decide black isn't for you, we have plenty of stainless steel tapware too. But we think you should stick with black.
Why We Love Them (The Benefits)
So why do we recommend them so often? It’s not just because they look cool. Although, let's be honest, that's 90% of it.
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They Hide Fingerprints: This sounds counter-intuitive. But matte black doesn't show water marks and fingerprints nearly as much as bright chrome does. Chrome is like a mirror; every smudge shows up. Matte black absorbs the light. You might see a bit of dust eventually, but the daily smudges? Gone.
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Incredible Versatility: Black is a neutral. It goes with timber. It goes with marble. It goes with concrete. You can change your towels, your tiles, and your paint colour, and your black tap will still fit in. It’s timeless.
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The "Pop" Factor: Designers talk about "contrast" a lot. Black tapware provides the ultimate contrast in a mostly white bathroom. It draws the eye. It acts as an anchor in the room. It stops a white space from feeling clinical or hospital-like.
The Important Stuff: Care and Considerations
We need to have a serious chat about cleaning. This is where people go wrong.
If you treat a black tap like a chrome tap, you will ruin it. Guaranteed.
Do not use chemical cleaners. No bleach. No citrus-based sprays. No abrasive scourers. And definitely no waxes. These things can attack the finish. Even with PVD, strong chemicals can cause cloudy spots or strip the coating over time.
The best way to clean black taps? Warm soapy water and a soft microfibre cloth. That’s it. Dry it off after you clean it. If you have hard water, wipe the tap down after a shower so the minerals don't build up. It sounds like extra work, but it takes three seconds.
Matching Metals
Here is a pro tip from our team. Not all "matte black" is the same black. One brand’s black might have a slight sheen, while another is dead flat. If you are buying a shower mixer from one brand and a basin mixer from another, hold them side by side if you can. Or, just stick to one brand for all the metalwork in the room. It’s safer.
Also, don't forget the plugs! A chrome plug in a black basin mixer looks... confused. Most of our bathroom basin taps will need a matching black pop-up waste.
Also, check your pressure. Some of these high-end European-style taps have narrow waterways. If you have low water pressure (like a gravity-fed system in an older house), you might struggle with flow. Ask your plumber first. Or ask us. We can tell you which spouts and mixers are suitable for low pressure.
Ready to Choose?
Choosing tapware is exciting. It’s the jewellery of the bathroom. It’s the finishing touch that brings the whole vision together. Whether you want a bold, architectural statement or a subtle, modern touch, black tapware delivers.
Take your time. Browse the kitchen taps. Scroll through the bathroom mixers. Read the specs. And if you get stuck? Just ask us. We love this stuff, and we are here to help you get it right.
