Choosing Your Perfect Shower & Bath Taps: A Guide from The Blue Space
Let's talk taps. Specifically, the ones for your shower and bath. They might seem like small details in the grand scheme of a bathroom renovation, but they're fixtures you interact with every single day. Getting them right is key to a bathroom that not only looks fantastic but works beautifully too. Here at The Blue Space, we know taps are more than just plumbing; they're a blend of engineering and style.
Think about it – they control the flow and temperature of water for your morning shower or evening soak. They're also key visual elements. The right taps can tie your whole bathroom design together, adding that perfect finishing touch. Whether you're starting from scratch or just giving your space an update, choosing shower and bath taps deserves careful thought. This guide is here to walk you through the options, helping you find the perfect fit for your Aussie home.
Understanding the Basics: Types of Shower and Bath Taps
Okay, the world of taps can feel a bit much at first glance. Lots of terms, lots of styles. But don't worry, it mostly boils down to a few main types. Getting your head around these is the first step to choosing taps that work with your plumbing, look great in your space, and make your daily routines easier.
1. Mixer Taps: Simplicity and Control
Mixer taps are super popular in Australian bathrooms today, and for good reason. They have one spout where both hot and cold water comes out. Usually, there's a single lever or handle to control everything. You lift the lever to adjust how much water comes out and move it side-to-side to get the temperature just right.
Why Choose Mixers?
They're just really easy to use. Getting the water temperature perfect takes seconds, often with just one hand. Plus, they tend to look neat and tidy, fitting right in with modern, uncluttered bathroom designs. If you've got a busy household, or just appreciate straightforward convenience, mixers are a brilliant choice. Check out our general range of bathroom taps and mixers for basins.
Mixers for Bathing
When it comes to showers and baths, you need mixers built for the job. Specific shower and bath mixers are designed to handle higher water flow. Want a real showstopper for a freestanding tub? A freestanding bath mixer (also called a floor mixer) makes a big statement. For a really clean look, wall-mounted options like wall basin bath mixer sets hide the pipework inside the wall, leaving only the tap and handle visible.
2. Three-Piece Tap Sets: Classic Configuration
This is the more traditional setup: one tap for hot water, one for cold, and a separate spout in the middle. It's a classic look that works well in many different styles of bathrooms, from older homes to modern ones wanting a touch of timeless design.
Why Choose Three-Piece Sets?
You get very precise control over the hot and cold water independently. Some people prefer this. The look can feel balanced and substantial around the basin or bath edge. And sometimes, if a washer needs replacing, it can be a simpler fix than dealing with a mixer cartridge. Find options for your basin in our bathroom taps three-piece collection.
Three-Piece for Bathing
For the bath and shower area, you can get specific sets like a 3-piece shower set or a dedicated 3-piece bath set. Like mixers, these can also be mounted on the wall. Wall top assemblies are just the hot and cold taps for the wall, usually paired with a separate wall spout. A full 3-piece wall basin bath set gives you the matched wall taps and spout for a coordinated appearance.
3. Spouts: The Water Delivery Point
The spout might seem like just the bit the water comes out of, but its shape and style matter for looks and function. They are often part of a set, but you can sometimes choose them separately.
Different Spout Types
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Fixed Spouts: These don't move. They're common on basin taps and standard bath taps. Simple and effective.
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Swivel Spouts: These offer more freedom. A swivel bath spout can be pushed out of the way – really handy if you bathe kids in the tub or just want more clear space sometimes.
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Waterfall Spouts: These look pretty cool. Water flows out in a wide, sheet-like cascade. It's a gentler way to fill the tub and adds a bit of spa feeling.
Spout Considerations
Pay attention to the 'reach' – how far the spout sticks out over the basin or tub edge. It needs to be far enough so water lands in the basin/tub properly, but not so far it gets in your way. Bath tub spouts are designed specifically for filling baths, often with a good flow rate. You can browse our wider collection of spouts to see all the different designs.
4. Bath Fillers: Just for Filling the Tub
While many tap sets fill the bath, dedicated bath fillers focus solely on this job. They often fill the tub faster because they have high flow rates. Styles vary hugely, from simple wall spouts controlled by a separate mixer, right up to those impressive floor-mounted units beside a freestanding bath.
Functionality: Matching Taps to Your Lifestyle
Looks are important, sure. But how the taps work in your everyday life matters just as much, if not more. Let's think about the practical side.
Water Efficiency (WELS Rating)
You've probably seen the star ratings on appliances? Taps have them too, under the WELS scheme (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards). It tells you how water-efficient a tap is (more stars = better) and its flow rate in litres per minute. Choosing taps with a decent WELS rating is good for the environment and your water bills. It doesn't mean a weak dribble either; modern water-saving taps are designed to feel good while using less.
Ease of Use
Who's using the bathroom? If it's young kids, or maybe older family members, ease of use is paramount. Lever mixers are generally simpler to operate than twisting separate hot and cold taps. Have a look at our accessible taps range – these often feature longer levers or designs that are easier to grip and move, making them great for anyone needing a bit more assistance.
Shower, Bath, or Both?
Got a shower over the bath? Then you'll likely need a tap set with a 'diverter'. That's the little knob or button you pull or turn to switch the water from the bath spout up to the shower head. Make sure the taps you like have this function if you need it.
Water Pressure in Your Home
Most taps sold in Australia work best with standard mains water pressure. If you live in an older house with a low-pressure system (like a gravity-fed tank in the roof), you might need specific taps designed for low pressure. If you're not sure what system you have, it's a really good idea to chat with a plumber. They can tell you what will work best.
Health and Safety First
Thinking about the water you drink and bathe in? Lead-free taps give extra peace of mind about water quality. Another big safety point, especially with kids, is preventing burns from hot water. Thermostatic mixers are brilliant here. You can set a maximum temperature, and the tap automatically adjusts the hot/cold mix to keep it constant, even if someone flushes a toilet elsewhere in the house. No nasty surprises.
Style and Aesthetics: Defining Your Bathroom's Character
Right, let's get to the fun part – how your taps look! They play such a big role in the overall vibe of your bathroom. The colour, the finish, the shape... it all adds up.
Finishes: Setting the Tone
The finish is maybe the first thing you notice. It's more than just colour; it's about texture and how light reflects off the surface. We've got a whole spectrum at The Blue Space:
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Chrome Taps: You can't go wrong with chrome. It's bright, shiny, tough, easy to keep clean, and suits pretty much any bathroom style. A real all-rounder.
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Black Taps: Makes a statement. Matte black is very popular – it looks sleek and modern, especially against white tiles. Great for contemporary or industrial looks.
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Brushed Nickel Tapware: A bit softer and warmer than chrome. It has a slightly brushed look that hides fingerprints well. Feels modern but refined.
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Stainless Steel Tapware: Super durable and hygienic. Looks similar to brushed nickel but can have a slightly more industrial feel. A very practical choice.
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Gunmetal Tapware: Think dark, moody grey, often with a brushed texture. It's sophisticated, a bit edgy, and a great alternative if black feels too stark.
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White Tapware: For a really fresh, clean, almost minimalist look. White taps can blend in beautifully with white sinks or stand out against colour. Think Scandi or coastal vibes.
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Gold Taps: Adds instant warmth and a touch of luxury. Finishes range from bright and shiny to softer, aged golds. Can work in both traditional and glam modern bathrooms.
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Brushed Brass Taps: Very on-trend. It's a warm, muted gold/yellow metal with a soft brushed finish. It can change subtly over time (patina), adding character. Works with lots of styles.
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Bronze Taps: Offers darker, earthier brown tones, sometimes with hints of copper. Oil-rubbed bronze gives an aged, traditional feel that's great for rustic or classic bathrooms.
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Champagne Taps: A lovely subtle metallic. It's warmer than nickel but less yellow than brass. Think soft, elegant, and sophisticated.
Think about the other metal bits in your bathroom – shower frame, towel rails, handles. Do you want everything to match perfectly, or create a deliberate mix? Matching gives a calm, cohesive feel. Mixing (like black taps with brass handles) can look stylish too, if done thoughtfully.
Shape and Form: Reflecting Your Style
Taps aren't just about colour; their shape speaks volumes.
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Sharp and Square: Angular lines, geometric shapes. These feel modern, crisp, sometimes a bit architectural.
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Soft and Curved: Rounded edges, flowing lines. These often feel gentler, more traditional, or organic. They can soften a modern space or fit right into a classic one.
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Simple and Minimal: Clean lines, no fuss, no extra decoration. The focus is purely on the form and function.
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Real Head-Turners: Some taps are designed to grab attention! Think dramatic curves, tall floor-standing bath fillers, unique handle designs.
Look at the shapes already in your bathroom – the curve of your basin, the lines of your tiles, the shape of your bath. Choosing taps that echo these shapes can create a really harmonious feel. Or, pick a contrasting shape to make the taps stand out more.
Material Quality and Durability: Investing in Longevity
Your taps work hard. They're used multiple times a day, every day. So, you want them to last, right? Quality construction is key.
What Are Good Taps Made Of?
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Solid Brass: This is the gold standard for the main body of the tap. Why? It's strong, doesn't easily corrode, and just feels solid and reliable. Most quality taps have a solid brass body.
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Stainless Steel: Also a top choice. Very durable, resists corrosion, and naturally hygienic.
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Zinc Alloys: You might find these used for handles or decorative bits on cheaper taps. They do the job, but they're generally not as tough or long-lasting as solid brass.
The Bits Inside Matter Too
Most modern taps (mixers and some three-piece sets) use ceramic disc cartridges inside. These are two ceramic discs that slide over each other to control water flow. They last much longer and are far less likely to drip than old-style rubber washers. If the description mentions ceramic discs, that's usually a good sign of quality.
How Tough is the Finish?
The colourful or shiny finish needs to be durable too. Advanced methods like PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) create super hard-wearing surfaces for finishes like brushed nickel, brass, and gunmetal. They resist scratches and fading really well. Chrome is typically applied by electroplating, which is also very durable if done properly. Matte finishes might use powder coating.
Basically, investing a bit more in taps from well-known brands that use good materials pays off. Super cheap taps might look okay initially, but they often fail sooner, start leaking, or the finish peels or tarnishes. It's often false economy.
Installation: Getting it Right
Even the best taps won't perform well if they're not installed correctly. A dodgy installation can lead to leaks, wobbles, or damage.
Wall or Deck?
Taps either mount on the 'deck' (the flat surface or rim of the basin or bath) or come out of the wall above. Wall-mounted taps look very sleek, but the plumbing needs to be set up inside the wall cavity. This is easiest to do during a major renovation or new build. If you're just replacing existing taps, it's usually simplest to stick with the same mounting type unless you're ready for some replumbing work.
Will They Fit?
Check if the taps suit your basin or bath. Basins come with one tap hole (for mixers), three tap holes (for three-piece sets), or sometimes none (if you plan to use wall taps). Baths might have holes pre-drilled on the rim (a 'tap deck') or none at all, common for freestanding baths that pair with wall taps or floor-mounted fillers.
Call in the Pros
Look, while changing a tap washer might be a DIY task, installing new taps is best left to a licensed plumber. Honestly. They know how to make watertight connections, deal with any unexpected pipework issues, make sure everything complies with Australian standards (like fitting tempering valves if needed to regulate hot water temperature), and ensure your warranty stays valid. It's worth the peace of mind.
Innovation in Tapware: Modern Conveniences
Taps aren't just standing still; new ideas are always emerging to make them safer, more convenient, or better for the planet.
Thermostatic Mixers
We mentioned these for safety – keeping water temperature steady. A fantastic feature, especially for showers.
Water Saving Smarts
Beyond the WELS rating, many taps now have clever aerators. These mix air into the water stream, so it feels full and soft, but actually uses less water. Some also have built-in flow limiters.
Tougher Finishes
Technologies like PVD mean those beautiful brushed gold or gunmetal finishes stay looking good for longer, resisting scratches and marks better than ever.
Sensor Taps
You see these more in public bathrooms, but touch-free sensor taps are available for homes too. Wave your hand, water flows. Great for hygiene.
Digital Controls
At the very high end, some systems let you set precise temperatures and flow rates digitally, maybe even save presets for different users.
At The Blue Space, we keep an eye on these developments, bringing you taps that blend the latest practical innovations with great design.
Why Choose The Blue Space for Your Taps?
Okay, we know choosing taps is a big decision. There's a lot out there! So, why come to us?
Massive Choice
Seriously, we have a huge range. All the styles, types, finishes, and brands you could want. From simple, reliable mixers to that statement piece you've been dreaming of. You can see our full collection of taps here.
Brands You Can Trust
Quality is everything with taps. We only stock brands known for making great products that last. We partner with the best in Australia:
Real Advice
Our team actually knows bathrooms inside out. Need help figuring out what works with your plumbing? Not sure which finish suits your style? Ask us! We want to help you choose confidently.
Clear Info
We make sure our website has all the details you need – good photos, clear descriptions, WELS ratings, warranty info. Everything to help you decide.
Shop From Your Sofa
Browse everything online, whenever suits you. We deliver right across Australia, making your reno journey that bit easier.
We're Reliable
We care about our customers being happy. We sell quality gear and back it up with helpful service.
Caring for Your New Taps
You've got your shiny new taps installed – awesome! Keep them looking that way with a little simple care.
Wipe Down Often
Just use a soft, damp cloth. A bit of mild soap and water is fine for general cleaning. Drying them afterwards helps stop water spots, especially on dark or brushed finishes.
No Harsh Stuff
Steer clear of abrasive cleaners (like Jif), scouring pads, steel wool, or strong chemicals. Anything acidic (like vinegar) is also a no-go. These can wreck the finish. Stick to gentle, pH-neutral cleaners if needed.
Know Your Finish
Some finishes need slightly different care. Matte black might show fingerprints more, so a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth works wonders. 'Living finishes' like some brasses or bronzes are designed to change colour over time (patina) – check the manufacturer's info if you want to slow this down or maintain the original look.
Quick Leak Check
Every now and then, just glance around the base of the taps and where the spout connects. See any drips? Getting onto small leaks early stops bigger headaches later. Also, check the little screen at the end of the spout (the aerator) isn't clogged – cleaning it keeps the water flowing nicely.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Taps?
So there you have it. Choosing shower and bath taps involves thinking about how they work, how they look, how long they'll last, and how they fit into your bathroom. It's an important choice, but hopefully, this guide makes it feel less overwhelming.
Here at The Blue Space, we love helping Aussies create bathrooms they truly enjoy using every day. With our huge range from top brands, backed by genuine know-how, we're here to help you find exactly what you need.
Why not start exploring now? Dive into our collections online. Whether you're after that sleek mixer, a timeless three-piece set, or something else entirely, we've likely got the taps to bring your bathroom ideas to life.
Got questions? Stuck on something? Our friendly team is just a click or call away. Reach out – we'd love to help you find the perfect taps for your beautiful new bathroom space.
