Taps

Tapware Buying Guide

Tapware is one of the most-touched fixtures in a home, used dozens of times a day, and one of the easiest ways to change the character of a room without a full renovation. A tap's finish, shape and mounting position all read as design decisions in their own right, which is why tapware is often chosen after the tiles and benchtop, but before the smaller accessories that follow its lead.

Construction quality matters as much as finish. Solid brass and lead-free brass bodies with ceramic disc cartridges are the standard for durable, drip-free tapware, while stainless steel is common in kitchen and laundry settings for its resistance to corrosion.

Bathroom tapware

Bathroom tapware carries the most design weight of any tap in the home, since it interacts directly with the vanity, basin and tiling around it.

• Basin taps range from single-lever contemporary mixers through to classic three-piece sets, and are usually the first tapware decision made in a bathroom, since the basin's tap hole configuration determines which styles are compatible
• Wall mounted tapware sits flush against the wall above the basin rather than rising from the benchtop, which suits above-counter and semi-recessed basins particularly well. This mounting style needs to be planned early, since it may require moving existing pipework, worth confirming with a plumber before committing to a wall-mounted layout
• Shower taps control water flow and temperature at the shower, ranging from minimalist single-function mixers and mixers with diverters
• Bath taps include wall-mounted, hob-mounted and freestanding bath filler options, each suited to a different bath style and installation. A freestanding bath filler, for instance, needs floor-mounted plumbing planned before the bath itself is installed
• Mixer taps combine hot and cold control into a single lever and are generally the most straightforward tapware to install, making them a common choice in renovations

Coloured tapware and finishes

Finish is often the first design decision made in tapware selection, since it sets the tone for the rest of the room. Matte black and gunmetal read as bold, contemporary choices and work well against light-toned tiles or stone. Brushed finishes, nickel, brass, gold and bronze, bring warmth into a space and pair naturally with timber vanities or warm-toned tiling. Chrome remains the most versatile option, suited to both contemporary and classic bathrooms, and tends to age well since it doesn't tie the room to a single design trend.

Because tapware finish interacts so directly with everything around it, it's worth confirming vanity, tile and accessory selections before finalising a finish, so the tones read consistently under the room's actual lighting rather than just in a product photo.

Kitchen and Laundry tapware

• Kitchen taps choose from gooseneck mixers, which give extra clearance for filling and washing large pots, and pull-out taps, which extend the hose for more flexibility when rinsing dishes or filling containers away from the sink. Kitchen sink mixers are generally chosen to match the sink's tap hole position and the finish of surrounding hardware, such as cabinet handles
• Laundry taps including washing machine tap sets, are built for durability under frequent use, and are worth selecting in a finish that matches nearby fittings if the laundry is a visible, styled space rather than a purely utilitarian one

How do I choose the right tapware for my home?

A few practical checks narrow down the right tapware for a given space:

• Basin or sink style this determines which tap types and tap hole configurations are compatible
• Tap height and reach measure the basin or sink height before choosing a tap, to confirm it clears the bowl comfortably without excessive splashing
• Wall space wall mounted taps suit spaces with existing or plannable wall plumbing, and create a cleaner, more streamlined look above the basin
• Installation complexity mixer taps are generally the simplest to install, while three-piece taps suit a straightforward like-for-like replacement without altering the basin
• Finish and design direction choose a finish that ties the tap to the room's tiles, vanity and hardware, rather than selecting it in isolation

A plumber should always confirm existing fittings and pipework before a final tapware selection is made.

Are bath taps different to basin taps?

Bath and basin spouts differ in size and flow rate, since a bath needs to fill a much larger volume of water than a basin. However, the tap or mixer body itself is often shared across both applications within a range, with the spout being the main point of difference. The Blue Space's Spouts collection covers this distinction in more detail for anyone matching a bath filler to an existing basin mixer.

Are taps easy to replace?

Taps and mixers should always be replaced by a licensed plumber to keep the manufacturer's warranty valid. Replacing bench-mounted tapware is usually straightforward, while wall-mounted tapware tends to be more labour-intensive, particularly in older homes without existing isolation taps, which are worth having installed at the same time if not already in place.

How do I maintain my tapware?

Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is sufficient for most finishes. Abrasive cleaners should be avoided, particularly on coloured and PVD-coated finishes, since they can dull or scratch the coating over time. Drying the tap after use helps prevent water spots and keeps the finish looking consistent.

Why does tapware quality matter?

Tapware is handled daily, so the quality of the cartridge and body affects both how the tap feels to use and how long it lasts before needing replacement. Ceramic disc cartridges, standard across quality brass tapware, are designed for smooth, precise control and resist the wear that leads to dripping over time. Taps in this collection also carry a WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) rating.

The Blue Space offer tapware from Australia's leading brands Caroma, Phoenix Tapware, Meir, Nero Tapware, Fienza and more.

Completing the room

Tapware is rarely chosen in isolation. For bathrooms, The Blue Space's Basins, Vanities and Showers collections are worth reviewing alongside a tapware selection, so the finish and proportions are consistent across the whole room. For kitchens, matching a tap to the Kitchen Sinks collection ensures the tap hole position and finish align with the sink itself.