Before you select your bathroom faucet, you'll need to consider a few factors, such as whether you're using an existing sink or buying a new one and where the faucet openings are. In addition, it’s important to consider the features you want as well as the type of faucet your budget allows for. Then consider the size of your bathroom, and the stylistic trend you’re hoping to achieve. Follow this guide as a general road-map for choosing your perfect bathroom faucet.

Faucet Types

First things first, always make sure that your faucet type matches the hole opening of your sink! If it doesn’t, you’ll have to install a deck plate or consider an entirely different setup.

Single-hole faucets combine the spout and mixing handles—often a single lever—into one unit that requires only a single drilled sink hole. For retrofits, some models include a bottom plate that will cover existing three-hole openings. Single-hole faucets are ideal for smaller sinks, such as powder room baths. Their simplicity reflects modern sensibilities.

Waterfall Bathroom Faucets create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. The VIGO Matte Stone disk creates a waterfall effect on the single lever faucet, while the faucet’s base is constructed from durable, solid brass and finished in sleek Chrome.

Widespread mounts have three separate pieces: Two handles and the spout. The standard distance between the handles is at least 8 inches, and the three pieces tend to be larger than other types of bath faucets. Smaller versions, called mini-spreads, are designed for standard holes drilled 4 inches apart.

Center-set faucets fit standard three-hole sinks, with outer holes drilled 4 inches apart. They'll have either a single lever or two handles mounted on a 6-inch plate. Center-set faucets work well in most bathroom sinks.

Wall mount faucets have have become increasingly popular in recent years. These pair well with freestanding or vessel-type sinks that require longer spouts and extend well over the top of the bowl.

Faucet Finishes

The good news: In an attempt to bring more finish options to the market, manufacturers have come out with a variety of quality finishes.

The bad news: You'll have to choose from an overwhelming plethora of finish types that include polished chrome (the long-standing industry stalwart), brushed chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel, hammered nickel, stainless steel, bronze, brushed bronze, oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, black, white and decorative ceramic.

The good news about the bad news, however, is that the bad news isn’t so bad. We have some great tips to make your decision-making process easier:

• Forget the metal and concentrate on the look. Visit a showroom where all the finishes are on display, and select the one you fall in love with.

• Coordinate all your finishes in each bathroom so that your hard surfaces—including towel bars, lighting fixtures and door hardware—have the same finish.

• Polished finishes are elegant but require regular upkeep to keep them looking sparkly and pristine

• Brushed finishes are better at hiding water spots and fingerprints, which is great if you have kids

BEFORE YOU BUY:

• Make sure you match the proper finish to complement your bath or shower fixture. If the sink is in a powder room, match it to the cabinet hardware instead. Most faucets are available in stainless steel, bronze and chrome, but this can vary depending on the brand.

• Pay attention to counter-top length! If you decide to keep your current counter-top, make sure the faucet won’t extend too far once the sink is installed. The water stream should hit near the center of the basin.

• Find out whether a lifetime warranty covers the faucet. Most well-known brands, including VIGO, offer at least some version of a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Ask your salesperson about the lifetime of your piece to verify whether or not your warranty will be honored.

These faucets combine graceful beauty with modern minimalist design and adaptable to many modern sinks. Click to see more information.