Chances are that when you’re redesigning your kitchen’s style, or just dealing with emergency replacement, you haven’t thought too hard about your choice of kitchen tap. This may end up with you buying the first at hand or the first that seems to suit your purpose, which is an unfortunate mistake you may regret down the line.
When you think about it, your kitchen tap needs to tick quite a few surprising boxes. It needs to flatter the rest of your kitchen style, be easily usable by those in your home and also create the most efficient workspace for your needs. Here are some key points you need to consider when researching your options.
1. The shape and height of the spout
Tap spouts come in varying sizes and shapes, including L-shaped, U-shaped and C-shaped heads. Depending on the size of your sink, think about what you will need to wash or fill up and consequently how much space you might need. An L-shape tap is more subtle and minimalist than an oversized U-shape but may not allow you enough room to easily wash your large pots and pans.
2. How you want it mounted
Have you thought beyond a simple sink-mounted tap? You can also mount them to the wall or bench, creating more space to work in and potentially making it easier to clean. Your standard sink mounted tap is however the cheaper option if your budget is more limited.
3. Your kitchen style
If you have a warm cottage kitchen, a contemporary stainless steel tap with sharp lines is likely to stand out like a sore thumb. Rather instead it might suit your room better to have tapware with more gentle lines or curves and maybe copper or coloured finishing. The shape and style of your tap, and the finish (steel, chrome, brass, copper, coloured) all need to fit in harmoniously with the existing style of your room. Sometimes it can help to simply match the finish of your tap with your cupboard door handles or appliances to create a cohesive appearance.
4. What is best for your family
Useability is something you may not think of right off, but not every tap design is easy to use for everyone. Elderly household members may find it more difficult to use a twist handle design, so a lever handle may be best in this case.
5. The healthy touch
Is the tap water in your local area not the greatest? Why not install a water filter tap to put your mind at ease.
With so many options to consider it is worth taking the time to do your research on what suits your needs and budget. When you have made your decision, request quotes from your local plumbers to get the best deal on tap installation.
-Em from the Look Local WA team
