Bathroom Faucets, Whitehaus

By definition novelty items are shiny, new, unique, and unusual; by reputation, they're short-lived and pretty junky. Once the thrill of that new cupcake-baker wears off, for example, it's probably going to spend a lot of time gathering dust in the back of your cabinets. But while beer hats and bikini aprons fit nicely into the throw-away definition of novelty, there are plenty of items that are unique and different without being, well, junky. In fact, I've found that there are quite a few novelty bathroom faucets that are not only a cool looking addition to your bathroom, but that are actually pretty useful, too.

LED Faucets

[caption id="attachment_11811" align="aligncenter" width="428"] Sumerain S1135CL LED Thermal Bathroom Sink Faucet In Polished Chrome
Click image for product details[/caption] One of the most popular types of novelty faucets are LED faucets, which light up when the water is turned on, illuminating and coloring the water. Most LED faucets can produce more than one color, and often the color changes depending on the temperature of the water. Superficially, this is an excellent visual way to see when your water has reached optimal temperature without having to stick your hands under a cold stream of water or burn yourself because you got an unexpected surge of hot water. Practically, this is a nice anti-scalding measure, as the lights will flash red when the water becomes scalding hot (about 120 degrees), which can prevent burning.

LED Faucet... Handle?

[caption id="attachment_11812" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Toto TL993SE Neorest II Electronic Lavatory Vessel Faucet with Temperature Indicating LED
Click image for product details[/caption] If bright, colorful water isn’t really your thing, but you like the idea of a visual temperature indicator, I present another novelty faucet: the Neorest II from Toto. Part of a larger collection of novelty bathroom gadgets that includes everything from high tech toilets to a sink that glows from within, this LED faucet set up is less about showy glowing and more about a sleek modern chic. Instead of illuminating the spigot, it’s the round dial-style faucet handle that lights up, glowing blue for cool and red for hot, with a sophisticated thermostatic anti-scald valve to prevent the water from getting too hot. No surprise, this setup combines quite nicely with that glowing sink (though of course you can install it on its own), and as a bonus it can be set either to a full flow 2gpm or a water saving 1.35gpm.

Motion Activated Faucets

[caption id="attachment_11813" align="aligncenter" width="375"] Toto Ryohan TEL5GM10 Thermal Mixing Faucet with Smart Sensor
Click image for product details[/caption] You might think that motion activated faucets are the sole demesne of public bathrooms, but motion activated faucets have their place in the home, too. If someone in your family has a bad habit of leaving faucets running – say while shaving, brushing teeth, or absentmindedly after washing hands – a faucet that turns itself off could be worth its weight in water savings. Better still, many new models come with built in thermal mixers, meaning you’ll get pleasantly warm water every time you turn on the faucet, no need to let it run to warm up. And because they’re hands free, they can help you keep a more hygienic bathroom, too, since you won’t be touching the same handle you touched with dirty hands just to turn the water off.

Variable Height Faucet

[caption id="attachment_11814" align="aligncenter" width="480"] DARTL10BN - Dual Art Faucet - Xylem
Click image for product details[/caption] There aren’t a whole lot of variable height faucets out there, but what few designs there are are definitely a novelty to see, like this stunning modern Dual Art faucet from Xylem. But while they definitely do “cool looking” quite well, they can actually be pretty useful, too. Decorative vessel sinks are becoming hugely popular in contemporary bathroom design, but not all vessel sinks are created equal, and they certainly aren’t all the same size – or height. While they typically require the same drilling in your vanity top, they can’t always be easily interchanged without changing the faucet. A variable height faucet makes just about any vessel sink viable and makes it possible to change out the sink almost as easily as swapping out your towels – seasonally, annually, for special occasions, or whatever.

Waterfall Faucets

[caption id="attachment_11815" align="aligncenter" width="376"] Sumerain S1208CW Wall Mounted Waterfall Bathroom Sink Faucet Chrome
Click image for product details[/caption] Waterfall faucets are also typically paired with vessel sinks, but unlike the other faucets on this list, they're usually mounted directly to the wall. Because you don't need to leave room for a faucet on the vanity top, this is actually a surprisingly good way to save space in a tight setup. That said, waterfall faucets are really mostly about the novelty, with gorgeous, artistically designed spigots that produce natural, tumbling, falling, waterfall-like water. They makes a pretty sound, look beautiful, and work every inch as well as a standard faucet, not to mention turning brushing your teeth in the morning into a surprisingly pleasant experience. What do you think of these novelty faucets? Do you think the added functionality is worth it, or are you just here for the unusual designs? Let me know in the comments!...

A lot of things go into making a bathroom beautiful, but not all of it has to be big. If you're in the middle of a major remodel, forgetting about the little things can be a huge mistake - as is assuming you can't give an outdated bathroom a facelift without a huge investment. The truth is, sometimes the smallest changes can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom, whether it's part of a larger redesign or all on its own. Take bathroom faucets for example - they're small, inexpensive, and easy to install, but are probably the most used fixture in your whole bathroom. Really beautiful, luxurious bathroom faucets can go a long way toward making you feel prim and pampered every time you use them - even without a lot of other updates. [caption id="attachment_4006" align="aligncenter" width="495"] Brick Collection Wall Mounted Bathroom Faucet From Fima Carlo Frattini[/caption] Your average bathroom faucet is pretty simple in design - one or two handles and a nice straight spigot that shoots water straight down. But the moment you change up that formula, "just a faucet" becomes a unique, functional luxury item that not only looks great, but is enjoyable to use. Take this Brick Faucet from Fima Carlo Frattini - it has all the basic parts, a handle and a spigot, but it's a wall mounted fixture - unusual for bathroom faucets - and is designed more like a tub filler than a tap faucet. Plus, instead of a regular spigot, it has a waterfall style tap that lets water fall naturally off the edge and into the sink, for an entirely different look and feel. [caption id="attachment_4007" align="aligncenter" width="449"] Kuatro Cascade Faucet From Ramon Soler[/caption] Even more typical waterfall-style bathroom faucets like this Kuatro Cascade from Roman Soler add a certain unexpected something to a modern bathroom space. The flow of the water is more natural, and the open trough-style spigot lets you enjoy the beautiful movement of water, making this piece much more than just functional. The natural water contrasted with the highly geometric chrome design of the faucet itself makes this a perfect accent piece for a simple, stylish modern bathroom. [caption id="attachment_4008" align="aligncenter" width="422"] Arola Bathroom Faucet From Ramon Soler[/caption] Of course, making the flow of water a unique and integral part of luxury bathroom faucets isn't limited merely to waterfall faucets. In fact, simply changing the shape of the water stream (in the case of this Arola Faucet, having a thin rectangular opening rather than a circular one) completely changes the aesthetic of your faucet. The real reason I personally like this faucet, though, is that it does away with the conventional faucet handle, replacing it with a small rotating band just beneath the spout to adjust the flow and temperature of the water. Not only does this create a lean, sleek form, but it's also great for an uncluttered modern aesthetic. [caption id="attachment_4009" align="aligncenter" width="375"] Tango Bathroom Faucet From Graff[/caption] But enough about the water - some luxury bathroom faucets are considered deluxe for their design, plain and simple, and there are a whole lot of really cool ones out there. I'm a big fan of this Tango faucet from Graff, which is a cool re-imagining of your average bathroom faucets. Instead of sitting close to the counter, this faucet is quite tall - big enough to comfortably accommodate a vessel sink - and instead of merging the hot and cold inlet lines into a single feed at the base, they continue up independently to mix only at the tap itself.  That makes for a unique, leggy-looking bathroom faucet that's totally outside the norm. Above, it's pictured in chrome, but some of the other options - particularly the rubbed and oiled bronze finishes - actually make for a nice twist on the old vintage two-tap faucets (without all the scalding). [caption id="attachment_4010" align="aligncenter" width="545"] Eco Bathroom Faucet With Joystick Handle From Graff[/caption] Sometimes the simplest designs are the most stunning. This Eco faucet, for example, is little more than a smooth chrome cylinder bent at a sharp angle, but the unexpected minimalness of it is absolutely striking. Even in a bathroom that isn't especially modern, this faucet is a definite stand-out focal point, just because it isn't like your average bathroom faucets. Plus, the futuristic looking joystick style handle makes for a unique finishing touch as well as an innovative user experience. [caption id="attachment_4011" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Pompadour Widespread Lavatory Faucet From Herbeau[/caption] But while modern bathroom faucets are striking and elegant in their simplicity, I have to admit that I think the most luxurious bathroom faucets are the ones with some real vintage flair and detail. I mean, come on - if you want to add something stunning to your bathroom, what could be better than something like this Pompadour Faucet from Herbeau, that looks like it came straight out of Hearse Castle? After all, nothing quiet says luxury like having a Louis XV-inspired dragon-tap in your bathroom. [caption id="attachment_4012" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Fountainhaus Bathroom Faucet From Whitehaus[/caption] In fact, vintage-inspired and authentic vintage bathroom faucets are a great way to add a little unique custom flair to bathrooms that aren't ultra modern in their aesthetic. Something like this wood-accented, vintage-inspired Fountainhaus Faucet from Whitehaus adds rustic charm in spades for exactly the opposite reason of most of the other faucets on this list. Instead of being eye-catching for being minimal and angular, this faucet and others like it are beautiful for their faithful reproduction of  the more lavish, intricate, and detailed style of a bygone era. Especially in an older home, vintage bathroom faucets can go a long way to adding luxury and authenticity. [caption id="attachment_4013" align="aligncenter" width="530"] Brick Collection Bathroom Faucet From Fima Carlo Frattini[/caption] Then again, sometimes it's the little things of the little things that can give you warm fuzzies when you use it. This Brick Faucet is fairly standard among high-end modern bathroom faucets, with a sleek geometric shape and dazzling chrome finish. But the sister Brick Chic collection comes with a small rectangle of tiny Swarovski crystals. It's the tiniest detail, but one that adds a sophisticated, luxury finish not only to your bathroom faucets, but also to your bathroom as a whole. So, whether you're looking for a faucet to perfect your next big remodel, or just an afternoon project to improve the look and feel of your bathroom, there are a lot of luxury bathroom faucets out there that will not only make your bathroom nicer to look at, but maybe even more enjoyable to use. What are you looking for in a new bathroom faucet? Do you prefer a dramatic modern aesthetic, or a more vintage style?...

Most standard bathtubs have a wall mounted faucet - but if you're upgrading to a big inset tub like a whirlpool - or especially a freestanding tub - it can be difficult to line up your new fixtures with traditional style hardware. Not only that, but keeping your tub stuck to a wall can really limit the layout of your bathroom remodel. If you don't like the idea of big, gangly clawfoot tub fillers - or if you're going for a look that's more contemporary than classic, you might want to think about investing in a deck mounted faucet instead.

[caption id="attachment_1656" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="American Standard 2506.920 Double Handle Roman Tub Filler Faucet with Individual Escutcheons and Diverter Tub Spout from the Moments Collection"][/caption]

Clawfoot tub fillers are completely exposed, showing the piping literally from the ground up, which creates an excellent antique look. But if that isn't the style of your tub or bathroom it can be hard to know what fixtures to use for your new freestanding tub. If the walls are thick enough, you can actually install the fixtures directly into the edge of the tub. This allows you to keep the plumbing hidden, and create a modern rather than period feel with something like this American Standard Moments faucet.

[caption id="attachment_1650" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kohler K-6945 Modern Deck-Mount Non-Diverter Bath Spout with NPT Connection from Crescent Collection"][/caption]

Another benefit is that deck mounted faucets tend to be significantly less expensive than ornate freestanding tub fillers. Depending, of course, on the specific faucet, we're talking a difference of at least a couple hundred dollars, if not closer to a thousand, partly because of the increased material cost for the larger stand. A filler like this Kohler Crescent is simple, elegant, and relatively inexpensive - and it won't take up any floor space.

[caption id="attachment_1651" align="aligncenter" width="386" caption="Graff G-3051-C10B-PC Roman Tub Set (Rough and Trim)"][/caption]

If you are going for a specifically modern style for your bathroom, opt for deck mounted faucets with simple, sleek design and dramatic angles instead of curves. I think chrome fixtures, like this Graff Roman Tub Set, look especially nice - the reflective surface accentuates the clean linear design. Especially in a high contrast black and white bathroom, chrome can be extremely dramatic.

[caption id="attachment_1652" align="aligncenter" width="322" caption="LaToscana 73102VR Double Handle Roman Tub Filler Faucet with Tempered Glass Spout from the Morgana Collection"][/caption] With a deck mounted faucet, it's also a little easier to get some of the innovative faucet styles that are more common with bathroom sink faucets. Because deck style fillers are mounted in almost the same way that sink faucets are, and the water is able to flow into the basin in the same way, you can get larger versions of beautiful waterfall style fillers, like this La Toscana Morgana, you might otherwise find paired with a vessel sink. [caption id="attachment_1653" align="aligncenter" width="329" caption="Brizo B67745-BZ Vesi Double Handle Roman Tub Faucet"][/caption] If you follow this blog, you'll know that I'm a big fan of coordination. And if you're in the midst of a whole bathroom remodel, I think it's especially important to find matching hardware. Deck mounted faucets afford you the unique ability not only to get matching finishes or similar styles, but to actually get the same fixture in two different sizes to serve two different functions. Having a pair of these Brizo Vesi faucets, one for your sink and one for your tub, and coordinating with matching drawer pulls can help give your bathroom a sense of balance and unity. [caption id="attachment_1654" align="aligncenter" width="315" caption="Graff G-3651-C14B-PC Roman Tub Set (Rough and Trim)"][/caption] And heck, a lot of them just look really nice - if your bathtub is modern rather than victorian style, traditional freestanding fillers just won't work. Something simple and minimal like this Graff Roman Set is a much better alternative. [caption id="attachment_1655" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Herbeau 412120 Single Lever White Ceramic Handle Mixer and Hand Spray from the Royale Collection"][/caption] What do you do if you prefer the style (and price!) of a modern fixture, but your new tub doesn't have a deck or rim big enough to install a faucet on?  Most contractors will tell you, stick it against a wall or deal with the exposed hardware. But with a little creativity, you can build a freestanding wood or tile pedestal to "mount" the faucet on, keeping your plumbing hidden (but accessible with a hinged door) and your costs lower. The best part is, you'll be able to install your tub wherever you want, while still getting the same wonderful style of a deck mounted faucet - whether that's ultra modern or something more traditional like this Royale set. There are a million and one different kids of bathtubs and tub fillers out there, but it's all too easy to take your bathroom layout for granted. So before you settle for something you might not be happy with, consider the possibilities beyond the obvious - and don't be afraid to play around with your configuration, or to take advantage of the simple but less expensive stylings of a modern deck mounted faucet. But what's making you consider a deck mount faucet - the style, the price, the configuration, or something else? Let me know in the comments!...

Adding a wall mounted faucet is a great way to add a designer flair to a bathroom of any size or shape. Unfortunately, doing so isn't exactly easy: you'll need to tear out part of your wall, reroute your plumbing, and work around any existing studs, to say nothing of retiling the wall when you're done. The good news is, there's a great new way to get this look without all the heavy remodeling. Bathroom vanities with off-the-wall wall mounting systems like those from Direct Vanity are a brand new way to get the best of both worlds. [caption id="attachment_8804" align="aligncenter" width="314"] Xtraordinary Wall Mount Faucet Ready Vanity From Direct Vanity[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8817" align="aligncenter" width="331"] Click to shop. Apply coupon DV50 at checkout to receive the discount.[/caption] Many bathroom vanities come paired with stone vanity tops, and more often than not these stone surfaces are pre-cut to accommodate a standard sink and faucet. All you have to do is slide the faucet assembly and sink into the pre-drilled holes and tighten a few nuts and bolts. What off-the-wall wall mounting systems do is move those pre-drilled faucet holes from the top of the vanity up to the integrated backsplash, changing the placement dramatically but only minorly altering the installation. Shop it: [caption id="attachment_8805" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Horizon Wall Mount Faucet Ready Double Vanity From Direct Vanity[/caption] A typical stone backsplash that's integrated into a vanity top is about four inches tall and flat on the back so it sits flush with the wall. But on a vanity with an off-the-wall wall mounting system, there's a small, hollow wooden panel behind the backsplash. This creates a nesting place for the faucet assembly, so that when the hardware is slipped through the holes in the backsplash (and the faucet and handles are screwed onto the front), all the hardware will sit nestled in the small wooden panel and the vanity will still sit seamlessly up against the wall. Shop it: [caption id="attachment_8806" align="aligncenter" width="416"] Hutton Wall Mount Faucet Ready Bathroom Vanity From Direct Vanity[/caption] This creates the illusion that the faucet is coming directly out of the wall without any plumbing work or demolishing your walls or existing tile. Instead, the water supply lines snake down the back of the vanity (hidden by the panel) and attach underneath exactly where they would on a standard vanity (though the hoses will need to be a tad bit longer). The whole thing has a completely seamless appearance, and only adds a few inches to the overall depth of the vanity. [caption id="attachment_8807" align="aligncenter" width="435"] Xtraordinary Spa Premium Double Vanity From Direct Vanity[/caption] Another simple advantage of this type of setup is that your faucet and handles will always be installed in the right position. In a traditional wall mounted installation, you have to contend with wall studs. This can limit the available placement of the faucet and handles, force you to install them too close together, or even limit where you can install your vanity. There's also some degree of guesswork involved in choosing how high up to install the faucet based on the way the water flows (if it's a standard stream or a waterfall style faucet). Having the holes pre-drilled takes out all this guesswork, and ensures the faucet will have an elegant 8" spread. Shop it: [caption id="attachment_8808" align="aligncenter" width="474"] Hutton Double Wall Mount Ready Vanity From Direct Vanity[/caption] Perhaps the greatest advantage of off-the-wall wall mounting systems is that they aren't necessarily a permanent part of your bathroom. Once a wall mounted faucet is installed into a wall - and worse, once it's tiled into place - there's no room to alter the positioning without ripping out all the tile and the underlying wall. While the faucet itself can be changed with later remodels, you're restricted to the same size and positioning for any future bathroom vanities, unless you want to undertake a much larger project. Bathroom vanities with off-the-wall wall mounting systems offer you the freedom to update your bathroom's look without a lot of costly and invasive construction. [caption id="attachment_8809" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Horizon Double Wall Mount Faucet Ready Vanity From Direct Vanity[/caption] Off-the-wall wall mounting systems level the playing field, making installing a wall mounted faucet just as easily as installing a conventional one. Better still, it's a solution that comes without compromise. The faucet holes are drilled into the vanity top (and with Direct Vanity are factory defaulted to work with a particular rough in from Danze), but you're nearly always free to choose the faucet you want to get the look you want. Plus, because they're integrated into real stone backsplashes, they not only have the elegant, slightly unconventional style of being mounted on the wall, but also the high quality look and feel of natural stone. What do you think of these wall mount faucet ready bathroom vanities? Do you like the look, or is it worth the extra work to build your own backslash? Let me know in the comments! See all collections by Direct Vanity: ...

Bathroom remodels are full of devilish details - things that are important, but all too easy to overlook until it's too late. It's easy to get caught up in the big things - like designing your custom shower or choosing a new whirlpool - and hold off on smaller decisions, like which bathroom faucet you want, until later. But that can be a surprisingly big mistake, especially if you buy a bathroom vanity with pre-drilled faucet holes.

Why Does It Matter?

[caption id="attachment_4901" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Compton Buttercream Double Bathroom Vanity From Hardware Resources[/caption] Bathroom faucets with an 8 inch spread are widely considered to be the most desirable, as they can be a little bigger, a little bolder, and have a little more character without crowding your counter space. But a 4 inch spread is still widely considered to be "standard," and many pre-cut vanity tops come with this configuration. If you want to have an 8 inch spread faucet, you either need to have your vanity top custom cut, do it yourself, or find a company like Hardware Resources that offer bathroom vanity combo sets with wider faucet accommodations, like this Compton Vanity. Shop Bathroom Vanities by Hardware Resources:

Wait, Tell Me More About Bathroom Vanity Combos

[caption id="attachment_4902" align="aligncenter" width="320"] Emilia Merlot Single Bath Vanity From Hardware Resources[/caption] Bathroom vanity combos are an increasingly popular way to make luxury bathroom vanities more affordable and convenient to install. While ordinary bathroom vanities include just the vanity (meaning that you have to buy and cut the counter top and purchase a sink and faucet separately), bathroom vanity combos like this Emilia Vanity come with stone vanity tops cut to match the vanity. The vanity tops are also cut to accommodate a sink, which is sometimes included in the package, and typically a three-hole faucet, but the faucet itself is only very rarely included. That means that if your vanity top doesn't accommodate the sink you want, there isn't much you can do about it.

What's The Difference Between A 4 Inch And 8 Inch Spread?

[caption id="attachment_4903" align="aligncenter" width="651"] Compton Single Bathroom Vanity With Four Inch (Left) And Eight Inch (Right) Spreads From Hardware Resources[/caption] The standard 4-inch spacing between the three holes for a faucet is made to accommodate what you might think of as an "average" bathroom faucet - one that has the handle or handles and spout built into a single piece. These are known as "centerset" faucets, and while you can sometimes find them in interesting vintage designs, by and large they're just pretty average looking. With more space between the faucet and handle holes, you have more freedom to have decorative handles and a decorative spout, and a little more room to move comfortably. Now, it's important to note that you can find three-piece faucets in the 4 inch range, but they tend to be a little smaller, more cramped, and generally don't have quite the same grand, finished look of a wider spread faucet. You can visibly see the difference in these 4 Inch and 8 Inch Compton vanities.

How Big A Difference Does It Make?

[caption id="attachment_4904" align="aligncenter" width="349"] Tesla Buttercream Single Vanity From Hardware Resources[/caption] How much it really matters what kind of sink you end up with depends, of course, on your own point of view. But if you have your heart set on a luxury bathroom remodel, it can be disappointing to find that your bathroom vanity won't accommodate some of the higher end sinks you were saving room in your budget for. Especially if you opted for an affordable bathroom vanity combo like this Tesla Vanity in the first place to save for a more expensive faucet!

How Much Will This Cramp My Style?

[caption id="attachment_4905" align="aligncenter" width="430"] Compton 48 Inch Bathroom Vanity From Hardware Resources[/caption] The good news is, many manufacturers offer bathroom vanity combos that can accommodate larger bathroom faucets - provided that you know to ask for it. Hardware Resources actually offers most of their bathroom vanities in 4 and 8 inch versions (like this lovey 48 Inch Compton Vanity), but without the faucet installed, at a glance it can be hard to tell the difference - especially if it isn't at the top of your list of things to consider. If you're shopping in a showroom, if you can lay your hand down flat long-ways between the holes, it's probably an 8 inch, but if you can only fit a few fingers, it's probably a 4 inch.

Is It Worth Looking For A Bathroom Vanity Combo That Comes With A Faucet?

[caption id="attachment_4906" align="aligncenter" width="453"] Tesla Walnut Double Vanity From Hardware Resources[/caption] Not if it means getting a bathroom vanity you aren't happy with. Cole+Co offers some really lovely, complete bathroom vanity sets and isn't a bad place to start if you're considering this. But choosing the right vanity should come first. After all, the bathroom vanity is one of the most important pieces in the bathroom, and a decorative faucet is there to enhance - not make or break - its appearance. That said, if you're in the market for a new bathroom vanity, be sure not to leave your bathroom faucet for the last minute and double check your vanity's specifications. If it has an 8 inch spread, like this Tesla Double Vanity, it should say so, and looking is the only way to be sure you get a bathroom vanity that meets all your specifications. How much thought have you put in to your bathroom sink? Are you looking forward to having a luxury, decorative faucet, or are you okay with a more standard installation? Let me know in the comments! Shop Bathroom Vanities: ...