There are only so many ways that you can dress up an ordinary bathroom sink without having to spend some serious cash on a total overhaul — one of which is swapping out the faucet. This one little change can be an effortless (and budget-friendly!) way to upgrade your space. Not to mention, it's the perfect way to invite an unexpected dose of luster.
The most common faucet type you'll encounter is deck-mount — that's when the fixture sits directly on the counter or the sink — versus wall-mount, which is when it's installed on the wall above the sink. And as standard as they might be, deck-mounted faucets come in a vast array of finishes, styles, shapes, and sizes, offering an opportunity to get truly creative. Traditionally, you'll find four variances:
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Single-hole: Single-hole faucets feature an all-in-one handle and a spout.
Centerset: One of the more popular options, centerset faucets are comprised of a spout and two handles (built as a single unit), which are positioned at the centermost point above a sink.
Widespread: Widespread faucets also include a spout and two handles though the primary difference is that they are not attached to one another and are, instead, spread out.
Bridge: Similar to a center-set fixture, a bridge faucet is distinguished by a bar that connects the handles to the spout.
Before you make a purchase, start by surveying your bath for stylistic direction. Take inventory of the existing metal finishes (brass, stainless steel, brushed nickel, matte black, for example) in your space and allow that to inform the faucet finish. Mixing and matching metals is always encouraged, though the key to making it work is sticking to a cohesive style. Scroll on for eight deck-mount faucet ideas that will get you started on the right foot.
1. Keep the faucet simple.
For a no-frills, modern approach, a single-handle faucet will be your best bet. Streamlined and perfectly minimalist, a sleek polished chrome or stainless steel fixture is the ideal complement to a subdued scheme. Just take this light-filled Oslo home designed by Haptic Architects as proof.
2. Welcome contrast to your deck mount.
A matte black deck-mounted faucet is a surefire way to invite an eye-catching element to your bathroom vanity. Bonus points for embracing a futuristic silhouette. Designer Casey Keasler of Casework opted for a black trim kit for this modern Oregon cabin to complement the high-contrast black and white palette.
Get the look: Restoration Hardware Lambeth Faceted Lever-Handle 8-inch Widespread Gooseneck Faucet, $1,205 - $1,480
3. Embrace lustrous details.
Gooseneck faucets are all about bringing a little drama to the bath. Characterized by a high-arc design that offers a nice faucet spout reach — as seen in this saturated, blue tile design from Australian architecture firm Sans-Arc Studio — you'll likely come across this fixture in the form of a single-hole deck mount. The minimalist faucet trim, coupled with the warm metal finish, earmark this one as a new classic. And the coordinating rain showerhead is a nice touch, too.
4. Think old-school.
If you're feeling adventurous, juxtapose a modern bathroom with an old-school bronze handle deck for a cool contemporary finish. Follow designer Sarah Solis's lead and invest in a brass widespread faucet. The understated detail here that completes the scene is the use of vintage-inspired cross handles in lieu of levers. Add a clawfoot tub to the mix for the ultimate vintage bath.
Get the look: Waterworks Henry Low Profile Three Hole Deck Mounted Lavatory Faucet with Metal Cross Handles, $1,625
5. Stick to one metal finish.
Square porcelain tile, blush-toned drawers, and a chic cement sink may be the hallmark elements in this Portland bath by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, but it's the brass widespread deck mount (comprised of cross handles and a gooseneck faucet no less) that takes it all to the next level. Pro tip: Select coordinating new products, like cabinet pulls and lighting, in the same metal finish for a cohesive look.
6. Complement a small space.
An old-school wall-mounted sink paired with a matte black centerset faucet makes for a stylish yet space-saving solution in a small lavatory. Keeping in line with the black-and-white scheme of the powder room in this Joshua Tree cabin, the compact deck-mounted faucet, with its ornate handles, doubles as an accent against the standard white sink.
Get the look: Kingston Brass Restoration Centerset Bathroom Faucet, $92.44
7. Go retro.
For the modern farmhouse aesthetic, a stainless steel widespread deck mount offers a vintage-inspired touch thanks to its curved spout and cross handles. Installed directly on top of the vessel sink, the ornate fixture makes for an ideal complement to the reclaimed wood vanity.
Get the look: Signature Hardware Barbour Widespread Bathroom Faucet, $249
8. Make it glam.
In a space rich with color and pattern — such as the powder bath in this midcentury modern home designed by Aly Velji — a deck-mounted faucet that's streamlined yet noteworthy fits right in with the bold elements of the room. Staying in line with the warm palette of the botanical wallpaper and vibrant marble vanity, the single-hole faucet with its sleek lever offers a lustrous layer to the eclectic mix of patterns that surround it.
Get the look: Jacuzzi Duncan Brushed Bronze 1-Handle 4-inch Centerset WaterSense Bathroom Sink Faucet, $99