Mixer Taps vs. Pillar Taps: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right taps for your bathroom can feel a bit tricky, can't it? You've got your classic pillar taps and then there are the more modern mixer taps. This guide is all about helping you figure out which is best for your bathroom. We'll look at the differences, what works where, and what to watch out for so you don't end up with a tap that doesn't quite fit the bill. Let's get this sorted.

Key Takeaways

• Pillar taps have separate controls for hot and cold water, often seen in traditional bathrooms or older homes. They're simpler to install and don't rely as much on balanced water pressure.

• Mixer taps combine hot and cold water into a single stream, offering easier temperature control and a more modern look. They usually require a single tap hole.

• Consider your bathroom's plumbing. Mixer taps need both hot and cold water lines and often require concealed pipework, while pillar taps are more flexible.

• Think about how you'll use the taps. For basic hand washing, pillar taps might be fine, but for showers or baths where precise temperature is key, mixer taps are usually better.

• Don't just go for looks; functionality and compatibility with your existing water system are really important. Also, check the build quality to ensure durability.

Understanding Your Tap Choices

Choosing the right taps for your bathroom might seem like a small detail, but honestly, it makes a big difference. It's not just about how they look, though that's important too! The type of tap you pick can affect how easy it is to use, how well your water works, and even how your bathroom feels overall. Think of them as the jewellery for your bathroom – they really tie the whole look together, but they also have to be practical. We'll break down the two main types you'll likely come across: pillar taps and mixer taps, so you can figure out which one is the best fit for your space and needs. It’s all about making sure you get something that works well and looks good, without any hassle down the line.

Selecting the correct taps is more than just a style choice; it's a practical decision that impacts your daily routine and the overall functionality of your bathroom. Getting it right means enjoying a comfortable experience every time you use the sink or bath. Getting it wrong, well, that can lead to drips, awkward temperature controls, or a look that just doesn't quite fit. It’s worth taking a moment to consider what you really need.

Making an informed decision early on can save you a lot of potential headaches, from installation issues to ongoing usability problems. It’s about balancing aesthetics with performance.

Pillar taps are the classic choice, often seen in pairs. You'll typically find one for hot water and one for cold, each mounted separately. They're a common sight in many homes, especially those with a more traditional or vintage bathroom design.

• Design: Usually come as a set of two, with separate controls for hot and cold water.

• Installation: Generally straightforward, often mounted directly onto the basin or countertop.

• Best For: Bathrooms with a traditional aesthetic, or where separate hot and cold controls are preferred. They can also be a good option if you only have a cold water supply.

Mixer taps, on the other hand, are designed to combine both hot and cold water into a single stream from one spout. This usually means a single lever or handle that you move to adjust both the flow and the temperature. They're very popular in modern bathrooms for their sleek look and ease of use. You can find them in various styles, from simple levers to more decorative crosshead designs.

• Design: A single unit with one spout, controlled by one or more levers/handles.

• Installation: Can be mounted on the basin, countertop, or even directly onto the wall, often requiring a bit more plumbing consideration.

• Best For: Modern bathrooms, achieving precise temperature control, and situations where a streamlined look is desired. They are also very convenient for baths and showers. If you're looking for a contemporary feel, you might want to explore different basin mixer taps.

Understanding these basic differences is the first step to choosing the taps that will best suit your bathroom's needs and your personal style.

Key Differences Between Mixer and Pillar Taps

When you're looking at bathroom taps, two common types you'll come across are mixer taps and pillar taps. They might look similar at first glance, but they work quite differently and are suited to different needs. Understanding these differences is key to picking the right one for your bathroom.

Design and Installation

Pillar taps, often seen in UK bathrooms, are typically sold in pairs – one for hot water and one for cold. They're usually mounted on the sink or countertop, each with its own handle. This means they require two separate holes in your basin or worktop. Installation is generally straightforward, as they don't usually involve complex concealed pipework. They're a classic choice, especially for basins designed with two tap holes.

Mixer taps, on the other hand, combine the hot and cold water supply into a single unit. They can be mounted on the basin (deck-mounted) or on the wall (wall-mounted). Wall-mounted mixer taps, in particular, require concealed plumbing within the wall, which can make installation more involved but offers a cleaner look. Deck-mounted mixers usually have one or three tap holes, depending on whether they are a single-hole mixer or a bath filler with separate controls.

Water Flow and Temperature Control

With pillar taps, you control the hot and cold water separately. This means you have to manually adjust both taps to get your desired water temperature and flow. This can be a bit fiddly, especially if your water pressure for hot and cold isn't balanced. If you only have a cold water supply, a single pillar tap is all you'll need. However, for a mixed temperature, you'll be adjusting two handles.

Mixed taps offer a more streamlined experience. A single lever or knob controls both the flow and the temperature. You move the lever up or down for flow and side to side for temperature. This makes it much easier to find that perfect water temperature quickly. This is particularly useful for showers and baths where precise temperature control is important for comfort and safety. For example, a Hansgrohe mixer tap often provides a very consistent and easy-to-manage temperature setting. Hansgrohe taps are known for this kind of user-friendly design.

Aesthetic Appeal

Pillar taps often lend themselves to a more traditional or classic bathroom aesthetic. They come in various styles, from simple, clean lines to more ornate crosshead designs. If you're going for a vintage or period look, pillar taps can really fit the bill.

Mixed taps, especially wall-mounted ones, tend to have a more modern and minimalist appearance. They can help create a sleek, uncluttered look in the bathroom. You can find them in a wide range of finishes, from classic chrome to on-trend matte black or brushed brass, allowing them to complement a variety of contemporary bathroom designs.

When to Opt for Pillar Taps

Pillar taps, a familiar sight in many UK homes, offer a classic and straightforward approach to your bathroom's water delivery. If you're leaning towards a more traditional aesthetic or have specific plumbing considerations, these might just be the perfect fit for your space. They're particularly well-suited for certain bathroom setups and preferences.

Ideal for Traditional Bathrooms

If your bathroom has a classic or vintage feel, pillar taps often complement this style beautifully. They typically come with separate controls for hot and cold water, which can be found in crosshead or lever designs, fitting right into a more period-appropriate look. They're a great way to maintain the authentic charm of an older home or a deliberately styled traditional bathroom.

Simplicity and Ease of Installation

One of the big advantages of pillar taps is their straightforward installation. Unlike mixer taps that often require more complex concealed plumbing, pillar taps are generally easier to fit. They're ideal if you're looking for a less involved upgrade or if your existing basin already has the necessary two tap holes. This simplicity can save time and potentially reduce installation costs.

Suitable for Specific Water Setups

Pillar taps are a fantastic choice when your water pressure isn't perfectly balanced between hot and cold. Because they deliver hot and cold water separately, you don't need consistent pressure from both lines for them to function well. This makes them a more forgiving option if you have varying water pressure, or even if you only have a cold water supply available for a particular fixture. For instance, a simple pillar cock for a cloakroom basin might only need a cold feed, making it a practical and efficient choice.

Here's a quick look at when they shine:

• Traditional Bathroom Styles: They enhance the classic aesthetic.

• Two-Tap-Hole Basins: A perfect match for existing setups.

• Variable Water Pressure: Less reliant on perfectly balanced hot and cold feeds.

• Simpler Plumbing Needs: Easier and often quicker to install.

When considering pillar taps, think about the specific needs of each fixture. For a basin where you might just want a quick rinse or to fill a toothbrush glass, separate controls can be quite practical. It avoids the need to constantly adjust a single lever to find that 'just right' temperature.

When to Choose Mixer Taps

Mixer taps are a really popular choice these days, and for good reason. They're all about combining hot and cold water into one neat unit, usually with a single lever. This makes them super easy to use, especially when you're trying to get the temperature just right.

Achieving Precise Temperature Control

One of the biggest draws of mixer taps is how well they let you control the water temperature. Unlike pillar taps where you have separate controls for hot and cold, a mixer tap lets you find that perfect balance with just one handle. You can nudge it slightly to make the water warmer or cooler, which is brilliant for baths and showers. This fine-tuning capability means fewer surprises with water that's too hot or too cold. It’s a real game-changer for comfort and safety, particularly in family bathrooms.

Modern Bathroom Aesthetics

If you're going for a contemporary look in your bathroom, mixer taps often fit the bill perfectly. They tend to have sleek, minimalist designs that complement modern fixtures and fittings. Think clean lines and a streamlined appearance. They can really help to create that polished, up-to-date feel you might be after. Whether it's a basin mixer, a bath mixer, or even a shower mixer, they generally contribute to a more unified and stylish bathroom design. You can find them in all sorts of finishes too, from classic chrome to trendy matte black or brushed brass, so matching them to your overall style is usually straightforward.

Convenience for Showers and Baths

Mixer taps really shine when it comes to baths and showers. Bath shower mixers, for instance, combine the function of filling the bath with a handheld shower attachment, offering great versatility. You can easily switch between filling the tub and rinsing off. For showers, a good mixer tap is almost a necessity for a pleasant experience. It allows you to set your preferred temperature before you even step in. If you're looking to upgrade your shower experience, consider looking into wall-mounted shower mixers as they offer a clean look and excellent control.

• Ease of Use: A single lever is simple for everyone to operate.

• Temperature Stability: Once set, the temperature is usually maintained well.

• Space Saving: Often require fewer holes for installation compared to separate pillar taps.

When you're thinking about mixer taps, especially for showers or baths, remember that they often work best with decent water pressure. If your home has lower water pressure, it's worth checking compatibility to avoid disappointment.

Factors Influencing Your Decision

Choosing the right taps for your bathroom might seem like a small detail, but it can really make a difference to how your bathroom looks and works day-to-day. It's not just about picking something that looks pretty; you've got to think about a few practical things too. Let's break down what you should be considering before you make your final choice.

Assessing Your Water Supply

This is a big one. The type of water system you have at home will heavily influence which taps will work best. If you have a gravity-fed system, which often means lower water pressure (think a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder), you might find that certain taps just don't perform as well. They might feel a bit weak. On the flip side, if you have a combi boiler or an unvented system, you'll likely have higher water pressure, giving you more flexibility. It's really important to know what kind of pressure you're dealing with to avoid disappointment. You can get a feel for it by timing how long it takes to fill a jug – if it takes more than six seconds, you've probably got low pressure.

Considering Your Bathroom Layout

Where are your taps going to go? Are you fitting them onto a new basin, or are you working with an existing one? If your basin already has holes drilled for taps, you're somewhat limited to what will fit. You might have one hole, which usually means a mixer tap, or two holes, which are perfect for pillar taps. If you're starting from scratch, you have more freedom. You could mount taps directly onto the sink, on the countertop behind it, or even on the wall. Wall-mounted taps can save space and give a really clean, modern look, but they do need more planning with the plumbing behind the scenes.

Matching Your Personal Style

Of course, you want your taps to look good! Think about the overall style of your bathroom. Is it a modern, sleek space, or more of a traditional, classic feel? For modern bathrooms, chrome or brushed nickel finishes often work well, and lever handles are easy to use. If you're going for a vintage vibe, you might prefer crosshead taps or even something in a brushed brass or matte black finish for a bit of character. The spout design matters too; a lower spout is great for smaller basins, while a higher one might be better for a larger basin where you need more room.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When you're picking out taps for your bathroom, it's easy to get a bit carried away. You see something that looks amazing, and you just have to have it. But hold on a minute, because there are a few common mistakes people make that can lead to a bit of a headache down the line. Let's make sure you don't fall into these traps.

Ignoring Plumbing Compatibility

This is a big one. You might love the look of a sleek wall-mounted mixer tap, but if your bathroom's plumbing isn't set up for it, you're in for some extra work and cost. Pillar taps, on the other hand, are often more forgiving with existing setups, especially if you're just replacing old ones. Always check what your current pipework can handle before you fall in love with a tap. It’s no good having a beautiful tap that you can’t actually connect properly.

Prioritising Looks Over Functionality

We all want our bathrooms to look good, right? But sometimes, the most stylish taps aren't the most practical. For instance, a tap with a really intricate design might be harder to clean, or a mixer tap might not work well if your water pressure isn't quite up to scratch. Think about how you'll actually use the tap day-to-day. If you're just washing your hands, a simple pillar tap might be perfectly fine. But if you're after precise temperature control for a shower or bath, you'll need a mixer. It’s about finding that balance between style and what works for your home.

Overlooking Build Quality

This ties into functionality, really. Cheaper taps might look okay initially, but they often don't last. They can start to drip, the finish can wear off, or the handles can become stiff. It’s worth investing a little more in taps made from good materials, like solid brass or stainless steel. These tend to be more durable and will keep looking good for years. Think of it as a long-term investment for your bathroom. You don't want to be replacing taps every couple of years because the cheap ones have given up the ghost.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Material Matters: Look for taps made from solid brass or stainless steel for longevity.

• Water Pressure: Understand your home's water pressure. Some mixer taps need a certain level to function correctly.

• Tap Holes: Make sure the tap you choose matches the number of holes in your sink or basin. You can't fit a two-hole pillar tap into a single hole.

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. Don't get so caught up in the latest trends that you forget what actually works for your plumbing and your daily routine. A well-chosen tap should make life easier, not more complicated.

When setting up your new bathroom, it's easy to stumble into common problems. Many people forget to plan for proper ventilation, which can lead to dampness and mould. Others might overlook the importance of water-proofing certain areas, causing leaks down the line. Don't let these simple mistakes spoil your dream bathroom! For expert advice and to see how we can help you avoid these issues, visit our website today.

So, Which Tap is Right for You?

Right then, we've had a good look at both mixer taps and pillar taps. If you're after something straightforward for a basin, especially if you've only got a cold water feed or just want a simple setup, a pillar tap is a solid choice. They're easy to fit and give that classic look. On the other hand, if you're planning a new bathroom or a big upgrade, and you want that nice mix of hot and cold water for your bath or shower, a wall-mounted mixer tap is probably the way to go. It might take a bit more effort to get installed, but the convenience and modern feel are usually well worth it. Think about your water pipes, how you'll use the tap, and what style you like best, and you'll find the perfect fit for your bathroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between mixer taps and pillar taps?

Mixer taps combine hot and cold water into one stream from a single tap, usually with one lever. Pillar taps have two separate taps, one for hot water and one for cold, so you control each one individually.

Which type of tap looks better in a modern bathroom?

For a modern bathroom, mixer taps are often preferred because they have a sleek, minimalist design. They often come in finishes like chrome or matte black, which fit well with a contemporary style.

Are pillar taps easy to install?

Yes, pillar taps are generally quite simple to install. They don't usually need complicated hidden pipework, making them a good choice if you want an easier fitting process.

When would I choose a pillar tap over a mixer tap?

You might pick pillar taps if you have a more traditional bathroom style, or if your hot and cold water pressure isn't very balanced. They work fine even if the pressure from your hot and cold pipes is different.

Do mixer taps offer better temperature control?

Absolutely. Mixer taps are designed to give you much more precise control over the water temperature. You can easily blend hot and cold to find that perfect warmth without fiddling with two separate taps.

What should I watch out for when buying taps?

It's important to check if the taps will fit your sink (how many holes it has) and make sure your water pressure is suitable for the type of tap you want. Also, don't forget to think about how durable the tap is – materials like brass are usually a good bet.