Gunmetal Taps

So, You’re Thinking About Gunmetal Taps?

Here at The Blue Space, we see a lot of trends. We see them come, and we definitely see them go. But every now and then, a finish appears that just... sticks. It makes sense. It looks good. It works. And for us, that's gunmetal tapware.

You’re probably here because you're planning a new space. You've looked at shiny chrome, and maybe it feels a bit standard. You've seen matte black everywhere, and maybe it feels a bit too... stark. And now you've landed on gunmetal. It's that perfect "just right" middle ground. It's softer than black, warmer than chrome, and it has this incredible character that just works. We love it. And our team has seen so many customers fall in love with it because it’s a game-changer. It’s a quiet hero.

What Exactly Is This Gunmetal Colour?

A simple breakdown.

Look, the way we see it, "gunmetal" is just a name for a beautiful, deep grey metallic finish. Think of the colour of graphite, but with more life. It's almost always a brushed finish, which is key. This means it’s not a high-shine, fingerprint-magnet like polished chrome. It doesn't absorb all the light in the room like matte black. Instead, it plays with the light. Gently. It has a softness and a depth that makes it look incredibly sophisticated. It’s got an industrial edge, but it’s still warm. It’s a very clever colour.

Where Does Gunmetal Tapware Actually Work?

Real-world homes we've seen it in.

Honestly? Pretty much everywhere. That's the real magic of it, and it's why our team recommends it so often. It’s a design chameleon.

In a super modern, minimalist bathroom, we've seen gunmetal taps look sharp and architectural against a crisp white tile or a concrete vanity. It's strong without being shouty.

But then, put it in a 'Contemporary Coastal' home—you know the one, with light oak vanities, soft grey tiles, a beautiful freestanding bath—and it adds just the right amount of contrast. It grounds the whole space. It makes it feel considered. We’ve also seen people use it in classic Hamptons homes, where it provides a modern update on a traditional look. It just works.

And in the kitchen, it's a dream. It’s the perfect partner for all sorts of benchtops, from white stone to warm timber. It doesn’t fight with your stainless steel appliances. It just coordinates beautifully. It’s a choice that looks intentional, and very, very good.

The Different Kinds of Taps You Can Get

It's not just one tap. It's a whole family.

The best part is that this finish is now available across almost all taps. You can get that consistent, designer look through your whole house. Let's break it down.

For Your Bathroom Hub: The Basin

This is where you'll make your first big statement. The most popular choice, by far, is a basin mixer. Just one simple, elegant tap. But what kind? You could go for a standard basin tap, or maybe a set. For a really clean, hotel-inspired look, we love a wall-mounted mixer set. It frees up bench space and looks amazing. Or, you can get just a simple basin spout and pair it with separate controls. For a more traditional vibe, 3-piece taps (the classic hot-and-cold-taps-with-a-spout) in gunmetal looks incredible. And for taps that sit on the bench or "hob," you've got hob mixers. So many options.

For Your Bath: The Relax Zone

If you've got a freestanding bath, a gunmetal freestanding bath mixer is a total showstopper. It's like a piece of sculpture. For a bath that's against a wall, you can get a simple, elegant bath tub spout. Or, for an even cleaner look, just a bath filler that integrates with an overflow. You can pair these with separate wall top assemblies (those classic hot/cold taps) or a sleek wall mixer.

For Your Shower

This is all about creating a cohesive space. You'll want to match your shower controls. A simple shower mixer on the wall is the most common choice. Many of these are actually shower and bath mixers, which means one handle can have a "diverter" to switch water from your shower head to your bath spout. Very practical. And, of course, you can get matching gunmetal shower heads, rails, and arms to complete the entire look.

For the Kitchen: The Workhorse

This is where gunmetal really proves its worth. A kitchen tap gets a lot of use, and this finish is tough. Our whole range of kitchen taps includes some brilliant gunmetal options. Most people today choose a sink mixer. The high-arch, gooseneck mixer is probably the most popular, just because you can get big pots underneath it. But what our team always recommends, if you can, is a pull-out mixer. That little spray nozzle you can pull out? It will change your life. Or at least change how you wash vegetables. And yes, for that beautiful farmhouse or classic kitchen, you can still find a lovely 3-piece sink set.

All The Other Bits and Pieces

The designer look comes from getting the details right. This means matching your main bathroom mixers with all the other bits. You can get dedicated spouts for laundries or water filters. You can even find high-tech electronic sensor taps, which are amazing for hygiene. There are also clever progressive mixers, where one dial controls flow and temperature. And importantly, there are great accessible taps with lever handles that are easy to use for everyone.

The Real Reasons We Back This Finish

What our team and customers really think.

So, it looks good. And it comes in lots of shapes. But what's it like to live with? This is the feedback we get.

• It is amazing at hiding marks. This is the number one reason. That brushed, mid-grey surface is just so forgiving. It doesn't show every water spot like chrome. It doesn't show fingerprints and dust like matte black. It’s the perfect finish for a busy family bathroom or a high-use kitchen. Less time wiping things down. A huge win.

• It just... goes with everything. It’s a true neutral. We’ve seen it pair beautifully with warm timbers, looking natural and earthy. We've seen it look sharp and architectural against concrete. It looks amazing with marble, terrazzo, and simple white tiles. It doesn't clash. It just complements.

• It feels special. There's a premium, high-end feel to gunmetal. It feels more considered and unique than the default choices. When you walk into a room and see it all tied together with gunmetal, it just feels... right. It’s a quiet statement.

• It’s not a one-hit-wonder. This finish has staying power. Because it's a metallic finish, not a flat, solid colour, it has a timeless quality. It feels very current, but it doesn't feel like a "trend" that will be over in two years. We’re confident you’ll still love it in ten.

A Few Practical Things to Remember

The 'don't forget this' list from our experts.

Before you go all-in, our team always has a few bits of practical advice. Just so you get the perfect result.

1. 'Gunmetal' Can Vary

This is a big one. One brand's "gunmetal" might be a bit lighter. Another's might be a bit darker, or the brushing a little different. If you're doing a full bathroom, we always suggest trying to stick to one brand for all your taps and accessories. This guarantees all your finishes match perfectly. It’s that final 5% that makes the whole room look professional.

2. Don't Forget the Wastes!

We see this all the time. A customer buys a stunning gunmetal tap and... a shiny chrome drain. It’s the little detail that can throw the whole look off. Remember to buy a matching gunmetal waste for your basin and bath. And your shower drain! Getting these small (but important) details right is what makes a space feel truly finished.

3. How to Clean It

Easy. But there’s a rule. No harsh, abrasive chemicals. No scourer pads. Ever. Those things will ruin the finish. All it needs is a soft cloth (microfibre is great) and warm, soapy water. That’s it. Gentle cleaning is the secret to keeping it looking brand new for years.

4. Quality Is So Important

With any coloured tapware, quality is everything. The finish is applied to a solid base (like brass or stainless steel tapware). You need that finish to be tough. This is where buying from a trusted, quality brand makes all the difference. They have the technology to make finishes that last. It's also worth checking for lead-free taps for your kitchen, which is all about safe drinking water.

We are very picky about the brands we stock. We only range products we'd put in our own homes. That's why we stand behind brands like Phoenix, Meir, and Nero, who are leaders in this finish. But also other amazing Aussie and international brands like Caroma, Clark, Dorf, Fienza, Greens Tapware, Indigo, Methven, Modern National, Oliveri, Seima, Suprema, and Turner Hastings. They all do great work.

Our Final Verdict

So, our final take? We love gunmetal taps. We love them because they solve a problem. They're the perfect answer when black feels too dark and chrome doesn't feel special enough. It’s a practical, sophisticated, and beautiful finish that just works. It's a choice you won't regret.

Frequently Asked Questions