Taps

A mixer tap blends hot and cold water inside a single body and is operated with one lever or handle, so it needs only one tap hole in the basin, bath or benchtop. Separate hot and cold taps use two individual taps, each controlling its own water line, and need two tap holes spaced apart. Mixers are the more common choice in current renovations because they're simpler to use and suit modern basin and benchtop designs, while separate taps mostly show up in period-style or heritage bathroom projects where the two-tap look is part of the design.

A full bathroom typically needs a basin mixer, a bath or shower mixer (or both), while a kitchen needs a sink mixer, sometimes with a pull-out or pull-down spray head. Each of these has its own sizing rules, spout height for a basin mixer depends on whether the basin sits above or below the counter, and bath and shower mixers depend on the fixture type and rough-in position. It's worth working out which fixtures you're fitting out first, then choosing tapware for each one rather than picking a single "tap" for the whole project.

Chrome remains the most common default because it's durable and suits almost any style. Beyond that, it's largely a design decision: matte black gives a bolder, more contemporary look, while warm metallics like brushed nickel or brushed brass suit a softer, more layered palette. The practical tip that matters more than the colour itself is consistency, keeping the same finish across the taps, spouts and hardware in one room reads far more deliberate than mixing several finishes.

Start with what's fixed: the existing tap hole positions, whether your basin sits on top of the counter or is inset, and your bath or shower's rough-in. These physical constraints narrow down which tap styles will actually fit before you get to finish or brand. Once you know what will physically work, it's much easier to compare finishes and brands, including Caroma, Phoenix and Nero, without having to backtrack later.

Yes. Any tap connected to a home's water supply needs to be installed or altered by a licensed plumber to meet Australian plumbing standards, and doing this work yourself can also void the product's warranty. This applies to bathroom and kitchen taps alike, regardless of brand or finish.

WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) is the mandatory Australian rating system for water-using products, shown as a star rating from 1 to 6. A higher star rating means the tap uses less water per minute without needing to compromise on usability, and it's a legal requirement for tapware sold in Australia to display one. Checking the WELS rating alongside the finish and style is a straightforward way to compare taps on water use.