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How to choose a tap?

Taps may seen like a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to bathrooms. They are an essential element of any bathroom, not just functionally but visually they can make or break a bathroom design. It’s a small item but makes a big difference. So how should we select the right taps for our washbasin?

About Styles

When selecting a design, consider the other elements of your bathroom. Rounded basins, baths and bathroom accessories look great paired with taps that have curved spouts and rounded handles. Likewise, taps that have a square and angular design will complement a bathroom with straighter lines. Generally, a three-piece taps set provides a traditional look and a mixer provides more contemporary look.If you’re retrofitting an existing bathroom and updating only cosmetic details, you’ll need to stick with what you already have – unless you’re prepared to re-plumb the in-wall components and re-tile the area. Remember the design is equally as important to hold and feel the taps you are considering to be sure they feel comfortable and easy to use.

It’s best to select your basin and taps in conjunction with one another as either item raises considerations for the other. For instance, a taller tap or a wall-mounted design may be required to suit an above-counter basin. A longer spout may be required to extend across a deeper inset basin.

Also, the taps can be classified into Pillar tap, Monobloc basin taps, Basin mixer taps, Wall mounted basin taps.

Pillar taps (traditional basin pillar taps)

Available in modern and traditional designs, pillar taps are supplied as a pair, and consist of one tap for the cold water and another for the hot water. They can feature cross-head or lever handles, and are for use with a basin that has two tap-holes.

Monobloc basin taps (modern basin tap)

Monoblock basin taps are designed for use with sinks that have a single tap hole. They feature a single spout that delivers a mixture of cold and hot water. The flow and temperature of the water is controlled by an easy to use single lever handle. This type of tap is available in a variety of modern designs.

Basin mixer taps (traditional basin mixer tap)

A basin mixer tap is similar to a monobloc tap; it delivers a mixture of hot and cold water through a single spout, but has separate controls instead of a single handle. This type is available in both modern and traditional designs.

Wall mounted basin taps

A wall mounted basin tap is a great option for creating a neat, streamlined look. This type of tap is mainly used with a countertop basin that does not have any tap holes. Wall mounted taps are difficult to install compared to a monobloc tap, so hire a plumber if you lack the DIY skills.

About color & Finishing

While the majority of taps are available in a chrome finish, there is now a growing range of alternative finishes available, from black, white, gold, graphite and copper. However, changing taps is not something you want to be doing often, so we advise clients to make timeless decisions with taps that is less likely to date. Choose a finish that you love and that will suit the overall colour scheme and style of your bathroom. Remember to consider matching the finish of other elements, such as the shower set and bathroom accessories such as towel rails, toilet roll holders and shower frames.

  • Chrome

Chrome is the most popular finish for bathroom taps – the vast majority of taps on the market are finished in this way. Chrome-plated taps are resistant to corrosion and scratches while their shiny, reflective finish is easy to clean and creates a clean, modern look.

  • Gold

Gold taps have always been a popular choice in period style bathrooms, although they have gained a reputation for peeling and tarnishing as the gold finish was only plated-on rather than dipped. However an increasing number of new taps feature a finish known as “Antique Gold” a lighter, shinier chrome-gold which is more robust as it has been dipped. Be aware of the colour difference between the old darker gold and new Antique Gold taps if you are looking to replace like-for-like.    

  • Nickel

Another relatively new finish which is increasing in popularity is nickel, using it to give their taps a high class finish. A nickel finish combines strength and durability with a lustrous light gun metal look but it also comes with a premium price tag.

  • Stainless-steel

This kind of taps aren’t as shiny as chrome, but they’ll still look smart and pristine. They’re easy to clean and hard wearing, so will look good for many years to come.

About Functionality

Remember to consider what your taps will be used for and the type of basin the water will flow into. Do you need a taller tap or a wall-mounted version to fit over an inset or above counter basin?

About material

  • Solid brass

Where possible choose taps made of solid brass as they are extremely resistant to corrosion. While recycled brass is most often used, there are models on the market from luxury tap manufacturer that are made of pure ‘virgin’ brass. This metal contains no impurities and means that the water doesn’t have the usual strange taste normally found from regular bathroom taps.

  • Ceramic discs

Taps that contain ceramic discs rather than traditional rubber washers are much more hardwearing and resilient to wear and tear, making them a longer lasting option. The majority of ceramic disc taps require only a 90 degree turn to go from being off to being on which makes them easier to use.

About water pressure

As a general rule, low pressure is up to 0.5 bar, 0.5 bar to 1.0 bar is medium pressure and anything above 1.0 bar is high pressure. To get a decent flow of water from your taps it is vital that you choose ones that are appropriate for the water pressure in your home. If you have a gravity-fed system it means you have low pressure while a combination boiler system means yours is medium to high pressure. As a general rule most single-lever mixers, floor standing and wall mounted taps will need high water pressure to function effectively, while taps with two handles and pillar taps can function efficiently with low pressure.

A low pressure tap will work well with high pressure system, however using a high pressure tap in a low pressure system will result in a slow water flow, meaning that it will take more time to fill a basin and even longer to fill a bath. Always check that the tap you want is suitable for your water system, otherwise when you want a bath you could end up waiting for half an hour for your tub to be filled.

As you can see, there is an array of options when choosing your bathroom taps. Your tap needs to be able to stand up to constant use and still look good in years to come because bathrooms are a heavy use area. Ultimately, it comes down to you finding the right mix of design, functionality and durability. Hope above mentioned points can help you easily find your perfect taps.

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14 Decor Ideas That Make Small Bathrooms Feel Bigger

Does a compact room be a barrier to create your dream scheme? Here are ways to turn a phone booth back into a bathroom and make you forget how small your bathroom actually is.

  • Use lighter, cooler colors.

They feel airy and trick the eye, which look beyond them. And White furnishings will help to bounce light around the room, which makes the room brighter.

  • Continue Floor Tile

A clever trick to making a small bathroom look bigger is to run tile from the bathroom floor straight into the shower stall, which creates a spacious feel. If you change materials, it interrupts the space. Make a small bathroom look infinitely bigger with neutral colours that run along the floor, up the walls and even continue onto the bath and loo. This will create a feeling of never ending space, rather than breaking up the bathroom into separate areas, which can make the room feel boxed in.

  • Make It Appear Large With Mirror

Mirrors can completely transform the look and feel of a room, as they reflect light and create the impression of space. It’s a great trick that interior designers use all the time. Whether you hang a mirror on the wall or go for adventurous mirrored tiles, the reflection is guaranteed to brighten your bathroom. So even if you can only fit in a mini mirror (like the one on the hanging shelf in this bathroom) it makes a big difference. Also, Try Oval Mirrors, Since these mirrors appear to stretch upwards, they make ceilings feel taller and bathrooms feel bigger.

  • Try a glass shower enclosure.

Don’t Block the Shower, Skip the foggy glass or dark curtain, and opt for glass doors. It’ll make the shower feel like liveable square footage. Make sure it’s toughed glass, which is more safe if any breaking happen.

  • Never Block Windows

Light is too important, so go heavy on the lighting and never block the window. A skylight, a bay window or a glass block wall could do wonders. Also , you can choose reflective surfaces, such as a shiny marble vanity.

  • Add A Ledge

 If your bathroom doesn’t have a built-in vanity, opt for a ledge right above the sink. This will hold all your daily essentials (toothpaste, soap) but won’t take up as much floor space as a big piece of furniture.

  • Curve Corners
By making the edge of your vanity soft and rounded, you’ll gain back space and you’re less likely to bang into the edge when you’re in a rush .
  • Go With A Sliding Door

Instead of a door on a hinge that, when open, takes up space in your small room, opt for a door on a rail that stays parallel with the wall at all times.

  • Emphasize the horizontal

A tile border will do just that. If you have a long, narrow room, paint the short walls a darker color to give them more weight. Tap unused vertical space for storage. Put a cabinet above the toilet, for example. Put up lots of hooks. Hang baskets.

  • Buy freestanding and multi-functional furniture

A limited footprint shouldn’t impact on your creative flair. If your bathroom is verging on the small side, consider using freestanding furniture that you can move around at a moment’s notice. Going for freestanding storage and seating allows you to move your scheme around whenever you like and, unlike fitted bathroom units, you can take freestanding pieces with you when it’s time to move out.

  • Trick the eye with tiles

The amount of space you have and what the eye perceives aren’t necessarily the same thing. Play with the boundaries of perception by tiling the side of your bath and the wall with the same design – it makes it hard to distinguish where each begins, thereby making your space feel larger. Marble is particularly effective here, as it looks almost like one huge sheet and the individual tiles aren’t very obvious.

  • Add wall-hung units

Floating fittings visually max the space, as the more of the floor you can see, the more spacious your bathroom will feel, so go for a freestanding basin unit. You can always use the area underneath to store toiletries in pretty wicker baskets. A palette of off-whites and tonal greys will make your bathroom feel large and airy, while wall integrated taps keep the look minimal and well-finished.

  • Add a hint of colour to a white suite

While a white bathroom suite is the best choice for opening up a small space, it can sometimes feel a little stark if the whole room is white. That’s why a hint of colour on the walls is the perfect compromise: light enough to create an airy feel, but with bags more character.

  • Have recessed shelving built in

Recessed shelves are a great space saver, both practically and visually, keeping toiletries neat and off the surfaces. Building the shelves into false walls that hide pipework is a clever use of a necessary feature. Also consider recessed light fittings – either spot or linear.

Now here’s the tips for you. If your bathroom is small, you can afford to splurge on the materials.

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How to choose a bathroom sink?

Bathroom sinks come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Not only the appearance, but also the material affect the style & practicability of your bathroom. What your bathroom sink is made of can affect its maintenance, durability, and, of course, style. From clay to woods to glass, understand the benefits of the different types of materials available for your bathroom sinks.

Ceramic:

Ceramic is a type of pottery made of clay and hardened by heat. They are normally made by taking mixtures of clay, powders, and water, shaping them into form and firing in a high temperature oven, or Kiln. Features Extremely strong surface that is resistant to scratching, chipping and impacts , which makes them able to withstand the rigors of everyday use. Maintenance & Clear Ceramic is particularly hard, smooth, and completely sealed. Therefore, dirt is unable to penetrate the surface of the sink. This makes cleaning and maintenance extremely easy; simply wiping off dirt and dust with a soft dry cloth is adequate for daily cleaning. For a more thorough cleaning, we recommend using a gentle all-purpose cleaning product and a soft sponge or cloth. If you have a hand-painted or glazed ceramic sink, clean with a non-abrasive cleaner. Do not use bristle brushes or abrasive sponges, as they may damage the decorative surface. Do not let cleaners soak on the surface of your sink. Rinse and wipe with a soft dry cloth after use and cleaning to prevent soap buildup.

Natural Stone

Stone sinks are carved from a single block of stone. Each block of stone has its own distinctive traits including color variation, veining, minor pits, and flecks of minerals. Some sinks are completely shaped and polished, while other stone sinks are left with unfinished features for dramatic contrast. Features Each stone sink is created under natural conditions, making it entirely unique and be individual works of art. Natural stone sinks range in color and characteristics, which add upscale feeling to your bathroom design. Maintenance & Clear Because most stone is porous, it is important to take special care of your sink to protect against harmful substances. Upon receiving your sink, seal with Sealer. To retain your sink’s natural shine, reseal your sink once or twice a year. When installing your sink, carefully use silicone to seal the drain and use extra caution to keep the silicone away from the exposed sink area. Oil-based sealers or plumber’s putty should never be used on a natural stone sink. These products will stain the stone if applied near the surface of the polished basin. We recommend that you regularly clean your natural stone sink with a mild dish detergent or stone cleaner. After each use, wipe the basin dry with a soft cloth. Do not allow mineral deposits such as iron, salt, lime, or soap to build up on your sink. Refrain from using acidic household cleaners, wipes with harsh chemicals, or abrasives, as these will damage stone

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel resists bacteria and germs, and are able to withstand the tough scrubbing. Additionally, this type of sink can be paired with most countertop materials because of its sleek color and look.

Features :

Stainless steel sinks are handcrafted from heavy gauge stainless steel and are extremely durable, resistant to corrosion and staining, but can be scratched or scuffed when not cared for properly.

Maintenance & Clear :

To maintain the condition of your stainless steel sink, simply clean daily with mild soap and warm water, and wipe the entire surface dry with a dry, clean, soft cloth after each use. Keep sink free of any standing water to prevent the build-up of mineral deposits that can affect the appearance of your sink. Because iron particles often develop rust spots in stainless steel surfaces, do not leave steel cookware or utensils on the surface of the sink for long periods of time. Do not use cleaners containing acids, harsh chemicals, or abrasives. Use a Stainless Steel Scratch-B-Gone Kit to remove minor scratches and maintain the beauty of your stainless steel fixture.

Resin

This stone-like material is made of a poly-resin blend, known as “man-made stone” Resin is solid and consistently colored throughout. Because it can be cast into nearly any form or size, resin sinks and tubs are available