Choosing basin taps
Start with the basin rather than the tap, because the number of tap holes decides what will fit. A single hole takes a mono mixer, two holes take a pair of pillar taps, and three holes take a three-hole mixer, with hot and cold handles either side of the spout. If you haven't picked one yet, choose from our bathroom basins at the same time.
Pillar taps and three-hole mixers, such as the Regent 3-hole basin mixer, give the most authentic period look. A mono mixer is tidier and easy to use with one hand, and a tall mono mixer is the one to choose for a basin that sits on top of a vanity unit or worktop.
Bath taps and bath shower mixers
How your bath taps are mounted depends on where the bath sits:
- Deck mounted: fixed to the rim of the bath, the usual choice when the bath has tap holes and sits against a wall.
- Wall mounted: the spout comes out of the wall and the bath rim stays clear. The pipework is hidden, so it needs planning before tiling.
- Freestanding: a floor-standing mixer such as the Lichfield freestanding bath shower mixer, for a roll top bath away from the wall. The pipes come up through the floor.
A bath shower mixer adds a handset for rinsing hair. If you are pairing it with a cast iron bath from our freestanding baths collection, remember the exposed waste will be on show too; Imperial's roll top bath waste comes in the same five finishes as the taps.
Exposed or concealed thermostatic showers
A thermostatic valve holds the water at the temperature you set, even if someone runs a tap elsewhere in the house. An exposed valve sits on the wall with a rigid riser up to the head, which is the classic traditional look and keeps most of the workings out of the wall. A concealed valve, such as the Victorian concealed valve and plate, is built in so only the plate and controls show. Its position has to be fixed before the wall is tiled.
Will these showers work with my water pressure?
Imperial's installation guide for its Westminster thermostatic valves covers both low-pressure (gravity-fed) and high-pressure systems, and recommends keeping the hot and cold supplies as balanced as possible. It is worth having your pressure and hot water system checked before you choose a shower.
Which tap finish is easiest to keep clean?
Brushed nickel and brushed brass hide fingerprints and water marks best. Chrome shows marks but wipes clean quickly. Our guide to bathroom tap finishes compares all five in detail.
Can I match my taps to everything else in the room?
Yes. As well as the Richmond range in our bathroom accessories, Imperial's cistern levers and exposed basin traps come in the same five finishes. Keeping to one finish across taps, shower, bath feet and accessories gives the calmest result.
Can I compare the finishes before I order?
Yes, and it is worth doing, because finishes look different under your own lighting. Visit our Birmingham showroom, or book a free one-to-one consultation and we will help you plan taps, shower and fittings across the whole room.
