Bath Pillar Taps

Guide To Bath Pillar Taps

There’s so much choice in interiors these days that even choosing new bath taps can cause a headache. There’s so much to consider, from price and function to the metal finish you’d like and the style of your taps. All you really want to do is turn them on, let the bath fill up, and relax in a bubble bath! You need expert help to get through the maze of choices – and we can help. Here’s our comprehensive guide to buying the right pillar taps for your bath:

Which taps will be compatible with your choice of bath?

Firstly, you need baths with two tap holes for pillar taps – for both the hot and cold feeds. Acrylic baths can have tap holes drilled in by any reputable plumber to suit your tap selection. However, do make sure whatever you order is suitable for the bath you’re ordering. Separate pillar taps won’t be suitable for a steel bath with no tap holes for example.

You may need to have extra plumbing to fit your new taps. To find out all the details for each of them, you’ll need to click on the specifications link on the page for the taps of your choice on our website. That will show you a technical drawing with measurements. Please ensure those measurements are compatible with your bathroom plumbing. It’s worth discussing this with your plumber to see how this impacts on the cost of your project. You’ll also need to think about the look of the taps – is it right for the bath you’ve chosen? A sleek, modern bath won’t look right with Victorian taps, for example. 

What’s your budget?

It’s important to budget for your bath taps when you buy the other items for your bathroom. They shouldn’t be an after-thought – they will make or break the look of your room. It’s a good idea to do your research online before you go into a store, and cost out the potential combinations for taps and baths you’d like in your dream bathroom. We have options to suit every pocket. For those on a budget – Burlington’s Stafford bath taps are affordable, stylish, and ideal for renovation projects which have to watch the pennies and rental properties. Made from brass and coated in chrome, they’re easy on your bank account.

Old London’s Edwardian bath pillar taps are perfect for a traditional bath, and a great option for Edwardian rental properties, hotels and guests houses. They’re also suitable for homes with low water pressure.

Pegler’s chrome Signia taps are also a good option to keep down costs.

For those who are looking in the mid-range - Vado’s Kensington bath pillar taps come in chrome and black handles, chrome and white handles, gold and black handles, and gold and white handles. They’re sophisticated, inspired by classic Edwardian and Victorian bathroom designs, and they’re compatible with low-pressure plumbing. Origins Fusion has stylish contemporary zinc bath taps suitable for use in low water pressure areas. These pillar taps are ideal for modern looks and conversions in former industrial buildings.

Burlington’s Anglesey taps are reasonably-priced and available with a quarter-turn or screw-down valve. Their authentic look is perfect for period properties.

For those with more to spend – Imperial’s Regent taps come in chrome, nickel and gold finishes. Their Edwardian style complements period features in your home. They're also a very practical option - they're hard-wearing and come with a five-year guarantee against manufacturing defects. 

What’s your look – and which taps would suit it?

Your brassware needs to complement the overall look of your bathroom. What sort of scheme of you have? Some people prefer a traditional look inspired by the past and want to restore their homes to something like they might have been 100 years ago. For others, inspiration comes from a futuristic feel with clean lines and sharp edges or a nod back to the sinuous styles of the 1960s. We have something which will suit every project and every taste.

Traditional – Perfect for older homes, a Victorian or Edwardian style helps restore a property to its former glory. Imperial Victorian bath pillar taps come in chrome, gold, and nickel. They have a timeless elegance and are cross-handled, so you get precision.

Silverdale has Victorian, traditional taps in chrome and incalux. The bases are curved, and their interiors are bronze to help prevent corrosion. Their shapes are also compact, which is ideal in smaller bathrooms.

Take a look at the Burlington Claremont Regent taps for baths, which have a five-inch spout and either a screw-down valve or a valve with a quarter turn. They come in chrome and have a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Contemporary – Ideal bath taps for any home which has a modern look, whether that’s giving an older property a much-needed update, fitting out a new home, or getting the industrial, loft feel. The Ideal Standard Seraplan SL taps have removable nozzles and brass back nuts for easy cleaning and maintenance, and the curved lever handles give them a stylish, modern feel.

Pegla Signia pillar taps are positively curvaceous! They come in tactile chrome, and despite their flowing look they’re a very functional option. They’re ideal for low pressure systems and come with a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

These Bristan Pivot chrome taps are cool and space-aged. They bring a modern look and work with most modern baths. The taps have a smooth action and have a Continental edge.

Which metal finish should you choose?

This depends on the sort of scheme you have in your bathroom – whether it’s a traditional look or ultra-modern contemporary design.

Antique gold – Ideal for traditional schemes in Victorian and Edwardian homes, a little touch of luxury to set off the simple lines of Victorian-inspired baths and sinks. These Bristan 1901 bath taps in gold are perfect for traditional schemes.

Polished nickel – The 1970s is hot in interior design circles right now, and polished nickel is perfect for the look which designers are seeking. It’s a rich look which will give your bathroom glamour. These Imperial Edwardian pillar taps for your bath come in polished nickel finish: Imperial Edwardian Bath Pillar Taps 

Chrome – A perennial favourite. Chrome-plated taps are perfect in modernist schemes with sharp edges and clean lines. It was beloved of the Art Deco movement, and brings a stylish edge to your bathroom.

Take a look at these Pegler Manta bath taps which are in a geometric, Art Deco style and finished in chrome: Pegler Manta 

These square Vado Te bath taps are classically Art Deco: Vado Te Bath Taps

Traditional taps v taps with levers

Alongside the traditional crosshead bath taps, lever taps are extremely useful for those who have problems gripping – for example, children and people with arthritis or paralysis in their hands. So what should you choose?

Traditional, crosshead taps – They work by a turning the crosshead on top, and use internal washers or ceramic cartridges to help control the water. They give you excellent control over water flow, but washers do perish and may need to be changed and some cartridges might need to be replaced. For those with problems in gripping, the necessary force to close a crosshead tap might be a problem.