Tips for choosing kitchen faucets
Styles and models of modern kitchen faucets
Kitchen faucets have long ceased to be an ordinary mechanism for distributing water. Nowadays, many models have become real works of art and have begun to play a significant role in the interior design of the kitchen. Now the mixer is selected not only by its technological characteristics, but also by its appearance.
The range of products is now so wide that deciding which mixer to choose can be very difficult. Mixers are equipped with a handle and touch control, are made of a variety of materials and may have various additional devices, such as a connection to a filter and drains. But plumbing equipment should not only be functional, but also look good in the interior of the kitchen. Therefore, they began to produce models in different colors and styles.
We will try to show you in this guide which mixer is best for your kitchen. The main emphasis will be on the style and color scheme of modern models.
1. Faucet dimensions depending on the parameters of the sink
The dimensions of sink faucets can vary significantly between different manufacturers. Therefore, it makes no sense to indicate the exact dimensions. It is best to choose a faucet based on the parameters of the kitchen sink. For example, the deeper the bowl in the sink, the higher the bowl should be. If the sink is of medium depth, then almost any option will be suitable. But if the sink is small, it is recommended to buy a faucet of medium height. Water from a high tap will splash not only onto the countertop, but also onto the floor, and if the nozzle is too low, it is not very convenient to wash the dishes.
The dimensions of kitchen faucets should correspond not only to the depth, but also to the width of the bowl. If you have chosen a wide sink for your kitchen, buy a faucet with a wide spout. This will make it easier for you not only to wash the dishes, but also to clean the sink itself. However, the nozzle should not be too close to the front edge of the bowl, otherwise you risk splashing yourself while working.
2. How to choose the right color?
The “faucet-sink” composition should be harmonious. Therefore, most often these two items are purchased from the same manufacturer. They should match not only in size and style, but also in color.
The colors of the faucets can be very diverse. If in Soviet times all that plumbing stores could offer were brass and chrome-plated taps, now the choice is truly enormous. The variety of color solutions became possible thanks to the use of new materials and spraying technologies. Nickel and chrome finishes remain popular. Thanks to the spraying technology, brass faucets are painted in a variety of metallic shades: black, graphite, silver, gold.
Usually, kitchen faucets are purchased in the same color as the sink. In recent years, sinks made of stainless steel, ceramic and artificial stone have become very popular. These materials have also begun to be used in the production of sanitary equipment. The decorative coating can be given almost any color. Which shade to choose depends on your taste and the overall design of the kitchen.
Graphite (Gun Metal)
A graphite-colored faucet is an ideal solution for a high-tech or modern kitchen. Graphite is a very dark shade of gray with a slight pearl effect. In modern design, this color scheme is very popular. It is especially loved by equipment manufacturers. If your kitchen has household appliances with front panels designed in this color scheme, a graphite mixer will be the most suitable.
The graphite shade is not as “capricious” as black. Due to the pearlescent finish, water splashes and dirt are not very visible, so you do not have to constantly polish the faucet. In the interior, the graphite-colored faucet looks very impressive, especially in combination with a sink of the same shade.
Black
Black is a very popular color in modern kitchen design. Many people prefer to choose household appliances in this particular shade. Therefore, a black kitchen faucet will fit well into the overall composition.
Black faucets are made of stainless steel and brass with a special coating, plastic and artificial stone. The design of the models is not only modern – you can often find faucets in retro and classic styles, with a stylized curved spout and faucets decorated in antique style.
If you decide to buy a black faucet for the sink, choose a model with a matte surface. Contrary to popular belief, dark shades get dirty more easily than light shades. Splashes and fingerprints will immediately ruin the look of a glossy black faucet, so it will need to be wiped down thoroughly with a dry cloth after each use.
White
ColorWhite represents purity and harmony. A kitchen decorated in light colors speaks not only about the good taste of the hostess, but also about her desire for perfect order. For such a room, the best option would be a white mixer.
By the way, it is not at all difficult to care for a modern white faucet. We often use special coatings that do not absorb water and dirt. There are no fingerprints left on the surface. Therefore, it will not take long to maintain perfect order.
White faucets do not necessarily have to be purchased for a sink of the same color. Their combination with sinks of a contrasting shade, for example, black, looks original. But both elements must be made of the same material.
Bright colors
Modern design styles welcome the presence of bright accents in interiors. A kitchen faucet may well become such an accent. The main thing is that it harmonizes with at least one other element of the decor or design. For example, with a hood, accessories for household appliances, furniture fronts or ceramic tiles on a kitchen backsplash.
3. Choosing a kitchen faucet by style
If you want to make your kitchen faucet a full-fledged element of interior design, be sure to pay attention to the style in which the product is made. In our range you can find faucets for kitchens in classic, retro, high-tech, loft and other styles. Models may differ in the size and shape of the spout, the design of control elements and the color scheme. For example, a laconic faucet with touch control will not fit at all in a classic kitchen, and a traditional model with a curved nozzle and two valves will not fit into a high-tech style. Of course, there is such a concept as eclecticism, that is, a mixture of styles, but some design directions cannot be combined.
To make it easier for you to choose a faucet that matches your kitchen design, we will describe some of the most popular stylistic trends.
Classic
The classic style in interior design has not lost its relevance for many decades. It is associated with wealth, pretentiousness and attention to detail and testifies to the impeccable taste of the apartment owners.
The interior in the classic style is characterized by calm shades that do not attract unnecessary attention. Furniture fronts are most often painted in white or beige colors, and kitchen appliances and accessories are selected in the same shades. Accordingly, it is better to choose a sink and faucet in the classic style in white or beige, preferably made of ceramics or artificial stone.
Faucets in the classic style often look original and even pretentious. They can be gilded, and the valves are often decorated with crystals. The nozzle can have a very unusual shape. This model will suit you if you have chosen “luxury classics”.
However, the classic style in the interior of the kitchen can be simple and laconic, without unnecessary details and decor. In this case, the most suitable would be a traditional faucet with a curved spout of a standard shape. For such a kitchen, it is acceptable to use metal faucets with a chrome finish.
Modern
A modern kitchen faucet is a piece of sanitary equipment with advanced functionality. The most often used control elements are not traditional valves, but levers that allow you to adjust the pressure and temperature of the water with one hand. The design of the faucets tends towards minimalism - strict forms of the spout prevail and calm color shades are used. The most popular materials are stainless steel and brass, but artificial stone successfully competes with them.
Modern faucets are universal and very easy to use. They are often equipped with spouts, filters, aerators and allow you to quickly adjust the water temperature. Most often, the faucet is selected to match the color of the kitchen sink and household appliances.