9 stunning colours, materials and finishes for bathroom taps

There are many different types of taps on the market in Australia today, many of which are available in a variety of colours, materials and finishes. A number of these stand out as the most common and popular choices with a range to cover a wide variety of bathroom designs and environments, meaning you’ll have no trouble picking one for your project.

For many homeowners of modern renovations, the best finish for bathroom fixtures is matte black. Black taps are a great option for bathroom styling, as they’re bold, low-maintenance and don't show water spots as much as options like chrome and polished finishes.

You can also rely on black bathroom taps to match up with whatever other colour scheme you have going on in your bathroom. It's an extremely versatile and timeless option that complements a wide range of options.

Related article: Are black taps a good or bad idea for the modern home?

Polished brass is an all-time favourite that lends a more vintage appearance to a bathroom. They're easy to clean and the material is very durable. Zellige tiles and brassy metals are one example of a popular combination at the moment.

However, solid brass taps are one of the most expensive options. In most cases, you’ll find they’re chosen with luxurious or designer styled bathrooms.

If you’re worried that they pre-date the look you’re going for, satin brass provides a matte finish that works with more contemporary settings.

Bathroom brushed nickel taps have a soft metallic look that is equally durable. It keeps its finish for a long time and doesn't show fingerprints or water spots. The colour profile leans more toward a yellowish-grey, and it costs less than some metallic alternatives.

Although it works with almost every style, try to keep it away from stainless steel fixtures. The colours end up looking too similar and they blend together, dulling the impact of your brushed nickel tapware.

Ceramic is a hard material that is resistant to decay. As such, it's a good material for bathrooms and other moisture-prone areas.

Usually, the material is used for tiles and countertops due to how durable it is. However, you can also get bathroom taps covered in ceramic plating, adding a touch of sophistication.

Copper bathroom taps are bold and give a bathroom a more classic vibe. They work with Tuscan and farmhouse styled bathrooms, as well as steampunk styled furnishings.

In addition to its unique appearance, copper also brings additional benefits that work perfectly in a bathroom setting.

Copper metal is naturally antimicrobial, which means that it kills off any bacteria or germs. Copper ions are released by microbes when they touch the surface, which destroys their cell membrane and viral coat, usually within a few hours.

It's a great material for bathrooms that many people share, where cross-contamination from bacteria is a common threat.

When you think of a shiny, metal bathroom tap, you're probably picturing a chrome finish. While they're one of the least expensive options, you still get great durability and easy maintenance. It also goes well with almost every type of bathroom accessory and fixture.

The biggest issue for chrome tapware is the same one for any shiny metal surface. Water spots and fingerprints stand out. As a result, you'll need to keep them nice and clean if you want to maintain that shiny finish.

Gold is one of those metals that never really goes out of style. Timeless and universal, golden fixtures in your bathroom can help add some pop to the design.

For example, gilded mirrors, towel rails, and taps can complement marble tile. You can find many gold tapware finishes ranging from matte to highly polished options.

The golden hue when brushed or polished has a warm, shiny yellow tone that many find irresistible.

Rose gold tapware differs from traditional gold in that it's combined with copper and silver alloys. The resulting combination makes for a stronger metal with a rose tinge that provides a great point of difference. Although many call it pink, the actual result is more pastel in nature.

If your bathroom decor includes soft notes or pastel colours, then rose gold makes a great addition, naturally bringing a feeling of elegance.

Be careful with cleaning, however. Rose gold is durable but can be damaged by harsh chemicals.

White is often seen as the base colour of a bathroom, commonly used in bathtubs, tiles, surrounds and surfaces.

There's a good reason for this. White is often associated with feeling fresh and clean. It's easier to spot stains and dirt on a white surface and satisfying to clean your bathroom and see the immediate results.

White bathroom taps are slightly less common but can pop like any other material or finish if used properly. For example, white coloured fixtures stand out against dark tiles and paint. It's also useful when aiming for monochromatic colour schemes.

Related article: 10 of the best bathroom taps in Australia

When choosing bathroom taps, the decision often comes down to characteristics that are most suited to the given bathroom setting. Faucet colours, materials and finishes all have their pros and cons and so long as you understand what these are and in what situations they work best, you’ll be able to make a choice that works for you.

Related article: 13 of the best bathroom taps