Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or simply want to upgrade your current faucet, it’s important to find a fixture that is equally stylish and functional. Kitchen faucets last anywhere from 15 to 20 years on average, but the good news is that they are relatively affordable to replace and install when the time comes.
Do you know what to look for when selecting a new kitchen faucet? Here’s an overview of everything you should consider:
Don't Forget Functionality
Yes, looks are important, and there are many types of kitchen faucets in beautiful designs to choose from. However, aside from making sure your new faucet complements the design of the rest of your kitchen, you also have to consider functionality. For instance, you'll have to decide between faucets with just one handle or multiple handles, pull-down or conventional side sprayers, and more. To determine the best choice for your kitchen, think about how (and how often) you use your sink and what features matter most to you.
Consider the Height and Reach
Knowing what size faucet you need is another critical factor to weigh. Faucets come in gooseneck, high-profile, and low-profile designs (among others). The spout can also extend to various lengths. These measurements are essential to consider in terms of how the faucet will fit and function when it's installed in your kitchen. If the reach or height is disproportionate to your sink, the overall design may look strange.
Choose the Right Finish
From aged brass kitchen faucets to chrome kitchen faucets and matte nickel kitchen faucets, these fixtures are available in a wide range of finishes. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose one that complements the rest of your kitchen – including hardware, paint, countertops, flooring, appliances, and cabinetry. Often, a faucet in the perfect material and color can be the finishing touch that pulls the entire space together.
When choosing a finish, you should also consider your lifestyle. For example, if you're looking for a low-maintenance faucet that's easy to clean and can stand up to heavy use, a chrome finish is an ideal option.
Other Considerations
There are various other considerations that you'll want to be mindful of as you're shopping for your next kitchen faucet. Here are a few tips to help you make the best possible decision:
- Choose a Faucet That Fits Properly – You'll want to count the holes in your counter to ensure you're selecting a faucet that will fit correctly. For example, if your counter has two holes, you'll need to get a two-hole faucet. However, if you're redoing your kitchen and replacing your countertops, you'll have more flexibility.
- Sometimes Less Is More – Kitchens are trending more and more toward single-handle faucets for a variety of reasons. Overall, they function in a much simpler way compared to two-handle faucets. It's easier to adjust the water temperature, they're low-maintenance, and they offer a stylish design that suits many kitchen environments. The two-handle faucet still has its place, but it’s not as trendy as single-handle styles.
- Consider a Pull-Down Sprayer – These types of sprayers are easier to use and don't tend to have the leaking issues that conventional side sprayers do.
If you're in the market for a new kitchen sink, know that not all fixtures are created equal. There are a variety of considerations and options to weigh (beyond looks) when it comes to selecting a new faucet for your kitchen. Before you buy, make sure that you're doing your homework.
>Want to upgrade your kitchen with a brand-new faucet? At Luxury Bath for Less, we make it easy – and affordable – to find high-quality hardware, fixtures, decor, and more for your kitchen. Browse our selection today or reach out for more information!