Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom can elevate both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your space. From sleek modern mixers to vintage-style three-piece sets, tapware plays a crucial role in setting the tone of your bathroom design. At Burdens Bathrooms, we offer a wide range of tapware styles, finishes, and configurations to suit every taste and bathroom layout.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when selecting tapware for your bathroom — including types, finishes, installation tips, and product recommendations — so you can make a confident, stylish, and practical choice.
1. Understand Your Bathroom’s Style
Before diving into specific products, it’s important to consider the overall style and theme of your bathroom. Is it modern, minimalist, industrial, coastal, traditional, or something in between? Your tapware should complement the visual language of the space.
Popular Style Themes:
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Modern: Think minimalism, clean lines, and matte black or brushed nickel finishes.
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Classic or Traditional: Chrome tapware with cross handles or elegant spouts works well.
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Industrial: Gunmetal or brushed brass can enhance a raw, warehouse-style bathroom.
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Coastal or Hamptons: Polished chrome or brushed nickel with soft curves and elegant forms suit these styles beautifully.
Tip: Stick to one finish throughout the bathroom for consistency. For example, match your basin mixers, shower mixers, and bath spouts in the same collection and finish.
2. Choose the Right Tapware Types
a) Basin Taps
For your bathroom vanity or basin, the most common tapware options are:
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Basin Mixers – A single lever tap that combines hot and cold water. Sleek and modern.
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Three-Piece Taps – A spout with separate hot and cold taps. Ideal for traditional or vintage-style bathrooms.
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Wall-Mounted Mixers – Save bench space and add a premium, minimalist touch.
Top Picks:
Nero Serenity Wall Basin Set 160Mm Spout With Arabescato Corchia Handle Matte Black
A bold, modern statement for any contemporary bathroom.
Nero Bianca Wall Basin Mixer – Chrome
Perfect for a sleek, clean look above a wall-hung or vessel basin.
b) Bath Taps
When choosing tapware for your bathtub, consider whether your bath is built-in, freestanding, or wall-adjacent.
Options include:
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Bath Mixers with Diverters – Combine with a handheld shower for versatility.
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Wall Bath Spouts – A clean and modern way to fill a bathtub.
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Freestanding Bath Fillers – For a luxurious, hotel-style look with freestanding baths.
Top Picks:
Nero Mecca Freestanding Bath Mixer Square Shape - Brushed Bronze
A seamless match for both bath and shower combo setups.
Nero Zen Ss316L Freestanding Bath Mixer Graphite
Ideal for freestanding tubs.
c) Shower Taps
When it comes to showers, functionality is just as important as design. Look for features such as thermostatic mixers, twin showers, or overhead rain showers for added comfort.
You’ll find:
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Wall Mixers or Mixer Diverters
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Twin Shower Sets (overhead and handheld)
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Rail Shower Sets
Explore the full Nero Showers Collection for stylish options that complement your tapware selections.
Top Picks:
Nero Mecca Twin Shower With Air Shower - Matt White
A striking, contemporary look.
Nero Mecca Twin Shower with Air Shower II Brushed Nickel
Matches other products for a cohesive look.
3. Select a Finish That Works
Tapware finishes not only impact style but also maintenance and durability. Here are some popular finishes and what they offer:
Chrome
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Classic and timeless.
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Easy to clean and widely available.
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Works with almost any style.
Matte Black
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Bold, modern and trending.
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Pairs beautifully with light or textured surfaces.
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May show soap and water spots more easily.
Brushed Nickel
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Subtle, warm-toned silver.
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Fingerprint and water-spot resistant.
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Understated and elegant.
Brushed Brass / Gold
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Luxurious and bold.
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Great for classic or eclectic bathrooms.
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Adds warmth and richness.
Gunmetal or Graphite
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Industrial edge.
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Pairs well with concrete or timber.
Check out the full Tapware Collection at Burdens Bathrooms to compare all available finishes.
4. Match with Your Bathroom Accessories
Once you've selected your tapware, complete the look with matching accessories like towel rails, robe hooks, toilet roll holders and shelves in the same finish and collection.
Shop Related Collections:
Keeping your fittings consistent across the bathroom gives a well-designed and cohesive look.
5. Consider Water Efficiency & Quality
Water conservation is an essential part of modern bathroom design in Australia. Look for tapware with WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) ratings to ensure efficient water usage.
Many of our Nero, Fienza, Phoenix, Greens and Mier tapware ranges come with high WELS ratings, helping you save water without compromising performance.
Tip: If you live in an area with hard water, consider adding a whole house filtration system, such as the Puretec FilterWall™, to protect your tapware from scale and prolong its life.
Puretec Filterwall Whole House Filtration Lime Sherbet Front Cover 55L/Min Plumbed Bypass
6. Installation Tips & Compatibility
Before purchasing tapware, make sure it's compatible with your bathroom's plumbing and layout.
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Wall-mounted mixers require in-wall plumbing.
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Freestanding bath fillers need floor plumbing behind or beneath the bath.
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Some tapware requires universal in-wall bodies — check if it’s included or sold separately.
If you’re unsure, speak to your plumber or reach out to our expert team at Burdens Bathrooms for personalised advice.
7. Choose Trusted Brands
At Burdens Bathrooms, we stock trusted brands known for both style and reliability. Some of our most popular tapware brands include:
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Nero Tapware
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Fienza
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Meir
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ABI Interiors
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Greens Tapware
These brands offer excellent warranties, beautiful finishes, and modern engineering to ensure your bathroom performs as well as it looks.
Final Thoughts: Design with Confidence
Choosing the right tapware can truly transform your bathroom — from a purely functional space to a luxurious, well-designed sanctuary. Whether you prefer a clean modern aesthetic or timeless traditional charm, we have a tapware solution to match your vision.
Need more inspiration?
Browse these helpful guides from our blog:
Explore Our Tapware Range
Ready to find your perfect match?
👉 Shop the full Tapware Collection
👉 Explore trending finishes in our Nero Tapware Range
👉 Visit us in-store or book a consultation with a Burdens Bathrooms specialist today.
Have questions about finishes, installation, or water efficiency? Our Burdens Bathrooms experts can help you select the perfect tapware for your bathroom, ensuring your choice complements your style while delivering lasting functionality and comfort.
