Find Unique Antique Taps for Sale: A Buyer's Guide

Thinking about adding some character to your bathroom or kitchen? Old fixtures can really change the vibe of a room, giving it that unique look you can't quite get with brand-new stuff. But where do you even start looking for antique taps for sale? It can seem a bit tricky at first, with so many styles and things to think about. This guide is here to help you sort through the options and find those perfect antique taps for sale that will make your space stand out.

Key Takeaways

• When looking for antique taps for sale, consider different types like pillar taps for a vintage feel or mono mixers for a more modern approach.
• Always check if the taps are compatible with your basin type and consider your available space for mounting options.
• Understand your home's water pressure, as some antique taps might need higher pressure to work well.
• Think about the finish – classic chrome, aged brass, or even a bold black can dramatically change the look.
• Factor in both the tap's price and potential installation costs when setting your budget.

Understanding Different Types Of Antique Taps For Sale

When you're thinking about updating your bathroom, swapping out the taps can really change the whole vibe. It's not just about looks, either; the right taps can make everyday tasks like washing your hands or brushing your teeth feel a bit nicer. Whether you're replacing an old tap that's seen better days or you're installing a brand new sink, there are tons of tap styles out there. But honestly, picking just one can feel a little overwhelming sometimes. This guide is here to help you figure out which taps will work best for your space.

Pillar Taps For A Vintage Feel

Pillar taps are the classic choice if you're going for that old-school, vintage bathroom look. They come as a pair, with one tap for hot water and another for cold. The handles can vary a lot – you might find traditional crosshead designs or more modern lever styles. This gives you some flexibility in how they look and how easy they are to use. They're pretty straightforward to install, and having separate hot and cold streams means you have total control over the water temperature. They're a great way to add a touch of history to your bathroom.

Mono Mixer Taps For Modern Bathrooms

Mono mixer taps are a bit more of a modern solution. They have a single spout that mixes the hot and cold water together, and usually, there's just one lever or handle to control both the flow and the temperature. This design is really practical, especially if you have a basin with only one hole drilled for a tap. They're a good option for smaller bathrooms because they take up less space. Some even come with a waterfall effect, which looks pretty fancy.

Wall-Mounted Taps For A Clean Aesthetic

If you want a really clean, uncluttered look in your bathroom, wall-mounted taps are the way to go. These are installed directly into the wall above your sink or bath. Because they're not sitting on the basin or the counter, they free up a lot of space and make cleaning easier. They can create a really sleek, minimalist feel. You'll often see these in more contemporary bathroom designs, but they can also work with certain vintage styles if you pick the right finish.

Waterfall Taps For A Luxurious Touch

Waterfall taps are all about making a statement. They have a wide, flat spout that lets the water flow out like a mini waterfall. It's a really visually appealing effect that can make your bathroom feel a bit like a spa. These taps usually mix hot and cold water, so they often come as a mono mixer, meaning one handle controls everything. They definitely add a touch of luxury and can be a great focal point in your bathroom design. They're a bit more of a splurge, but the visual impact is pretty significant.

Key Considerations When Buying Antique Taps

So, you've decided to go for antique taps – excellent choice! They really add a special something to a bathroom. But before you get too excited and buy the first shiny thing you see, let's chat about a few things you should really think about. It’s not just about looks, you know. Getting the right fit and making sure they work with your setup is super important.

Basin Type Compatibility

First off, what kind of sink do you have, or are you planning to get? This is a big one. Some taps just won't work well with certain sinks. For example, if you have a countertop basin, you might want taps that mount on the wall or on the counter behind the sink. This keeps the sink area clear. If you have a more traditional pedestal sink, you've got more flexibility, and most tap styles will probably work. It’s always a good idea to check if your basin already has holes drilled for taps, or if you need a tap that can be mounted elsewhere. Don't just assume it'll fit!

Mounting Options And Space

Where are you actually going to put these taps? Think about the space you have. Wall-mounted taps can look really sleek and save space on your vanity, but you need to make sure your wall can handle them. If your sink has holes, you can get taps that fit right in. Or, maybe you want taps that sit on the counter behind the sink. This is great for freeing up the edge of the sink for soap or a toothbrush holder. Just measure up and make sure you have enough room for whatever you choose. It’s easy to overlook this, but trust me, you don’t want to buy taps that are too big or too small for the spot.

Water Pressure Requirements

This is something people often forget. The water pressure in your home can really affect how your taps perform. Some antique taps, especially older designs, might need a certain amount of water pressure to work properly. If you have low water pressure (sometimes common in older homes with gravity-fed systems), a tap that needs high pressure might just dribble out. On the flip side, if you have really high pressure, you want taps that can handle it. If you're not sure about your home's water pressure, you can usually find out by timing how long it takes to fill a bucket. If it takes more than six seconds, you might have low pressure. It’s worth checking before you buy!

Finish And Style Choices

Okay, now for the fun part – the look! Antique taps come in all sorts of finishes. You've got your classic chrome, which is always a safe bet and goes with everything. Then there's brushed brass, which has a lovely warm, vintage feel. And don't forget about matt black for a bolder, more modern twist on an antique design. The finish you choose can really tie your whole bathroom together. If you're getting other fixtures like a showerhead or towel rails, try to get them in the same finish so everything matches. Sometimes, even though they're called the same thing, the shade of a finish can vary between brands, so sticking to one brand for your hardware can be a good idea.

Exploring Unique Finishes For Antique Taps

When you're hunting for antique taps, the finish is a big deal. It's not just about how the tap looks right now, but how it'll age and fit into your bathroom's overall vibe. Think about it – the finish is one of the first things you notice, and it really sets the tone for the whole space.

Classic Chrome Finishes

Chrome is a classic for a reason. It's super shiny and reflects light, making your bathroom feel brighter. Plus, it's really easy to clean and goes with pretty much anything. If you like a clean, timeless look, chrome is a safe bet. It’s also pretty tough and holds up well over time, which is great for a tap you'll be using every day.

Authentic Brushed Brass

For a warmer, more vintage feel, brushed brass is a fantastic choice. It has a softer sheen than polished brass, so it doesn't glare. This finish really brings a sense of history and luxury to a bathroom. It's perfect for creating that old-world charm without looking dated. Over time, brushed brass can develop a lovely patina, adding even more character. It pairs wonderfully with traditional styles but can also add an interesting contrast to more modern designs.

Bold Matt Black

If you want your taps to make a statement, matt black is the way to go. It's a more contemporary finish, but it can still work with antique styles if you're going for a dramatic look. Matt black has a non-reflective surface that feels velvety to the touch. It looks especially striking against lighter-coloured tiles or walls, creating a really strong visual contrast. It's a bold choice, but it can really make your bathroom stand out.

Here's a quick look at how these finishes compare:

Choosing the right finish is more than just picking a color; it's about selecting a material that complements your bathroom's style and your personal taste. Consider how the finish will interact with the light in your room and how it will age over time. Some finishes, like brass, gain character with age, while others, like chrome, maintain their original shine with proper care.

Functionality And Design Of Antique Taps

When you're looking at antique taps for sale, it's not just about how they look, right? You've got to think about how they'll actually work in your bathroom and how they're put together. It’s like picking out a vintage car – you want it to look cool, but it also needs to run smoothly.

Handles Or Levers

So, the handles are a big part of the design. You'll see a lot of taps with separate handles, one for hot and one for cold. This gives a really classic, traditional vibe. Then you have the mixer taps, which usually have a single lever. You move it up for water, left for hot, right for cold. These can look pretty sleek and modern, even if the tap itself is antique. It really depends on the style you're going for. Some people just love the feel of turning two separate handles, while others prefer the simplicity of a single lever.

Tap Functionality Features

Antique taps might not have all the bells and whistles of brand-new ones, but some do have neat features. Think about things like swiveling spouts – super handy if you have a double sink or need to fill a big pot. Some might even have pull-out sprayers, though that's less common on older pieces. It’s worth checking if the tap you like has any extra bits that make using it easier. The main thing is that it does its job well: delivering water reliably.

Installation Requirements

This is a big one. How the tap is installed really matters. You've got taps that mount directly onto the sink or countertop, often called deck-mounted. These usually need specific holes drilled in your basin or counter. Then there are wall-mounted taps, which are great for saving space and can give a really clean look. These connect to the pipes behind the wall. You need to know if your sink or counter is already set up for a certain type of tap, or if you'll need to do some work to make it fit. It’s not usually a DIY job for most people, so factor in a plumber.

Here’s a quick rundown of common mounting types:

• Deck-Mounted: Fits directly onto the sink or countertop. Needs pre-drilled holes.
• Wall-Mounted: Installs on the wall above the sink. Great for saving counter space.
• Freestanding: Tall taps that stand on the floor, usually next to a freestanding tub.

Make sure you know what kind of plumbing you have and what your sink can accommodate before you fall in love with a tap that just won't work in your space. It’s better to find out early than to be disappointed later.

Budgeting For Your Antique Tap Purchase

So, you've fallen in love with the charm and character of antique taps. That's great! But before you get too carried away picturing them in your bathroom, let's talk about the money side of things. Setting a realistic budget is key to finding the perfect antique tap without any financial headaches. It's not just about the sticker price of the tap itself; there are other costs to consider too.

Tap Purchase Price

The cost of antique taps can really run the gamut. You might find a perfectly lovely, simple pillar tap at an antique shop for a couple of hundred dollars. On the other hand, a rare, ornate, or designer piece from a specialty dealer could easily set you back a few thousand. Factors like the tap's age, material (solid brass is usually pricier), maker, condition, and how unique it is will all play a role in the final price. It's a good idea to do a little research on similar taps to get a feel for what's out there.

Additional Installation Costs

Don't forget about installation! If you're comfortable with DIY plumbing, you might save some money here. However, for most people, hiring a professional plumber is the way to go. This is especially true if you're dealing with older plumbing systems or if the antique tap requires a non-standard installation. Plumbers typically charge by the hour, and costs can vary depending on your location and the complexity of the job. You might also need to factor in the cost of any new fittings or adaptors required to connect your antique tap to your existing water lines. It's wise to get a few quotes from local plumbers before you commit to a tap, just so you have a clear picture of the total investment.

Here's a rough idea of what you might expect:

Remember, these are just ballpark figures. The actual costs can be higher or lower depending on the specific tap and your home's plumbing situation. Always get detailed quotes before starting any work.

Where To Find Antique Taps For Sale

So, you've decided to go for that unique antique tap look. That's awesome! But where do you actually find these treasures? It's not like they're on every street corner, right? Luckily, there are a few solid places to check out.

Specialty Retailers

These are shops, both online and brick-and-mortar, that focus specifically on vintage or reproduction antique fixtures. They often have a curated selection, meaning someone has already done the hard work of sourcing and vetting the items. You might find a wider range of styles here, from Victorian pillar taps to more Art Deco-inspired pieces. The upside is that these places usually know their stuff and can offer advice on authenticity and installation.

• Online Specialty Stores: Think of websites dedicated to antique bathroom fittings. They often have detailed descriptions and photos, making it easier to shop from home.
• Showrooms: If you prefer to see things in person, look for showrooms that specialize in traditional or vintage bathroomware. You can get a feel for the weight and finish of the taps.
• Plumbing Supply Stores (with a vintage section): Some older, established plumbing supply stores might carry a selection of reproduction antique taps or even have a section for reclaimed fixtures.

Online Marketplaces

This is where things can get really interesting, and sometimes a bit of a treasure hunt. You'll find a huge variety, but you'll also need to be a bit more discerning.

• eBay: This is a classic for a reason. You can find almost anything, from individual taps to complete sets. Keep an eye on seller reviews and ask plenty of questions about the item's history and condition.
• Etsy: While known for handmade goods, Etsy also has a good selection of vintage items, including antique taps. Many sellers focus on restoration, so you might find beautifully refurbished pieces.
• Facebook Marketplace: This can be hit or miss, but you might stumble upon someone selling old taps from a renovation. It's often best for local finds.

When buying from online marketplaces, always check the seller's reputation and read reviews carefully. Don't be afraid to ask for more photos or details if something seems unclear. Sometimes, a good deal is waiting, but it pays to be cautious.

Antique Shops and Fairs

For the true hands-on shopper, hitting up antique shops and fairs is the way to go. You never know what you might discover!

• Local Antique Shops: Wander through your local antique stores. You might find taps tucked away in a corner, perhaps even still attached to an old vanity. It's a great way to discover unique, one-of-a-kind items.
• Flea Markets and Architectural Salvage Yards: These places are goldmines for old building materials, including fixtures. You might find anything from a simple brass tap to a more elaborate, ornate piece. Be prepared to dig a little!
• Antique Fairs and Shows: These events bring together numerous dealers, offering a wide array of items. It's a fantastic opportunity to browse a large selection in one place and haggle for a good price.

Wrapping Up Your Tap Search

So, finding the right taps for your bathroom might seem like a big task, but it doesn't have to be. We've gone over different styles, from sleek modern mixers to classic crosshead designs, and talked about things like water pressure and how you want to mount them. Remember to think about what works best for your space and your daily routine. Whether you're after a budget-friendly option or something that feels a bit more luxurious, there's a tap out there for you. Happy hunting for that perfect finishing touch!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of antique taps for sale?

You'll often find pillar taps, which have separate handles for hot and cold water for a classic look. Mono mixer taps are also popular, with a single handle controlling both. Wall-mounted taps offer a clean, modern feel, and waterfall taps provide a luxurious, spa-like water flow.

What should I think about before buying antique taps?

Consider what kind of sink you have and if it has pre-drilled holes for taps. Also, check your home's water pressure, as some taps work better with higher pressure. Finally, think about the finish and style that will best match your bathroom's overall design.

Are there different finishes available for antique taps?

Yes, you can find antique taps in various finishes. Classic choices include shiny chrome and warm, brushed brass that gives an authentic vintage vibe. Some modern options also come in bold matte black for a striking contrast.

What's the difference between tap handles and levers?

Taps can have separate handles for hot and cold water, which is a more traditional style. Others have a single lever that controls both the temperature and the flow of water, offering a simpler, more modern operation.

Do I need a plumber to install antique taps?

If you're comfortable with basic DIY and can safely turn off your water supply, you might be able to install them yourself, especially if you're replacing an old tap with a similar one. However, if you're unsure or need to change any plumbing, it's best to hire a professional plumber to ensure a proper and safe installation.

Where can I find unique antique taps?

You can discover unique antique taps at specialty shops that focus on vintage bathroom fixtures. Online marketplaces are also great places to browse a wide selection. Don't forget to check out local antique shops and fairs, where you might find hidden treasures.