Materials & Finishes
There are many types of faucet handles and each type comes with a variety of materials and finishes.
Materials
Metals like brass and steel are common options for faucet handles. They're long-lasting and come in many beautiful finishes. Plastic faucet handles are a good choice for those who want to save money when designing low-traffic bathrooms.
Fixture Color Family
- Black
- Nickel
- Chrome
- Bronze
- Brass
- Stainless Steel
Fixture Finishes
- Brushed
- Polished
- Matte
- Oil-rubbed
- Satin
- Antique
With this helpful guide, we'll help you find the perfect faucet and hardware for your bathroom.
Faucet Handle Considerations
When you're selecting the bathroom faucet and handles for your bathroom, there are a few questions that are good to keep in mind.
What's your style?
Do you prefer a traditional, transitional or modern aesthetic? Matte and satin finishes go well with industrial or modern design. Oil-rubbed and antique finishes complement traditional decor. Brushed gold and polished nickel work well in modern and transitional spaces.
Are there accessibility concerns?
If you or someone in your home has mobility issues, you'll need handles that are easy to maneuver. Consider joystick handles, touchless faucets, touch-activated faucets or push button shower plates.
Do you want everything to match?
To create a cohesive look in your bathroom, match the faucet finish with the bathroom accessories. This includes the toilet paper holder, towel bar and towel ring.
Shop Bathroom Collections
Switching out your bathroom faucet is an easy DIY project. But if you're prefer to have someone else install it, we're here to help.
Types of Faucet Handles
Here's an overview of some of the most popular faucet handle types.
Knob Handles
Knob handles come in many styles and designs. The most common is a rounded knob-like shape made of metal or acrylic. They open and close when turned with a screw-like motion. If you're on a budget, knob handles can be one of the more affordable selections.
Cross Handles
Cross handles are shaped like an ‘X’. They're popular for their ergonomic design. Cross handles are similar to knob handles, but they're easier to grip and turn. They look great in sinks and showers and come in many sizes, materials and finishes.
Lever Handles
The biggest benefit of lever handles is that they require very little effort to use. A flick of the wrist to tilt the handle is all you need to get the water going. There are two types of lever handles: single handle and double handle. Single handles control both hot and cold water. In double handles, each handle controls either hot or cold water.
Joystick Handles
These single-handle faucets work like joysticks and look best at the bathroom sink. The hot and cold water are operated from the same handle, making it easy to control the water's temperature. If you have arthritis or mobility issues, joystick handles are recommended because they require minimal effort to operate.
Industrial and Oyl Handles
Looking for something unique? The industrial look has been trending in recent years. The faceplate has an industrial-looking knob shaped like a wheel that functions like a knob handle.
Oyl handles are knob-style handles that are inspired by gauges. They're usually made of metal and have oxidized matte finishes.
Push Buttons
Push-button faucets offer a convenient alternative to traditional handles or knobs. A simple press initiates water flow, while another press ensures a smooth shut-off. They work best in the shower, with smart designs that can control the water pressure and temperature.
Motion-Activated Faucets
Automatic faucets, also known as motion-activated faucets, offer a hands-free way to control water flow. Unlike traditional faucets, these devices don't require any contact to turn on. Simply place your hands beneath the spout to activate the sensor, starting the water flow.
A mixing valve allows you to control the water's temperature. Some automatic faucets even include a manual lever for backup control. This touchless operation makes them a safe choice for households with children, eliminating the risk of accidental scalding.
Touch-Activated
These
faucets, like touchless ones, don't have handles. Just tap the top to turn them
on or off. You can still adjust the water temperature with a separate handle.
Touch-activated faucets are particularly beneficial for individuals with
accessibility limitations.
Conclusion
If you're ready to update the hardware in your bathroom, the bathroom and shower faucets and handles are a good place to start. Here are a few considerations:
Materials: Faucet handles are typically made of brass and steel. They're also available in plastic, which is budget-friendly.
Fixture Color Family: Select from black matte, nickel, chrome, bronze, brass or stainless steel.
Fixture Finishes: Select from brushed, polished, matte, oil-rubbed and satin finishes.
Style: Determine what the style of your bathroom will be. Black matte hardware looks great in industrial or modern bathrooms. Polished nickel or brushed brass work well in modern or transitional spaces. Select brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze for traditional bathrooms.
Type: Now you'll need to select the handle type. Choose from cross handles, knobs, levers, joystick, motion-activated and more.