Taps and showers – how to choose a tap for the bathroom
Taps and showers are difficult to change after tiling the bathroom – especially concealed ones. Therefore, choose the type of tap before the plumbing – based on it, the body in the wall, the height of the outlets and their spacing will be prepared.
Tips for selection
Taps and showers: tips in one place
Taps and showers are among the items you use most frequently in the bathroom – in the morning at the basin, in the evening in the bath or shower. The type of tap (mixer, thermostatic or concealed), the method of installation (deck-mounted for the basin, wall-mounted or concealed in the wall) and whether the tap fits your basin, bath and plumbing are crucial in the selection. The shower can be a simple handheld one on a rod, a shower set with an overhead shower or a shower panel.
Today, people most often choose a thermostatic shower tap, which maintains the set temperature even when someone else in the flat uses water, and for a new bathroom, a concealed tap with an overhead shower. A deck-mounted mixer tap fits a standard basin, while a high or wall-mounted tap suits a countertop basin. For the bath, a wall-mounted bath tap with a shower is most common. Wall-mounted taps usually have water outlets 150 mm apart, in older flats even 100 mm – measure them before purchase.
In the articles below, you will find a comparison of mixer, thermostatic and concealed shower taps, selection of bath and basin taps including arm length, aerator and cartridge, installation heights, shower systems for small bathrooms, and tips for black, chrome and gold finishes. All installation heights are also in the guide Bathroom from A to Z.
You can view and try taps, thermostats and shower sets live at the TGB Kúpeľne studio in Senec. Prices and parameters of specific products can be found in the e-shop vkupelni.sk in the category Taps and showers. You can try out how the tap will look with your tiles and shower profiles for free in the 3D bathroom planner.
Shower taps
Bath and basin
Showers and shower systems
How to choose a faucet and shower
3 articles
Shower faucet: single-lever, thermostatic or concealed?Shower faucet: single-lever, thermostatic or concealed, distance 150 and 100 mm, installation height, shower set, overhead and rain shower and price examples.8 min read
Bathtub and basin faucet: how to choose a tapBathtub and basin faucet: freestanding or wall-mounted, arm and spout length, bathtub faucet with shower, distance 150 mm, aerator, cartridge and price examples.7 min read
Height of the shower tap and shower placement: table in cmHeight of the shower tap in the table: tap 100 to 115 cm, overhead shower 200 to 215 cm, bath tap above the edge. Where to place the tap in the corner and walk-in.4 min read
Shower systems and showers
3 articles
Shower heads and hand showers – differences you will feelThe size of the overhead shower is just one of the features to consider. It depends on the flow rate, water distribution and daily maintenance.2 min read
Shower system for small bathrooms – how to save spaceA small bathroom needs a clean layout, easy controls and accessories that do not obstruct movement.2 min read
Shower faucets with switch – one shower, multiple functionsIf you want to use both the overhead and hand shower, the right choice of switch and compatible faucet body is important.2 min read
Concealed faucets and systems
1 article
Colours and surfaces
4 articles
Black faucets – when they stand out and how to care for themA black faucet is a striking design element. It works best where its colour is echoed – for example, handles, shower profile or mirror frame.2 min read
Chrome faucets – timeless classic for any bathroomChrome remains popular mainly for its versatility. It does not require a bold interior to look good and easily combines with white ceramics.2 min read
Gold and bronze faucets – how to match them without excessive luxuryWarm metallic tones can soften a bathroom. It is important to work with them thoughtfully, not to replace every detail with gold.2 min read
How to combine shower faucets with tiles and corner profilesA shower system is not furnished separately. Its colour, shape and surface work together with tiles, glass and drainage.2 min read
Common mistakes
1 article
What to consider when choosing
- A single-lever faucet is the easiest to operate and maintain – you can adjust the temperature and flow with one hand.
- A thermostatic faucet maintains the set temperature even with fluctuations in water pressure. You will appreciate it in the shower, especially if children or seniors are bathing in the household.
- A concealed faucet has its body hidden in the wall. The mounting body is installed before tiling, so it needs to be chosen during the planning of the renovation.
- A shower column or panel connects the overhead and hand shower without cutting into the wall – a practical solution when replacing an old shower.
- An overhead shower is usually placed 200 to 215 cm above the floor, at least 10 to 15 cm above the head of the tallest household member.
- A countertop basin without a tap hole generally requires a taller faucet or a wall-mounted faucet. Also check the spout length to ensure the water directs to the centre of the basin.
- Surface: chrome is the most durable and easiest to maintain. Black, gold and brushed surfaces should only be cleaned with gentle non-abrasive agents.
- Faucets in brief: single-lever, thermostatic and concealed – A brief overview: single-lever, thermostatic and concealed faucets, freestanding or wall-mounted, surfaces and water savings. Detailed articles on faucets.
- Výšky v kúpeľni: umývadlo, odpad, batéria, WC a vaňa (tabuľka) – Výšky v kúpeľni v cm: umývadlo, odpad umývadla, rohové ventily, sprchová batéria, závesné WC, vaňa, práčka, zrkadlo a zásuvky. Prehľadná tabuľka a schéma.
- Maintenance and cleaning of the bathroom: tiles, glass, faucets – How to clean tiles, joints, shower glass, faucets and sanitary ware to ensure longevity. What not to use on matte and coloured surfaces.
Shower systems and faucets in the e-shop
Prices, dimensions and availability of specific products can be found in the e-shop vkupelni.sk. Always verify technical data in the manufacturer's technical sheet, and you can also view samples in the studio in Senec.
Additional bathroom equipment
See it live in Senec
At the TGB Kúpeľne bathroom studio located at Bratislavská 71 in Senec, you can view displayed products and samples of wall and floor tiles. We are happy to assist you with your selection and prepare a personalised quote. Not all products from the e-shop are on display.