With so many plumbing fixture options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. For this week’s Building 101 I’m sharing 6 tips for choosing plumbing fixtures. If you’d like to take a closer look at any of the spaces in this post, you can check here.

1. Create a budget (and stick to it!).
2. Narrow your search by price point.
3. Narrow it further by finish (brass, black, chrome, polished nickel, etc).
4. Refine the search by style (traditional, modern, industrial). I tend to skip this step at first because I’m the type that needs to see all the options to make sure she’s not missing out on a gem.
5. Pick 2-3 that you love and add them to a design board so you can see how they flow with your other selections.
6. Make your final selections and check with your plumber that all the necessary parts are included. Plumbing is tricky, some faucets come with everything you need and others don’t, especially shower valves.

FAQ

I asked you guys in stories the other day what were some questions you have about choosing plumbing fixtures and this is what you all came up with.

Can I change the finish from space to space?

YES. I’m all about mixing finishes to create a curated look. For example, we have polished nickel, brass and matte black plumbing fixtures throughout our home.

Can I mix finishes and styles in one space?

Yes and no. Just make sure all of your plumbing fixtures are the same finish and same style. It will keep the space feeling cohesive and intentional. You can bring in another finish with your lighting, mirrors, cabinet hardware and/or other bathroom hardware like towel rings and hooks.

Does a higher price mean better quality?

Not necessarily. Do your research, ask your plumber if he likes a particular brand and why. Our builder did recommend staying with name brand plumbing (Moen, Delta, Kohler) when we were making our selections, mostly because they have warranties that will cover any damage should they malfunction. That being said, we did stray off the beaten path and mixed luxury plumbing (who knew there was such a thing! haha), name brand and off brand fixtures.

Where can I find your drinking fountain?

Unfortunately it’s been discontinued by Kohler.

Do I need a pot filler?

You don’t need one, but I can tell you I use ours every day. Linked ours here.

In the kitchen, pull down faucet or bridge faucet with side spray?

I opted for pull down in our kitchen, though I wrestled with this decision myself. Ultimately, I didn’t want to have to clean around 3 things, so the Davoli high arc pull down faucet in polished nickel won out. Linked it here.

What size sink for in the laundry room?

We did a 27 inch under-mount fireclay sink. It’s been the perfect size for us. Big enough to soak laundry or give our Yorkie a quick bath. The kids use this sink a lot when they come in from outside too.

Plumbing fixtures come in a wide variety of budget friendly to investment pieces you’ll have for a lifetime. Remember there is almost always an opportunity to grab that wishlist item like a high arch kitchen faucet or pot filler, yet find savings in secondary spaces like kid’s bathroom sinks and tubs. I hope you found this post insightful and that the tips above will help you in choosing plumbing fixtures for your home. That wraps up this week’s Building 101! For more topics you can check here.