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Pfister Tenet widespread vanity faucet in brushed nickel, installed on a marble countertop with a gold undermount sink and round mirrors.

What’s the Best Bathroom Faucet Style for My Vanity?

Choosing a bathroom faucet seems simple—until you're staring at a dozen styles in different heights, finishes, and configurations. The truth is, the best faucet depends on your vanity, your sink, and your design goals.

Let’s break it down to help you choose the right one—functionally and aesthetically.

Start With the Type of Sink

Your sink layout plays a big role in faucet selection:

Undermount or drop-in sinks typically pair with centreset or widespread faucets, depending on how many holes your vanity top has.

Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter, so you’ll need a taller faucet or a wall-mount style to provide enough clearance.

Wall-mount faucets require advance planning, as the plumbing must be installed within the wall, but they save counter space and create a sleek, modern look.

Pfister Rhen 2-handle wall-mount bathroom faucet in polished chrome, installed above a white undermounted sink on a clean, modern countertop in a contemporary bathroom.

Not Sure Which Style Fits Your Vanity?

Explore all bathroom faucet types to find the right match for your sink layout.

Choose Your Handle Style

Single-handle faucets offer a minimalist look and are easy to use—perfect for tight spaces or modern bathrooms.

Two-handle faucets give more precise control over water temperature and often complement traditional or transitional designs.

Pfister Contempra 2-handle 8-inch widespread bathroom faucet in brushed gold, installed on a white countertop in a contemporary bathroom, with water flowing smoothly from the spout.

See the Difference in Design and Function.

Browse handle styles to find your ideal look.

Consider the Proportions

One of the most overlooked design details is scale. A faucet that’s too tall or too short can feel awkward and unbalanced. If your vanity is narrow, opt for something more compact. A wider vanity can accommodate a more substantial faucet, or even a dramatic wall-mount feature.

Match the Vibe—But Not Too Much

Your faucet doesn’t need to match your cabinet hardware and lighting exactly—but it should feel cohesive. If you’re mixing metals, repeat each finish at least twice to make it feel intentional. Want to play it safe? Stick with one finish for all fixtures in the bathroom.

Final Tips from the Designer

  • If you’re renovating, double check your countertop holes before you buy.

  • Consider the height of your mirror and backsplash to avoid splashing or awkward faucet placement.

  • If you’re drawn to a statement faucet, keep the rest of the space simple and let the faucet lead the design.

Final Thoughts

The best bathroom faucet is the one that works for your space and your style. Start with your sink type, consider proportions, and think of your faucet as both a functional tool and a style anchor for your bathroom.

Need help deciding between styles or finishes? Laurie, JSL Hardware’s in-house designer (and the author of this blog), offers both online and in-home design consultations to support you in making the right selections. 

Laurie Orsino, JSL Hardware in-house designer

Laurie Orsino
JSL Hardware In-House Designer

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