The right bathroom faucet depends first on where it mounts: on the vanity or on the wall, and through how many holes. This guide compares widespread, wall mount 3-hole and single-hole faucets so you can choose the one that fits your sink.
The quick answer
- Widespread: three separate pieces on the vanity, a spout and two handles. Best for larger vanities and a classic look.
- Wall mount 3-hole: the same three pieces, installed on the wall above the sink. Best for vessel sinks and a clean counter.
- Single-hole: one piece with the spout and handle together. Best for small vanities and a minimal look.
Widespread faucets
A widespread faucet has a spout and two handles, each in its own hole in the vanity or sink. In the US, the outer holes are commonly about 8 inches apart, but spacing varies, so measure your sink before you order.
- Pros: balanced, traditional look, easy to clean around each piece, separate hot and cold control.
- Cons: needs a wider vanity and three pre-drilled holes.
See our unlacquered brass widespread bathroom faucet and the polished brass widespread faucet with big spout, or the full widespread faucet collection.
Wall mount 3-hole faucets
A wall mount faucet comes out of the wall above the sink. The 3-hole version has a spout in the middle and a handle on each side. The plumbing runs inside the wall, so it must be planned during construction or renovation.
- Pros: frees the whole counter, easy to clean, perfect with vessel sinks and freestanding basins.
- Cons: needs in-wall plumbing, and the spout length must match the sink depth.
Measure from the wall to the center of the drain: the spout should reach close to the center so water does not splash. Examples: the thin spout wall mounted sink faucet and the hammered brass wall mounted faucet. Browse the 3-hole faucet collection and all wall mount faucets.
Single-hole faucets
A single-hole faucet combines the spout and handle in one body. It needs only one hole, which makes it the easiest to fit on a small vanity. Taller single-hole models also work on vessel sinks.
- Pros: compact, simple to install, modern look.
- Cons: less presence on a large vanity, one handle for both temperature and flow.
Examples: the unlacquered brass single hole bathroom faucet, the polished brass single hole faucet and the vessel sink faucet for vanity. Browse all single hole faucets.
How to choose
- Count the holes in your sink or vanity. If they are already drilled, the faucet must match.
- Vessel sink? Choose a wall mount faucet, or a tall deck faucet.
- Renovating the wall? It is the best moment to switch to wall mount.
- Small powder room? A single-hole or wall mount faucet saves space.
- Matching tub? Many wall mount designs also come as bathtub faucets, so the sink and tub can match.
Whatever style you choose, pick the same finish for your sink, shower and hardware so the bathroom ages together. New to raw brass? Read our complete guide to unlacquered brass fixtures.
Frequently asked questions
Is a widespread faucet the same as a 3-hole faucet?
A widespread faucet is one type of 3-hole faucet, installed on the vanity. A wall mount 3-hole faucet uses the same three pieces, but on the wall.
Can I replace a widespread faucet with a wall mount faucet?
Yes, but the water supply must be moved into the wall, and the holes in the vanity need a cover or a new top. Ask your plumber.
Which faucet is easiest to clean?
Wall mount faucets, because nothing sits on the counter where water collects.