How to Incorporate Coloured Bath Tap Finishes in a Contemporary Bathroom

There’s a reason coloured bath taps have become a go-to in modern bathroom design. It adds personality without overpowering the space, and gives even the most neutral layout a fresh, tailored feel. Choosing the right tap finish comes down to a few simple things: the layout of your space, the tone of your materials, and how much maintenance you're really willing to do. In this article, we’ll show you how to make coloured tapware look like it belongs in your bathroom, without overcomplicating the process.

Start with Your Bathtub Style

Before you fall in love with a tap finish, it’s worth figuring out what type of bathtub you’re working with. The style of your bathtub will determine how your tapware needs to function, and where it sits in the room.

A freestanding bathtub gives you more room to play. A freestanding bath tap makes a bold design statement and instantly draws the eye. 

If you’ve chosen a back to wall bathtub, you might lean towards a cleaner, more integrated look. A wall mounted bath tap will keep your benchtops clear and your design feeling tight. 

For drop-in bathtubs, consider where your plumbing sits and how you want the tap to look in relation to the bath surround.

A freestanding bath tub gives you more room to play with your bath tap 

Let Your Finish Set the Tone

Your bath tapware finish is one of the easiest ways to set the tone for your bathroom. The finish you choose can either blend into the background or anchor the entire space.

If you're after something timeless, chrome bath taps work with almost everything. It reflects light, holds up well over time, and suits both minimalist and classic interiors. If you're leaning more contemporary, black bath taps are a strong, graphic choice. They work well against white, grey or timber and create instant contrast.

Brushed nickel tapware is warm and versatile – a nice in-between option that softens bold colour palettes and complements natural textures. If you’re working with a soft-toned vanity or terrazzo-style tile, brushed finishes can tie everything together.

For an in-between, minimalist style, choose brushed nickel tapware.

Match Form with Function

It’s not just about how your tapware looks. It has to work for your layout and how you use your bathroom. If you’ve got a deep bath, a gooseneck spout will give you the clearance you need while adding a sculptural curve to the space. A swivel bath spout is a smart option in tighter spaces, giving you flexibility without cluttering the wall.

If you’re someone who rinses down the bath regularly, bathes kids or even pets, a bath tap with hose can save time and stress. These functional details should work with the colour and style you’ve chosen, not against it.

Read more: Which Bathtub Suits Your Bathroom Best?

Avoid Clashing Finishes

While it’s tempting to mix and match, too many finishes in one space can start to feel disjointed. If you're choosing coloured tapware, try to carry that finish across other fixtures in the bathroom too. You don’t need everything to match exactly, but some consistency helps the space feel intentional.

A brushed nickel spout looks great when echoed in your bathroom accessories like towel rails and shelves. Likewise, if you’re using black tapware, stick with black for things like robe hooks, pop-up wastes or even mirror frames.

If you really want to mix, do it carefully. Stick to two finishes and keep one as the dominant tone. For example, matte black with brushed gold details can work in the right setting, just keep the rest of the palette pared back to avoid visual clutter.

Choose Materials That Last

Not all coloured tapware is created equal. If you’re shopping by finish, look out for the materials used underneath. PVD coatings are more durable and resist scratches, fading and fingerprints far better than powder-coated finishes. This is especially important in wet zones like the bath where water exposure is high and cleaning is frequent.

Finishes like brushed nickel and chrome are usually easier to maintain and show fewer marks than high-gloss black or gold. If low-maintenance is important to you, opt for something with texture, brushed or matte finishes tend to be more forgiving day-to-day.

We’re planning a full article soon comparing which finishes are easiest to clean and live with, so if you're unsure, choose based on your habits and how often you're likely to clean.

Bring It All Together with Thoughtful Styling

Tapware works best when it feels like part of a complete picture. If you're introducing colour through your bath taps, it should feel deliberate — not like a last-minute choice. Consider how the finish pairs with your bathroom basin, vanity, mirror and tiles.

For example, a black bath tap with soft stone tiles can create a grounded, calming feel. A chrome bath tap with white or grey finishes feels clean and timeless. A brushed nickel spout adds texture and warmth, especially when paired with muted tones or natural light.

Black bath taps look beautiful with neutral stone tiles 

Once you’ve chosen your tapware finish, carry that same tone into your bathroom accessories to help everything feel cohesive. If you're still comparing options, spend time browsing real product images or visiting the showroom to get a feel for how each finish looks in natural light.

Shop Premium Bath Taps at Buildmat

Coloured tapware isn’t just for display homes. It’s an easy, design-forward way to give your bathroom some personality. Whether you prefer a clean chrome finish, a soft brushed tone or a bold black statement, the key is to make sure it works with the rest of your layout and feels cohesive from start to finish.

Explore Buildmat’s full range of bath tapware, bathtubs and bathroom accessories to find the pieces that make your bathroom feel like you.