Matching Your Bathtub with Tapware: The Ultimate Style Guide

You’ve found a bathtub you love. Now comes the part no one tells you about: choosing the right bath tapware to match. The good news is, once you know the vibe you’re going for, it’s much easier to narrow it down. Here’s a simple guide to help you match your bathtub with the right bathtub mixer or spout, based on how you want your bathroom to look and feel.

If you love modern minimalism… 

Choose a freestanding bath and a freestanding bath tap 

A freestanding tub with clean lines, no visible joins and a matte white finish suits that soft minimal look. To keep things simple and sculptural, pair it with a freestanding bath mixer in brushed nickel or matte black.

The mixer sits directly beside the tub and becomes part of the silhouette, rather than breaking up the clean feel of the space. You don’t need extra ledges or bulk, just the bath, the tap, and the open space around it.

A freestanding bathtub pairs beautifully with a freestanding mixer tap - minimalism at its finest!

If your bathroom leans coastal or relaxed…

Go with a back-to-wall tub and wall-mounted tapware

The soft curves of a back-to-wall bath pair well with neutral tones, organic textures and relaxed styling. It’s a great option for coastal or calm bathrooms where you want the bath to feel grounded but not too bold.

Keep the look streamlined with a wall mixer tap in a finish like brushed brass or warm white. This works especially well with timber vanities, soft tiled surfaces and bathrooms with natural light.

If your bath sits under a window or across a full wall, this setup feels light and uncluttered, no tapware interrupting the view.

The Decina 1500mm Natalia Back Back-to-Wall Bath works beautifully in relaxed or coastal bathrooms and paired with wall mixer tap.

If you're into bold, high-end design… 

Try a fluted freestanding bath and brushed gold tapware

Fluted finishes and solid surface textures are having a moment, especially in bathrooms with bold colour palettes or moody styling. If you’ve chosen a bath that’s sculptural or textured, lean into it with tapware that feels just as considered.

Think matte black or brushed gold finishes with a strong shape, like a square freestanding bath mixer or minimalist wall set. Keep everything else clean and let the bath and tap do the talking.

Finish it with matching bathroom accessories like towel rails or robe hooks to create a full design story.

If space is tight and you want clean functionality… 

Go with a drop-in or corner bath and a hob-mounted mixer

Inset (AKA drop-in bathtubs) or corner bathtubs work well in compact bathrooms or family setups where every bit of space counts. They’re practical and easy to access, and they give you more options for tap placement.

A hob-mounted bath mixer or set installed directly into the tiled edge is often the most straightforward option. Choose a finish that complements your bathroom vanity so everything feels cohesive, even if the bath isn’t the focal point.

This is a good fit for functional bathrooms with built-in storage, bench space, and a more classic layout.

For small spaces, either a corner tub (like this beautiful Decina corner tub) or a drop-in tub is the go-to choice. 

If your style is timeless or traditional… 

Go for a rounded freestanding tub and brushed nickel tapware

You can still have a classic bathroom without going old-school. A rounded freestanding tub with soft edges works beautifully in traditional or transitional spaces, especially when paired with brushed nickel tapware or warm metallics.

A floor-mounted mixer or wall tap in this finish blends in, while still adding texture. Match it to bathroom vanities with stone tops or shaker-style cabinetry to carry that timeless feel through the rest of the room.

Add softness with neutral towels, tactile tiles and curved accessories for a bathroom that feels elegant but not over-designed.

If you want to go a little bolder with your design, try adding matte black tapware.

Upgrade Your Bathtub and Bath Tapware Today

Tapware might feel like a small detail, but once your bath is in place, it’s the thing you use every day. Matching the right setup to your bath style means you’ll love how it looks and how it works.

Whether you’re going sculptural with a freestanding bath, compact with a corner option, or somewhere in between, make sure your tapware supports the feel of the space.

Need help pulling it all together? Explore bathtubs, bath tapware, bathroom basins and bathroom accessories to complete your setup.