Brass taps
How many features about kitchen taps have I written in my life? How often have I confidently opined that the taps are the bit you mustn’t skimp on, money-wise? But sitting here, looking for my own set of perfect kitchen taps, I suddenly realise it’s just not that easy. For my about-to-arrive kitchen I am absolutely certain that I want brass or copper taps with the copper pipes exposed. This (below) pretty much sums up the hose-and-bucket aesthetic I’m going for.
I have bought my worktops – reclaimed from a school science lab – and the new Belfast sink* is sitting in the back of the car, doubling my petrol bill. When I bought the sink from the plumber’s merchant on the corner the super helpful man offered me many pieces of advice, including, “Don’t get brass taps.” He says they tarnish and are a total nightmare that’s how come they don’t sell them, right? I’m sure if you get a gorgeous Dornbracht or Vola one (vintage version below) they hold up pretty well, but that ain’t happening.
I don’t want the twiddly, ‘farmhouse’ style bridge mixers which are widely available in brass, as I want something more industrial and ‘sciencey’ looking. So instead I’m looking at reclaimed pillar taps, or even improvised ones made with bits of pipe and solder (my builder’s gonna kill me).
You get the gist. SO my question today is – have you got any experience of this? Are brass taps a tarnishing nightmare? Is it safe to buy reclaimed ones or will they torture me with drips? Someone told Jill to just buy normal taps and get them copper plated, but I don’t think I’m brave enough. What to do? Any advice from people happy with their faucet choices gratefully received. x
Most images can be found on my infamous kitchen Pinterest board.
*Do you know the difference between a Belfast sink and a Butler’s sink? Apparently Butler’s sinks don’t have a separate overflow – this was to discourage one’s feckless butler from wasting water. So in solidarity with my historical brothers and sisters below stairs I’m going Belfast. Take that, Downton Abbey.
Ros, I heard a very handy tip about brass hardware generally, which is that it is sold with a lacquer on to prevent tarnishing…however, I don’t know about you, but I like the patina of old brass…I want it to tarnish. The solution according to Martha Stewart (don’t hate me) is to soak any new items in acetone to remove the lacquer before fitting them. So if you can find a nice looking, simple brass tap, perhaps it’s worth thinking about. Also, copper goes green in time, brass goes brown…which do you prefer? Happy hunting xxx
thanks – great tip. My mum just called to say every hardware store in France sells bog standard cheap brass taps. Not here sadly. Zut!
Hannah’s advice sounds excellent. I can’t really add much to that except to say that the two “short” style taps might prove more practical (photo with blue door in background) as an immoveable single mixer tap can be hard to dodge with dishes, glasses, etc.
I loved your intro!
i’ve got the pillar type taps and i think they look lovely HOWEVER – i wouldn’t install them again. My god they splash. Literally every time you use them and to be honest, it gets on your nerves!!!!
next time i’m replacing these bad boys i’m going for a modern one that is tall with the spray neck pull attached so i can actually whizz around the sink and clean it !
Thanks for that – the old sink I had years ago had old pillar taps, and now you mention it the splash factor is coming back to me. Something to mull over…
I am waiting for a brass tap to be delivered! I have champagne taste and beer money…. Loved the brass vola kitchen tap but it was too spenny! So have taken the risk of having a cheap mono bloc tap striped of the chrome and redipped in brass… Feels brave but both tap and dipping cost £140 so hopefully not too an expensive mistake if it doesn’t work!!!
oh wow have just read your comment – this is what Jill was talking about – but she didn’t go ahead. Please do let us know how well it works!
Just got our tap back and the effect is great, but probably does not bear close inspection!!! But definitely worth the effort and have saved a bit…. Compared to a Vila model! Would post a photo but not worked out if this is possible….
Hey Rachel, great to hear your tap came back and is looking lovely. We’d LOVE to see it if you can bothered to email – we’ll share with the group as everyone seems to be on the hunt for affordable brass taps at the moment. You can mail us at theantistylist@hotmail.com x
Just saw the pictures of your finished kitchen which looks amazing. I’ve been looking at expensive brass or copper taps but might give your approach a go. I’ve also been looking for cabinet pulls just like yours with no luck and wondered if you did the same here? I’d be really interested to know where you got them.
Ooh, I’d love to know how the plating worked out – I’ve looked everywhere for affordable brass taps but they are a bit of a rarity. I just haven’t been brave enough to get anything plated – yet!
I wouldn’t anticipate making your own ‘mixer taps’ would meet UK water regs. Proper mixer taps don’t actually mix the water – it’s piped separately up to the point you see the water. That’s done to avoid cross-contamination of the drinking water.