Did you know that there are more than a dozen different kitchen faucet designs that are available today?
Innovation has exploded in the kitchen faucet industry over the last century. The number of new features and inventions since the 1950s has been just incredible. Now there are new finishes and water-saving features that can be added to these faucet designs as well.
The kitchen faucet has evolved from being a basic necessity to a fashion statement.
That means you’ll find several different shapes and sizes available in the various collections offered by faucet manufacturers. You will find more choices than ever before. You can be minimalistic, contemporary, or go for something bold and unpredictable.
You have the power to transform your kitchen.
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What Are the Different Faucet Styles Available?
Although kitchen faucet designs are unique to the brand and manufacturer, there are some elements of common ground that we can look at. Let’s break down the various designs into some easy-to-understand categories and why it could be an attractive option.
#1. Contemporary. This is the most common design type that is available right now. These faucets are sleek and streamlined, looking to create a simple presence in the kitchen. Many of them offer a gooseneck design, pull-down or pull-out spray heads, and eliminate the bulkiness of faucets that come from the generation before. Chrome and stainless steel tend to be the two most popular finishes for this faucet option.
#2. Industrial. Have you ever walked into a professional kitchen? Those U-shaped kitchen faucets with a high-pressure sprayer have transitioned into the modern residential kitchen. You don’t need to be a home chef or foodie to appreciate what this faucet design can do. These faucets are tall and heavy, but they also have a tremendous amount of reach. Chrome, nickel, and stainless steel are common, but oil-rubbed bronze finishes are making their way into this category as of late.
#3. Classic. In many commercial sectors, there has been a push to create more authenticity. Kitchen faucet designers have not been immune to this trend. You’ll find bridge faucets and other hand-forged designs are making a big comeback for new construction and remodeling projects. These faucets need more space than most other designs and require additional maintenance. They are also the best way to create a look that feels fully customized. Look for gold, brass, and chrome finishes to accentuate the classic aesthetic.
#4. Vintage. You’ll find elements of the other 5 faucet styles within this category. Although there may be a lot of variation present, the faucets in this category tend to have similar finishes. Look for oil-rubbed bronze, brass, and copper faucets to accentuate a rustic look.
#5. Modern. Think straight lines. Unique shapes. Strange geometry. Right angles. Small handles. Cylindrical shapes. Modern kitchen faucets are catching on, but there are socioeconomic considerations to think about in this category. Many homes are designed with the traditional kitchen in mind. A modern kitchen faucet doesn’t always work in that type of space. Look for nickel and stainless steel finishes to dominate here.
#6. Future. Some may argue that this isn’t an official category as of yet, but there are some cutting-edge innovations that can be found in the newest collections of kitchen faucets. Some models have LED lighting. Others offer a faucet platform that can be extended or retracted on demand. Touchless faucets that automatically set the temperature of the water are becoming quite popular. Low-flow faucets that conserve water could be added to this design category as well.
The Best Examples of Kitchen Faucet Finishes
Once you’ve figured out the style of faucet that will work well for your space, it is time to begin looking at the various finishes. Each finish offers some unique advantages and disadvantages. Here are the best examples of each finish at its highest quality right now.
Antique
Hiendure
This classic antique approach gives a vintage look that is almost beyond compare. Modern features, such as ceramic valves, are included with this design. It works with homes that have a water pressure up to 1.6 Mpa, but its entry-level quality does offer a limited lifespan.
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Kingston Brass
This kitchen faucet offers a washerless cartridge and a low-flow feature that maximized output at 1.8 GPM. The finish is surprisingly strong on this affordable faucet and the spout reach is nearly 9 inches. The deck plate isn’t optional on this model, however, so it may not work for every sink.
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Guma
This is a basin-style faucet that offers a unique look and a slim profile for small kitchen spaces. It still works with a standard ½-inch plumbing inlet. Like most modern faucets, it uses a ceramic disc cartridge to prevent leaks and dripping. The top placement for the control handle is definitely a nice touch.
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Black (Matte)
Moen
It is rare to see a modern/contemporary faucet with a black finish, but this model makes it look good. It features a pull-down design that retracts with great smoothness. High pressures are still experienced, but the splash is kept to a minimum. It’s also one of the easiest kitchen faucets to install.
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Brizo
This kitchen faucet might offer a matte black finish, but it is built with a solid brass body. The design is fully modern, with a minimized handle and spout. The gooseneck arch offers plenty of access at the sink. Despite its size, this faucet does weigh more than 7 pounds, so it may not be suitable for every sink.
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Ufaucet
This affordable faucet gets all the basics right. It has a lead-free construction, is NSF and UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code®) compliant, and has a spout reach of 8.5 inches. It comes with a deck plate in the box for a 3-hole installation if needed. 360 degrees of rotation is offered, but it is backed by only a 10-year warranty.
Brass and Copper
Kingston Brass
This wall-mount brass faucet is about as close to perfect as one can get for the kitchen. It offers a 12-inch spout reach from the wall, so almost any kitchen can handle this design. Low-flow requirements are still met despite its weight. The finish is beautiful and it is surprisingly easy to install.
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Delta
This is another good two-handle kitchen faucet design, but with a sink mount instead. It requires a 4-hole installation since it has a matching side spray. The high arc faucet design features a pull-down spray head and works with standard plumbing installations.
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Gourmetier by Kingston Brass
This is one of those kitchen faucets that transcends labels. It has some modern elements to it. There are some classic lines in it. One could argue that it is also a bit contemporary. There are even nature-driven elements in the look. It is also a water filtration faucet, offers 1.5 GPM, and is highly affordable. It may just not be the best choice as a primary faucet.
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Chrome
Chrome is the most affordable option that is available today. You can also find it on some of the most expensive kitchen faucets that are currently on the market. What is magical about this finish is its reflective quality. Although it can be difficult to keep clean, it matches well with virtually any personal style.
Kohler
This revival kitchen faucet offers a vintage look, but with some contemporary style. A curved gooseneck design brings in some nature-driven elements, while the two-handle approach and side spray is good for sinks with a 4-point installation. It offers a ceramic valve and improved ergonomics for an excellent user experience.
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Techo
This is a modern kitchen faucet that offers a simple installation, a brass and stainless steel construction, plus a high arc pull-out spout. It provides a good range for deep basins but doesn’t create a lot of splash for small basin sinks.
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American Standard
This is another fusion between the modern and the contemporary that really works. The handle is somewhat small, but larger than a truly modern design. There is a brass swivel spout, a metal lever handle, and a pause feature has been included with the spray head. Users receive 8 full inches of clearance.
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Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Kingston Brass
This single handle water filtration faucet is similar to its brass and copper cousin but is an even better deal. It’s one of the easiest faucets you’ll ever install. Now it isn’t suited for a reverse osmosis system and is intended for cold water use only, but it will still make a magnificent first impression.
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Design House
This beautiful option features a 4-point installation, but the side spray shares the oil-rubbed bronze finish. It’s more classical in design than contemporary. No one will ignore this faucet in your kitchen once it is installed. Just one note: the minimum GPM rating is 2.2, so it may not meet local code standards.
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Moen
This contemporary design does it all. It delivers a rich visual aesthetic. The equipped Reflex system makes for a smooth operating experience. The high arc design combines with the pull-down spray head for full sink access. It’s definitely one of the best kitchen faucets available right now.
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Satin Nickel
Harrahs
This contemporary kitchen faucet brings affordable style to almost every home. It may be an entry-level price, but it has some advanced features, including a front toggle button on the pull-down spray head. It will also work with 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch water supply systems.
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Pacific Bay
This is one of the few industrial options that you’ll find with an authentic satin nickel look. It is lead-free certified, comes with braided stainless steel risers, and utilizes a ceramic disc valve to prevent leaks and drips. You receive multiple spray functions, a touch of modern with the handle, and excellent water pressure with every use.
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Selina
This classic kitchen faucet features a touch of the modern with its side handle. It is a pull-out design, providing excellent clearance over the sink for most household chores. The installation profile is quite small as well, creating a simple installation, simple operation, and simple affordability.
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Stainless Steel
Kraus KPF-1650ss
This industrial kitchen faucet brings the feeling of a commercial kitchen right to the home. It meets all current codes and standards that are applicable in the US on state and national levels. It is a high-performance faucet, yet offers low-flow support with its Neoperl aerator, and 360-degree access. In terms of durability, it’s one of the best.
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Derengge
This classic, traditional kitchen faucet elevates an older look without breaking the budget. It features a pull-out design with an overhead single handle, giving you the chance to create a modern look without really going modern. A ceramic disc and lead-free construction are standard. The spout height, at 4.9 inches, might be a consideration for some.
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Avola
This contemporary high arc gooseneck kitchen faucet features a longer lever pull for better user access. It is a pull-down sprayer, though marketed as a pull-out model, with a toggle on the front of the spray head to differentiate between two sprays. If you’re thinking about changing the look of your kitchen, give this faucet a try.
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White
Kohler
White faucets are popular because they reflect fewer water stains and fingerprints while still working with most styles. This classic design features a pull-out spray and a compact look, but with an elevated style with the top handle. Temperature controls are easy and there is plenty of reach to fit almost any kitchen chore.
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JiaYouJia
This futuristic kitchen faucet offers a minimal design, clean lines, and is constructed from solid brass for added durability. The pull-out hose, made of stainless steel, extends up to 2 feet for added reach. The flow capacity is closer to that of a prep faucet at 1.5 GPM and it isn’t suitable for low-pressure homes. Grab this faucet and you’ll receive plenty of compliments about your style.
Brizo
This contemporary faucet offers a matte white finish, allowing it to blend in nicely with almost any décor. The faucet swivels 360 degrees for full access and the high arc provides extra working space. Grab this faucet if you’re looking for a long-term solution.
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Kitchen faucet styles will come and go. What is popular now may not be popular a decade or a generation from now. Thanks to innovative designs, new technologies, and affordable pricing, there is always a chance to change the look of a kitchen.
If you or your client has a kitchen faucet that is at least 10 years old, now is a good time to make the choice to upgrade.