There are four main bathroom faucet types, and they are defined by how they mount: single hole (one hole, usually one handle), centerset (handles 4 in apart, often on one plate), widespread (three separate pieces, handles at least 8 in apart) and wall mount (the faucet comes out of the wall). Vessel faucets are a fifth group: tall single hole faucets made to clear a raised bowl. The right choice starts with the holes already in your sink or vanity top, then spout height, reach and flow rate. This guide walks through each one using real listings.
Bathroom faucet types at a glance
The Signature Hardware bathroom faucet buying guide describes centerset faucets as two handles 4 in apart, typically on a 6 in plate, and widespread faucets as three separate pieces with handles at least 8 in apart.
| Type | Holes | Spread | Handles | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single hole | 1 | Not applicable | Usually 1 | Small sinks, modern tops, new drilled counters |
| Centerset | Usually 3 (some listings say 2) | 4 in | 2 on one base | Standard vanity sinks and replacements |
| Widespread | 3 | 8 in or more | 2 separate | Larger vanities, a traditional look |
| Wall mount | None in the deck | Not applicable | 1 or 2 | Vessel sinks, a clear countertop |
| Vessel (tall) | 1 | Not applicable | Usually 1 | Above counter vessel bowls |
Widespread vs centerset faucet: how the mounts differ
Single hole faucet
A single hole faucet needs one hole in the sink or counter. It is the cleanest look and the easiest to wipe around. Many come with an optional deck plate (escutcheon) that covers the two outer holes of a 3-hole sink, so a single hole faucet can often replace a centerset.
Centerset faucet
A centerset puts both handles and the spout on one base, with the handles 4 in apart center to center. Check the hole count on the listing: the two ANZZI centerset listings we reviewed say “two (2) hole installation” even though they are sold as 4 in centerset models.
Widespread faucet
A widespread faucet has three separate pieces: a spout and two handles, each in its own hole. The handles sit at least 8 in apart, and every ANZZI widespread listing below is an 8 in model. They suit wider sinks.
Wall mount faucet
A wall mount faucet keeps the counter clear and lets the installer set spout height on the wall. Signature Hardware notes that it may require relocating your plumbing, and the supply lines and valve have to be roughed in before the wall is closed. A licensed plumber and your local code have the final word.
Vessel faucet
A vessel faucet is a tall single hole faucet that reaches over the rim of a bowl that sits on the counter. We cover vanity height and bowl clearance in vessel sink vs undermount sink.
How to count sink and vanity holes
- Count the holes, ignoring the drain.
- Measure center to center between the two outer holes. About 4 in means centerset; 8 in or more means widespread.
- One hole means a single hole or vessel faucet. No holes means a wall mount or a new drilling.
- If you have 3 holes but want a single hole faucet, confirm a deck plate is included or sold for that model before you buy.
If you are still choosing the vanity, our bathroom vanity sizes guide covers widths and depths, and vanity top materials covers what the top is made of, which affects drilling.
Single or double handle
Single handle faucets set temperature and flow with one lever. Double handle faucets have separate hot and cold handles and come in centerset and widespread layouts. Signature Hardware lists lever, cross and knob handles as the common styles.
Spout height and reach for your sink
Spout height is the clearance under the outlet; reach is how far the spout projects from its base. Signature Hardware says there is no official standard reach, but the spout should ideally sit centered over the drain. Too low or short makes handwashing awkward; too high can splash the counter.
- Undermount and drop in sinks: a low or mid arc spout of about 2 to 6 in is common in the listings below.
- Vessel sinks: you need a tall spout. The vessel listings below run 8.62 to 8.7 in.
- Reach: measure from the faucet hole to the drain and compare it with the listed reach. Deep basins and wall mounts need more.
Flow rate: 2.2 gpm vs WaterSense 1.5 gpm
The EPA WaterSense page for bathroom sink faucets lists a standard flow of 2.2 gallons per minute and says WaterSense labeled bathroom faucets use a maximum of 1.5 gpm, which it says can cut flow by 30 percent or more. Every ANZZI listing below states a flow rate of 1.2 gpm, under both numbers.
Drain included or not
Some faucets ship with a matching pop-up drain and some do not. The ANZZI L-AZ900, L-AZ904 and L-AZ905 listings include one, and the L-AZ904 vessel drain is listed without an overflow hole, so match it to a vessel bowl that has no overflow. When a listing does not mention a drain, plan to buy one in the same finish. Also check the supply connection: the L-AZ905 lists a 1/2 in connection while the Alpine and Nettuno list 3/8 in.
Bathroom faucet types in our store: a product comparison
Specs and prices come from our product listings and can change. “Not listed” means the listing does not give that number. All are from ANZZI.
| Faucet | Type | Holes | Spout height | Reach | Flow | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alto L-AZ012BN | Single hole | 1 | 2.09 in | 4.6 in | 1.2 gpm | $119.00 |
| L-AZ900BN with pop-up drain | Single hole | 1 | 5.24 in | 4.84 in | 1.2 gpm | $134.10 |
| Edge L-AZ033 | 4 in centerset | 2 (as listed) | 3.58 in | 4.76 in | 1.2 gpm | $88.19 |
| L-AZ905BN with pop-up drain | 8 in widespread | 3 | 5.28 in | 5.51 in | 1.2 gpm | $97.30 |
| Chord L-AZ024BN | 8 in widespread | 3 | 3.2 in | 4.93 in | 1.2 gpm | $184.99 |
| Alpine L-AZ189ORB | 8 in widespread | 3 | 6.3 in | 6.69 in | 1.2 gpm | $419.99 |
| Nettuno L-AZ181BN | Vessel | 1 | 8.7 in | 4.72 in | 1.2 gpm | $79.20 |
| L-AZ904MB with pop-up drain | Vessel | 1 | 8.62 in | 6.34 in | 1.2 gpm | $104.30 |
| Voce L-AZ023 | Wall mount | None | Not listed | 7.29 in | 1.2 gpm | $95.19 |
The Alto has the most compact spout, and the Voce has the longest reach.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a widespread vs centerset faucet?
A centerset has both handles and the spout on one base with handles 4 in apart. A widespread has three separate pieces with handles at least 8 in apart.
Can a single hole faucet go on a 3-hole sink?
Often yes, with a deck plate that covers the outer holes. Confirm the plate is included or available for that model.
How tall should a vessel faucet be?
Tall enough to clear the bowl rim with room for your hands. The vessel listings above run 8.62 to 8.7 in.
Is a 1.2 gpm faucet too weak?
It is below the 1.5 gpm WaterSense maximum, and the ANZZI listings describe the aerator as delivering a strong flow. That is the manufacturer’s claim.
Do I need a plumber to change bathroom faucet types?
Swapping like for like is a common DIY job, and ANZZI recommends professional installation. Changing the mount type, drilling a top or moving to wall mount supplies is plumbing work where a licensed plumber and local code have the final word.
Shopping for a kitchen faucet instead? See pull down vs pull out faucets. Questions? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight, and smaller orders ship for a $200 flat rate. Before you order, review our return and refund policy.
