The biggest bathroom tap trends for 2021 - from matt black to glam gold

Our round up of bathroom tap trends is here to help you in your next project. Whether you're creating a new bathroom from scratch or simply want to zhuzh up your existing pamper space, your taps are a savvy place to start! It's the details that elevate interiors from bland to beautiful, so let's look ahead to the spouts that are set to spark joy in 2021.

Cold stainless steel and chrome have been firmly relegated to the boring zone, so swap your silver for black bathroom taps, or for a warmer metallic like brass, copper or gold. 

Our collective confidence is growing when it comes to experimenting with more adventurous bathroom design - partly thanks to more of us opting to improve rather than move during the coronavirus pandemic - so don't be afraid to make a statement with your taps.

"Bathrooms are now less confined to clinical white, polished ceramic and a clean, contemporary feel," says Abbie Schofield, bathroom design director and co-owner of Ribble Valley Bathrooms (opens in new tab). 

"Instead, people are blending schemes and fusing vintage and modernity. Modern bathroom ideas are revolving around an eclectic mix of taps in an array of materials to ensure that everything sings harmoniously with modern, sleek alcoves, bright tiles and the latest tech."

Paint it (matt) black

Matt black taps play into the industrial trend that's booming right now. Sleek and stylish, they make a punchy modern statement in an all-white or monochrome bathroom. Install a moody black mixer to add instant depth to soft-toned palettes, or pair it with mustard yellow tiles for a bold retro vibe. Look for angular, clean-lined designs that tie into minimalism.

"Black brassware adds contrast to spaces and delivers an edgy, contemporary finish," says Faye Froy, marketing manager for Britton (opens in new tab). "Placing a matt black basin mixer against a colourful backdrop allows the brassware to stand-out with eye-catching appeal."

Get glam with golden touches

Give a contemporary bathroom a trendy Art Deco twist with elegant gold or brass taps. These luxurious additions will add a touch of glamour and make any bathroom pop. Make your brassware the star of the show by teaming it with classic white porcelain, or use it as a shiny accent to lift and warm a muted palette. Stick with gold basin taps for a subtle shot of gold, or embrace opulence with golden bath and shower fixtures too. If you can't feel like royalty in your own bathroom, where can you?

Juxtapose old and new

Mixing contempory and traditional design elements, such as the curved spout and classic handles shown here, will be the go-to approach for 2021 designers. For a nod to period living that feels fresh, not stuffy, consider a modern-shaped tap that oozes old-fashioned charm with detailing like white enamel indices and cross heads. Team it with a minimalist basin and coloured glassware for a vibrant, eclectic look.

Seek inspiration in nature

This year's lockdowns have led many of us to take solace in the great outdoors, so expect nature-inspired design to take centre stage in 2021. The above copper Goccia tap by Gessi (opens in new tab) takes the fluid shape of a droplet for a subtle, of-the-moment twist on the minimalism trend. Equipped with technology that aims to halve water consumption, it is not only visually striking but environmentally conscious too, meeting the increasing demand for sustainable products.

Cosy up with copper

Copper fixtures and fittings have been popular for years as a softer substitute for brass. Make a statement of a copper tap in 2021 and don't be afraid to embrace ornate detailing, especially if pairing a free-standing mixer with a Victorian roll-top freestanding bath. Expect this year's return to home comforts and a simpler way of living to lead to a revival of familiar period styles. 

Go matchy-matchy with your brassware

With the popularity of warmer brass finishes and bold bathroom designs on the rise, luxury Mayfair brand Perrin & Rowe (opens in new tab) have started offering matching basin stands and taps. This satin brass partnership is a real show-stopper, especially when set against a deep burgundy wall. The mixer's black porcelain inserts give a classy, sophisticated edge that wouldn't look out of place in a five-star hotel.