Black color in the interior today is one of the most popular that manufacturers of plumbing and its elements could not fail to take into account. That is why the market offers a wide range of mixers of such an unusual color. For the right choice, it is worth considering several nuances.
Features and types
Black mixers are usually made of several basic metals - brass, chrome, ceramics and stainless steel. Strong plastic and mixtures of several metals are still acceptable. The manufacturing technology of these products is quite laborious and costly, so the price of such mixers is high. As practice shows, the price justifies quality, since such cranes are more durable and resistant to chemical and mechanical influences, and the service life is higher than conventional models.
Depending on the metal, which becomes the basis of the product, the taps have a glossy, matte and moire surface. You can also distinguish several types of faucet, depending on the method of water supply.
Two valve taps
This species is the most common. It has the classic appearance of a mixer, where a valve for supplying cold and hot water is installed on each side. To create a comfortable temperature, it is necessary to scroll the valve with both cold and hot water.
Single lever cranes
In this type of water is supplied by raising the lever, which must be turned left or right to adjust the comfortable temperature. Such faucets look concise in any interior, but, as reviews show, sometimes you have to turn the lever for a long time from one side to the other to set a comfortable temperature.
Touch and thermostat faucets
These types are a fairly new trend in the world of plumbing, but have already managed to fall in love with customers. A mixer with an integrated touch sensor allows you to automatically pour out water as soon as any object or hands are brought in. This type is very convenient in the kitchen, when during cooking the hands are not always clean or free to open the valves. The mixer with thermostat is good in that the temperature of the liquid is automatically adjusted.
Features of such products and their types make it increasingly possible to use them in the interior of any style.
Kitchen and bathroom faucet
Today, the kitchen, like the bathroom, is no longer just a functional room. The kitchen is not only a place for cooking, but also a place for friendly gatherings, family or romantic meetings. The bathroom is not only a room for washing, but also a small corner for relaxation and spa treatments. That is why it is necessary to approach the choice of each part thoroughly, including the choice of a mixer. The black tap in the interior of the room allows not only to visually expand the space, but also favorably emphasize the chosen style.
For kitchens in retro style antique mixers with two levers will successfully fit in. These valves can be made for bronze and gold. This combination is also suitable for the Baroque style. In this case, a decorative stand or forged elements can be provided for the levers. For such modern areas of design as high-tech, loft, modern and minimalism, a black mixer is a necessary attribute.
It will be harmoniously combined with white and black, and with colors of a brighter palette. If the room is dominated by gloss, then the mixer is better to choose with the same surface. If only gloss elements are present, then you can choose a mixer with both a glossy and a matte surface. A black faucet and marble or granite countertop will be a good combination. Such a tandem will emphasize the grace and some greatness of the kitchen room.
As for the mechanism of the product for the sink in the kitchen, it is significantly different from the taps for the bathroom. Such a mixer has a special shape of the spout, in which water flows directly into the middle of the sink. According to experts, you should not choose a high mixer for the kitchen, otherwise a stream of water can spray both the person and the nearest surface. Ideally, the mixer should be selected based on the volume of the sink, or pick up a faucet with a shower head. This type allows you to wash objects and vegetables from all sides.
For a classic-style bathroom, the black faucet will look slightly inappropriate. The most harmonious option is when the light shade of the walls and ceiling dominates. There must be a lot of lighting and mirrors, as well as several elements of black color. Another black tap is appropriate in a brighter palette, where it becomes the main focus of the room. Accordingly, it is better to select plumbing in the same dark colors. A bronze tap will be appropriate in a Scandinavian or country bathroom.
Particular attention will be paid to a bronze mixer if there are similar elements in the room. The most popular types of bathroom faucets are built-in, combination and wall mounted. The main feature of built-in taps is independence from the water outlet, so they can be installed anywhere. The combined look has a rather flexible base, due to which it can be used both for a bath and for a sink. There is such a minus of such products, it is a constant shutdown of water when transferring from the bath to the wash basin. Wall-mounted faucets are considered a classic option, which is equipped with a flexible hose and a watering can for showering.
Sizes of mixers depending on washing parameters
The sizes of sink mixers from different manufacturers can have significant differences. Therefore, specifying the exact dimensions does not make sense. It is best to choose a faucet depending on the parameters of the kitchen sink. For example, the deeper the bowl, the higher the spout should be. If the sink is of medium depth, then almost any option will do. But if the sink is small, it is recommended to buy a mixer tap of medium height. Water from a high faucet will spray not only on the countertop, but also on the floor, and if the spout is too low, washing dishes is not very convenient.
The dimensions of the kitchen faucets must correspond not only to the depth, but also to the width of the bowl. If you have chosen a wide sink for your kitchen, buy a faucet with a long spout. So it will be easier for you not only to wash the dishes, but also to clean the sink itself. At the same time, the spout should not be too close to the front edge of the bowl, otherwise during operation you run the risk of pouring yourself.
How to choose the right color?
The composition of the “mixer-sink” should be harmonious. Therefore, most often these two items are purchased from one manufacturer. They must be combined not only in size and style, but also in color.
The colors of the mixers can be very diverse. If in Soviet times, all that plumbing stores could offer was brass and chrome taps, now the choice is really huge. A variety of color solutions has become possible thanks to the use of new materials and spraying technologies. Nickel and chrome plating are still popular. Thanks to the spraying technology, brass taps are painted in a variety of shades of precious metals: bronze, copper, silver, gold.
Usually they buy kitchen faucets in the color of the sink. In recent years, ceramics and artificial stone sinks have become very popular. These materials began to be used in the production of sanitary equipment. Almost any color can be given to the decorative coating. Which shade to choose depends on your taste and the overall design of the kitchen.
Beige
The beige kitchen faucet can be made of artificial stone, ceramic or inexpensive plastic. This shade is considered universal and is suitable for almost any interior solution. Calm tones in the design of the kitchen give a feeling of comfort and have a rest.
Beige mixers are not only beautiful, but also practical. Fingerprints, traces and stains from drops of water are not visible on them. Most often they have a laconic design, so they are well suited for modern interiors. In a classic style kitchen, a beige faucet will also look harmonious. For a classic interior, it is better to choose a model with valve control.
Graphite
The graphite color mixer is the perfect solution for a high-tech or modern style kitchen. Graphite is one of the shades of gray, very dark, with a slight mother of pearl effect. In modern design, this color scheme is very popular. Its equipment manufacturers are especially fond of. If your kitchen is equipped with home appliances with front panels decorated in this color scheme, a graphite mixer will be most appropriate.
The shade of graphite is not as "moody" as black. Water splashes and pollution due to the pearly tint on it are not very noticeable, so you do not have to constantly polish the tap. In the interior, the graphite color mixer looks very impressive, especially in combination with a sink of the same shade.
Bright colours
Modern design styles welcome the presence of bright accents in the interiors. A kitchen faucet may well become such an accent. The main thing is that it is in harmony with at least one other element of decor or decoration. For example, with a hood, accessories of household appliances, furniture facades or ceramic tiles on a kitchen apron.
Faucets of bright colors: red, yellow, green, blue and even pink can be found at many manufacturers. Pay attention to the material of the tap. It is better not to be cheap plastic, but enamelled steel, ceramic or artificial stone.
Grey
A gray faucet is also more suitable for a modern kitchen. The most popular material for their production is artificial granite. You can also find metal models, but in this case the shade will be more likely silver. Although there are cranes with a matte finish.
Like beige, gray is considered universal. Such taps are suitable for both metal and stone sinks. The most practical models with a matte surface - they are not noticeable minor scratches and stains from splashes of water.
Black
Black color is very popular in modern kitchen design. Many people prefer to choose household appliances of this particular shade. Therefore, a black kitchen faucet fits well into the overall composition.
Black taps are made of stainless steel and brass with a special coating, plastic and artificial stone. The design of the models is not only modern - there are often retro-style and classic taps with a stylized curved spout and antique valves.
If you decide to buy a black washbasin mixer, choose a model in a matte finish. Contrary to popular belief, dark shades are more easily soiled than light. Water splashes and fingerprints instantly ruin the appearance of a glossy black tap, so after each use it will have to be thoroughly wiped with a dry cloth.
Whites
White color represents purity and harmony. The kitchen, decorated in bright colors, speaks not only about the good taste of the hostess, but also her desire for an ideal order. For such a room, a white faucet would be the best option.
By the way, it’s not difficult to look after a modern white tap. Manufacturers often use special coatings that do not absorb water and dirt. No fingerprints remain on the surface. Therefore, maintaining a perfect order does not take much time.
White faucets do not have to be bought for the sink of the same color. Their combination with sinks of a contrasting shade, for example, black, looks original. But at the same time, both elements must be made of the same material.
It is best to choose a white faucet with a coating created using vacuum spraying, or made of ceramic. Silumin models (an alloy of silicon and aluminum) are inexpensive, but their service life is short.
We select a kitchen faucet according to the style
If you want to make a kitchen faucet a complete element of interior design, be sure to pay attention to what style the product is made in. Now on sale it is not difficult to find faucets for kitchens in the style of classic, retro, provence, hi-tech, loft and many others. Models may differ in size and shape of the spout, the design of controls, color scheme. For example, a laconic faucet with touch controls does not fit into the classic kitchen, and a traditional model with a curved spout and two valves will not work for hi-tech style. Of course, there is such a thing as eclecticism, that is, a mixture of styles, however, it is unacceptable to combine some areas of design.
To make it easier for you to choose a faucet for the design of the kitchen, we will describe in detail several of the most popular stylistic trends.
Retro
Retro style is often confused with the classic, but this is not the same thing. Retro directions in interior design can be conditionally divided by the time of their occurrence. For example, in the 30s of the last century, rounded shapes and chrome elements, including sinks and faucets, prevailed in the design of kitchen appliances and interior items.
In the 40s, bright colors and unusual shapes dominated. Just 10 years later, they were replaced by ethnic motifs and antique details. Curved brass taps with an artificially aged surface, and similar sinks, correspond to this style.
A modern faucet in retro style is distinguished by a stylized spout of an original form and is usually equipped with two valves, also decorated in antique style. Single-lever models in retro style are very rare. Products are made mainly of bronze or styled under it. Popular materials are brass and copper. On sale there are enameled mixers in retro style. The shape of the spout can be selected for every taste: straight, rectangular, arched.
Many people think that kitchen faucets in retro style must have a shade of copper or bronze. However, the color scheme of these models can be very diverse. Respectable black and chocolate taps. Other tones are used, for example, white, beige or pearl. Although these colors are more characteristic of the classic style.
Classical
The classic style in the interior has not lost its relevance for many decades. It is associated with wealth, pretentiousness and thoughtfulness of details, testifies to the impeccable taste of the owners of the apartment.
The interior in the classic style is characterized by calm shades that do not attract too much attention. Furniture facades are most often painted in white or beige colors, kitchen appliances and accessories are selected in the same shades. Accordingly, it is better to choose a sink and mixer in the style of a classic in white or beige color, preferably from ceramics or artificial stone.
Faucets in a classic style often look original and even elaborate. It can be covered with gilding, valves are often decorated with crystals. Spout can have a very unusual shape. Such a model is suitable for you if you have chosen a “luxurious classic”.
However, the classic style in the interior of the kitchen can be simple and concise, without unnecessary details and decor. In this case, the traditional mixer with a curved spout of a standard shape will be most appropriate. For such a kitchen, the use of metal faucets with nickel coating is acceptable.
Having appeared at the beginning of the last century in the USA, the loft style today has become a real hit in interior design. If you like home comfort and peace - this direction is not for you. The loft is chosen by people who are used to living dynamically and relaxed, who are not afraid to drop conventions and use shocking and incredible ideas.
A characteristic feature of the style is the presence of free space, a large amount of daylight and the use of industrial elements in the design. In a kitchen setting, contemporary items can be combined with vintage or artificially aged. An important element is open communication.
If you install a faucet and sink in the loft-style kitchen, leave all water pipes in sight. In such an interior, coarse brass or copper taps without decorative decoration look good, as well as models resembling faucets that are used in restaurant kitchens - large, with retractable spout watering cans or metal corrugated hoses. No jewelry, and especially gilding, as in classic or retro models, is not allowed. Externally, the crane should be extremely simple, and at the same time functional.
Provence
Provence is another style that is often confused with classics. These two areas really have common features, but there are many differences.
This distinctive interior style originated in southeastern France, in the province of the same name. It is inherent in the use of natural colors (white, beige, gray, light brown) with the addition of bright accents. For the manufacture of furnishings and finishes, mainly natural materials are used. Vintage faucets decorated in bronze will look good in such an interior. They go well with Provence-style accessories: wrought-iron shelves and chair legs, brass and copper rails, various kitchen utensils made of furniture, which must be in full view.
If you could not find a kitchen faucet in the Provence style in the store, choose a stylized model of copper and brass, but without unnecessary decorative elements.
Modern
A modern kitchen faucet is a plumbing fixture with advanced functionality. As controls, most often not traditional valves are used, but levers that allow you to adjust the pressure and temperature of the water with one hand. The design of cranes tends to be minimalism - strict spouts prevail, calm color shades are used. The most popular materials are stainless steel and brass, but artificial stone successfully competes with them.
Modern mixers are versatile and very convenient to operate. They are often equipped with retractable spouts, filters, aerators, allow you to quickly adjust the temperature of the water. Most often, the faucet is selected to match the color of the kitchen sink and household appliances.
High tech
High-tech style is characterized by the use of high technology. This applies not only to household appliances, but also to plumbing equipment. therefore, many high-tech faucets are non-contact. They differ in a laconic design and the complete absence of mechanical controls - levers or valves. Water is supplied using an infrared sensor that responds to movement. This technology helps to save water - you will never forget to close the tap.
The shape of the spout in hi-tech mixers is very simple. In this style, the main thing is not appearance, but functionality. Electronic components of plumbing equipment are able to control the temperature of the water with an accuracy of one degree. Some models are equipped with a backlight that changes color depending on the temperature regime.
In our online store you can choose and buy kitchen faucets from the famous Japanese brand Omoikiri. Plumbing equipment is offered in a wide variety of colors and styles. Go to the catalog to familiarize yourself with the assortment and place an order.
Advantages and disadvantages
Black faucet is a bold move in the design of the bathroom, but you need to beat it correctly. This color of plumbing is suitable for hi-tech, loft, harmoniously fit even into the interior of the classic style in the case of black and white room design. Often, such faucets are design, therefore, more expensive when compared with similar models of the usual white color.
A black bathtub faucet with shower obliges you to access dark accessories: a soap dish, a toothbrush holder, and so on.
Black color is beautifully combined with gold, white and red. Combination with other colors blur the effect.
A relatively small selection of models complicates the task of designing a bathtub with such a mixer.
Matte models look the most stylish and easier to care for. The matte surface is obtained by applying enamel. Each speck and drop is visible on black, so black mixers are not suitable for water with a high content of lime.
Varieties
Mixers are different, each type has its own characteristics:
- for a thermowave shower - adjusts the contrast of hot and cold water,
- classic with two taps - the flow of cold and hot flow is separately regulated,
- single lever - mixes cold and hot water as quickly as possible
- thermostatic with built-in non-return valve - one handle changes the force of the water pressure, the second - changes the temperature regime,
- touch - with a sensor for automatic water supply, temperature level adjustment, backlight jet,
- without spout - exclusively for shower head.
By type of mount:
- installed in the shower,
- flush mounting (on the wall only crane boxes are visible),
- embedded in the edge of the bath,
- classic wall
- floor (if the bath is far from the wall),
- Installing in a bidet.
Mixers are made from the following materials:
- steel with brass - premium class, original design, huge service life,
- bronze with brass - stylish, with water-repellent properties,
- alloy steel - beautiful, but quickly contaminated,
- aluminum with silicon - cheap mixers with a short service life and a plain appearance.
According to the type of switching mechanism, the following mixers are distinguished:
- ball - durable, but not repairable,
- cartridge - long-lasting due to easy change of cartridges, with a different breakdown, you have to throw it away,
- eccentric - often fail, but are easily repaired.
How to choose?
If you need to equip two or more bathrooms, it is recommended to buy faucets in the same style. If the faucet is one on the bathroom and the sink, it is better to choose models with a long swivel watering can.
A stylish and neat look of the product must certainly be combined with good functionality.
In any mixer, even the most expensive, it is necessary to periodically change the sealing rings and locking devices. The frequency of replacement depends on the composition of the water.
When choosing, you should find out which cartridges or crane boxes are delivered in the model you like and buy 1-2 in stock. This is especially true for designer models that produce in small batches; how to find components in a few years will be impossible. It is better to choose expensive models with the availability of warranty service.
Not always a high price is an indicator of good quality, a well-developed company can transfer production to China, as a result of which quality will deteriorate. In addition, unscrupulous marketers often sell cheap models at inflated prices.
The most practical and durable models with rubber gaskets. Ceramic taps often fail, therefore, in addition to them, the installation of a stationary filter is necessary.
The mixer should be heavy in weight - this means that inside the high-quality brass components, the watering can, on the contrary, should be as light as possible.
A watering can made of plastic has several advantages in comparison with a metal watering can: it almost does not heat up, is resistant to mineral deposits, and has a small weight.
The most reliable are German, Swiss and Russian mixers.
See how to choose a durable mixer.
Material
Black faucets are most often made of stainless steel and brass. The manufacturing process is divided into several stages, characterized by the use of electrolysis. Thanks to complex technical manipulations, the surface of the products is very durable, it does not deteriorate under the influence of mechanical and other negative factors (for example, aggressive chemicals).
Ceramics, chrome, high-strength plastic are also used to create black taps. Depending on the main material of manufacture, the mixers may have a glossy, matte or moire surface.
Such products are not cheap, because in the process of their production:
- special conditions are created for the performance of work,
- special equipment is used,
- Only high-quality materials and equipment are used.
How to care
In order for the black mixer to always please its owners not only with good work, but also with an impeccable appearance, you need to properly care for it. You can use certain cleaning agents, but do not forget that not all cleaning compositions are suitable for cleaning mixers. For example, abrasive cleaners can leave a mark on gloss, and a matte mixer should not be rubbed with coarse powders. You should always read the label of the cleaning agent, getting acquainted with the information about what surfaces it is intended for.
Cleaning the built-in faucet in the bathroom or sink in the kitchen is equally simple. You can perform this work not only with purchased means, but also with improvised products that are likely to be found in the refrigerator of every housewife. For example, you can wipe a faucet with a solution of table vinegar, and then rinse with running water. The surface of the mixer will shine and delight the eye. It should be noted that some modern fashionable coatings that are used in the production of mixers do not need any cleaning at all.
Do not rub the faucets with a metal brush or sponge with a rigid base - such a tool can greatly spoil the appearance of the product.
In the interior
The appearance of the mixers is just as important as their functional features. Faucets should be suitable for their design sink, ideally, the sink and faucet should be made of the same material, meet the same style. For example, for a room decorated in the Baroque style or classicism, “old” black taps with massive valves are suitable. Handles for water supply can be located on both sides of the mixer or be remote, for example, be on a stand.
If the black faucet is installed in the kitchen, its massive complement will be a massive marble countertop. It combines well with metallic black and gold. Such a duet will be a wonderful decoration in the Art Nouveau room. Marble and granite are materials that look perfect in the kitchen, they are also appropriate in the bathroom, especially granite tiles with a gold edging and a black mixer built into the sink.
You can see the review on the black granite mixer in the next video.