More than just a means to supply you with water, the faucet is the jewel of the bathroom and then are many options for you to choose from.

Let’s take a look a some of the most popular faucet styles. Basically there are two essential elements to every faucet set: the spout and the handles or levers. The spout is where the water comes out of and the handles control water flow and temperature.

The first and one of the most popular for the bathroom is the Center Set. The spout and both the hot and cold handles are mounted on a single base unit. You may also choose a single levered or knob Center Set. This type of faucet is also popular in the kitchen.

The Wall Mount faucet and handle or handles is mounted on the wall above the sink. This type of unit works well with vessel sinks and in bathrooms with limited counter space.

A Deck Mounted faucet set is mounted on the deck of the sink or countertop for an under mounted sink. This style may or may not have a base plate that sits beneath the faucet and handles.

A Bridge style faucet has tubes that connects the handles to the faucet-normally these tubes are concealed below the counter but in this style of faucet they are incorporated into the design of the unit. Most often used in traditionally styled sets.

Widespread faucet sets have handles and a spout mounted on the countertop or deck of the sink with the handles eight to twenty inches apart, when measured center to center. A wide spread set is a popular model for bathtubs. A Mini Widespread as the same styling as the widespread but the handles and the sprout are mounted four inches apart, center to center.

Monoblock Channel or Single Lever faucet is a stylish, sleek modern unit where the water control lever and the sprout are part of the same single unit.

We have a lot of options when it comes to selecting our new homes faucets. The best way to make your faucet commitments is to make a visit to your favorite tap-ware store. Try them out, not only are the esthetics of the unit important but so are the ergonomics. Water adjustment should be easy and the lever should feel comfortable in your hand. Consider who will be using the tap adults or children. Is it easy for a child to operate and can small hands easily maneuver the handle or lever. The spout must also reach the destination; some sinks require a specific style of faucet or length of spout.

A sink and it’s faucet will be the focal point of the bathroom so choose carefully. We all love a fabulous bathroom, it indulges our need for a sense of luxury in our spaces and a great faucet or tap set does not have to cost a lot of money it simply must supply water and a sense of style and sparkle.

Cheryll Gillespie is a nationally syndicated Design and Décor columnist.