How to Choose the Perfect Tap for an Industrial Home

The industrial aesthetic has become a lot more popular in recent years, with exposed materials and raw textures being celebrated.

Bold elements like brick, stone, and steel are often key features of this aesthetic, and taps can play a key role in homes that are going after the industrial vibe.

At Francone Bespoke Taps, we have a wide range of taps available that suit the industrial look, and we’re happy to make custom pieces to transform your space.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some tips for choosing the perfect tap for your industrial home, as well as some of our suggested finishes to look at.

1. Look for Functional, Work-Inspired Forms

Industrial interiors celebrate the kind of honest construction you’d find in workshops and warehouses. This means the tap you choose should feel sturdy, practical and intentional in its design.

Consider taps with:

  • Clean, architectural lines

  • High, curved spouts reminiscent of commercial kitchens

  • Minimalist single-lever controls

  • Exposed or dimensional details that echo the industrial feel

These shapes naturally complement features like metal-framed cabinets, concrete worktops, deep ceramic sinks and the mix of textures that industrial rooms are known for.

2. Choose a Finish That Matches the Materials Around It

Material choice is especially important in industrial spaces, where the palette tends to be muted, matte and textured. 

Shinier taps can still work, but it takes some design consideration beforehand (more on this later).

For an industrial home, the most fitting finishes are usually:

  • Brushed or satin metals that feel soft rather than glossy

  • Gunmetal or graphite tones that blend beautifully with darker surfaces

  • Raw or lightly aged brass finishes for a warmer take on industrial design

  • Matte black for contrast against concrete, wood or stone

Don’t worry too much about this for now, we’ll suggest some of our favourites later in the article. The main thing to note for now is that industrial homes usually prefer more subtle finishes, but there is some room for contrast if you are feeling brave.


3. Prioritise Durability and High-Performance Engineering

Industrial interiors often lean into a “built to last” mentality. Your tap should reflect that same level of durability.

When selecting a tap, look for:

  • Solid brass construction

  • High-quality internal cartridges

  • A finish that resists tarnishing and wear

  • Smooth, consistent water control

  • Spouts that swivel easily over wider sinks

If your kitchen or bathroom is heavily used, or you simply want your tap to maintain its appeal for years, investing in quality engineering is essential.

At Francone Bespoke Taps, all of our products are built to last for years to the highest quality, so this will never be an issue.

4. Match Your Tap to Your Sink for Flow and Balance

Because industrial kitchens and bathrooms often feature oversized or deeper sinks, tap size and proportions matter.

Here are a few tips:

  • High-arched spouts are ideal for deep ceramic or steel sinks

  • Pull-out or pull-down sprayers are useful in multi-purpose kitchens

  • Shorter, compact designs work well for smaller bathroom basins

  • Wider swivel arcs help make large sinks feel more functional

The tap should look well balanced with the sink - not too small that it disappears, and not so tall that it overpowers the space.

Our Recommended Finishes for an Industrial Home

At Bespoke Taps, our finish range is designed to complement different interior themes - from traditional to modern and everything in between.

You can learn more about all of our finishes here, but in terms of an industrial home, these are some of our favourites:

Unlacquered Brass

Unlacquered brass is somewhat unique in industrial homes, but we wanted to include this because it can really stand out and provide contrast in an industrial aesthetic.

Unlacquered Brushed Nickel

Unlacquered brushed nickel is a plated finish, but it still undergoes an ageing and patina process, changing slowly over time.

This one is perfect if you’re looking for a subtle finish that perfectly complements an industrial design.

Gunmetal

One of the most popular finishes for industrial homes, gunmetal is a dark bronze finish that is only protected with beeswax, allowing it to develop a patina over time.

Gunmetal feels bold, contemporary, and architectural, and it blends seamlessly with black fixtures, steel frames, and grey surfaces.

Chrome

Chrome is another one that stands out, but it can complement the industrial aesthetic really well.

Chrome is polished, very shiny, and great for actual industrial uses (which is why people like it for the aesthetic), thanks to its corrosion resistance.

Final Thoughts

Industrial homes are all about celebrating materials and structure, and choosing the right tap can make all the difference.

If you want a tap that stands out, you can opt for a high contrast finish. 

If you want to keep the industrial theme with your taps, go for something that will blend in like gunmetal or brushed nickel.

The options are endless, and we’re here to help you figure out the best finish and design for your home. All you need to do is get in touch.



Photo Credit: @barrysuk