Bridge Faucets

Unlacquered brass bridge faucets add timeless charm to any kitchen. Learn all about this classic fixture design and find out if it could be the perfect addition to your home.

The bridge faucet is the ultimate example of form meets function. Not only is the style beautiful, but it is a powerhouse in the day-to-day work of any kitchen.

When I was planning our kitchen renovation, I knew I was designing my dream kitchen. I made sure to choose pieces that were classic, timeless, and that I knew I would love for years to come.

I wanted every piece to work hard and look beautiful doing it. Fortunately, when it comes to faucets there was a perfect solution.

Bridge Faucets

I have an unlacquered brass faucet in my kitchen in our St. Louis home, and I just installed one in our lake kitchen, too!

For our more traditional home, I chose a design with subtle curves and traditional lines to match the more classic, traditional style of the space.

At the lake, I wanted something that was equally timeless but a touch more modern, in keeping with the Modern Coastal style of our cottage.

I am beyond thrilled with my faucet choices for both of our homes. Keep reading to see if a bridge faucet could be the perfect fit for your space, too! And don’t skip the details on our Quartz Countertops if you’re looking at countertop options.

What Is a Bridge Faucet?

A bridge faucet has two handles – one for hot water and one for cold – that are joined by a horizontal connector pipe. The pipe is exposed above the countertop rather than underneath it. It forms a “bridge” between the hot and cold water lines.

The faucet spout connects up and off the center of this bridge piece. In some designs, the faucet intersects the bridge and goes through its own hole into the sink. For this reason, this type of faucet can have either 2- or 3-hole installation.

My kitchen faucet was a 2-hole installation. You can see that the spout connects to the bridge, but it doesn’t go all the way to the marble countertop. I love the clean look that it gives underneath the bridge. Note that I also have a matching hand sprayer that required its own hole.

Another interesting part of the design is that a bridge faucet is a single piece, rather than several individual pieces. Regular faucets may have two separate handles plus a faucet, each with its own hole.

Since a bridge faucet is all one piece, it commands attention wherever it’s used. It’s a real showstopper!

History of Bridge Kitchen Faucets

Of course, the idea of a faucets isn’t anything new. Ancient Romans used lead pipes to conduct plumbing for their private baths and public shower houses.

• The earliest faucets had two spouts – one for hot water water and one for cold. In 1937, Al Moen invented the single stream faucet, where the hot and cold water could mix and come out of a faucet together at a preferred temperature. Moen faucets are still a popular choice today, more than 80 years later!
• Bridge faucets may be popular now, but there isn’t anything “trendy” about them. They are a classic design that dates back to the turn of the 20th century. They have a timeless quality that makes them perfect for traditional styles.
• With their popularity, however, bridge faucets have evolved to fit into any design style. Of course, they will always be at home in traditional, farmhouse, or cottage kitchens.
• However, now you can find sleek, streamlined designs that look stunning in modern and contemporary kitchens. No matter what your aesthetic, there’s a bridge kitchen faucet to complement it.

Pros

There are so many reasons to consider adding a bridge kitchen faucet to your home. Here are just a few of them:

• Variety of options – There are countless styles to choose from, in any finish and to match any aesthetic. Plus they come in a wide range of prices, depending on the design, finish, and extra features you choose.
• Counter space – The all-in-one design means this type of faucet can often be narrower overall. That leaves more room to the side for a built-in hand sprayer or soap dispenser – or just a pretty vase of flowers!
• One part instead of several – No doubt about it, these faucets make a statement. Their solid design has a timeless quality to it that looks so beautiful.
• Temperature control – By controlling the hot and cold water lines separately, you can make small adjustments to get exactly the temperature you want.
• Extra height – Having the cross pipe exposed over the countertop (rather than underneath it) means extra clearance for your faucet spout. A few more inches are a gamechanger when you’re washing big pots or filling tall pitchers.
• No deck plate – Since the lines are connected by the bridge, there’s no need for a deck plate to rest on the countertop. Seeing the countertop gives a clean, fresh look.

Cons

Every decision comes with a flip side. Here are some other aspects to consider before making your choice:

• Operation – Bridge faucets aren’t hard to operate, but they do require a bit more effort than single-handle faucets. They require you to use both hands at once (or one hand adjusting one handle at a time). This takes some getting used to if you’ve been accustomed to the ease of a single handle.
• Space constraints – Side to side these faucets can save countertop space. However, because of their extra height they can be a bit snug in kitchens with low hanging cabinets or shelves above the sink. Make sure you measure your height clearance carefully before purchasing.

Installation

Depending on the faucet you buy, you’ll need two or three holes – one for the hot water, one for the cold water, and possibly one for the faucet spout. If you’re purchasing a new sink, you can choose one to match your faucet.

If you’re matching an existing sink, measure carefully to make sure your bridge faucet will fit the existing holes. Here are a few notes on what else to consider!

• Pay attention to any accessories you may want, such as a soap dispenser, hand sprayer, or drinking tap. Each of those will need its own hole, so plan accordingly.
• Also, if your faucet doesn’t come with the accessories you want, make sure to purchase them to match.
• If your counter space is limited, or if you just like the look, bridge faucets can be wall mounted. This means they’re mounted on the wall over the sink instead of on the edge of the sink or countertop.
• Wall mounted faucets have a higher splash potential than countertop faucets if they’re not properly measured or if their water stream isn’t angled properly.
• They also require plumbing and valve work behind the wall. It’s best to plan in advance for a wall-mounted bridge faucet or to leave the installation to the professionals.

Costs

Like with any fixture, the cost varies by quality, material, design, function, and extra features like pull-down sprayer and touchless spray.

• On average, expect to pay $400 to $700 for a good-quality bridge faucet. Don’t be tempted to pay less than $150 for one, even though technically you can find one for less. Any bridge kitchen faucet for much less is likely not constructed in a fashion that is befitting long-term use!
• They can cost as much as $2,000 or more for name brand models with modern features and high-end design with materials like unlacquered brass. Buy what you love, but remember that higher cost doesn’t necessarily mean better quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you think? Would a bridge faucet enhance your kitchen design aesthetic? Here are a few more of our favorite brass bridge faucets.