Kitchen Pillar Taps

Pillar taps come as two distinct fittings — one for hot water and one for cold — so you control each temperature independently and water only mixes in the sink. That simplicity is why they’re described as low-maintenance and reliable; fewer internal parts mean less to service. The downside is you cannot get a single mixed stream straight from the spout, so filling a pan with warm water may mean alternating taps or topping up with the other. For everyday washing-up you might find them perfectly fine, and for precise temperature you’d choose a mixer instead.

Lever heads are the easier option because they require less grip and wrist movement, making them more accessible for limited dexterity. Cross heads are traditional in look and require a firmer twist, so they suit classic kitchens if you have full hand mobility. Several ranges on the site offer sets with lever heads specifically, so you can get the traditional styling of a pillar tap with kinder controls. For example, a lever high-neck Perrin & Rowe tap gives you reach and simple operation for filling tall pans.

Finishes available include chrome, gold, nickel and pewter, and most styles are traditional with a couple of modern round options. Chrome is versatile and suits contemporary schemes, gold brings a warm, statement touch, nickel offers a softer metallic look, and pewter works well with rustic or period kitchens. If you have a farmhouse sink, pewter or nickel paired with a traditional Ionian tap will feel cohesive; for a sleek modern kitchen, a chrome modern round option will blend in neatly.

Wall-mounted taps are useful if you have a deep Belfast or undermount sink or want an uncluttered sink deck, and several Perrin & Rowe Ionian options are offered in wall-mounted versions. High-neck taps give extra clearance for filling large pans or washing bulky items, and are shown here in both lever and crosshead styles. If your sink sits under a window, a wall-mounted tap can free up deck space; if you frequently use tall pans, a high-neck deck-mounted tap will make life easier.

The range spans budget options like Bristan Value around £34.69 up to premium Perrin & Rowe Ionian models from about £336 to £450+, with an Armitage Shanks mid-range option around £181.80. Bristan gives straightforward function at a low price, while Perrin & Rowe offers traditional styling, multiple finishes and a more luxurious finish that’s worth investing in if style and longevity matter. If you want reliable, no-fuss taps on a tight budget go for Bristan; if you’re fitting a period or high-end kitchen, Perrin & Rowe is the better aesthetic and finish choice.