When you’re engaging in DIY or having home renovations done, you get to decide almost everything that gets added or changed.
One of the more important rooms is the bathroom, where your morning routine takes place and where you unwind after a long day.
With so many fixtures in the bathroom, you’ve probably never thought too much about the faucets you’re choosing.
They are only a small part of the room, after all.
While they all do the same thing, faucets aren’t made equal.
Two of the most popular faucet types are called widespread and centerset faucets, where the main difference is the handle arrangement.
There are other similarities and dangers, however, and that’s what we’re covering today.
We’ve researched the pros and cons of each faucet type and have summarized what we found below.
DISCLOSURE: TheRuggedRooster.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here.

What Are Widespread Faucets?
Let’s start with what widespread faucets are. The main thing that makes a widespread faucet stand out is its handles.
In a widespread faucet, the handles are disconnected from the water spout so that it comes in three separate pieces.

Naturally, this means it needs to be installed in a certain way that other faucets, like centerset models, aren’t.
Each one needs to be individually connected to the waterworks of the sink for them to work.
They’re popular for both bathrooms and kitchen sinks but they still have a limit on how far the pieces can be spread out, typically at 16 inches.
Pros
Here are some pros that best explain why widespread faucets are so commonplace in kitchens and bathrooms across the world.
- Adjustability – When the handles are stored away from the faucet, they can be placed even further apart. A centerset unit forces the handles to be part of the tap but this isn’t the case with widespread models.
- Variety – While centerset faucets are quite uniform, widespread faucets can come in a wide variety of art styles and décors. From the Victorian era up to now, there are so many designs that can mesh with the aesthetic of your bathroom.
- Better To Clean – Since there is space between the pieces of a widespread faucet, cleaning them becomes much, much easier. There are fewer tight spaces where dirt can form and grow, so you can keep your bathroom cleaner without spending much effort.
Cons
As for the downside, there are only a few that we can think of.
- Complex Installation: First, the fact that it’s three independent pieces getting installed means that it’s a more complex process. If you’re doing it yourself, maybe that’s not a problem. If you’re contracting the work, however, then it may mean you pay more for a harder job.
- You Need A Lot of Space: Second, they can take up more room than centerset alternatives, though individual pieces will vary in size and cost.
Best Use
With the above in mind, what is the best use of widespread faucets?
If you have a larger sink where a centerset installation wouldn’t look right, a widespread faucet can help cover more surface area to make the sink look more balanced.
Similarly, widespread faucets work well for undermount sinks that are physically built into the counters of your home.
This is because they rely on a tap that needs to be away from the rest of the sink’s waterworks, to arc above it and stand out on the countertop.
Lastly, if faucet holes happen to be spaced 6 or more inches apart, you are going to need widespread faucets. Centerset faucets don’t spread that far, so they are unsuitable.
Also, if there are any corner-mounted faucets, widespread models are necessary there too.
- 【Good Quality】- The bathroom faucet adopts brushed nickel finish/brushed gold surface, which effectively resists corrosion, scratches and rust in daily use; High quality ceramic valve core, advanced water control system with lifetime leak-free and maintenance-free performance, these durable valves are not affected by extreme temperatures, sand, rust and other conditions.
- 【Quick install】- Special design of the bathroom basin sink faucet and hose connection, quick connection structure, easy to install, is easy to install by yourself without a plumber; Widespread design dtstance adjustable, 3 hole mount with 6-12 inch widespread design, the distance is adjustale up on your actual requirements. Hole size: 30-35mm/ 1.18-1.38 Inch.
- 【Safe and Harmless】- Bathroom sink faucet meets CEC, cUPC and NSF certification requirements in pursuit of a safe environment; Equipped with copper pipes to ensure safe water quality; easy to clean, resistant to fingerprints and water stains under any circumstances
- 【Classic and Elegant Design】- Two handle bathroom sink faucet, double handle for effortless flow and water temperature control; The design of the red and blue rubber ring makes it easier to distinguish between cold and hot water; Gorgeous brushed nickel finish/brushed gold finish will instantly enhance the appearance of any bathroom sink faucet and complements most decorating styles.
- 【Good Service】 - We have 24-hour customer service and 7 days unconditional return. We provide you with the best product and service. If you have any problem, please let us know, and we will solve the problem ASAP. Thank you so much.
- 👨🏻🔧Easy Installation ---- Fits 3-hole 8-inch widespread bathroom/vanity sinks with overflow. Includes a quick-connect hose. It connects 2 handles and faucet spout in one second. You can easily install the faucet by yourself. SAVE PLUMBING INSTALLATION FEE WITH PHIESTINA BATHROOM FAUCET!
- 🛡️Safety & Solid Material ---- Phiestina bathroom faucets are certified to cUPC and NSF 61 Lead-free Standards and 304 stainless steel, provide safe drinking water for your daily life. Adopt precise ceramic valves, avoid dripping and leaking, ensure long-lasting durability. Safe and solid bathroom faucets improve your life quality.
- 💧No Splashing ---- Equipped with German NEOPERL built-in aerator which makes water rich in foam and gentle. Enjoy your daily washing without splashing. Provides a comfortable using experience.
- ✨Long-lasting Durability, Easy to Clean ---- The matte black bathroom faucet is made of A grade copper with multi thicken nano electronic plating. It’s corrosion-resistant and processed high-precision surface treatment, ensuring durability and easy cleaning, keeps your bathroom clean and tidy.
- ☎️Lifetime Warranty ---- You're protected by getting a new replacement or refund guarantee. For assistance, please call our customer support line 𝟴𝟲𝟲-𝟲𝟳𝟱-𝟬𝟭𝟭 or visit our website 𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗲𝘁.𝗰𝗼𝗺. We provide 24-hour customer support. Phiestina strives to provide a good product and service to our users.
- Durable Lead free Brass construction with Speakman engineered ceramic cartridges
- Epa watersense certified 1.5 GPM flow rate; ADA Compliant
- Single hole mounting with drain assembly included
- Speakman finishes resist tarnishing and corrosion
- Transitional modern bathroom faucet with all metal construction for durability. High arc spout for added clearance and reach.
- 3-hole bathroom sink faucet includes valve and cartridge. Features an all metal pop-up drain assembly. Fixed hubs for smooth handle rotation.
- Pforever Seal —advanced ceramic disc valve technology with a never leak
- 1. 2 GPM flow rate. Meets or exceeds EPA WaterSense standards, which reduces water consumption by 30% and helps average households save up to $200 in their annual water bill. Also complient with Cal Green and CEC standards.
- At Pfister, we know what you want out of a faucet because we know what we want out of a faucet. And because we're faucet people, we know how to make that happen – beautifully, reliably, and affordably
- LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY: You can install with confidence, knowing Delta bathroom faucets are backed by Delta Faucet's Lifetime Limited Warranty
- DRAIN ASSEMBLY INCLUDED: A coordinating bathroom sink drain assembly to match the widespread bathroom faucet is conveniently included in the box
- EASY INSTALLATION: Installing a Delta widespread bathroom faucet is an easy DIY project and is designed to fit 3 hole, 6-16-in. bathroom sink configurations
- SUPPLY LINES SOLD SEPARATELY: Standard supply lines required for 3 hole bathroom sink faucet installation are not included and must be purchased separately
- WATERSENSE LABELED: Delta WaterSense labeled bathroom faucets use at least 20% less water than the industry standard—saving you money without compromising performance
What Are Centerset Faucets?
With widespread faucets covered, let’s get into centerset faucets and what they can be used for.
While widespread faucets can be used in both bathrooms and kitchens, centerset faucets tend to be used as the standard for bathrooms, and it has been this way for many years.

Centerset faucets can’t be spread out like widespread ones can because they keep the handles close.
When you buy centerset faucets, you get just one unit, a block with the faucet spout and the handles already connected and ready to go.
All you need to do is attach it to a base plate and use the provided parts to make sure the water is working. Your local hardware store is practically guaranteed to have a few in stock.
Pros
With these pros, you should start to see why centerset faucets are the favorite of bathroom designers.
- Easy To Install – First, don’t underestimate convenience and how much it influences our buying decisions. By their nature, centerset faucets will always be easier to fit than widespread alternatives. That may be a non-issue if you’re paying somebody else but, if it’s your own DIY, many would advise centerset.
- More Compact – You shouldn’t have many compatibility issues with centerset faucets. While there are some instances where widespread faucets are better, like if there were a corner faucet as outlined above, the smaller build of centerset faucets allows them to fit in almost anywhere.
Cons
The cons of centerset faucets are pretty much the opposite of the widespread faucets.
- For example, the centerset is going to be harder to clean due to the fact it’s a block, not made up of several isolated lights. In that same vein, there isn’t as much opportunity to add décor signals or personal touches to these faucets, making them more boring and appealing less to the eye.
Best Use
As with the widespread faucet, there are contexts where a centerset model is the best for the job.
First, a centerset faucet may only work if you’re at a sink less than 6 inches from the center. If there are more than 6 inches, you’re going to need widespread faucets.
Once that is understood, we can start comparing the two. First, centerset faucets work much better when combined with a pedestal basin sink.
Once again, it’s because these are much smaller than built-in kitchen sinks and so centerset installations are the most feasible.
Then there are drop-in sinks, sinks that have a lip around their perimeter while the basin itself plunges into the surface. They are remarkably similar to undermount sinks but with a steeper decline and centerset faucets instead.
- 【Heavy Duty】 Bathroom faucets is made of superior SUS 304 stainless steel, sturdy construction, lead-free, non-toxic, rust-proof, safe and reliable, you can use it with confidence.massive material for longevity and durable. Quality quarter turn ceramic cartridge for drip-free performance after 500,000 times,two-handle levers for easy control of water temperature and flow
- 【Easy to Install】The Widespread faucet is easy diy installation 2 handle bathtub faucet with widespread deck mounted installations at any distance between 8 and 16 inches.The pre-drilled hole size requirement:32mm - 45mm(1.25inch -1.77inch).Bathroom faucet overall height: 5.7inch(145mm); Spout Reach: 4.38inch(118mm); Spout Height: 3.94 inch(100mm).
- 【POP UP DRAIN--Prevent Clogging Built-in Strainer】 This pop up drain comes with a built-in anti-clogging strainer, which can effortlessly catch hair or small items such as rings that have been accidentally dropped. Simply take the strainer out when it is time to clean out.
- 【BEAUTIFUL WATERFULL DESIGN】: Wide spout makes water comes out like beautiful waterfall. Equipped with faucet aerator , 30% water can be saved. There's really a soothing pleasure to be obtained watching water stream from a Waterfall faucet and adding a calm feel to your bathroom package. Conventional mixer taps offer an upgrade to quite a timeless look. The right selection for virtually any bathroom suite, suitable for frequent home plumbing systems.
- 【Best Customer Experience】Bathroom faucet is dedicated to the pursuit of the best customer experience, If you have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us, we will provide you with a satisfactory solution within 12 hours.
- 【3 Hole Bathroom Faucet】The black faucet bathroom 3 hole is typically made of durable materials, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion
- 【Temperature Control】This black bathroom faucet is designed to fit 3-hole, 8-inch configurations. Two–handle lever design makes it easy to adjust the water temperature and water flow, which is suitable for daily use
- 【 360° Rotation】360°rotation spout has full range of washing access and fits many sinks, such as Bathroom Sink, Modern Bar Sink, Hotel Sink, Lavatory Sink, Utility Sinks and so on
- 【Solid Brass Material】Lead-free brass construction with superior rust-resistant finish, copper metal two-handle, touch rv sink faucet, durable and safety. Ceramic cartridge reduces leak points, survive 500,000 times open & close test
- 【3-YEAR GUARANTEE】 Please be attention that we provide 3-year guarantee on this bathroom sink faucet fixture. Within 3 years after items received, if there is any problem with the items (quality, function, etc.), please contact us
- Matte Black Finish Vanity Faucet: The matte black finish gives a really nice and sleek modern look, 7-lay plating process resists tarnishing and peeling caused by corrosion.
- 2 Handles Widespread Basin Faucets: Waterfall spout and two handle easy to adjust the temperature and flow, flow rate is 1.2 GPM in accord with water-saving policy.
- 3 Pieces Bathroom Faucet: Fits for 6"-16" 3 holes bathroom sink mount, with Y style connecting hoses easy to install. Comes with pop up drain and two water hoses for easy installation.
- Solid Brass Material: Copper metal constructed, durable and safety. Ceramic cartridge reduces leak points, survive 500,000 times open & close test.
- 360-Degree Swivel: High-arc and 360° swivel spout for better operate, superior aerator creates perfect stream, avoid water splashing.
- 【Heavy Duty】 Bathroom faucets is made of superior SUS 304 stainless steel, sturdy construction, lead-free, non-toxic, rust-proof, safe and reliable, you can use it with confidence.massive material for longevity and durable. Quality quarter turn ceramic cartridge for drip-free performance after 500,000 times,two-handle levers for easy control of water temperature and flow
- 【Easy to Install】The Widespread faucet is easy diy installation 2 handle bathtub faucet with widespread deck mounted installations at any distance between 8 and 16 inches.The pre-drilled hole size requirement:32mm - 45mm(1.25inch -1.77inch).Bathroom faucet overall height: 5.7inch(145mm); Spout Reach: 4.38inch(118mm); Spout Height: 3.7 inch(95mm).
- 【POP UP DRAIN--Prevent Clogging Built-in Strainer】 This pop up drain comes with a built-in anti-clogging strainer, which can effortlessly catch hair or small items such as rings that have been accidentally dropped. Simply take the strainer out when it is time to clean out.
- 【BEAUTIFUL WATERFULL DESIGN】: Wide spout makes water comes out like beautiful waterfall. Equipped with faucet aerator , 30% water can be saved. There's really a soothing pleasure to be obtained watching water stream from a Waterfall faucet and adding a calm feel to your bathroom package. Conventional mixer taps offer an upgrade to quite a timeless look. The right selection for virtually any bathroom suite, suitable for frequent home plumbing systems.
- 【Best Customer Experience】Bathroom faucet is dedicated to the pursuit of the best customer experience, If you have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us, we will provide you with a satisfactory solution within 12 hours.
- 【Bathroom Faucet 3 Hole】Bathroom faucet sink for 3 holes constructed of premium metal and high-purity solid brass material
- 【Matte Black Finish】The classic matte black makes your bathroom more elegant and solemn, which is compatible with various bathroom style
- 【Premium Qulity】The bathroom faucet fixtures adpots multi-layer black surface, resisting scratches, corrosion, and tarnishing, ensuring its long service life and requiring little maintenance
- 【with POP-UP Drain】The modern bathroom faucets are accompanied with overflow pop-up drain. Also coming with one Tee-Joint Connecting Hoses, Two 3/8" H & C Water Supply Hoses with two 3/8 to 1/2 adapter
- 【for Any Decorating Style】This black 3 holes faucet is the good choice for modern decoration styles. Widely used in bathroom cabinet, sink, washbasin, RV, vanities and more
Do Faucets Have To Match?
When outfitting your bathroom with faucets, you may be tempted to make sure that the sink, bath, and any other faucets in the room are of the same kind.
Whether this is for décor purposes or because you prefer everything to be the same, it is possible to get the same bathroom fixtures.
That said, it isn’t necessary and so it’s up to the discretion of the homeowner, as per usual. Maybe you’d prefer to change the faucets for some stylistic reason since you can get faucets in pretty much every style and color.
If you get faucets that are similar but not quite the same, nobody will really notice except for you.
If you can’t get your hands on identical faucets but you want them to match, it’s as simple as matching the color and texture.
With so many colors available, especially ones in neutral metallic colors that are easy to match with one another, matching shouldn’t be a problem for you.
If you can match your chosen décor/style, even better.
Can A Sink Fit Any Faucet?
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that your sink right now will support a new faucet.
As we have stated above, there are holes into which the faucets are placed.
They are inches apart and oftentimes; they’ll be too short or too long for any old handles you have to lie around.
Many sinks have just one faucet hole, some two, others three, and then they could all be different distances away from each other and the center of the sink.
Measure from the outside of one hole to another or keep an approximation if you’ve already installed a faucet there. From there, measure from the center of one handle to the other.
If it is over in 6 inches then you’ll want a widespread feudal.
If it is under 6 inches then you’ll want to get a centerset or at the very least a mini widespread test, if you can.
- Matte Black Finish Vanity Faucet: The matte black finish gives a really nice and sleek modern look, 7-lay plating process resists tarnishing and peeling caused by corrosion.
- 2 Handles Widespread Basin Faucets: Waterfall spout and two handle easy to adjust the temperature and flow, flow rate is 1.2 GPM in accord with water-saving policy.
- 3 Pieces Bathroom Faucet: Fits for 6"-16" 3 holes bathroom sink mount, with Y style connecting hoses easy to install. Comes with pop up drain and two water hoses for easy installation.
- Solid Brass Material: Copper metal constructed, durable and safety. Ceramic cartridge reduces leak points, survive 500,000 times open & close test.
- 360-Degree Swivel: High-arc and 360° swivel spout for better operate, superior aerator creates perfect stream, avoid water splashing.
- 【3 Hole Bathroom Faucet】The black faucet bathroom 3 hole is typically made of durable materials, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion
- 【Temperature Control】This black bathroom faucet is designed to fit 3-hole, 8-inch configurations. Two–handle lever design makes it easy to adjust the water temperature and water flow, which is suitable for daily use
- 【 360° Rotation】360°rotation spout has full range of washing access and fits many sinks, such as Bathroom Sink, Modern Bar Sink, Hotel Sink, Lavatory Sink, Utility Sinks and so on
- 【Solid Brass Material】Lead-free brass construction with superior rust-resistant finish, copper metal two-handle, touch rv sink faucet, durable and safety. Ceramic cartridge reduces leak points, survive 500,000 times open & close test
- 【3-YEAR GUARANTEE】 Please be attention that we provide 3-year guarantee on this bathroom sink faucet fixture. Within 3 years after items received, if there is any problem with the items (quality, function, etc.), please contact us
- 【Heavy Duty】 Bathroom faucets is made of superior SUS 304 stainless steel, sturdy construction, lead-free, non-toxic, rust-proof, safe and reliable, you can use it with confidence.massive material for longevity and durable. Quality quarter turn ceramic cartridge for drip-free performance after 500,000 times,two-handle levers for easy control of water temperature and flow
- 【Easy to Install】The Widespread faucet is easy diy installation 2 handle bathtub faucet with widespread deck mounted installations at any distance between 8 and 16 inches.The pre-drilled hole size requirement:32mm - 45mm(1.25inch -1.77inch).Bathroom faucet overall height: 5.7inch(145mm); Spout Reach: 4.38inch(118mm); Spout Height: 3.94 inch(100mm).
- 【POP UP DRAIN--Prevent Clogging Built-in Strainer】 This pop up drain comes with a built-in anti-clogging strainer, which can effortlessly catch hair or small items such as rings that have been accidentally dropped. Simply take the strainer out when it is time to clean out.
- 【BEAUTIFUL WATERFULL DESIGN】: Wide spout makes water comes out like beautiful waterfall. Equipped with faucet aerator , 30% water can be saved. There's really a soothing pleasure to be obtained watching water stream from a Waterfall faucet and adding a calm feel to your bathroom package. Conventional mixer taps offer an upgrade to quite a timeless look. The right selection for virtually any bathroom suite, suitable for frequent home plumbing systems.
- 【Best Customer Experience】Bathroom faucet is dedicated to the pursuit of the best customer experience, If you have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us, we will provide you with a satisfactory solution within 12 hours.
- 👨🏻🔧Easy Installation ---- Fits 3-hole 8-inch widespread bathroom/vanity sinks with overflow. Includes all necessary fittings, especially quick-connect hose. It connects 2 handles and faucet spout in one second. You can easily install the faucet by yourself. SAVE PLUMBING INSTALLATION FEE WITH PHIESTINA BATHROOM FAUCET!
- 🛡️Safety & Solid Material ---- Phiestina bathroom faucets are certified to cUPC and NSF 61 Lead-free Standards and 304 stainless steel, provide safe drinking water for your daily life. Adopt precise ceramic valves, avoid dripping and leaking, ensure long-lasting durability. Safe and solid bathroom faucets improve your life quality.
- 💧No Splashing ---- Equipped with German NEOPERL built-in aerator which makes water rich in foam and gentle. Enjoy your daily washing without splashing. Provides a comfortable using experience.
- 🔧Bathroom Faucet Dimensions ---- Overall Heigh: 4.68 inch(119mm); Spout Reach:5.15 inch(131mm); Spout Heigh: 2.99 inch(76mm). 8 inch widespread design faucet for bathroom sink is easy to install by yourself without a plumber! SAVE PLUMBING INSTALLTION FEE WITH PHIESTINA FAUCET!
- ☎️Lifetime Warranty ---- You're protected by getting a new replacement or refund guarantee. For assistance, please call our customer support line 𝟴𝟲𝟲-𝟲𝟳𝟱-𝟬𝟭𝟭 or visit our website 𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗲𝘁.𝗰𝗼𝗺. We provide 24-hour customer support. Phiestina strives to provide a good product and service to our users.
- 【Durable Beautiful Finish】:8 inch Sink Faucet Has Excellent Anti-Corrosion And Anti-Rust Properties,Black Bathroom Faucet Prevent Dirt From Adhering To The Surface,And Avoid Water Stain/Fade/Scratch Formation Effectively,And The Integrated Molding Makes It Easier For You To Clean Your Bathroom Faucets For Sink 3 Hole.
- 【High-Quality Bath Faucet】:Yundoom Provides Lead-Free Sink Faucet Bathroom 3 Hole To Protect The Health Of Your Family,The Ceramic Valve Core Has Been Tested For 50,000 Times And Is Durable.To Ensure That Black Waterfall Bathroom Faucet Handle To Provide Professional Drip-Free Durability Performance.The Matte Black Sink Faucet Main Body Is Made Of Solid Brass Material.
- 【Elegant Appearance】:Matte Black Faucet For Bathroom Sink Has 90-Degree Rotatable High-Angle Water Outlet,Can Meet Various Usage Scenarios,The Elegant And Modern Design Black Faucet Bathroom Also Has Waterfall Water Outlet,Black Faucet Bring You A Pleasant Visual Experience.
- 【Easy To Install】:Bathroom Faucets Black Contains All Accessories And Detailed Instructions Required For Installation,Waterfall Faucet For Bathroom Sink Saving Your Valuable Time And Black Bathroom Faucet 3 Hole Giving You An Easy Experience.
- 【Easy To Return】:Yundoom Faucet Promises That When You Buy Matte Black Faucet Bathroom From Our Store,In Case Of Any Product Quality Or Use Problems, Please Contact Our After-Sales Staff Immediatel,We Will Give You An Effective Solution In The Shortest Time,Your Experience Is Our Greatest Pursue.
Widespread Faucet vs Centreset Faucet
Hopefully, this short guide on widespread and centerset faucets is just what you needed to decide between them.
Maybe your decision has already been made up for you due to where you live, or because your sink can’t support larger widespread faucets.
Whichever is the case, you can see which type of faucet would be best for you thanks to the pros and cons we have provided.
For those of you who are preparing for some bathroom DIY, remember that installing centerset faucets tends to be easier than widespread faucets, with small widespread faucets being a compromise between the two.
Last update on 2023-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API