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.
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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.
- Precise Water Adjustment: The 2-handle lavatory vanity sink faucet allows for separate adjustment of hot and cold water temperature, water flow is strong and focused, and the aerator creates a soft bubble stream
- Durable: Multiple-layer protection matte black finish will not fade or tarnish over time. Match various decoration styles, whether it is modern or vintage style bathroom
- Installation Notes: When you install quick connect adapters, push in as far as possible until a "click" is heard, otherwise cause leakage.
- UNIQUE PATENTED DESIGN WIDESPREAD BATHROOM FAUCET: Bathroom faucets constructed from stainless steel, meets NSF 61 lead-free standards. Drip-free ceramic valves passed 500,000 watertight tests and 24h extreme cold and hot tests, ensuring lifetime durability and reliability. Includes 27-in pre-assembled cUPC bathroom sink faucet water supply lines and matching-finish pop-up bathroom sink drain with overflow.
- SAVES 20% WATER WITHOUT SACRIFICING PERFORMANCE: Bathroom sink faucet featured 1.2 GPM (4.5 L/min) at 60 PSI no-splashing water-saving bathroom faucet aerators, meets EPA WaterSense standards and CEC compliant to conserve 20% water without sacrificing performance. The bathroom faucets also come with a no flow replaceable bathroom faucet aerator for higher flow.
- EASY INSTALLATION IN 20 MINS: Bathroom faucets for sink 3 hole handles can be installed at any distance between 6-12 in for a more customized widespread. Bathroom faucets features unique fast connect system and pre-assembled handles for easy installation and guarantees a secure connection to water supply lines. Bathroom faucets is easy to install without a plumber in 20 mins, saving your both time and money.
- SMOOTH OPERATION: 2 hot and cold 90-degree ADA compliant lever handles of bathroom faucets featured drip-free ceramic cartridges, effortless water flow and temperature separate control. 360-degree swivel high-arc spout tall faucet for bathroom sink ensures plenty of space for washing hands. Spout Height:5.2 inch. Spout Reach:4.8 inch.
- MODERN BATHROOM FAUCET FOR ANY DECORATING STYLE: Modern matte black faucet for bathroom sink passed 24h acid salt spray test, effectively resists corrosion and rust for a fresh new look. Utility remodel bathroom faucets will undoubtedly match your matte black bathroom accessories in your bathroom vanity with sink, RV sink, pedestal sink, powder room, travel trailer, camper, laundry room, farmhouse, restroom, rental houses.
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Wrench-free, quick-connect hose audibly clicks when water lines are connected properly, ensuring a quality installation to help prevent leaks. The widespread bathroom faucet fits 3-hole 6-16 in widespread installations
- GUARANTEED QUALITY: Quality is our top priority, so all our bathroom sink faucets are tested and certified, meeting or exceeding industry codes and standards
- RELIABLE VALVE: Valve is tested to last at least 500,000 uses to ensure high performance with less drips and a smooth bathroom faucet handle operation.
- CORROSION-RESISTANT FINISH: Our Brilliance finishes are intentionally engineered for durability and tested for corrosion resistance to at least 2 times industry standards
- PROVEN QUALITY: Every Brilliance PVD finish is tested against more than 100 household cleaners, must pass 2,000 cycles of extreme abrasion testing, and is designed to withstand cracking, peeling, chipping, blistering or changing color over time
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.
- Solid brass construction
- Drip-free ceramic disc cartridge
- Deck mount 8" to 16" widespread 3-hole installation
- 1.2 GPM/4.5 LPM water flow rate at 60 PSI
- Standard 1/2" IPS connection
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Wrench-free, quick-connect hose audibly clicks when water lines are connected properly, ensuring a quality installation to help prevent leaks. The widespread bathroom faucet fits 3-hole 6-16 in widespread installations
- GUARANTEED QUALITY: Quality is our top priority, so all our bathroom sink faucets are tested and certified, meeting or exceeding industry codes and standards
- RELIABLE VALVE: Valve is tested to last at least 500,000 uses to ensure high performance with less drips and a smooth bathroom faucet handle operation.
- CORROSION-RESISTANT FINISH: Our Brilliance finishes are intentionally engineered for durability and tested for corrosion resistance to at least 2 times industry standards
- PROVEN QUALITY: Every Brilliance PVD finish is tested against more than 100 household cleaners, must pass 2,000 cycles of extreme abrasion testing, and is designed to withstand cracking, peeling, chipping, blistering or changing color over time
- Solid brass construction
- Drip-free ceramic disc cartridge
- Deck mount 8" to 16" widespread 3-hole installation
- 1.2 GPM/4.5 LPM spout flow rate at 60 PSI
- Standard 1/2" IPS connection
- Easily Adjust Water Flow: This modern two-handle bathroom faucets features drip-free ceramic disc hot & cold valve cartridges for easy adjustment of water flow and temperature. With a steady cascading water flow and splash-proof design, you'll enjoy the perfect blend of style and functionality. The faucet handles can be mounted 6 to 12 inches apart for a convenient and widespread installation.
- Durable heavy-duty brass and stainless steel materials: Constructed from solid brass and SUS304 stainless steel, our bathroom sink faucet ensure long-lasting performance and durability. These materials provide excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, even in the most humid bathroom environments.
- Easy Installation: Say goodbye to complex installations. Our bathroom faucet 3 hole come with quick-connect hoses and all necessary parts, including color-coded water lines, making the installation process straightforward and hassle-free, without the need for a professional plumber.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Prioritize your family's health with our lead-free widespread bathroom faucet, compliant with the Safe Water Drinking Act (CUPC). Rest assured knowing your water is safe and clean, delivered through 24'' PEX supply hoses for clear and fresh water.
- Elegant and Modern Design: Enhance your bathroom's aesthetics with our three-hole waterfall bathroom faucet. Its sleek matte black finish not only looks luxurious but also resists tarnishing and fingerprints, keeping your bathroom looking pristine over time.
- Solid Brass Construction
- Drip-Free Ceramic Disc Cartridge
- Deck Mount 4" to 8" Mini Widespread 3-Hole Installation
- 1.2 GPM/4.5 LPM Spout Flow Rate at 60 PSI
- Standard 1/2" IPS Connection
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.
- LONG SERVICE LIFE - Bathroom faucet sink for 3 holes constructed of premium metal and high-purity solid brass material; multi-layer matte black surface, resisting scratches, corrosion, and tarnishing, ensuring its long service life and requiring little maintenance. Matte Black bathroom faucets can save you much time and effort in replacing and maintaining them!
- HIGH-QUALITY FAUCET - Bathroom faucet ceramic & copper cartridge has passed 800,000 cycles of testing to ensure the matte matte black bathroom faucet is stable and will not leak water. The main body of matte black bathroom faucet cartridge is made of solid brass material. METAL POP-UP DRAIN (Easily drain with one touch); Hot& Cold WATER LINES have a nylon braided outer layer that is rust-proof and not easy to bend.
- SUPERIOR AERATOR - Bathroom sink faucet came with an imported aerator, the water flow is dense and soft without splashing which can save 35% of water consumption. Bathroom sink faucet Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM (4.5L/min) at 60 PSI. Widespread bathroom faucet humanized detachable aerator, you can clear hard water blockage at any time.
- EASY INSTALLATION - Mounting Hole Diameter: 1.3 to 1.6 inches. Deck Thickness: 1.75 inches Max. Width of the faucet 7.36 inches. Height of the faucet 6.98 inches. RAINSWORTH Bathroom Sink Faucet box contains all you need(metal pop-up drain, and water supply hoses) which can help you install by yourself within 15mins, without a plumber, and save the fee. Just do it yourself to let yourself be a Hero for your Family.
- RELIABLE & CONFIDENT - We stand behind the quality of our Rainsworth widespread bathroom faucet.
- Durable Oil Rubber Bronze Finish: Resists tarnish and corrosion from daily use. Elegant shape make your bathroom impressive and high-end. Classic style ORB low arc bathroom sink faucet 3 hole.
- Easy to Install: Attention the hole size: 32-35mm/ 1.25-1.37 inch. 3-hole mount with 8-16 inch widespread design and only 3 parts sink drain stopper for quick and easy installation. RKF 8 inch 2 handles 3 holes widespread bathroom sink faucet come with step-by-step instruction with quick connect for easy installation. JUST do it yourself without a plumber and save the fee.
- Easy to Use: Two handles to easy control of hot and cold water. Double lever handle of this bathroom faucet is conveniently made to enable effortless control of water temperature and volume.
- No Leak: RKF three hole vintage classic widespread bathroom faucets with ceramic disc valve provides a lifetime of smooth and drip-free. Passed 500,000 cycle testing, if used 360 times a week, it will last at 27 years.
- Free Accessories: Two cUPC faucet supply lines (Standard US Cold&Hot Water Hoses); One set of pop-up drain with catch strainer for jewelry and cleanout; vanity faucet 3 hole comes with a lifetime limited warranty. Positive and enthusiastic customer support, and free parts upon request. Your satisfaction is always our top priority.
- UNIQUE PATENTED DESIGN WIDESPREAD BATHROOM FAUCET: Bathroom faucets constructed from stainless steel, meets NSF 61 lead-free standards. Drip-free ceramic valves passed 500,000 watertight tests and 24h extreme cold and hot tests, ensuring lifetime durability and reliability. Includes 27-in pre-assembled cUPC bathroom sink faucet water supply lines and matching-finish pop-up bathroom sink drain with overflow.
- SAVES 20% WATER WITHOUT SACRIFICING PERFORMANCE: Bathroom sink faucet featured 1.2 GPM (4.5 L/min) at 60 PSI no-splashing water-saving bathroom faucet aerators, meets EPA WaterSense standards and CEC compliant to conserve 20% water without sacrificing performance. The bathroom faucets also come with a no flow replaceable bathroom faucet aerator for higher flow.
- EASY INSTALLATION IN 20 MINS: Bathroom faucets for sink 3 hole handles can be installed at any distance between 6-12 in for a more customized widespread. Bathroom faucets features unique fast connect system and pre-assembled handles for easy installation and guarantees a secure connection to water supply lines. Bathroom faucets is easy to install without a plumber in 20 mins, saving your both time and money.
- SMOOTH OPERATION: 2 hot and cold 90-degree ADA compliant lever handles of bathroom faucets featured drip-free ceramic cartridges, effortless water flow and temperature separate control. 360-degree swivel high-arc spout tall faucet for bathroom sink ensures plenty of space for washing hands. Spout Height:5.2 inch. Spout Reach:4.8 inch.
- MODERN BATHROOM FAUCET FOR ANY DECORATING STYLE: Smooth brushed nickel faucet for bathroom sink passed 24h acid salt spray test, effectively resists corrosion and rust for a fresh new look. Utility remodel bathroom faucets will undoubtedly match your bathroom accessories in your bathroom vanity with sink, RV sink, pedestal sink, powder room, travel trailer, camper, laundry room, farmhouse, restroom sink, rental houses.
- DURABLE&RELIABLE WIDESPREAD BATHROOM FAUCET: Stainless steel construction meets NSF 61 lead-free standards. Drip-free ceramic valves tested for 500,000 cycles and extreme temperatures. Corrosion and tarnish-resistant finishes of bathroom sink faucet for long-lasting performance.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Fits 6-16 inch 3-hole setups. 3 hole bathroom faucets install in 20 minutes with pre-assembled handles and a fast connect system. Includes quick connect hose, metal pop-up drain, and water supply hoses.
- WATER-SAVING FAUCET FOR BATHROOM SINK: Our premium 1.2 GPM flow aerator reduces water usage by 20% while maintaining strong performance, meeting EPA WaterSense standards. Our bathroom faucets are suitable for various sinks and decor styles, including bathrooms, RVs, and laundry rooms.
- SMOOTH OPERATION: Two handles offer easy control of water temperature and flow, ensuring effortless adjustments. The 360° rotation design of bathroom faucets 3 hole increases the cleaning area, providing ample space to clean every corner of your basin.
- BRAND AND SERVICE: FRANSITON prioritizes your family's well-being with our water faucets. If you're ever dissatisfied with our products, contact us promptly for a swift and satisfactory resolution.
- The water flow rate is 1.18GPM
- Please check the size before buy 3 Holes Fit for 8-inch Center(the left to the right) Sink at least
- GGStudy Carrington two handle widespread lavatory faucet
- Smooth, long lasting, drip-free operation ceramic disc cartridge
- The faucet come with the same color pop up drain with overflow
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 2025-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API