If you’ve shopped for a new kitchen faucet lately, you may have noticed that faucet heights have been creeping up over the years. The days of a modest 8-inch widespread faucet have given way to dramatic high-arc spouts towering over your sink. But why have manufacturers pushed faucet heights to new levels? Is it just for style points or are there practical reasons behind the shift?
Let’s explore why kitchen faucets have hit new heights.
Increasing Sink Depth
Kitchen sinks are getting deeper. Over the past decade, deep, spacious single-bowl sinks have become very popular. Giant farmhouse-style sinks can approach a depth of 10 inches or more. There are several good reasons home chefs love deeper sinks including:
- More room for washing large pots and pans
- Can fill bins of produce or soak baking sheets
- Leave room for a drying rack in the sink
But in order to comfortably use a very deep sink, you either need to stand right against the countertop edge or have a faucet spout long enough to reach down into the basin. Extending spout heights has allowed homeowners to comfortably use oversized sinks without drenching their shirt every time they do dishes.
Room for Larger Pots
Another kitchen trend driving taller faucets is cooks using larger pots and pans. Avid home chefs invest in wide stock pots, oversized pasta pots, canning kettles and more. Fitting these under a short faucet becomes nearly impossible.
Having ample clearance to easily wash and fill extra-large cookware is a major perk of the newer high-arc faucets. Large vessel sinks also pair better visually with these soaring spouts that accentuate the wide-open workspace.
Increased Functionality
Today’s kitchen faucets offer more functions than older models. Pull-down and pull-out sprayers have become standard. These feature a detachable nozzle for extending your faucet’s reach to wash produce, clean corners or even water plants on the countertop.
The additional mechanics enabling sprayer movement take up precious space under the main spout. Designers have stretched faucet heights to provide ample headroom for the expanding and retracting components in the base. Without the added inches, using spray functions would require cramming your hand under a cramped spout.
Of course, motion sensors and touchless activation functionality have also been integrated into modern kitchen faucets. Accommodating these high-tech features again requires more vertical real estate.
Contemporary Styling
Open-concept home floorplans are still widely popular. This aesthetic emphasizes airy, unobstructed living spaces. The minimalist style extends to contemporary kitchen hardware with straight, sleek lines.
These modern high-arc gooseneck faucets communicate cutting-edge style. Their drama and presence deliver visual impact over classic short and stout designs. Homeowners embracing modern motifs are drawn to the current high-rise faucet look and the enhanced presence it brings.
Overcoming Sink Obstacles
Many homeowners opt for a deep double bowl sink. However, the divider between bowls can make using a short faucet difficult. Leaning over the middle wall to wash produce in one section while avoiding spraying water all over is no easy feat.
The latest wave of tall faucets simplifies this issue by arcing high enough to clear any interior sink barriers. Single-handle control also alleviates the need to wrestle two handles crammed close to your backsplash.
Environmentally Conscious
You might be surprised to learn that water-efficient standards are also influencing taller kitchen faucets. Regulations limiting maximum flow in kitchen faucets have become more stringent. Restricting water volume throughput calls for re-engineering internal mechanics.
Designers have taken advantage of the reconstruction process to stretch faucet heights. Contemporary water-saving faucets had to be reimagined anyway, so why not go big?
The additional inches help maintain perceived water pressure with less output. And new innovations like MagnaTite spray head docking and Diamond Seal valve technology contribute to efficiency.
Tasteful Illusions
In interior design, the concept of forced perspective means playing with proportion to create intentional illusions. Fittings like faucets can be used to manipulate the feel of a space. Just as hanging a large statement light low gives the impression of a more intimate dining room, stretching your kitchen faucet height enhances the feeling of a big open cooking space.
Tall faucets visually exaggerate the sink area to feel more expansive. They bring balance to deep sinks that might otherwise appear like dark cavernous pits in countertops. The long arcs also draw eyes up to high ceilings, emphasizing verticality that makes rooms feel larger. It’s an easy trick that packs a big perceptual punch.
Reasons Behind the Prevalence of Tall Kitchen Faucets and the Unique Benefits
Aesthetic Finesse
Tall kitchen faucets are more than mere water dispensers; they are visual statements that elevate the overall aesthetic of a kitchen. The heightened design not only adds an element of grandeur but also serves as a focal point, transforming the sink area into a centerpiece of elegance. Interior designers often opt for tall faucets to infuse a sense of style and luxury into the kitchen space.
Practicality in Design
The increased height of these faucets serves a practical purpose. It allows for easier access and maneuvering of large pots, pans, and dishes beneath the spout. This practicality is particularly beneficial for those who love to cook or frequently engage in elaborate culinary tasks. The added clearance minimizes the hassle of fitting oversized kitchenware into the sink, making kitchen chores more convenient.
Minimizing Splashes
Tall faucets are not just about aesthetics; they are designed with functionality in mind. The elevated spout minimizes splashing, keeping the surrounding countertop and kitchen area cleaner. This feature not only adds a hygienic aspect to the kitchen but also reduces the time and effort required for cleanup after each use.
Accommodating Various Sink Styles
Tall kitchen faucets cater to the diverse array of sink styles available in the market. Whether you have a deep farmhouse sink or a sleek, modern basin, a tall faucet can easily adapt to different sink configurations. This adaptability makes them a versatile choice for homeowners who desire a kitchen fixture that complements various design preferences.
Modern Living Demands
As our homes continue to evolve in terms of design and functionality, tall faucets have emerged as a response to modern living demands. Open-concept kitchens and spacious layouts are becoming increasingly popular, and tall faucets seamlessly integrate with these contemporary design concepts. They add a touch of modernity to the kitchen, aligning with the preferences of homeowners seeking both style and practicality.
Bottom Line
Function has followed form when it comes to the skyscraper heights of today’s kitchen faucets. Home chefs are doing more prep and cooking in spacious modern sinks fitted with the latest convenience innovations. Keeping up with these demands has necessitated high-rise designs.
Of course, the drama and visual impact of an arched faucet soaring over your sink can’t be discounted either. Form and function have merged to bring once-pedestrian faucets to soaring new heights in contemporary kitchens.