Bridge Faucets: The Complete Guide to Choosing a Kitchen Bridge Faucet

The bridge faucet is the kitchen faucet that looks like it has always been there. Two handles, a horizontal bridge between them and a tall spout rising from the middle: it is the signature of English country kitchens, farmhouse sinks and old-house renovations. This guide explains how a bridge faucet works, what to measure before you buy, and how to choose the right style for your sink.

What is a bridge faucet?

A bridge faucet is a two-handle kitchen faucet where the hot and cold valves are connected above the counter by a horizontal pipe, the "bridge". The spout rises from the center of the bridge rather than from the deck. Because the mixing happens above the counter, the faucet sits on two mounting points under the handles, with the spout carried by the bridge itself.

The result is a faucet with presence: more architectural than a single-lever mixer, and more traditional than a modern pull-down.

Bridge faucet versus widespread faucet

Both use two handles and a separate spout. On a widespread faucet, the three parts are separate on the deck and connected below the counter. On a bridge faucet, they are joined above the counter by the bridge. A bridge faucet reads as one sculptural piece; a widespread faucet looks lighter and more spread out. See our widespread faucets for comparison.

What to measure before you buy

1. Spread. Measure the distance between the centers of the two outer holes. Most bridge faucets fit an 8 inch spread; some, like the Malmo Bridge, also come in 6 inch.
2. Number of holes. A standard bridge faucet needs two or three holes, depending on the model. A side sprayer, a soap dispenser or a filtered water tap each need one more.
3. Spout reach. The water should land near the center of the bowl, not at the back wall. Compare the spout reach with the distance from the holes to the center of the drain.
4. Height clearance. Bridge faucets with a gooseneck spout are tall. Check the space under a window sill, open shelving or wall cabinets.
5. Deck thickness. Check that the mounting shanks suit your counter thickness, especially with thick stone or a farmhouse sink deck.

Choosing a style

Cross handles or lever handles

Cross handles are the traditional choice, perfect with period kitchens and unlacquered brass. The Victorian Bridge Faucet is the classic example. Lever handles are easier to turn with wet or full hands and feel slightly more modern, like the Zen Bridge.

Gooseneck or straight spout

A high gooseneck spout clears tall pots and gives the faucet its classic silhouette. A lower or straighter spout suits a window position or a shallow sink.

Legs: straight or curved

The vertical "legs" that carry the bridge can be straight and plain or curved and decorative. The Curved Bridge softens the look for a traditional kitchen.

Sprayers and pull-downs

The one practical compromise of a classic bridge faucet is the fixed spout. There are two solutions:

• A side sprayer on its own hole, matched in finish, like the Mykonos Bridge Faucet with sprayer.
• A pull-down spray head built into the spout, like the Viking Bridge, which keeps the bridge look with the convenience of a modern kitchen faucet.

Many bridge faucets can also be ordered as a matching set with a sprayer, a dishwasher air gap and a filtered water tap, all in the same finish.

Finishes for a bridge faucet

• Unlacquered brass: the most popular choice. It darkens to a warm patina and suits farmhouse sinks, stone and wood. Read how it ages in our unlacquered versus brushed brass guide.
• Brushed brass: the warmth of brass with a more consistent look over time.
• Polished or brushed nickel: a cooler, classic look for white kitchens.
• Oil-rubbed bronze: dark and traditional, beautiful with copper sinks.

Are bridge faucets practical?

Yes, with two caveats. You adjust temperature with two handles instead of one lever, which takes a moment to get used to. And the fixed spout benefits from a sprayer or pull-down if you wash a lot of large pots. In return you get a faucet with real structural weight, easy-to-service separate valves, and a look that does not date.

Frequently asked questions

How many holes does a bridge faucet need?

Most bridge faucets need two or three holes at a 6 or 8 inch spread. Add one hole for each extra like a side sprayer, filtered water tap or soap dispenser.

Can I replace a single-hole faucet with a bridge faucet?

Only if the counter or sink is drilled for the bridge faucet's spread. With stone, holes can be added by a fabricator; with a pre-drilled sink, check the hole pattern first.

Do bridge faucets work with farmhouse sinks?

Yes. Bridge faucets are a natural partner for farmhouse and apron-front sinks. Mount the faucet on the counter or the sink deck behind the bowl and check that the spout reach lands water near the center of the basin.

Is a bridge faucet the same as a widespread faucet?

No. Both have two handles and a separate spout, but a bridge faucet connects them above the counter with a horizontal bridge. A widespread faucet connects them below the counter.

See all bridge faucets, with solid brass bodies in seven finishes, and pair one with a copper farmhouse sink. Free express shipping to the USA, 60-day returns, and a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the solid brass body. Designers and contractors: apply to our Trade Program.