The Enigmatic Industrial Bathroom Faucet Explained
Faucets were primarily a luxury for most of history. For the most part, the very rich, the aristocracy and royalty owned faucets, mainly due to the fact that faucets were painstakingly handcrafted, required plumbing, and quite expensive. Like so many expensive things, these status symbols, faucets became a canvas on which to showcase artistry and design, in particular during the Renaissance. It wasn’t until the 18th century that faucets became mass produced as a common household item. This was the birth of the always enigmatic industrial faucet. Faucets became more functional than beautiful. They served a purpose and were not necessarily a room’s centerpiece. However, it only took a few who saw the beauty in exposed pipes and concrete walls to realize the industrial faucet could also be both industrial and artistic. Now, this expose-the-inner-workings aesthetic is coming back and making its mark.
The Industrial Revolution Faucet
During the rise of factories and mass production, the Industrial Revolution changed the game for faucets forever. Factories served a practical purpose, which was to make a luxury available to everyone via mass production. Industrial faucets introduced rotating handles, which were an innovative technology that allowed the user to control water flow along with other innovations that we take for granted today. The purpose of industrial faucets at this point was purely a practical one. They were made of durable metal, cast iron and brass, and their pipes screwed into nuts and bolts without regard to appearance, for the most part. The faucet’s elegant decorations from the Renaissance were done away with since faucets were now a common, factory-made item.
The Modern Industrial Faucet
In the 1960s and 1970s, a plethora of projects in New York City began. The brilliant plan was to turn unused warehouses into housing, thus solving a housing crisis and taking care of potential and current safety concerns in former warehouses. This was the humble beginning of the industrial design revolution (not to be confused with the Industrial Revolution). These converted housing sites were hugely popular, turning the design world’s attention to chunky, utilitarian faucets which pair nicely with exposed brick, concrete, matte black, and metal. In today’s multifamily complexes and stand-alone homes, exposed beams and metal finishes create a factory vibe that begs for an industrial faucet. Take the Pioneer Single Handle Tub and Shower Trim Set; its pipelike body with exposed screw lines where the showerhead and spout meet suit the industrial vibe well. Industrial faucets don’t need to be a perfect reflection of the original cast iron or brass faucets from the early 1800s, of course. Choosing a faucet like the Olympia Two Handle Lavatory Widespread Faucet or the Pioneer Two Handle Valve Trim Set, for example, uses handles reminiscent of a steam pipe valve, without delving too deeply into the industrial look, perfect for transitional bathrooms.
Conclusion
The industrial faucet of long ago allowed people everywhere to gain access to indoor plumbing during the Industrial Revolution. Although artistry in faucet design wasn’t a priority during this time, this mass-produced faucet became the basis for a design revolution 60 years ago. The exposed screws, nuts, and bolts, or even just a cast brass, chunky look adds flair to the modern bathroom. Not all industrial faucets have to be a perfect replica of those found in an 1800s washroom, but sharing a hint of the history with a modern spin is a fun way to bring a bit of “warehouse conversion” to your urban or suburban project. Metal, exposed brick, concrete, and matte black designs welcome an industrial faucet.
Wrapping it All Up
As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, Central Brass, and Olympia are here for you. Embrace the benefits of quality, product availability, and shipping speed by partnering with Pioneer. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in good hands and transform your building or home with these beautiful and exceptionally durable faucets. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time.
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