If there’s one thing I’ve learned from building a home, it’s that the smallest decision can feel the most overwhelming. Case in point: I recently walked into the plumbing fixture showroom thinking I knew exactly what I wanted—a classic, polished nickel faucet. Something with vintage charm that would give our new kitchen some character. Especially since it would be installed on our island, it needed to be both functional and a little bit of a showstopper.

But the moment I stepped into that showroom, reality hit. There are hundreds of options—different finishes, features, styles. Suddenly, what felt like a straightforward decision turned into a spiral of second-guessing.

I’m a decorator, and even I got completely distracted. Honestly, like a kid in a candy store. There were dozens of faucets, each more beautiful than the last. Suddenly, the polished nickel I had been so sure of was competing with lacquered brass and sleek modern styles.

I found myself asking, Do I need a touchless faucet? What about one with voice control? Wait, what about that gorgeous bridge faucet that looks like one from a Jean Stouffer kitchen?

This is the reality of shopping for plumbing fixtures. It’s option overload, and if you don’t go in with a game plan, you’ll leave questioning everything you thought you wanted and feeling overwhelmed with too many choices!

So how do you make the right decision without spiraling into faucet-induced regret? Here’s what I learned from my own experience (and past mistakes!).

Start with Function, Not Just Style

I get it—it’s so tempting to fall for the prettiest faucet in the showroom. But before you get swept up in all the shiny options, you need to make sure your faucet actually works for your kitchen and your lifestyle. Because trust me, even the most gorgeous faucet will drive you nuts if it’s not functional. Been there, done that!

So before even setting foot in a store, ask yourself:

How do I actually use my kitchen sink on a daily basis?

• Do I fill big pots? Wash a lot of produce? Soak dishes? Your faucet needs to support your habits.

Do I need a pull-down sprayer to clean out the sink?

• For me, this was non-negotiable. A sprayer that retracts smoothly is a game-changer.

Do I want a bridge-style faucet for a classic look, or is a single-handle more practical?

• Bridge faucets are stunning, but a single-handle design makes it easier to adjust water temperature with one hand (especially if your other hand is covered in flour from making pizza dough—ask me how I know!).

How much clearance do I need?

• Will my faucet sit under cabinetry or shelving? If so, a high-arc faucet might not work.

Do I want touchless technology?

• It’s amazing for messy hands, but it’s not for everyone. And let’s be real—sometimes the motion sensors have a mind of their own.

What’s my water pressure like?

• Some faucets require higher water pressure than your home might have, so it’s worth checking before falling in love with one.

What finish is practical for my kitchen?

• I love the look of polished nickel, but if you hate cleaning water spots, matte or brushed finishes might be the better choice.

Bottom line? If your faucet doesn’t work for you, you’ll regret it—no matter how pretty it is. Get clear on your must-have features first, then you can focus on finding a style you love. That way, you walk into the showroom with confidence instead of second-guessing everything.

Have a Vision Before You Go to the Store

When you’re standing in front of wall-to-wall faucets, it’s easy to get distracted by something beautiful that isn’t actually right for your home. That’s why you need a vision before you even walk through the door. If you don’t have one, you’ll leave feeling overwhelmed and second-guessing yourself.

One of the best ways to stay focused? Your Pinterest board or mood board. Before shopping, take time to:

• Create a Pinterest board specifically for your kitchen design.
• Save images of kitchens you love and notice what faucets they feature.
• Look for recurring themes in the styles and finishes you’re drawn to.

For me, my Pinterest board was my anchor. It reminded me that I’ve always loved polished nickel, vintage-inspired faucets, and timeless details. It stopped me from making a decision I’d regret (like that fleeting temptation to choose lacquered brass, which I later learned wouldn’t hold up well with our water).

If you don’t have a vision, you’ll get lost in the options. A mood board isn’t just for inspiration—it’s a guidepost to keep you from making impulsive choices in the moment.

So before you shop, take five minutes to review your saved images. That way, when you step into the store, you’re not easily swayed by something trendy that doesn’t actually work for your space.

Learn from Past Mistakes

I’ve made my fair share of faucet mistakes, and I know I’m not alone. Choosing a faucet seems simple—until you’re living with one that constantly frustrates you. Here’s what I’ve learned from experience, and what others have shared online about their biggest faucet regrets.

I once made the mistake of choosing a black faucet for our powder room, not realizing how much our well water would impact the finish. It didn’t take long for it to start peeling, and the constant water spots made it look dirty all the time.

Another time, I picked a faucet that didn’t extend far enough into the sink. I thought I was making a beautiful choice, but I was splashing water everywhere and struggling to rinse larger dishes. And then there was the time I bought a faucet with a sprayer that looked high-end but had weak water pressure and a flimsy retraction mechanism. Every time I used it, I wished I had spent just a little more for a better one.

And I’m not the only one who has learned the hard way. If you want to avoid your own faucet regret, one of the best things you can do is learn from other homeowners’ mistakes. Before you commit to a faucet, take a little time to research online. A quick Google search can pull up real-life experiences from people who have been in your exact position. Houzz and Reddit are also goldmines for home renovation discussions, where people openly share their biggest regrets and what they wish they had known before choosing their fixtures.

You’ll find homeowners who have realized too late that their faucet wasn’t compatible with their sink, that a trendy finish required more upkeep than they expected, or that the handle placement made everyday use awkward. Reading these first-hand experiences is invaluable because they highlight issues you might not even think to consider. A faucet may look perfect in the showroom, but real-life use is what truly matters.

Doing a little research before you buy can save you from making an expensive mistake. Learn from others, see what worked (and didn’t work) for them, and go into your faucet decision with confidence. It’s a small step that can make a huge difference.

Know Where to Spend & Where to Save

Not every home purchase has to be a splurge, but some things are worth investing in. Your kitchen faucet is one of those things you use every single day, so if there’s anywhere you should prioritize quality, this is it. That said, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get something beautiful and functional—you just need to know where to spend and where to save.

A well-made kitchen faucet is one of those details that feels different the moment you use it. Cheaper models often have lightweight plastic parts that don’t hold up over time. They might look good initially, but after a few months, you’ll start noticing wobbly handles, weak water pressure, or a sprayer that won’t retract properly. That’s why I always recommend spending a little more for solid construction, high-quality internal parts, and a brand with a reputation for durability. A faucet should last years—possibly decades—so cutting corners here usually ends up costing more in the long run when you have to replace it sooner than expected.

Where you can save, however, is on faucets for sinks that don’t get daily wear and tear. A secondary prep sink, bar sink, or laundry room faucet? Those don’t need the same level of investment as the main kitchen faucet you rely on every single day. Here, you can opt for a more budget-friendly option without much downside.

Another area where homeowners sometimes regret spending too much? Trendy finishes. It’s tempting to go all in on the latest brass or matte black styles, but if you’re worried about longevity, consider a timeless metal for the main faucet and introduce trendier finishes in easier-to-swap elements, like cabinet hardware or a smaller secondary faucet.

At the end of the day, a great faucet feels great to use. It’s sturdy, intuitive, and works effortlessly with your kitchen setup. Knowing where to invest and where to save allows you to get the best of both worlds—a faucet that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last, without unnecessary overspending.

Test It in Person (If You Can)

If there’s one piece of advice I could give before you buy a faucet, it’s this: test it in person if you can. Faucets may look beautiful online, but how they feel when you use them is just as important.

A well-designed faucet should have a smooth, sturdy handle, a sprayer that retracts effortlessly, and a weight that feels solid in your hands. If you’ve ever used a faucet that feels wobbly or cheap, you know how frustrating it can be over time. Some finishes also show water spots more than others, so seeing them in person can give you a better idea of how much maintenance they’ll require.

If you’re shopping in-store, don’t be afraid to:

• Move the handle back and forth—does it feel sturdy or flimsy?
• Pull down the sprayer—does it snap back into place smoothly, or does it feel weak?
• Test how far the faucet extends—does it comfortably reach into the sink?

If you’re shopping online, take the time to read reviews carefully. Pay attention to what real homeowners say about ease of use, durability, and installation. Look for video reviews that show the faucet in action. Sometimes, small details—like a faucet that splashes too much or a handle that’s awkward to use—don’t become obvious until you hear from someone who’s actually lived with it.

Taking a little extra time to test or research before you buy will save you from daily frustration. Because let’s be real—if something doesn’t feel good to use every single day, it doesn’t matter how pretty it looks.

The Bottom Line: Make the Decision That Works for You

At the end of the day, the best faucet is the one that fits your kitchen, your lifestyle, and your personal style.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, remember:

• Function first—figure out what you need before getting distracted by styles.
• Stick to your vision—your mood board is there for a reason.
• Learn from past mistakes—yours and others.
• Test in person when possible—or do thorough research before committing.

And one thing I know for sure: If you don’t go in with a clear vision, you’ll leave questioning everything you thought you wanted. Avoid decision fatigue by knowing what works for you before getting swept up in showroom excitement.

So tell me—have you ever got distracted by shiny objects? Or suffered from decorating overwhelm? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your experience!