AXOR Uno: choosing the right design, control and finish

Curved or right-angled

AXOR Uno, designed by Phoenix Design, is available with a curved tubular form or a much straighter, right-angled outline. They belong to the same collection, but they can look quite different once they're fitted. AXOR describes both design directions within the Uno collection.

We'd normally use the curved version where the room needs something to soften it. If the furniture, tiles and shower enclosure are all very square, the rounded pipe gives you a quieter contrast without introducing an ornate shape.

The right-angled spout works well when you want to repeat the horizontal and vertical lines elsewhere in the bathroom. It can sit neatly with slab-fronted furniture, rectangular basins and strongly aligned tile joints.

Uno is a separate collection from AXOR One. Our guide to AXOR Starck and One explains those designs separately.

Zero, loop or Select

A loop handle is the most recognisable option. You can see immediately where to hold it, and the handle becomes part of the outline rather than disappearing into the body of the tap.

The Zero handle reduces that outline to a slim cylinder. It's the option we'd consider when the appeal of Uno is its simplicity and you don't want a conventional lever interrupting the shape.

Select works differently. A push-button control turns the water on and off, with a separate control for temperature. The AXOR Uno Select 220, product code 45016000, uses this arrangement. It isn't an infrared sensor, and the button shouldn't be confused with an electronic tap. AXOR Uno Select 220 product details.

We wouldn't choose between them from a photograph alone. A visible handle may suit the composition better, while the reduced Zero form or separate Select controls may be the reason you prefer Uno in the first place. If possible, operate the control before deciding. The visual difference is clear online, but how a control feels is a personal judgement.

The water differs between models

Two AXOR Uno taps can look closely related without producing water in the same way.

The Uno Zero 110 in Chrome, product code 45002000, uses a LaminarSpray and has a maximum flow rate of 5 litres per minute at 3 bar. AXOR Uno Zero 110 product details.

The Uno Select 220 in Chrome, product code 45016000, uses AXOR's NormalSpray with AirPower. This mixes air into the water. It also uses EcoSmart and has the same stated maximum flow rate of 5 litres per minute at 3 bar. AXOR Uno Select 220 product details.

These are specifications for two different models. They aren't two spray settings that you switch between on the same tap.

Three finish directions

Chrome is the quieter choice visually. It gives you a familiar silvery finish and usually works well when you want the tap to sit comfortably with mirrors, glass and other cool-toned details. AXOR lists both the Zero 110 and Select 220 in Chrome.

A warmer finish makes the shape more noticeable. The Zero 110 is available in Brushed Gold Optic as product code 45002250. We'd consider that direction with timber, cream stone and other warm finishes, particularly where the room would benefit from a softer metal rather than another cool surface. AXOR Uno Zero 110 in Brushed Gold Optic.

Polished Black Chrome gives the Select 220 a darker, more reflective outline. It can work well where you want stronger definition around the basin but don't want the flatter appearance associated with a matt finish. The product code is 45016330. AXOR Uno Select 220 in Polished Black Chrome.

We'd decide the finish after the main materials are chosen. A small finish sample viewed on its own doesn't tell you how it will sit against the basin, worktop, wall finish and mirror. And we'd avoid choosing a strong metal finish for the tap unless there are other details in the room that give it some context.

Proportion matters more than the model number

The tap still has to work with the basin. The cleaner the design, the more obvious it becomes when the proportions are wrong.

The Zero 110, code 45002000, has a spout height of 109mm and a reach of 123mm. The Select 220, code 45016000, is much taller, with a spout height of 219mm and a reach of 160mm. Those dimensions come from the respective Zero 110 and Select 220 specifications.

We'd look at the height of the basin rim, the position of the tap hole and where the water will land in the bowl. A spout with too little reach can leave you washing your hands against the back of the basin. A tap that's unnecessarily tall can look detached from a compact bowl. The control you prefer matters, but it shouldn't lead you to ignore the relationship between the tap and basin.

If you're considering Uno for a new bathroom, you can explore AXOR at Bowmans and bring the basin details or room plans to our Braintree or Leigh-on-Sea showroom. We can help with a complete bathroom design and supply, or supply the products for your own fitter. You can also book a showroom appointment to go through the options with the team.