Crosswater vs Burlington: Modern vs Traditional Bathroom Fixtures
Crosswater's contemporary design versus Burlington's traditional elegance. A practical comparison to help you choose the right style for your bathroom renovation.
Crosswater and Burlington serve different design markets but both produce excellent bathroom fixtures. Your choice often comes down to style preference — contemporary versus traditional — but there are quality and value differences worth understanding.
Crosswater: Contemporary Design
Crosswater is a UK-based company specialising in contemporary brassware, shower systems, and bathroom furniture. They're known for clean lines, geometric forms, and a wide range of finishes including brushed brass, matt black, and brushed nickel. Their MPRO and 3ONE6 ranges are standouts for modern bathrooms.
What sets Crosswater apart is their finish quality. The!"PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating on their coloured finishes is significantly more durable than electroplated alternatives, resisting scratches and tarnishing for years.
Burlington: Traditional Elegance
Burlington specialises in traditional and period-style bathroom fixtures. Their ranges reference Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco design with crosshead taps, freestanding baths, and furniture with classical proportions. For London's period properties, Burlington is a natural choice.
Burlington's Arcade range is their premium traditional collection, featuring lever handles, exposed shower systems, and furniture with genuine design heritage. Their ceramics are well-proportioned and the chrome finish is excellent.
Quality and Durability
Both brands offer solid build quality. Crosswater's brassware uses heavy brass construction with ceramic disc cartridges — their taps have a satisfying weight and smooth action. Burlington uses similar construction for their traditional taps, with well-engineered crosshead mechanisms.
In our experience, both brands have low callback rates. Crosswater edges ahead slightly on shower valve reliability, while Burlington's traditional tap mechanisms are well-proven over decades.
Pricing
| Product | Burlington | Crosswater |
|---|---|---|
| Basin mixer tap | £150 – £350 | £120 – £400 |
| Shower valve (concealed) | £250 – £500 | £200 – £600 |
| Freestanding bath | £1,200 – £3,000 | £800 – £2,500 |
| Towel rail | £200 – £500 | £150 – £400 |
Which Style Suits Your Property?
Burlington works best in: Victorian terraces, Edwardian semis, period conversions, and any property where traditional character should be maintained. A Burlington bathroom in a period London home looks authentic and adds value.
Crosswater works best in: Modern apartments, loft conversions, new builds, and contemporary home extensions. Their minimalist aesthetic suits clean-lined spaces where the fixtures shouldn't compete with architectural features.
Our Recommendation
Both brands are excellent. The choice is primarily stylistic — match the fixtures to your property's character. If you're unsure, get in touch and we'll help you decide based on your home's architecture and your design preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Burlington fixtures in a modern bathroom?
You can, but it works best if there's a design intent behind the mix. Burlington pieces in a contemporary setting create an eclectic look that needs careful curation to work well.
Does Crosswater offer any traditional-style fixtures?
Crosswater's Belgravia range is their traditional collection, offering period-style taps and shower systems. It's a good option if you want traditional design with Crosswater's modern engineering.
Which brand offers more finish options?
Crosswater offers the widest range of finishes including matt black, brushed brass, brushed nickel, and copper. Burlington primarily offers chrome and nickel for their traditional ranges.
Are Burlington baths good quality?
Yes. Burlington's freestanding baths are well-made, with their Bateau and London Round models being popular choices for period-style bathrooms.
2026 Update
We have reviewed this comparison for 2026 — pricing and ranges shift each year, so always confirm current models and lead times before ordering. As installers with trade accounts for the major brands, we are happy to compare up-to-date options for your specific project. Ask us for current recommendations.
