4 Kitchen Faucet Ideas for Small Spaces: Practical and stylish 4-hole kitchen faucet layouts I’ve used in tight kitchens

I once had a client insist their new farmhouse sink needed a soap dispenser, a sprayer, a filtered water tap and a main faucet — all in a 24-inch sink deck. I nearly laughed, then learned how much creativity a small space can spark. Small kitchens force bold choices, and a 4 hole faucet setup can be a surprisingly elegant solution when planned well.

1. Classic + Filtered Water Combo

I love pairing a single-handle main faucet with a dedicated filtered water tap and built-in soap and air gap. It keeps everyday use simple while hiding specialty functions in plain sight. The advantage is clear: filtered drinking water at the sink and a steady, easy-to-use main spout. The challenge is drilling the correct spacing and making sure the soap dispenser’s refill hole is accessible under upper cabinets.

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2. Pull-Down Spray + Instant Hot

For people who cook a lot, I often recommend a pull-down spray faucet plus an instant hot tap, with a soap dispenser and an air gap rounding out the four holes. This setup speeds prep and cleanup, but you need to plan for the instant hot tank under the sink — leave room and ventilation. In one project, I hid the tank behind a slim pull-out tray so access was simple during maintenance.

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3. Two-Handle Elegance with Side Sprayer

If the kitchen style calls for two handles, you can still get four functions: hot and cold handles, a side sprayer, and a soap dispenser. It feels traditional and tactile. The drawback is the higher countertop penetration and slightly busier look, but for period kitchens it reads authentic and charming.

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4. Touchless Main Faucet + Secondary Tap

Touchless main faucets are excellent for hygiene, and pairing one with a small secondary tap (for filtered water or instant hot) plus a soap dispenser and air gap gives you a modern, functional cluster. I’ve installed this in compact apartments where users loved the hands-free convenience. You do need a nearby power solution for the sensor unit, so check your cabinet wiring plan first.

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5. Integrated Pull-Out Faucet with Built-In Accessories

Some manufacturers offer integrated systems where the main pull-out spout works alongside a low-profile filtered water tap and built-in soap and air gap. It’s neat and streamlined, reducing visual clutter. The trade-off is higher initial cost and potential parts availability for future repairs — always keep model numbers in your project file.

When planning any 4 hole faucet layout, measure your sink deck carefully, check clearances to the backsplash and cabinets, and plan under-sink storage around tanks or power supplies. If you want to visualize different hole placements in an actual layout, a room planner can save hours of guesswork.

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Tips 1:

Budget tip: a soap dispenser and air gap are relatively inexpensive add-ons, while instant hot systems and touchless electronics raise costs. I usually prioritize daily convenience (sprayer or touchless) over luxury features if the budget is tight.

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FAQ

Q: What exactly is a 4 hole faucet setup?

A: It’s a sink deck configuration with four mounted components — commonly the main faucet, a secondary tap (filtered or instant hot), a soap dispenser, and an air gap or side sprayer.

Q: Can I convert a 3-hole sink to 4 holes?

A: Often yes, if there’s enough deck width. You may need to widen the cutout or use a deck plate; consult your sink and countertop material before cutting.

Q: Is an air gap necessary for a dishwasher?

A: Many local codes require an air gap for dishwashers; it prevents backflow into the potable water supply. Check local plumbing codes to be certain.

Q: Are touchless faucets reliable with four-hole setups?

A: Yes, but they need a power source (battery or AC adapter) and proper clearance; schedule cabinet access for the sensor unit.

Q: What’s the best way to hide an instant hot tank?

A: Place it on a pull-out tray with ventilation and easy access for servicing; allow the manufacturer’s recommended clearance around the tank.

Q: How do I choose between an air gap and a high loop?

A: An air gap is the code-preferred method in many areas; a high loop is sometimes acceptable but less foolproof. Refer to local plumbing regulations for the authoritative requirement (see your municipal plumbing code or EPA guidelines for backflow prevention).

Q: Can I install a filtered water tap and instant hot at the same time?

A: You can, but you’ll need two separate under-sink tanks/filters and space planning to accommodate both.

Q: Where can I try different faucet layouts before drilling holes?

A: I recommend using a 3D floor planner to mock up sink and countertop placements so you can test ergonomics and spacing before committing.

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