Delta Nicoli Bathroom Faucet Review: Is It Worth It?

Updated November 2026

The delta nicoli bathroom faucet is a widespread, three-hole sink faucet with a brushed finish and a push-pop drain assembly, sold for vanities that need a traditional, transitional look. It suits homeowners replacing an older three-hole faucet who want a matching finish, a familiar two-handle layout and a drain that doesn’t require a separate pop-up lever. It is less suitable for buyers who want a single-lever faucet, a touchless or electronic feature, or a sink with only one hole. Shoppers working with a single-hole vanity should look elsewhere, and anyone who prioritizes a particular finish beyond champagne bronze should compare the other color options before committing.

Product Overview

The model reviewed here is the Delta Nicoli Brushed Gold Faucet 3 Hole, 8 Inch Widespread Bathroom Sink Faucet for Vanity, Push-Pop Drain Assembly, Champagne Bronze 35749LF-CZ. The listing name makes clear that it is a widespread faucet, meaning the two handles and the spout sit on a bar with an 8-inch center-to-center distance between the handle bases. That spacing is the standard measurement for widespread installations and matches the three holes typically drilled into a bathroom sink or vanity top.

The faucet is designed for a bathroom sink rather than a kitchen, and it is sold as a complete set that includes the faucet body, handles and a push-pop drain assembly. The champagne bronze finish places it in the warm, slightly darker range of gold-toned options, which pairs well with brass or oil-rubbed bronze hardware and with white, cream or gray vanity cabinets. Delta is a long-established plumbing brand, and the Nicoli line is one of several widespread designs in its bathroom catalog. If you are comparing brands more broadly, our guide to Best Bathroom Faucet Companies: Who Makes Reliable Faucets in 2026 explains how the major manufacturers differ in build and parts support.

Because this is a bathroom sink faucet, it is meant for lavatory use only. It is not intended for filling large tubs or driving a handheld shower, and buyers who need a tub spout or diverter should look at a different product category entirely.

Key Features & Specifications

The table below lists only the details that appear in the product name or that are consistent with the model’s published configuration. Confirm final measurements against the manufacturer’s installation sheet before ordering, since dimensions can vary slightly between revisions.

Feature	Specification
Faucet type	Widespread bathroom sink faucet
Number of holes required	3 holes
Center-to-center spacing	8 inches
Handle style	2 handles
Drain assembly	Push-pop drain included
Finish	Champagne Bronze (brushed finish)
Model number	35749LF-CZ
Intended use	Bathroom vanity sink

The “LF” in the model number indicates that the faucet is designed to meet low-lead compliance standards, which is a common labeling convention for potable-water fixtures sold in North America. Check local code requirements if you live in an area with specific plumbing rules.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Widespread three-hole layout with an 8-inch spacing that fits many standard vanity tops.
• Included push-pop drain assembly removes the need to buy a separate drain stopper.
• Champagne bronze finish offers a warm, gold-leaning tone that coordinates with many vanity and lighting styles.
• Two-handle design is familiar to most homeowners and straightforward to operate.
• Delta’s brand presence means replacement cartridges and parts are generally easy to locate.

Cons

• Only works with a three-hole sink setup; single-hole and centerset vanities are not compatible.
• Finish is a specific shade, so buyers wanting a different metal tone must choose another model.
• Two-handle controls require slightly more adjustment than a single-lever faucet for mixing temperature.
• Owners sometimes note that the brushed finish shows fingerprints and water spots more readily than polished options.

Performance Analysis

Performance for a faucet like this depends on three things: the quality of the internal valve or cartridge, the water pressure in your home, and how carefully the unit is installed. Delta uses ceramic-disc or cartridge-based valves in most of its residential faucets, which manufacturers typically cite as a reason for smoother operation and fewer drip problems than older compression designs. Specific valve details for this exact model should be confirmed in the installation documentation that ships with the product.

Flow rate is an important consideration for lavatory faucets. Most bathroom sink faucets sold in the United States are rated at or below the federal maximum of 1.2 gallons per minute, and the water-saving standards in many states set similar limits. Owners of widespread faucets commonly report that the spout gives a steady, moderate stream suitable for hand washing, with the widespread layout making it easy to reach both sides of a basin. Water pressure below roughly 30 psi can make any faucet feel weak, so homes with low pressure may want to check the supply before blaming the fixture.

Durability is where owner feedback tends to focus. Across Delta’s bathroom lines, reports of long service life are common when the faucet is installed with the supply lines and mounting nuts properly tightened. Leaks that appear after installation are more often traced to loose connections under the sink, worn O-rings or mineral buildup on the cartridge than to a failure of the faucet body itself. Keeping the aerator clean and flushing the supply lines during installation helps prevent these issues.

The push-pop drain is a practical choice for most users. You press the stopper to close it and press again to open it, which avoids the pivot rods and clevis assemblies found on older pop-up drains. The tradeoff is that the mechanism sits under the sink, so access for cleaning or adjustment requires removing the cover or stopper. Owners who maintain a tidy drain usually find this design low-maintenance.

Who Should Buy This Product?

This faucet is a good fit for homeowners with an existing three-hole vanity who want a finish that leans warm rather than cool. It works well in primary and guest bathrooms where a traditional or transitional style is the goal, and it is a reasonable choice for renters or DIYers who are comfortable with basic plumbing tasks such as shutting off the supply valves and tightening compression fittings.

Skip this model if your sink has one hole or two holes spaced closer than 8 inches. Buyers who want a single-lever control, a touchless operating mode, or a faucet that works with a vessel sink without a deck should also look elsewhere. People who strongly prefer chrome, brushed nickel or matte black will be happier choosing a different color in the same product family.

Buying Guide

Before buying any widespread bathroom faucet, measure your sink or vanity carefully. Check the distance between the existing holes, which should be about 8 inches for this model, and confirm the deck thickness so the faucet’s mounting hardware will fit. Measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other, not from edge to edge. If you are replacing an existing faucet, photograph the underside of the sink before removing anything so you can recall how the supply lines and drain are arranged. A step-by-step walkthrough for swapping a faucet appears in our guide to Bathroom Faucet Handle Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026), which covers the handle-side work that often comes up during these jobs.

Next, decide on finish and drain type. Champagne bronze, brushed nickel and matte black are all popular in bathrooms, and the right choice usually matches your cabinet hardware and light fixtures. Push-pop drains are convenient for most people, while traditional pop-up drains with a lift rod may appeal to those who already keep that style. Make sure the drain assembly you choose matches your sink’s drain opening.

Finally, consider how you will maintain the faucet. Look for models with replacement parts that are easy to order. Keeping a spare cartridge or O-ring kit on hand can save a trip to the store if a leak develops. For a broader view of what goes wrong with these fixtures and how to address it, see Bathroom Faucet Repair Kits: How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 6 Steps.

Several well-known alternatives are worth comparing if this model does not meet your needs. The Delta Nicoli Brushed Nickel 35749LF-SS uses the same widespread layout and drain design in a cooler stainless tone, which suits bathrooms with chrome or brushed nickel accents.

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The Delta Faucet Nicoli Matte Black 35749LF-BL shares the same three-hole configuration and push-pop drain but offers a bold, contemporary look that works well in modern or industrial-style baths.

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Buyers who want a broader selection of single-hole options can also review our roundup of Single Hole Faucet for Bathroom: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026), which covers designs that avoid the three-hole requirement entirely.

FAQ

Does the delta nicoli bathroom faucet require three holes in the sink?

Yes. This is a widespread model designed for three holes spaced about 8 inches center to center. Single-hole or centerset sinks are not compatible without modification or a different faucet.

Is the drain assembly included?

The listing describes a push-pop drain assembly, so it is included with the faucet. Confirm the included parts against the package contents when the box arrives.

What finish does the Champagne Bronze model have?

The finish is champagne bronze, a warm, gold-toned shade with a brushed appearance. It is one of several finishes offered in the Nicoli line.

Can I install this faucet myself?

Many homeowners with basic tools and plumbing experience complete widespread faucet installations in an afternoon. If you are unsure about shutting off supply lines or connecting flexible hoses, hire a licensed plumber.

How do I clean a brushed finish without damaging it?

Wipe the faucet with a soft cloth and warm water, then dry it. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemical cleaners, which can dull or scratch brushed metal. Manufacturers generally recommend mild, non-abrasive cleaners.

What water pressure works best with this faucet?

Most residential faucets perform well between about 40 and 60 psi. Very low pressure can make the stream feel weak, while very high pressure may require a pressure-reducing valve. A plumber can test your supply if you are unsure.

Is this faucet suitable for a vessel sink?

Widespread faucets are generally designed for sinks with a deck and three pre-drilled holes. Vessel sinks often require a different faucet type, so check the installation requirements before buying.

Final Verdict

Who should choose the delta nicoli bathroom faucet

If your vanity already has three holes spaced about 8 inches apart and you want a warm champagne bronze finish with a push-pop drain included, this model is a sensible, familiar choice. It handles everyday lavatory use, pairs easily with traditional and transitional bathrooms, and benefits from Delta’s wide parts availability. Buyers with a single-hole sink, a preference for a different finish, or a desire for single-lever or touchless controls should compare the alternatives above before deciding.

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Related reading

• Delta Trinsic Bathroom Faucet Review: Key Features Explained
• Delta Bathroom Faucet Champagne Bronze Review (2026)
• Cassidy Delta Bathroom Faucet Review: Features and Performance
• Replace Bathroom Tub Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

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