How to Decide on What Fixture Finish to Use in Your Home

It seems like a small decision, but the finish of faucets, sinks, and hardware has a big impact on your home. Choosing the right finish is especially important when it comes to heavy metal rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to match exactly. Mixing metals can add character and depth that a matching look lacks.

Brushed Nickel

For homeowners that want the beauty of chrome fixtures but prefer a more traditional look, brushed nickel is a great option. The brushed finish looks more matte and has visible linear brush strokes which provide a textural element to the fixture that is pleasing to the eye. This finish is also very versatile and can fit many different design styles and themes. It is durable and works well with both warm and cool colors.

Brushed nickel is a timeless finish that will likely never go out of style. It is a very popular choice for cabinet hardware and faucet finishes. While it may not be as striking as polished chrome, it is a very attractive option that will stand the test of time.

One advantage of brushed nickel is that it hides water spots and fingerprints much better than chrome. This makes it an ideal option for busy homes with children and/or pets.

Like chrome, brushed nickel is available in a variety of tints. Some brushed nickels have more of a blue tint which works well with blues and whites, while others have a yellow hue that pairs nicely with earthy tones. To ensure that you’re getting a consistent color, it’s important to purchase all of your fixtures and accessories from the same manufacturer.

Oil Rubbed Bronze

With a dark, brownish-black finish and a slightly slick surface, oil rubbed bronze is a classic option that isn’t too modern. It pairs well with Tuscan farmhouse, vintage Victorian, and turn-of-the-century Craftsman décor. It also fits in with Prairie and traditional Southwestern architecture.

It is a great alternative to chrome for those who prefer the more traditional aesthetic. It is also less prone to water spots than other finishes. If you do happen to get hard water stains on your faucet or fixture, use a half-and-half solution of vinegar and water to remove them. Avoid using harsh cleaners or steel wool, as they can damage the fixture’s finish.

Once you have decided on a finish, you can apply it to the rest of your hardware, such as cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. By doing this, you will create a consistent look throughout the room and keep your kitchen or bathroom looking beautiful for a long time to come. You can even add an accent metal, like brushed brass or stainless steel, to add contrast and personality to your space.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has long been a popular material in kitchens and other commercial settings, where its durability, low maintenance, and resistance to corrosion make it a good choice. It’s also relatively inexpensive, and its familiar luster makes it easy to coordinate with a variety of design styles.

It is important to note that there are many different grades of stainless steel. They are divided into families based on their composition, physical properties, and metallographic structure. The four major groups are ferrite, martensitic, austenitic, and duplex. Each group has its own unique properties and uses, but most contain at least 10.5% chromium. This minimum level of chromium creates an oxide film on the surface of the metal that is self-healing and far more resistant to corrosion than steel without chromium.

The 304 grade of stainless steel, for example, contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This combination of chromium and nickel gives it its resistance to corrosion, strength, and hardness. It is also nonmagnetic, making it an excellent choice for a variety of applications.

While it may seem like minutiae, the decisions you make about fixture finishes will have a big impact on how your space looks and feels. For that reason, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each finish before making your decision. If you’re not sure where to start, try consulting with a designer or showing your hardware dealer a sample of the color you want to match.