The Jewelry in Your Bathroom | Faucet Finish Choices
Bathroom Faucets and Hardware Can Make or Break a Design
Choosing a finish for your bathroom fixtures is an important part of any bathroom remodel. Your fixtures help to establish style, and can help to create a focal point for the entire space.
Do you know the difference between satin brass and satin bronze or brushed and polished nickel? Fear not, we'll examine some of the most popular finish options you'll have when shopping for the perfect bath fixture. Keep in mind, most faucets have a lifetime warranty when it comes to finishes, so if you already have the perfect fixture but it's looking a little dull, call the manufacturer and check the warranty policy!
If you're new to selecting finishes, it's a good idea to get all of your fixtures and accessories in a matching finish. Some are standard like chrome or most brushed nickel finishes, but be careful as not all finishes made by different manufacturers look the same.
To ensure you're getting the exact finish, buy all of your fixtures from a single manufacturer. Many offer complete sets including tub spouts, temperature handles, shower heads and faucets that match exactly in color, style and finish. If you are supplementing existing fixtures, make sure to bring your current one with you to make sure the color and style matches.
Let's look at the pros and cons of some of today's most popular finishes available the best stylistic uses for each.
Polished Brass Faucets
An all time favorite, polished brass is perfect for bathrooms going for that vintage vibe. It's equally at home and beautiful in eclectic, traditional and modern settings as well. Polished brass can be pricier than brushed nickel or chrome but its easy to find and matches well with other fixtures.
Satin Brass Faucets
Satin brass features an elegant brushed-gold look that doesn't overpower the room and isn't overly showy. It works perfectly in contemporary, modern or traditional designs, is very durable and does not show fingerprints or water spots. However, it can rack up your renovation costs as it is pricey, but it's definitely worth the investment!
Copper Faucets
Copper is one of the most luxurious and bold finishes available. It looks stunning when paired with a marble vanity top and is breathtaking when used in steampunk, farmhouse or Tuscan settings. Plus, it ages really well. While it can be difficult to retain a shiny finish it can develop a unique and beautiful patina. Cons; it's difficult to match with other fixtures, especially if you let it age and it's not as durable as other finishes.
Oil-rubbed Bronze Faucets
If you're going for a traditional look and are tired of brushed nickel or chrome, oil-rubbed bronze is a perfect solution! This is a very budget-friendly finish because you can simply buy a brass darkening solution to transform existing brass fixtures. It looks fabulous in Mediterranean or Tuscan themed bathrooms, is easy to find and clean, but can be pricier than other options if you need to buy replacements.
Satin Bronze Faucets
If you love the look of oil-rubbed bronze and copper then you'll love satin bronze. This finish is at home in Mediterranean, traditional and eclectic designs being a lighter alternative to oil-rubbed bronze and is easier to maintain than copper. Finding matches can be challenging and satin bronze can be expensive. Like satin brass, it doesn't show fingerprints or water stains.
Polished Nickel Faucets
Slightly darker than chrome but exhibiting the same luster, polished nickel can appear to change color depending on how it's lit. It's at home in eclectic, traditional, modern and contemporary bathrooms. It can be expensive and challenging to find matches for, but it makes up for this be being easy to maintain and is extremely durable.
Brushed Nickel Faucets
Another favorite, brushed nickel works with any style and is extremely durable. It's one of the cheaper finish options yet never shows wear, water spots, fingerprints or stains. The downside is that is looks very “standard” and is a little pricier than chrome.
Chrome Faucets
Chrome goes with absolutely every style and is the most budget-friendly finish. Sadly it shows water spots and fingerprints, but if your looking for a durable option that works with any décor, chrome is a great choice.
White Faucets
If you love a clean bright bathroom, choose a white faucet! It's often available in both plastic or porcelain, with porcelain costing a lot more than plastic. While this finish is surprisingly easy to clean and goes well with modern and farmhouse styles, the porcelain option is prone to chipping.
Matte Black Faucets
Adding a matte black fixture to your bathroom can make it appear like you've completely renovated the room although all you did was switch the fixtures! It's easy to maintain but finding matching pieces might be difficult and it can be expensive. It works best in eclectic or modern designs.
Choosing the finish for your bathroom fixtures can be fun and exciting. Today, you have a wide range of choices to fit any budget or style. Work with your designer or design-build contractor to understand all of your options. They will help you to make the perfect choice.
About Toulmin Kitchen & Bath Design - We're West Alabama's award-winning, premier kitchen, and bath showroom. We're experts who are known for a design-build process that makes the construction process stress-free. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a design consultation.
