Like many design elements, faucet finishes go in and out of fashion. Two of the most popular finishes today are polished chrome and brushed nickel, with the once popular brass quickly falling out of favor. Both chrome and nickel are relatively easy to match with existing hardware and they provide a clean, up-to-date look for kitchens and baths.
While there was a time when brushed nickel was more expensive than chrome, today the two are nearly equal in price. Most of the Main Line homeowners we work with choose brushed nickel faucets and knobs for their remodels, but brushed or polished chrome remains popular for some.
Deciding which finish to choose for your faucets and knobs depends a lot on personal style and taste, but there are differences between the two you’ll want to consider.
Both finishes have positive and negative aspects, so it isn’t always easy to choose which will serve your home and family best over the long term. Brushed nickel is extremely durable and tends to keep its finish longer than chrome. It doesn’t show fingerprints or water spots and is easy to clean. Relatively inexpensive, it also matches nicely with most other accessories and fixtures. One of the biggest disadvantages with brushed nickel is that if you use it together with stainless steel in your kitchen remodel, it tends to blend in instead of making a statement.
Chrome is appreciated for its versatility and durability. It’s easy to clean and maintain, and goes well with a variety of accessories and other fixtures. The downside to chrome finishes is that, unlike brushed nickel, it easily shows fingerprints and water spots. Scratches are also more visible to the naked eye.
The right faucets and knobs extend beyond function to become an expression of your unique personal taste. When deciding which ones you want for your home, start by taking a moment to look around at your bath or kitchen and soak in the overall sense of style. Look at the shape of the sink, the counter edges, doors, other fixtures and, in the bathroom, the mirror. Then choose the fixture and finish that doesn’t just complement the room, but stays true to who you are. Designers recommend shooting for uniformity, but if you focus on purposeful design, it is possible to introduce elements that say “this is home.”
If you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or bathroom remodel, schedule a conversation with us today and we’ll fill you in on all your faucet finish options. We also invite you to download our free guide that gives you the 10 questions to ask when hiring a contractor for your Main Line remodeling project.
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