Due to the additional manufacturing steps required,
More Expensive Than Chrome
Although brushed nickel towel bars and polished chrome towel bars are not very different in terms of price, brushed nickel costs a bit more on average. This is only really important if you are on a strict budget.
The Cons of Brushed Nickel
Brushed nickel has a rather run-of-mill feel. It's the most commonly used material in home renovations, so it can seem a little too bland. Not the best choice if you're going for a unique look in your home.
Brushed nickel is generally more forgiving in hard water areas, as it's better at hiding water spots and fingerprints. Chrome, while durable, may show water spots more easily, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Pricier Than Chrome
Polished nickel finishes are more expensive than chrome ones. For example, an average polished nickel faucet costs roughly $90, whereas a chrome faucet costs closer to $60.
Brushed nickel is extremely durable and tends to keep its finish longer than chrome.
Timeless Brushed Nickel
For those who prefer subtle sophistication, brushed nickel is a classic that never goes out of style.
In 2024, antique brass with a matte sheen will be popular, pairing well with modern and traditional interiors. Brushed Nickel: Known for its subtle shine, brushed nickel adds a neutral yet contemporary look. It's versatile, making it a favorite for bathrooms and kitchens.
Polished Chrome: The Classic and Timeless Favorite
Polished chrome has been a staple in bathrooms for decades, thanks to its bright, reflective surface that adds a touch of elegance and cleanliness to any space. It's like the little black dress of bathroom fixtures: simple, timeless, and always appropriate.
Top tip – never, ever, EVER mix chrome and nickel. They are both silver tones, but with different undertones, and they will look awful together. Here we mixed polished nickel and brass. Both have warm undertones, making them a great match.
Brushed nickel finishes, which are rubbed with an abrasive while still at the factory to create their special look, are especially susceptible to damage from bathroom and kitchen cleaners that contain low-concentration phosphoric acid. If not rinsed promptly, these can damage or even remove a brushed nickel finish.
As a designer, I'm here to tell you it most certainly can be! Chrome taps have been around for decades and remain stylish due to their sleek, modern look. Chrome taps can help perfectly bring your bathroom or kitchen design together - even in 2023!
From faucets and cabinet handles to towel bars, matching metals in your bathroom creates a cohesive, intentional look that most homeowners prefer. Switching out the hardware can make a bathroom vanity look new.
Be sure to avoid using acid, alcohol, or solvent-based cleaners. These types of cleaners can ruin or discolor the more delicate surface of the brushed nickel finish. Vinegar is a popular faucet cleaning solution, but should be avoided on brushed nickel.
Polished nickel is more expensive than chrome due to the manufacturing process, while chrome is generally considered more durable. Overall, polished nickel and chrome have unique characteristics that set them apart, such as appearance, durability, maintenance, cost, and applications.
Chrome plating is commonly seen on a lot of automotive parts because of its attractive finish. It is also generally more expensive than nickel plating processes.
Black faucets are the current leading finish with nickel and pewter close behind. Matte and brushed finishes are also popular as they can show fewer water marks and can be easier to clean. Brass finishes are also trending with the warmth and timeless look that they bring to a space.
Polished brass door knobs epitomise timeless elegance. Their warm, golden hue brings a touch of luxury to any door. Brass has been a favoured choice for door knobs for centuries due to its durability and ability to withstand the test of time.
While not required, matching fixtures can help a bathroom look more polished. Most bathrooms have a uniform style and use the same color palette throughout. The sink, faucet, towel bar, cabinet hardware, and lighting all fall within this category.
Durability Showdown: Brushed Nickel vs Chrome
Brushed nickel and chrome resist corrosion and tarnish, establishing them as durable home fixtures. However, brushed nickel may have a slight edge in resisting wear and tear due to its matte appearance and lacquer coating.
When it comes to interior design trends for 2024, one material continues to shine brightly in the spotlight—chrome. This sleek, reflective finish has proven itself to be a timeless choice, particularly when it comes to bathroom lighting.
What Are the Biggest Door Handle Trends in 2024? The black door handle trend shows no sign of slowing down in 2024 and no wonder – the clean finish will suit most décor styles and goes perfectly with the current minimalist trend.
It's also not the best choice if you have stainless steel everywhere; the two finishes blend together too much, dulling the impact. While it's durable, brushed nickel isn't invincible. Over time, it may show scratches, especially in high-traffic areas.
Cool Metals
Bright and reflective, metals are sure to make a statement in your home. Moving away from gold and warm-toned metals, cool-toned metals like silver, chrome, steel, and aluminum are going to have their moment in 2024.
Tapware used to be all about the shine, with most preferring chrome or stainless steel. But in 2024 and 2025 brushed stainless, nickel and brass will be more popular, adding a minimalist, understated edge to any bathroom or kitchen design.