Metals also come in a variety of sheens and finishes, including matte, satin, brushed, polished, oil-rubbed, aged, and antiqued. When mixing metal finishes, most designers agree you can mix metal finishes and sheens.
Hammered copper works with satin oil rubbed bronze. Satin antique brass works with polished nickel. The only thing that we don't recommend – mixing 2 finishes in the same color. For example, don't mix polished nickel and brushed nickel – it will look like you tried to make them all match, but missed.
Mixing bathroom fixture finishes is another balancing act, but it will pay off big time. Try pairing shiny, polished fixtures with matte metals for a clean, modern look. For a sleek bathroom, try brushed finishes in complementary colors.
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.
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.
Some designers say the safe bet is to match your hardware finishes to your permanent fittings such as your faucets and showerheads. For example, chrome goes with chrome. But other designers suggest having fun with your choices. After all, this is where you can introduce pops of color or sparkle.
Warm white: 3,000-4,000 Kelvin provide a yellow, white light. While they have warm tones, they are less warm than soft white. This color is preferable for bathrooms, as it provides a relaxing tone while giving sufficient lighting. This color temperature can be found in LED bulbs.
Choosing The Right Finish
For most projects, Bratton defers to satin nickel in modern and traditional style homes for its timeless and versatile finish. For homes that lean decidedly more rustic, or for folks that don't want shine in their finishes, brushed nickel is the better choice.
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.
According to Logan, you should not use Clorox wipes on brushed nickel. 'You should not use products that contain alcohol or ammonia to clean brushed nickel faucets,' says Logan. 'If you do, you may affect the finish and shine of the nickel.
We suggest curating two to three metals that work well together by identifying their undertones. For example, nickel has a warm undertone and generally works better than chrome when paired with brass and gold.
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.
In conclusion, whether bathroom faucets have to match hardware ultimately depends on your personal preferences and design goals. While matching can create a polished and cohesive look, mixing and matching allows for more creative expression and flexibility.
Neutrals are a safe bet for any room, and they pair beautifully with brushed nickel finishes. Whites, beiges, and soft taupes create a timeless look while allowing the sleekness of the brushed nickel to stand out.
One of the questions our design consultants get the most when helping homeowners plan a bathroom remodel is, “Can I mix metal finishes, or do I have to stick to one?” The short answer is: yes, you can absolutely mix metal finishes in your bathroom!
In general, selecting handles that remain consistent with each other and the overall style of the house will avoid creating an awkward interior design.
No matter which finish you choose—brushed nickel or chrome, shiny or matte—using the same metal for the towel bars and the bathtub faucets gives an intentional feel. This is especially true if you also coordinate the space with a cohesive design that extends to the towels, bath mats, wall color, and flooring.
Brushed nickel is rapidly rising in popularity in modern bathrooms. It has a matte finish, which means it will easily hide fingerprints and be easy to clean. People tend to put brushed nickel finishes in their bathroom when they want warmer tones or they are going for a vintage or antique look in their bathroom.
Feldman also advises paying attention to finishes. She likes to mix metals of different colors that share a similar warmth, such as unlacquered brass, polished nickel and matte black, but she says to never mix the same metal in different finishes, such as polished nickel and satin nickel.
Tarnishes Faster Than Chrome
One of the key differences between brushed nickel and polished chrome is that brushed nickel will tarnish faster.
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.
Although often mistaken for the same, brushed nickel and satin nickel are two distinct finishes. A key brushed nickel difference is that brushed nickel offers a flat finish with clear brush strokes, while satin nickel is softer in hue with less visible brushing.
White fixtures, including sinks, toilets, and bathtubs, are classic choices for a timeless bathroom. Their crisp, clean appearance and enduring quality make them a staple in luxury bathroom design. White porcelain pairs seamlessly with a variety of colors and materials, ensuring a cohesive and elegant look.
Soft, warm lighting with a color temperature between 2700-3000 Kelvin is considered the most flattering for skin tones, creating a gentle glow that enhances complexions and minimizes imperfections.
Integrated LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lighting has emerged as one of the most prominent trends in bathroom design. LED technology offers numerous advantages, including energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility.