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.
There is no need to match light fixtures in all the bathrooms. Different shades, finishes, design and sizes are not only fine, but far more interesting and imaginative.
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.
There is nothing wrong with keeping all your hardware the same tone. But mixing metals in a bathroom gives it a more refined and designer-inspired look. Using the same metal over and over again can come across as safe and boring.
Bathrooms do not have to match. You do not need to use the same cabinets (wood type/color/style) in all the bathrooms, same with tile. They result will be like you gave it some thought. Most good interior designers do not do what some call ``matchy-matchy''.
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.
No, your bathroom hardware doesn't have to match. There is a common belief that if the metals in your bathroom are different colors or finishes, your bathroom will look tacky, unbalanced, or just plain chaotic. That couldn't be further from the truth!
Timeless Brushed Nickel
For those who prefer subtle sophistication, brushed nickel is a classic that never goes out of style.
“Many people feel they need to match their plumbing fixtures throughout the house,” explained Carla Aston of Designed With Carla Aston in Texas. “That definitely is not true. I like for each bathroom to sort of have its own identity.
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!
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.
The simple answer is no. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to fixtures and fittings.
While it isn't necessary to match the frame to the fixtures, many appreciate a well-coordinated and streamlined look. There is such a wide variety of fixture finishes, it can be challenging to determine which finish pairs well with which frame style.
While there are no real rules for bathroom colours, it's recommended to use three different options: one accent colour, one neutral shade, and one rich colour. This will help you maintain an ideal balance of tones across the room.
When all the elements in your bathroom, such as faucets, cabinet handles, towel bars, and shower fixtures, match, it can create a sense of cohesion and visual harmony. This approach is often favored in more traditional or classic bathroom designs.
While it's not a design rule, matching door hardware with light fixtures creates a sense of flow throughout your home. For a cohesive design, match fixture finishes in high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways. However, in eclectic or transitional designs, mixing metals can make a stylish statement.
Not necessarily, but it does look more cohesive. Keeping the same type of metal throughout is something most renovators do without thinking, but you can definitely shake things up for a more eclectic bathroom style.
Sinks and faucets come in different configurations. The faucet configuration has to line up with the number of holes in the sink. The two components don't necessarily have to match exactly, as extra holes can be hidden with plugs and baseplates.
While there are a few models that can interchange tanks and bowls, most are configured to work optimally as a set as indicated in our Product Showcase. In fact, if you do your own mixing and matching, the toilet may not flush at all! Gravity Fed and Pressure Assisted tanks and bowls cannot be mixed.
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.
I personally think Nickel is the most timeless of the metals. Brass has really gained in popularity with interior designers, but is probably a trendier choice. I've seen a rise in the popularity of black hardware especially in this age of farmhouse- EVERYTHING (Thanks Chip and Joanna).
Both brushed nickel and chrome are considered timeless finishes. While trends may shift, these finishes have remained popular choices for their versatility and enduring appeal. Choosing either will ensure your space stays stylish for years to come.
The short answer: Yes, you can! To add additional dimension you can mix metal finishes between your faucet, hardware, light fixture, shower handles, etc. A lot of designers play around with finishes in bathrooms and kitchens and in my opinion, it's just another layer to your design.
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.
Should You Install the Same Hardware Fixtures in Both Bathrooms? While it is not necessary to include the same exact fixture in the master and guest bathroom, you should at least make sure that things look a bit cohesive. For instance, you can use the same type of metal in both bathrooms.