Similarly-hued metals work well together. For example, nickels and chromes pair well. But so do very different metals, like polished nickel paired with bronze. In this instance, it's good to combine a light metal with a dark one.
Copper is such a great bridge between two metals like warm brass and brushed nickel. Adding a few copper accessories might be all you need to tie these two together!
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.
If timeless is what you're going for, polished nickel provides some depth and warmth with its richer gold hue. Deciding which finish you should choose on your project comes down to personal style but one key factor that you should keep in mind is not to mix polished nickel and polished chrome together.
Brushed nickel has a cool, silvery hue, making it ideal for pairing with cool tones. Colors such as soft blues, greens, and grays can create a serene environment that enhances the elegance of brushed nickel fixtures.
O'Brien suggests mixing brass and dark bronze, brass and chrome, or brass and nickel, but never mix nickel and chrome. Also, he cautions that there is a limit to how many metal finishes you can mix together in one room. “There should be a main finish choice and maybe one accent,” he says.
Nickel Plating is again applied to a base metal and polished to a high shine. The colouring has a more yellow, deeper and richer tone than the Polished Chrome Finish. Many people refer to it as looking like traditional sterling silver.
Timeless Brushed Nickel
For those who prefer subtle sophistication, brushed nickel is a classic that never goes out of style.
Choose From Different Color Families
Pick either shiny chrome or satin nickel—the two are similar in color but actually have different undertones and won't create a cohesive space when used side-by-side. Ditto with aged brass and shiny gold. Also, be careful of using the same lusters, like shiny chrome and shiny gold.
Typically, you should use warm metals (like brass, nickel and copper) with warm hues (like whites, beiges, browns and taupes) and cool metals (such as chrome and silver) with cool hues (such as blues, greens and grays).
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.
When paired with natural surfaces – on cabinets, tables, mirror frames, or accent furniture – chrome can bring a fresh look to a room without making it seem too modern or hard-edged. Best of all, given its longevity in design, chrome has already proven to be timeless, so it won't go out of style anytime soon.
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.
Satin/Brushed Nickel (Warm Undertone)
One of the most popular finishes, it is an available finish option for nearly every hardware design.
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!
For example, Nickel has a warm undertone and generally works better than chrome when paired with brass and gold.
Chrome isn't as easy to repair, but it's easier to clean and won't stain. It also offers a high-shine finish while polished nickel offers shine and warmer tones. What's the Difference Between Brushed Nickel and Chrome?
Due to the additional manufacturing steps required, brushed nickel faucets and bathroom fixtures usually cost more than chrome faucets. The brushed texture creates an aesthetic appeal that comes at a higher cost.
Chrome is often seen as providing a more sophisticated and cool look to a room, and nickel is often seen as a warmer color. Variety: Brushed nickel faucet fixtures come in a wider range of finishes than chrome. Most chrome fixtures have the same level of blue tint.
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.
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.
Start by selecting a colour palette that compliments brushed nickel's timeless elegance. Soft neutrals like grey, beige, or muted pastels work beautifully. For a bolder statement, consider deep blues or forest greens.
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 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.