Whilst we do not refer to it as a live finish, without cleaning, Nickel will darken very gently in time as it oxidises with the air.
Tarnishes Faster Than Chrome
One of the key differences between brushed nickel and polished chrome is that brushed nickel will tarnish faster.
For those who prefer subtle sophistication, brushed nickel is a classic that never goes out of style. Its soft, muted sheen adds a touch of elegance without feeling flashy, making it a beloved choice for transitional and traditional spaces alike, the perfect match to our Veranda and Valencia door styles.
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.
However the surfaces of these products can also dull over time depending on the environmental factors involved and how well they are cared for. Nickel is also occasionally referred to as “non-living finish” though Nickel will patina or “tarnish” as well.
Brushed nickel is known for its warm, satin-like appearance and resistance to fingerprints and water spots. This low-maintenance finish is an excellent choice for busy households, as it requires minimal upkeep. However, brushed nickel may show scratches over time, especially in high-use areas.
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.
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.
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.
Polished Chrome (Cool Undertone)
This shiny finish is a timeless favorite. It is a popular choice for bath and powder rooms.
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.
Brushed nickel is dominating the 2024 kitchen faucet trends so far as it is stylish, sophisticated, and can easily conceal blemishes. More niche and opulent finishes, such as copper or chrome-plated brass, are on the rise. These finishes create a patina as they age, which can add character to your kitchen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
However, while brushed nickel might have a slight leg-up in terms of durability, satin nickel evens the playing field with a slight edge in the maintenance category. Both metals are pretty low-maintenance and excel at hiding fingerprints, but smoother finishes are typically easier to clean.
Nickel is a timeless silver metal and a super popular choice for plumbing and hardware fixtures. But there are a few variations of nickel, and polished and brushed nickel are the most popular.
In general, I tend to go for matte or brushed versions of metals, unless it's a stainless steal or sometimes nickel. A high quality brass, bronze, or silver finish will look good years to come if it matches your color scheme.
Meanwhile, the old faithful, brushed nickel, retains its popularity. It's the sturdy grandpa of faucet finishes, reliable and versatile. It mightn't do TikTok dances, but it sure does stand the test of time. In the end, your bathroom fixtures should reflect your taste and style.
2024: Peach Fuzz
Peach Fuzz is a light, delicate shade between pink and orange. The soft, heartfelt hue expresses the desire to nurture kindness, compassion, and connection.
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.
Today's design trends lean toward bolder, richer finishes that bring warmth or striking contrast to interiors. Matte and brushed textures, like those in Brushed Nickel, Graphite Nickel and Satin Brass, have captured the spotlight, giving spaces a high-end feel that Satin Chrome doesn't quite deliver.
Brushed nickel and stainless steel often look very similar, but the difference is in their underlying tone: brushed nickel tends to have a golden or brownish tint while stainless steel has a faintly blue tone.