Timeless Brushed Nickel For those who prefer subtle sophistication, brushed nickel is a classic that never goes out of style.
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.
Brushed nickel offers a warm, matte finish, ideal for traditional-style homes, and easier to maintain than other finishes. Chrome provides a glossy, reflective appeal, creating a modern and sleek look in home interiors.
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.
Tarnishes Faster Than Chrome
One of the key differences between brushed nickel and polished chrome is that brushed nickel will tarnish faster.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, mixing metals is a popular design trend that adds depth and interest to your kitchen. Brushed nickel pairs well with a variety of metal finishes, such as brass, chrome tapware, or matte black. The key is to balance the finishes so that they complement rather than compete with each other.
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.
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.
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.
Timeless and versatile: Brushed nickel isn't trendy – it's a finish that will stand the test of time and goes well with just about any interior decor style. Low maintenance: Because it's less shiny, brushed nickel doesn't show fingerprints, water spots, or smudges as easily as polished nickel.
Timeless Brushed Nickel
For those who prefer subtle sophistication, brushed nickel is a classic that never goes out of style.
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.
TIMELESS KITCHEN FINISHES
When it comes to faucet finishes, look to Arctic® Stainless or Polished Nickel. Arctic Stainless finish is the classic's classic, tried and true in presentation and tone.
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.
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.
Satin nickel has a softer, matte, lustrous appearance, while brushed nickel has a slightly textured finish. If you're going for a more modern, understated look, satin nickel might be the way to go. But brushed nickel could be a perfect choice if you want a rustic, industrial feel.