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.
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.
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.
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 is extremely durable and tends to keep its finish longer than chrome.
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.
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.
Polished Chrome (Cool Undertone)
This shiny finish is a timeless favorite. It is a popular choice for bath and powder rooms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Because of its warmth, nickel is the more 'classic' finish of the two, typically used in traditional settings, while chrome is at home in contemporary environments. Nickel has been used in homes since the Victorian era, whereas Chrome has had its moment more recently, in modern kitchens and bathrooms.
This Just In: Chrome Is Making a Comeback
"I have started to see an uptick in orders of silver-toned hardware this year," she says. "People are looking for softer alternatives to stark black and the brightness and sparkle that comes with cool-toned chrome compared to brass." Want more design inspiration?
Chrome taps have been around for decades and remain stylish due to their sleek, modern look. Chrome taps can help perfectly bring your bathroom or kitchen design together - even in 2023! Let's take a closer look at why this timeless classic will never go out of style.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Starting July 2025, Chrome app support will be phased out in stages and reach end of life in October 2028. Developers are advised to make the transition to modern web technologies. July 2025: End of support for user-installed Chrome Apps on ChromeOS (currently scheduled for ChromeOS M138).
It's possible that either your antivirus software or unwanted malware prevents Chrome from opening. To fix, check if Chrome was blocked by antivirus or other software on your computer.
Top tip – never, ever, EVER mix chrome and nickel. They are both silver tones, but with different undertones, and they will look awful together.
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.
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.