Are Oil Rubbed Bronze Fixtures Going Out of Style? You're likely wondering if oil rubbed bronze fixtures are going out of style, but the truth is, their timeless appeal and versatility keep them relevant, allowing you to create a warm, sophisticated ambiance that's uniquely yours.
Oil rubbed bronze is both current and classic. It's usually found in traditional and transitional decor. But occasionally, you'll see oil rubbed bronze fixtures in very sleek, contemporary spaces as well.
The 2024 Bronze, Brown, & Caramel Interior Design Trend is the warmest look in years. I'm excited to share with you this warm and wonderful interior design color trend for 2024: bronze, browns, and caramels (and sometimes copper!).
Unlike trendy finishes that might go out of style, oil-rubbed bronze complements a wide range of design styles, from traditional to contemporary. Its rich color and texture add depth and sophistication to any space.
Now finishes like Venetian Bronze and Oil Rubbed Bronze are making a long overdue come-back in home design! Styling your home with bronze kitchen and bathroom faucets, shower systems, and accessories not only adds a unique touch to each room, but these durable pieces are easy to care for and look great for ages!
You'll be pleased to know that oil-rubbed bronze isn't completely out of style in 2024, as it still maintains a niche market and is often incorporated into mixed metal finishes, adding warmth and sophistication to various design styles.
Polished Chrome: The Classic and Timeless Favorite
And there's a good reason for that—it's a classic choice that never goes out of style! 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.
Oil Rubbed Bronze (ORB): One potential downside of ORB finishes is that they can be prone to showing fingerprints, water spots, and smudges. Due to the dark and sometimes uneven patina, these imperfections may be more noticeable.
When first purchased, these will appear a very dark black or dark brown color. Over time, the top coat of finish wears off with continued use, exposing a lighter bronze color on the areas with the most use while leaving the less-used parts of the hardware the darker color.
Outdated Cabinetry
Granite countertops typically pair with natural wood cabinets, but pine or hickory cabinetry can date your kitchen's style back a few decades. Additionally, cabinetry with gold or brass fixtures shows that the kitchen hasn't had an update for a while.
10: Cool toned metal finishes
Brass is here to stay thanks to its warm glow and natural antimicrobial properties. But if brass just isn't your thing, you're in luck because finishes like satin nickel, pewter, and stainless steel are poised to make a comeback in 2024.
In a room with warmer colors, brass or gold can complement Oil Rubbed Bronze beautifully. In cooler-toned rooms, silver, nickel, or chrome might be more appropriate.
Oil rubbed bronze is also known as a "living finish". A living finish will wear over time and the darker surface will begin to reveal lighter, coppery highlights.
Oil-rubbed bronze allows you to see just hints of bronze, so look for other warm-toned metals like polished bronze, copper, or even gold.
Antique Brass: Brass continues to dominate due to its warmth and vintage appeal. 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.
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).
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.
If you start mixing and matching hardware on your doors, it'll end up looking like you purchased whatever hardware you could find in the clearance bins. But I do think it's absolutely, perfectly fine to use brushed nickel door hardware and oil-rubbed bronze lights.
The other big factor about this finish is that it changes over time – what some refer to as a 'living finish'. Depending on your viewpoint, this can either be a drawback or part of the finish's appeal. The oil and oxidization age, wear off and react to the environment.
Best Faucet Brands According to Plumbers
You want something that is durable, attractive, and a great value for the money. The best brands according to plumbers are Moen, Delta, and Kohler. Plumbers prefer these brands due to their quality, their reliability, and their availability.
Oil Rubbed Bronze faucets are particularly forgiving when it comes to concealing fingerprints, water spots, and minor imperfections. The dark, textured surface helps to mask smudges and small scratches, making these faucets a practical choice for households with children or high traffic areas.
Smart technology has been on the rise and is prominent in 2024 kitchen faucet trends. Touchless or motion-sensor faucets have been rising in popularity. However, voice-controlled faucets have been unique to the 2024 faucet trends. Smart faucets can even include customized temperature settings.