Stainless steel is a classic choice for hardware and fittings because it complements most home styles. 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.
In a test of durability, stainless steel will always come out on top. This is because stainless steel kitchen hardware is composed of solid metal, as opposed to chrome and brushed nickel plating.
The different finish names are used to differentiate between kitchen (Stainless Steel) and bathroom (Brushed Nickel) fixtures. These two finishes will complement each other, but it is recommended to use the same brand throughout your design wherever possible if you want your fixtures to match each other perfectly.
The main difference between nickel and stainless steel is that nickel is a pure metal while stainless steel is an alloy. Nickel also has a higher melting point than stainless steel. Nickel is used in alloys to create products that are resistant to corrosion, such as coins, jewelry, and batteries.
Difference Between Brushed and Regular Stainless Steel
While regular stainless steel does not receive any additional treatment after production, brushed stainless steel goes through an additional process of brushing or polishing the metal surface with an abrasive material to create a unique texture or finish.
Satin/Brushed Nickel (Warm Undertone)
Satin Nickel is very close in appearance to stainless steel, but is available in a much wider variety of design styles. One of the most popular finishes, it is an available finish option for nearly every hardware design.
Satin Nickel is in the same color family as Polished Nickel and Stainless Steel, it is a warm toned silver but with a brushed finish that will complement stainless steel appliances and most silver fixtures.
Because stainless steel is more durable than brushed nickel, it is also more expensive. If you're renovating on a budget, there may be other places to spend your money, making brushed nickel the better choice.
Conclusion. In conclusion, while brushed nickel may not be as trendy as it once was, it is far from out of style. Its timeless and versatile nature allows it to fit various design styles and themes. Additionally, the durability and ease of maintenance make it a practical choice for many homeowners.
Stainless steel is a type of steel that contains chromium, which helps to prevent the steel from rusting. Nickel plating is more expensive than stainless steel. Nickel plating is more durable than stainless steel. Nickel plating offers better protection against corrosion than stainless steel.
We often get questions about which metals work best together, and the answer is: They all can go together…as long as there is clear design intent! Metals are meant to be mixed, so don't worry too much about whether they'll “go together” and instead make sure each finish is a thoughtful addition to your space.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
A great aesthetic alternative to standard chrome and brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze gives the bathroom a more traditional look and feel. To complement the look around your bathroom, use a brass darkening solution on any brass items.
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.
Neutral color schemes, such as ivory, light brown, beige or slate, blend well with brushed nickel fixtures and create a soft yet contemporary effect.
Brushed nickel fixture coating is semi-satin, so it isn't very shiny or matte. It has a non-reflective texture and dull appearance. Brushed nickel finish is a classic finish that is often used on metal products, such as appliance pulls and door handles.
Brushed nickel gets its slightly matte appearance from being treated with a wire brush. We're seeing more and more clients navigate towards a brushed nickel finish, and for good reason. This finish has a luxurious, almost hand-crafted aesthetic that hides water spots and fingerprints well.
Does this mean brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze are out of style? Nope. And in even better news, there's no need to replace all the metals in your kitchen all at once anymore. Because mixed metals in the kitchen create a curated look in the kitchen that is so 2023.
Brushed/Satin nickel will never go out of style. It is very versatile because it goes with almost any cabinet color and matches great with stainless steel appliances.
Gold and Brass
Gold is getting an added boost thanks to this year's trend of black and gold, which is especially popular in this year's resurgence of Art Deco. The warm look of gold and brass creates an inviting atmosphere that is also timeless and luxurious.
Shiny chrome is the most popular bath finish and comes with an affordable price tag.
Both satin and brushed nickel have the same basic properties: they're both shiny and reflective, but satin has more texture than brushed nickel. Satin also looks more like real metal, while brushed looks more like plastic.
Easier To Clean
You only need a soft cloth to clean brushed nickel. It's easier to keep clean because you can't see smudges and fingerprints as brushed nickel hides smudges.
The beauty of black hardware is that it is timeless. Black is a classic color and will add elegance to any kitchen. Brass is another very trendy hardware option. Just like black hardware, brass works with all decor styles.
Stainless steel is a classic choice for hardware and fittings because it complements most home styles. 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.
Brushed Nickel (BPN)
The brushing highlights the beauty of the nickel and creates a finish that hides scratches and water spots. Brushed Nickel has become one of the most popular finish choices for hardware due to its versatility and ability to complement all styles and cabinet colors.