Think of it as a mellow silvery finish, compared to the bright reflectiveness of Chrome. Price-wise, products finished in high-quality Polished Nickel will usually cost more than Chrome, but not more than metals that require hand-finishing, such as Antique Brass.
While the nickel itself is more expensive than chrome, the polishing process is a bit more intricate, further driving up the cost of polished nickel. Chrome, on the other hand, is more widely available than polished nickel, making it the more economical choice.
Pricier Than Chrome
Polished nickel finishes are more expensive than chrome ones. For example, an average polished nickel faucet costs roughly $90, whereas a chrome faucet costs closer to $60.
Here's an easy way to distinguish between the two: When you look at the two side by side, polished nickel has a yellow or gold undertone while polished chrome has a blue undertone.
Polished nickel is more expensive than chrome due to the manufacturing process, while chrome is generally considered more durable. Overall, polished nickel and chrome have unique characteristics that set them apart, such as appearance, durability, maintenance, cost, and applications.
Chrome plating is commonly seen on a lot of automotive parts because of its attractive finish. It is also generally more expensive than nickel plating processes.
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.
While some feel that polished nickel is a more luxurious finish, it does have a couple of downsides in that it is a pricier finish and it does require some periodic maintenance. And, like polished chrome, polished nickel can show fingerprints and water spots.
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.
This difference in shade is most striking when the two are placed side by side (as in the photo below). For this reason, we don't recommend mixing Chrome and Nickel in your home, as although the two may be similar, they're quite different in proximity!
The solid Brass beneath the Nickel plating won't rust or corrode, but as this is an unlacquered finish, it will oxidise and dull down over time, and this process will be accelerated when pieces are used outside.
Electroless nickel plating is more resistant to corrosion. Hard chrome plating is generally tougher and more durable. Electroless nickel plating is best suited for hard-to-reach areas. Hard chrome offers a shiny, smooth exterior in contrast with nickel's glossier finish with a yellow hue.
Ageing process: Nickel and Brushed Nickel (which we call Pewter) are 'living finishes' and as such react with the environment to develop an aged patina for a classical appearance – similar to silver or brass. Polished Nickel fittings develop a warm patina similar to old silver whereas Pewter darkens slightly with age.
Timeless Appeal: Unlike trends that come and go, polished nickel maintains its timeless appeal year after year. Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to exude both classic charm and contemporary flair, making it a versatile choice for any design aesthetic.
When peeling of the nickel does occur, it is along the cut edges and it typically exposes another layer of nickel. Our plating vendor has told us that if the bright nickel finish is not satisfactory a second layer of nickel is plated over it.
Polished nickel possesses a similar style to polished chrome, but with a warmer tint that falls between the coolness of chrome and the warmth of brass.
"We're definitely seeing silver finishes like chrome making a comeback in hardware," he says. "More and more people are choosing to mix finishes rather than limit themselves to just one throughout their space."
Fashion in the automotive world shifted, causing chrome rims' popularity to lose its grip. The industry began to thrill to the appeal of matte finishes, black wheels, and contemporary alternatives. For instance, the stealthy allure of black rims gradually eclipsed the old-world elegance of chrome rims.
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).
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.
Do Not Use Polish on these finishes: The Plated Finishes: The Polished Nickel (PN) and Satin Nickel (SN) finishes are durable, but will eventually dull slightly and may tarnish, as well as show some fingerprints and watermarks. These finishes should be cleaned with a mild metal polish such as Flitz or Nevr-Dull brands.
This look feels timeless, and is particularly appropriate when using stainless steel appliances. The polished nickel ties in the stainless creating a cohesive look, while the brass warms things up and keeps things interesting.
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.
Experts recommend choosing either satin or semi-gloss finish for your bathroom interior because of their durability and wash-ability. However, take note that satin looks best in bathrooms with low moisture and humidity while semi-gloss works well for spaces with high humidity and moisture.