Brushed nickel has a muted shine, while chrome tends to be brighter and more reflective. One significant difference between brushed nickel and chrome is the look of the metals.
Choosing chrome versus brushed nickel for the look alone is entirely up to personal preference. If you're going for a shiny, super-clean look, chrome is the clear winner. If you don't want that super shine, you may prefer brushed nickel, which is a softer-looking metal that complements stainless steel appliances.
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.
The main disadvantage of brushed nickel is that it is difficult to match to other fixtures. Because the process of making brushed nickel involves etching it with a wire brush, you may not be able to find the exact same finish in all of your finishing touches for your bathroom.
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.
However, chrome is popular today for modern and contemporary spaces as well. According to Jane at Home, chrome brightens up a space and is now considered more modern than brushed nickel, yet it also complements traditional and vintage styles.
Brushed nickel is always in-style, including in 2021. It is a safe choice for faucets that looks trendy. Chrome is popular but is a riskier choice. Both metal finishes are going to get attention if chosen for your faucet.
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 Nickel vs Chrome Price & Durability Factors
Often selection between brushed nickel and brushed chrome comes down to price and appearance. Each metal is essentially just as durable and noncorrosive as the other; however, chrome is generally more expensive and offers a cooler appearance than the nickel.
While brushed nickel may not be one of the top finishes for 2023, it is certainly a safe option that will not require updating any time soon. Get more home decor tips here.
In general, I wouldn't mix two metals in the same family, such as nickel and chrome, unless they're far apart in the space and/or you're also adding a warm-toned metal to the mix. Metals also come in a variety of sheens and finishes, including matte, satin, brushed, polished, oil-rubbed, aged, and antiqued.
TIP: Once a month, spread a layer of paste wax onto the surface using a soft, dry cloth. Apply in small, circular motions. After you've covered the entire surface, buff it out with a new cloth. Paste wax is generally made from mineral spirits, which makes it gentle on brushed nickel finishes.
O'Brien suggests mixing brass and dark bronze, brass and chrome, or brass and nickel, but never mix nickel and chrome. Also, he cautions that there is a limit to how many metal finishes you can mix together in one room. “There should be a main finish choice and maybe one accent,” he says.
What's the difference? While they may 'behave' in very similar ways, the main difference between Nickel and Chrome is in their appearance – while both finishes have a silver colour, Nickel has a warmer, yellowish hue whereas Chrome is much cooler with blue undertones.
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.
Brushed Nickel is a cool-toned metal finish found in many lighting collections, from modern to traditional, but the brushed quality gives it a subtle warmth. Neutral color schemes, such as ivory, light brown, beige or slate, blend well with brushed nickel fixtures and create a soft yet contemporary effect.
Shiny chrome is the most popular bath finish and comes with an affordable price tag. Nickel has a warmer tone and a more exclusive pedigree. Stainless steel, still the leading metal in the kitchen, looks indulgent in the bath, too.
Topping the list of kitchen design trends in 2023 are faucet finishes such as nickel, chrome, black, and brass and options like brushed, matte, polished, satin, and dual-tone finishes. GRAFF's faucet finishes do more than reflect and set trends.
Matte black hardware will continue its dominance in 2023, and we can't get enough! This trend is ideal when used as part of a monochrome decor scheme or as a statement piece against bright colors. It's the easiest way to turn an ordinary door into a cool, dramatic part of your home.
Chrome and metallics continue to be hot trends both on and off the runway in the fashion world. Here's how to style up the trends for 2023, plus which celebs are rocking them in style! Chrome and metallics are making a fashion comeback in 2023!
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.
Brushed chrome sockets have a satin/matt finish as opposed to the reflective sheen of polished chrome. The brushed effect comes from a process of finely scratching the chrome plate's surface after the plating has been completed. These scratches work to significantly lessen the reflectiveness of the chrome's surface.
Brushed nickel is more resistant to fingerprints and smudges, while polished nickel is more likely to show fingerprints and smudges.
Top tip – never, ever, EVER mix chrome and nickel. They are both silver tones, but with different undertones, and they will look awful together. Here we mixed polished nickel and brass. Both have warm undertones, making them a great match.