Which Type of Metal Finish Faucet is More Suitable for Your Home?

Whether you're planning a complete remodel or just want to replace your bathroom faucets, the finish you choose can change the overall look of a room.

Recently, brushed nickel has become one of the most popular options for homeowners. But how does it compete with long-time favorites chrome and stainless steel? Is your fit right? We've compared different types of metal finishes to find the one that's best for different home styles and budgets.

What is Brushed Nickel?

Brushed nickel is nickel that has been etched with a wire brush or similar tool to obtain a metallic appearance. This texture gives brushed nickel a warm tone and creates an interesting play of light and shadow on the metal surface.

What is Chrome?

Although chrome used to be used mostly in automotive parts and other industrial uses, in recent years it has become one of the most popular choices for faucets and hardware. Chrome works well against rust and corrosion at a relatively low price. However, it does require regular cleaning as its glossy finish accentuates water spots and fingerprints.

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is a classic choice for hardware and accessories because it goes with most home styles. Brushed nickel and stainless steel often look very similar, but the difference lies in their base color: brushed nickel tends to have a gold or brown tinge, while stainless steel has a bluish tinge. The 100% stainless steel fasteners will last for years without rusting or corroding, so it's a good long-term investment.

Contrasting Brushed Nickel, Chrome and Stainless Steel.

Now that we know what they are, let's see how these different metal finishes stack up.

The kitchen faucet is one of the most important appliances in a modern home. It not only adds to the functionality of the house but also to its style and quality.

Whether it is a bathroom faucet or a kitchen faucet, there is a wide range of finishes to choose from. Among the different finishes, brushed nickel and chrome are the most popular.

There are many reasons for the popularity of these finishes. First, they are easy to combine with other existing hardware, such as showers and hand showers in bathrooms, and cabinet handles and doorknobs in kitchens. Second, they ensure a neat and clean look in bathrooms and kitchens.

Brushed nickel is a bit more expensive than chrome fittings. but it is not the truth. Faucets in both finishes cost about the same. As a result, homeowners are now also favoring brushed nickel and chrome faucets.

Brushed Nickel vs. Chrome - Which to Choose?

Choosing a brushed nickel or chrome finish is purely a personal choice. However, there are certain things you should consider before you finalize your purchase.

Metallic

Chrome with a slightly bluish tint gives your room a cool and sophisticated look. If you want your bathroom or kitchen to look bright, a chrome sink mixer is a right choice.

Brushed nickel, on the other hand, has a yellow or white hue. Thus, it brings warm tones to the room. If your room uses neutral cream or beige, a brushed nickel finish faucet is a great choice.

Durability

Both brushed nickel and chrome are considered very durable and can withstand wear and tear. This is the main reason these finishes are used in wet areas. However, compared to chrome, brushed nickel does not show any wear and tear over a long period of time.

Maintain

When it comes to maintenance, brushed nickel is easier to maintain than chrome. The chrome-plated faucet has a smooth surface and fingerprints are clearly visible. Therefore, you should clean it regularly.

Brushed nickel, on the other hand, has a matte finish. Therefore, fingerprints are not easy to identify. However, you should not clean the nickel brush with a hard material such as alcohol, as this will change the appearance of the faucet.

At last

Both brushed nickel and chrome finishes have their pros and cons. Brushed nickel faucets are easy to care for and won't wear out. It's also relatively cheap. On the other hand, chrome faucets are also very durable and come in different price ranges. Its smooth surface gives it a versatile look.

Choosing the right faucet is a purely personal decision. It depends on how your room is furnished, how much you can spend and your personal taste and preferences.