Choosing a Faucet Finish for Your Bathroom

Whether you are building a new home or simply renovating your bathroom, one thing that seems to stump people is choosing a finish for their bathroom faucet. There are so many questions that surface. What is the difference between brushed nickel and polished? Are there benefits to using satin brass rather than satin bronze? There is no need to worry any longer. Here is a crash course in faucet finishes that will get you on the road to choosing the finish that is right for you.

Lifetime Warranty

One thing to keep in mind is the fact that MOST faucets have a lifetime warranty when it comes to finishes. So, if you have an old faucet that you are sad to part with, but is looking pretty shabby, try calling the manufacturer to find out what the warranty policy is. It doesn’t hurt to take the time to place this call. You just may save yourself from making a new faucet decision!

Buy Fixtures from Same Company

When choosing the finish for your new faucet, it is a good idea to purchase all of the fixtures and accessories in a matching color. Some finishes come in a standard color, such as chrome and brushed nickel. But, not all finishes from different companies may look alike. In order to ensure that you are getting the same exact finish, make sure to buy all your fixtures and accessories from the same company. That way you know that the finishes will all be the same. If you find that you need to purchase additional fixtures, take a piece that you have previously purchased with you for a sample. This way you will have better luck making sure the new additions match.

Polished Brass

Polished brass is a favorite of most people. When adding this finish to your bathroom, you will help give the room more of a vintage look. A few things to think about are:

• Advantages – Polished brass is very easy to clean and everyone carries this finish. It is very durable and easy to match with other accessories and fixtures already living in your bathroom.
• Disadvantages – Polished brass is more expensive when compared to other finishes like chrome and brushed nickel.
• Styles – Polished brass is back in style and looks fantastic with modern, traditional and eclectic bathroom settings.

Satin Brass

Satin brass is a pleasant twist to polished brass. Satin brass presents a brushed-gold look that embraces a lot of class. It presents a bold presence without being over the top. This is a finish that will be seen a lot more in future bathroom remodels. When thinking about choosing a satin brass faucet finish, think about the following:

• Advantages – Offers a beautiful accent color for your bathroom without the polished look. It is very durable and since it is a matte finish, it won’t show water spots or fingerprints.
• Disadvantages – Satin brass is harder to find and is more expensive when compared to other finishes. It is also harder to match existing accessories and fixtures with.
• Styles – Satin brass is becoming more popular and looks great in bathrooms that are traditional, modern and contemporary.

Copper

There is no mistaking a copper finish. It is bold and gives your bathroom a rich feel, especially when it is mixed with understated materials like marble countertops. A few things to think about before choosing a copper finish for your bathroom are:

• Advantages – Copper has natural antibacterial assets. It is a fairly easy to find finish that also has the ability to “heal” itself. If your copper faucet receives a scratch, it will become darker until it eventually blends into the patina.
• Disadvantages – Shiny copper may require a little more maintenance over some other finishes. But, if you let it age naturally, it will develop a beautiful patina. It is harder to match other accessories and fixtures to copper and isn’t as durable as other finishes.
• Styles – Copper bathroom faucets looks great with Tuscan, farmhouse and steampunk styles.

Satin Bronze

Satin bronze presents a nice, smooth finish. Its coloring is rather subtle and offers more flexibility for different bathroom styles and settings. Some things to think about are:

• Advantages – Satin bronze is durable, easy to clean and maintain. It is a wonderful alternative to copper. Water spots and fingerprints don’t show either.
• Disadvantages – Satin bronze is a finish that is harder to find and more expensive. It is also hard to match accessories and other fixtures to it.
• Styles – Looks great in a traditional, eclectic or Mediterranean setting.

Polished Nickel

If you want to find a smooth, shy finish, but you don’t want chrome; polished nickel just may be the finish for you. It is darker than chrome and appears to change color in different levels of lighting. Some things to think about are:

• Advantages – Polished nickel is easy to clean and very durable. It is a great alternative to brushed nickel.
• Disadvantages – Polished nickel is more expensive and harder to match your accessories and fixtures to.
• Styles – Similar to chrome, polished nickel looks great in several settings including modern, contemporary, traditional and eclectic.

Brushed Nickel

The soft metallic look of brushed nickel has stood the test of time and is one of the favorites for most people. Some things to think about before choosing a brushed nickel faucet finish for your bathroom are:

• Advantages – Brushed nickel is one of the most durable finishes. It tends to keep its finish longer than chrome and doesn’t show wear, fingerprints or water spots. It is very easy to clean and match other accessories and fixtures to. It is fairly inexpensive.
• Disadvantages – Brushed nickel does not coordinate well with stainless steel and tends to blend in with its surroundings rather than standing out.
• Styles – Brushed nickel will work well with almost any style.

Chrome

A chrome faucet finish is presently the most popular finish due to its versatility. Some things you will want to consider prior to purchasing a chrome finish are:

• Advantages – Chrome is generally rather inexpensive. It is easy to clean, maintain and very durable. It is also very easy to match with other accessories and fixtures.
• Disadvantages – Chrome shows water spots and fingerprints.
• Styles – Chrome works great with almost any type of bathroom style.