Are you looking for kitchen or bathroom faucets that match your style? If yes, then you should read this article, as it contains some useful information about faucet finishes.
Faucets are essential fixtures in every home. They provide water flow and even control the temperature of the water.
There are several kinds of faucets available on the market. Some of them feature single handles, double handles, pull-outs, and more.
You can choose from various kitchen or bathroom faucets depending on your preference and budget. However, you will also need to decide on a faucet finish. So to help you choose, we have compiled the following faucet guide.
In this article, we are going to discuss the pros and cons of each faucet finish and the various styles they work with.
What Are Faucet Finishes?
A faucet finish is a kind of coating that is applied over the surface of the fixture. It serves to protect the faucet from corrosion and other damages.
Faucet finishes come in various metals and colors, which means you can match them to the aesthetic of your bathroom. However, this does not mean that all faucet finishes are uniform, as different companies produce different products.
To ensure you are getting the same finish, it is important to purchase the faucet and accessories from the same company.
If you have never chosen a faucet finish before, then we would recommend speaking to a professional designer to find the best match.
Now that you know what faucet finishes are, let’s take a look at the different finishes available. So that you can understand the pros and cons of each one.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
This finish can be identified by its dark color and smooth texture. It is also ideal if you want something classic and timeless. Oil-rubbed bronze faucets can transform your kitchen or bathroom into a fashion statement. Giving it a unique and traditional feel.
Of course, the finish does come with its drawbacks. For example, it can be very expensive, which makes the finish hard to maintain. Oil-rubbed bronze also requires regular maintenance. This includes cleaning and polishing.
The finish has an average lifespan of 10 years. After that time, you may need to replace it. However, if you don’t, then the finish will still retain its beauty.
Pros
- Durable finish
- Easy to clean
- Easy to find
- Easy to match with other fixtures
- Doesn’t show fingerprints
- Doesn’t show watermarks
Cons
- Expensive (costs more than chrome and brushed nickel)
Styles
- Tuscan: Oil-rubbed bronze finishes lend themselves well to Tuscan-inspired designs, capturing the warm, earthy tones and rustic charm often associated with this style.
- Mediterranean: Embrace the allure of the Mediterranean by incorporating oil-rubbed bronze finishes, complementing the warm and inviting ambiance commonly found in this design approach.
- Vintage: Oil-rubbed bronze finishes can evoke a vintage aesthetic, harking back to a bygone era and infusing your space with a sense of nostalgia and timeless elegance.
Satin-Brushed Bronze
Satin bronze is another popular finish. It comes in a variety of shades. You can use satin bronze to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Or you can go for a cool and modern vibe. The finish works well with both contemporary and traditional designs.
However, like oil-rubbed bronze, satin bronze needs to be maintained regularly. Regular cleaning and polishing help to keep the finish looking new.
It has an average lifespan of 8 years. If you do not maintain it properly, then the finish will start showing signs of aging after 6 months.
Pros
- Durable finish
- Easy to clean
- Great alternative to copper and oil-rubbed bronze
- Doesn’t show fingerprints
- Doesn’t show watermarks
Cons
- Hard to find
- More expensive
- Harder to match accessories
Styles
- Tuscan: Satin-brushed bronze finishes can effortlessly evoke a Tuscan-inspired ambiance, capturing the warm and earthy tones reminiscent of the Italian countryside.
- Mediterranean: Embrace the charm of the Mediterranean with satin-brushed bronze finishes, as they complement the rustic and inviting aesthetics often found in this style.
Polished Brass
A popular choice among homeowners, polished brass is a beautiful finish that looks great on any type of design. It gives off a sophisticated and elegant appearance.
Brass has an average lifespan of 5 years. Like other finishes, it needs regular maintenance to stay looking good. Cleaning and polishing help to extend the life of the finish.
If you want something with a vintage twist, then a polished brass bathroom faucet is the best option. However, it can be very expensive when compared to other finishes.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to find
- Easy to match with other fixtures
Cons
- Expensive (costs more than chrome and brushed nickel)
Styles
- Modern: Polished brass finishes can add a touch of vintage flair to modern designs, creating an intriguing juxtaposition between the old and the new.
- Eclectic: With its rich and luxurious appearance, polished brass can serve as a focal point in eclectic spaces, blending seamlessly with an assortment of unique elements.
- Vintage: Channel the elegance of a bygone era by incorporating polished brass finishes into vintage-inspired designs, reminiscent of the grandeur of the past.
Satin-Brushed Brass
Satin brass is known for its distinctive color, which sets it apart from its polished counterpart. Because of this, the finish makes for a bold addition to any bathroom.
However, it does not come across as flashy or over-the-top. Instead, it creates a subtle yet classy look.
Like all finishes, satin brass needs to be cleaned and polished regularly. Doing so helps to make sure that the finish stays shiny and bright.
It has an average lifetime of 7 years and will not show watermarks or fingerprints. However, it can be hard to find and is difficult to match with other accessories.
Pros
- Subtle accent for bathroom
- Durable finish
- Matte finish
- Doesn’t show fingerprints
- Doesn’t show watermarks
Cons
- Hard to find
- Expensive
- Hard to match accessories
Styles
- Traditional: Satin-brushed brass finishes can enhance traditional spaces by adding warmth and character, paying homage to timeless design elements.
- Modern: Create a striking contrast in modern settings by incorporating satin-brushed brass finishes, providing a contemporary twist on a classic material.
- Contemporary: Satin-brushed brass finishes can contribute to a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic, effortlessly blending into contemporary designs.
Polished Nickel
If you want something smooth and shiny, then we would recommend a polished nickel finish. Polished nickel is a classic finish that never goes out of style. It provides a sleek and stylish look that complements any type of design.
Nickel is one of the most durable finishes available. This means that it lasts longer than other finishes. It also doesn’t require much maintenance. Just a quick wipe down with a damp cloth once every few weeks should take care of the finish.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Durable finish
- Great alternative to brushed nickel
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to find
- Hard to match accessories
Styles
- Contemporary: Polished nickel finishes offer a sleek and polished look, making them an ideal choice for contemporary spaces with clean lines and a minimalist approach.
- Traditional: Polished nickel can infuse a touch of elegance into traditional designs, capturing the essence of timeless beauty and refinement.
- Eclectic: The versatility of polished nickel allows it to seamlessly blend into eclectic styles, bridging the gap between various design elements and creating a harmonious look.
Brushed Nickel
Brushed nickel has stood the test of time and remains one of the best finishes on the market. It’s a timeless finish that adds class and sophistication to your home.
Brushed nickel kitchen faucets come in many colors and styles, making it easy to find what works best for your space.
The finish is extremely versatile and can complement almost any type of aesthetic. In fact, it was originally designed to mimic the look of traditional hardware. As such, it is perfect for modern bathrooms.
Nickel is extremely durable and requires a little maintenance to prevent spotting. It can last up to 10 years without showing signs of wear.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to find
- Easy to match with accessories
- Durable finish
- Doesn’t show fingerprints
- Doesn’t show watermarks
Cons
- Hard to coordinate with stainless steel
Styles
- Transitional: Brushed nickel finishes are perfect for transitional styles, effortlessly combining contemporary and traditional elements to create a balanced and cohesive look.
- Industrial: Embrace an industrial aesthetic with brushed nickel finishes that offer a touch of understated sophistication, complementing exposed brick, concrete, and raw materials.
- Scandinavian: Brushed nickel finishes can enhance Scandinavian-inspired spaces with their clean and minimalist appearance, providing a cool and subdued elegance.
Gold Faucet Finishes
Looking for a touch of luxury and opulence in your kitchen or bathroom? Consider gold faucet finishes, as they can effortlessly match your style and elevate the overall aesthetic of your space. Gold finishes exude a sense of elegance and grandeur, making a bold statement in any setting.
Gold faucet finishes are available in various shades, ranging from subtle champagne gold to vibrant polished gold. The finish adds a touch of warmth and richness to your fixtures, creating a captivating focal point. Whether you prefer a contemporary or traditional design, gold finishes can seamlessly complement a wide range of styles.
When it comes to maintenance, gold faucets in the bathroom or kitchen finishes require regular care to retain their radiant appearance. Cleaning and polishing are essential to prevent tarnishing and ensure the longevity of the finish. While gold finishes can be more expensive compared to other options, the timeless allure they bring to your space is well worth the investment.
Pros
- Durable finish that can withstand regular use
- Easy to clean and maintain with proper care
- Offers a unique and luxurious aesthetic
- Compatible with a variety of design styles
- Resistant to fingerprints and watermarks, maintaining a pristine look
Cons
- Generally more expensive than chrome or brushed nickel finishes
- May be harder to find specific styles or matching accessories
Styles
- Contemporary: Gold finishes can add a touch of sophistication to modern designs, creating a striking contrast with sleek lines and minimalist elements.
- Traditional: Embrace a classic and timeless look by pairing gold finishes with ornate details and vintage-inspired fixtures.
- Glamorous: Create a glamorous atmosphere with gold finishes that exude luxury and extravagance, perfect for creating a statement piece in your space.
Copper
Copper finishes can be identified by their bold color and unique appearance. They are often found in antique stores and flea markets.
Copper is a great option if you’re looking for something that stands out but isn’t too flashy.
Copper is incredibly robust and is known for its natural antibacterial properties. In fact, the finish can even “heal” itself when scratched.
However, copper does require more maintenance than other finishes, which means you will need to polish it regularly to keep it looking fresh.
Pros
- Easy to find
- Natural antibacterial properties
- Can heal itself
- Can become darker
Cons
- Hard to match accessories
- Requires more maintenance
- Less durable than other finishes
Styles
- Farmhouse: Copper finishes can enhance the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of farmhouse-style spaces, exuding rustic charm and a touch of nostalgia.
- Victorian: Create a captivating Victorian ambiance with copper finishes, capturing the essence of opulence and intricate detailing synonymous with this era.
- Steampunk: Copper finishes perfectly align with the unique aesthetics of steampunk designs, embracing the fusion of Victorian elements and industrial flair.
Chrome
Chrome is a popular finish because it looks luxurious and high-end. It’s a great choice for people who like a simple yet elegant look. The most common kitchen faucets are chrome.
Chrome finishes come in a variety of colors and patterns, so they can easily fit into any decor.
Chromes are very durable and don’t require much maintenance. However, they do have some drawbacks. For example, they tend to get dirty quickly and can stain easily.
Pros
- Elegant
- Simple yet sophisticated
- Durable finish
- Easy to match accessories
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Shows fingerprints
- Shows watermarks
Styles
- Modern: Chrome finishes offer a sleek and modern aesthetic, embodying simplicity and clean lines, making them an excellent choice for contemporary spaces.
- Contemporary: Embrace the versatility of chrome finishes in contemporary designs, as they effortlessly blend with a wide range of styles and color palettes.
- Traditional: Chrome can add a modern twist to traditional designs, providing a refreshing contrast while maintaining a classic appeal.
Conclusion
There are tons of options when it comes to faucets. But the main thing to remember is that the finish on your faucet is just as important as the style. You want something that fits well with your overall design scheme and personal aesthetic. A local plumber can quickly install or replace a faucet or a dozen in the same finish throughout your home.
