Many factors come into play when selecting faucet finishes for your kitchen or bathroom. Cost, style, durability, maintenance, and how big of a statement do you want to make with the “jewelry” in your room. Let’s start with the 3 most popular finishes: chrome, satin nickel, and oil rub bronze.
Chrome
Chrome has been around FOREVER! Its popularity has been “in” and “out”, but has always been the most sold finish in the plumbing industry. Chrome is the most economical finish to purchase, most durable, but due to the high shine…shows fingerprints and water marks. Chrome being a bold finish can pair well with a contemporary look or a very traditional style. Typically, white or black sinks (kitchen or bathroom) “pop” the chrome and gives it a timeless look and makes a bold statement.
Satin nickel, Stainless, and Brushed Nickel
Bottom line…these finishes are all very close to the same color; just different terminology. Satin nickel and stainless are used in kitchen applications and brushed nickel is used in bathrooms. They are part of the silver family, but much softer and a matte finish compared to the high luster of chrome. The popularity of this finish really jumped when stainless appliances and biscuit bathroom china came into vogue. It is definitely a finish that blends with stainless and warm tones and doesn’t pop the way chrome does. It is approximately 20% higher in price. This finish can be utilized in all applications; contemporary, traditional, and transitional. Maintenance is low because it doesn’t show water spots. I’ve always recommended using a non-abrasive cleaning product on any finish for your faucets to maintain their original luster. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s care and warranty on all finishes!
Oil Rubbed Bronze
After the popularity of polish brass and the chrome/brass combination finish died in the mid to late 90’s, the manufacturers needed to come out with a WOW…and thus, the birth of oil rubbed bronze. Again, I’ve seen it come and go over the years. Oil rubbed bronze is for a very traditional or Tuscan look. It is, unfortunately, a very inconsistent finish and can vary from an almost black to a rusty color depending on the manufacturer. You need to be careful when selecting accessories and light fixtures because of this variation. It is more expensive than chrome and brushed nickel. Again, watch how you care for this finish. Some oil rubbed bronze products are a “living finish” and will change colors with usage (typically, the handles). The selection of faucet finish is a very personal thing and can be very costly. YOU are making a statement in your kitchen or bathroom with your choice. Look at how many “ports of water” are in a bathroom, i.e. tub, shower, air or whirlpool, and lavatory faucets. Look at the plumbing in your kitchen, i.e. primary faucet, secondary faucet, soap dispenser, air switch, filter water, potfiller, etc. You don’t want to tire or date your rooms. If you want to throw the dice and be crazy…do it in your powder room…only ONE faucet.