Bathroom finishes are an important part of any bathroom design. Quick updates to bathroom fixtures and a new coat of paint can be a total transformation for a bathroom. Because they’re so impactful, as you work on your bathroom remodeling project, knowing which finish is best for bathroom faucets in your home is important. The expert design team at Metropolitan Bath & Tile can help you navigate your entire project from grand vision to “finishing” touches. 

What is the Best Material for Faucets?

As styles have changed over time, the importance of durability has remained important. The best materials for bathroom faucets include chrome, nickel, brass, and bronze. Keep in mind that finishes can be applied to many kinds of materials. We’ll discuss finishes in a later section. 

Chrome: This is one of the most common bathroom faucet materials. Many homeowners enjoy the mirrored surface and versatility of chrome. It matches many different types of bathroom decor and can really shine in various lighting. Chrome is fairly resistant to rust and corrosion and difficult to scratch. One downside is that fingerprints are easier to notice on chrome. 

Nickel: Very similar to chrome, nickel is also a popular material for faucets. It’s a bit darker than chrome and may look different under various lighting conditions. While nickel is a popular material, it’s most popular with a brushed finish. 

Brass: This material can help you achieve a warm, golden hue. This material is a staple in bathrooms going for a warmer look. Sometimes, fingerprints and water spots can be more easily seen on brass.

Bronze: This material is often used to achieve a darker, more rustic look. The most popular finish for bronze is oil-rubbed, making it durable and easy to care for because water spots and fingerprints aren’t easily visible. 

What is the Best Finish for Bathroom Faucets?

As you explore materials for bathroom faucets, you must also consider the finish. The finish can mean the difference between shiny and mirrored, or soft and muted. 

Polished: This finish is fairly self-explanatory. A polished look on brass or nickel can give you a shiny, mirrored look. Water spots or fingerprints are sometimes more easily seen on a polished surface. Polished brass and polished nickel are very popular faucet choices due to their versatility and timelessness. 

Brushed: This finish provides a more matte appearance, allowing it to hide fingerprints and water spots more easily. As the name suggests, the material is treated with a wire brush to give it the more matte finish. Brushed finishes can look different between manufacturers because of the unique application. Be mindful of matching across your accessories if you’re going for a brushed finish. 

Oil- Rubbed: This is a common finish for bronze materials, used to achieve that deep, rich color and rustic texture. An oil-rubbed finish is easy to care for, and doesn’t show water spots or fingerprints as easily. One caveat is that the oil-rubbed finish may look different between manufacturers. Matching across your accessories may be more challenging with this finish. 

Matte: This popular finish has a way of muting more aggressive materials so you can achieve the style and dependability you’re looking for, with a more subtle look. It’s very popular to see matte brass or matte black in bathroom remodeling projects. 

What is the Most Popular Finish for Bathroom Faucets?

As with any room in your home, styles change over the years. Some styles even come back around and re-enter popularity! Consider these four bathroom faucet finishes for your project:

  • Brushed Nickel: If you’re going for a darker look than chrome, but comparable durability, brushed nickel may be your solution. This material and finish looks great in a variety of settings. 
  • Chrome: This material with a polished finish will always be a tried and true fixture in many bathrooms. It’s durability and ability to match with other accessories and fixtures makes it a popular choice for homeowners. 
  • Oil-Rubbed Bronze: Dark, moody elements like oil-rubbed bronze can really add contrast in a bright space. This is a very popular material and finish for those looking to really embrace a darker ambience. 
  • Matte Brass: Versatility is key with matte brass. While some equate brass with a more vintage vibe, matte brass is also incorporated in more modern, eclectic designs, too. This material and finish is the best of both worlds. 

If these popular finishes aren’t your style, there are other unique options making a splash. As you build your vision, it’s important to work with a trusted bathroom design expert that can guide you through the design process, helping you achieve a cohesive look that is both beautiful and functional. 

Get Started on Your Next Project with Family-Owned, Local Bathroom Remodelers

Your bathroom remodeling project should have an end result that is both functional and beautiful that can withstand the test of time.  At Metropolitan Bath & Tile, we’ll work with you every step of the way, providing expertise and answering questions. We guarantee that our prices will equal or be less than any other qualified contractor’s price on the same project. 

Submit a request for a free estimate, or visit one of our showrooms today.