Finishes in homes and businesses have periods of popularity and different finishes go in and out of fashion just like the clothing and hair styles. Chrome and Brushed Nickel are two sister finishes that have been becoming more popular lately because they are relatively easy to match with existing kitchen and bath hardware and provide a clean and modern look to any room. When it is time to decide on what finish to use in your home or business it is important to understand how these two finishes are alike and how they differ in order to make a well informed decision.

                               

                                                          BRUSHED NICKEL

            Chrome is known for its high shine and reflective surface. It is extremely popular for faucets and most kitchen and bathroom hardware. Solid chrome hardware does not truly exist however – it is actually chrome plating over materials such as brass, steel or copper. Choosing a high quality material such as solid brass will ensure the durability and strength of the hardware over time. The downside to most chrome finishes is they do show marks (finger prints and water spots) easily and any damage such as scratches will be more visible to the naked eye.

            Brushed or Satin Nickel finishes have been gaining popularity since the 1990’s because it solved a lot of the problems of using a polished chrome finish. Brushed and satin nickel (sometimes these terms are used interchangeably) is a matte (or dull) color and has been lacquered. It does not show scratches and wear as easily while still providing a silver color. The problems with satin and brushed nickel however come in trying to match one “version” of satin nickel to another. Different manufacturers have different standards and processes for creating this finish and can make it difficult to create a uniformed look.

                                

                                                        POLISHED CHROME

            Since both finishes have positive and negative aspects to them it can be hard to choose which will serve your purposes better over time. Using existing hardware in the room is a great place to start however. In a bathroom with predominately polished chrome hardware it is best to match it with more polished chrome. If brushed nickel is already being used try to match it as closely as possible with new brushed nickel pieces but realize the finishes may vary slightly from piece to piece. If no hardware is currently installed it comes down to personal preference. A matte finish tends to blend in more easily than a shiny finish and has a lower necessary maintenance to maintain its appearance.

            LookInTheAttic & Company offers a great selection of polished chrome and brushed nickel door knob sets, knobs, pulls, knockers and other home hardware – they even offer free design assistance and help. Remember to search for solid brass construction to ensure strength and durability. Replacing older hardware is a great way to update the look and feel of any room in the home with minimal effort so choose your new hardware wisely and make informed choices.   

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