What’s the Difference? Brushed Nickel vs Chrome

ByMaria Paul

Faucet finishes go in and out of fashion like many design elements. Polished chrome and brushed nickel are the two of the most popular finishes today, since the earlier popular brass is falling out of favour fast. Chrome and nickel are very close to look at and easily match with existing hardware and offer a up-to-date, clean, look for kitchens and baths.

Today both the brushed nickel and chrome are nearly equal in price where as earlier time when brushed nickel was more expensive than chrome. Majority of homeowners are now opting for brushed nickel faucets and knobs for their remodels, but some also prefer the brushed or polished chrome.

Brushed Nickel vs Chrome

Depending on your personal style and taste you must decide which finish choosing for your faucets and knobs. There are differences between the two that you’ll want to consider.

  • Tints: The tinting of the metal is the major difference between brushed nickel and chrome. Nickel has a natural yellow or whitish appearance while chrome plating gives metal a slight blue shine. Nickel is often seen as a warmer and gaudier color and chrome is seen as providing a more sophisticated and cool look to a room.
  • Variety: As compared to chrome, brushed nickel faucet fixtures come in a wider range of finishes. Most of the chrome fixtures own the same blue tint. Depending on the amount of plating and the density of the nickel used nickel faucets and knobs, though, will have different tones. Hence fixtures from two different manufacturers may have dissimilar appearances, even if they’re both coated with brushed nickel due to this fact. So it is advisable to buy your room’s fixtures from the same manufacturer.
  • Selection: Your choice often comes down to the room’s surroundings since both metals are equally durable and non-corrosive. Warmer, earth tones gel well with the brushed nickel fixtures. The blue tone of chrome fixtures blends smoothly with the cooler colors, ranging from white to deep gray. A great percentage of homeowners like the historic look of nickel as they feel it give a more traditional look to kitchens and baths. Chrome may be the perfect choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of sophistication.

Pros and Cons

It isn’t always easy to choose which will serve your home and family better over the long term as both finishes have positive and negative aspects. Brushed nickel is very durable and will retain its finish longer than chrome. It is easy to clean and doesn’t show fingerprints or water spots. It also matches nicely with most other accessories and fixtures and is relatively inexpensive. Brushed nickel when used together with stainless steel in your kitchen remodel, tends to blend in instead of making a statement, which is one of the biggest disadvantages it has.

Chrome is preferred for its durability and versatility. Cleaning and maintenance of chrome faucet is easy and goes well with a variety of accessories and other fixtures. Unlike brushed nickel, chrome easily shows fingerprints and water spots, which is its downside compared to chrome finishes. Scratches are also more visible to the naked eye.

Matter of Taste

It is a fact that the prefect faucets and knobs extend beyond function and becomes an expression of your unique personal taste. Start by taking a moment to look around at your bath or kitchen and soak in the overall sense of style when you decide which ones you want for your home. Then select the fixture and finish which doesn’t just complement the room, but remains true to who you are. Designers recommend shooting for uniformity, but if you focus on purposeful design, it is possible to introduce elements that say “this is home.”