Finding the right finish for your bathroom or kitchen hardware can be a challenge. It's important to find a style that fits with today's trends, but also stands the test of time. Brushed nickel has been a finish that you've likely seen and love. But, is it out of style for 2023?
Is brushed nickel on your home accessories going out of style? As a general rule, brushed nickel is a classic finish that is an excellent choice for either kitchen or bathroom hardware. While brushed nickel may not be one of the top finishes for 2023, it is certainly a safe option that will not require updating any time soon.
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Is Chrome or Brushed Nickel More Modern?
Chrome tends to be considered more modern or contemporary than brushed nickel. On the flip side, brushed nickel is typically categorized as more traditional when comparing it to chrome.
As with all things design, it comes down to personal preference! Both are good options if they fit the other decor in your space.
The idea is finding something you love and will continue to love for years to come.
What is the Difference Between Chrome and Brushed Nickel?
If you are just beginning your search for the perfect hardware finish, you may even be confused by the differences between brushed nickel and chrome.
Brushed nickel has a more muted, warmer appearance in nature than chrome.
A brushed nickel finish has a more muted texture as it is treated with a wire brush to make it more matte. It tends to not show fingerprints and smudges as easily so is considered easier to keep clean.
Chrome hardware has a shiny appearance.
Chrome fixtures will show scratches, watermarks, abrasions and fingerprints as earlier mentioned. This can make them a bit finicky to keep clean for a busy family.
It does come down to your taste and style. Both have proven to be finishes that stay popular over time and coordinate well with most styles of sinks and paint color choices.
Is Brushed Nickel the Same as Stainless Steel?
Brushed nickel and stainless steel are not the same, but similar. Delta Faucets describes stainless steel as a glossy, silver finish with an icy cast.
Brushed nickel has more of a semi-satin finish. BUT, they are often thought to coordinate quite well with one another.
So if you decide to get a faucet in stainless steel, know that brushed nickel hardware (knobs and/or pulls) should go with it quite nicely (or vice versa).
What is Polished Nickel?
Polished nickel has a warm tone and glowing hue due to the polished nature.
It is typically nickel plating on brass, polished to a high shine. Nickel does not tarnish, so polished nickel should hold up well over time, with good durability.
This metal finish is thought by many to fit most decor styles.
Is Oil Rubbed Bronze Out of Style 2023?
If you are on the hunt for the perfect finish for your bathroom or kitchen faucet and cabinet pulls, chances are good you have eyed oil rubbed bronze as well.
Is oil rubbed bronze out of style? Oil rubbed bronze (just like brushed nickel) is timeless. It is a finish you will likely see for many years to come in bathroom and kitchen faucets as well as with cabinet hardware.
However, I am finding many homeowners that love a dark finish are opting for black hardware, typically in a flat or matte finish.
This leads me to what are the kitchen hardware trends for 2023?
Kitchen Hardware Trends for 2023
I found myself going down a rabbit hole when searching out the latest kitchen hardware trends.
It seems that there are LOTS of different opinions in the design world about what actually is on trend this year. The following is the consensus from my research:
Black matte or flat finishes
Black matte hardware as well as kitchen faucets is on the rise this year. It is a look that makes a definite statement and works well in a number of different home styles, from farmhouse to contemporary.
Flat or matte black looks fantastic with a contrast such as white cabinets.
Bar Pulls in Various Finishes
Bar pulls have become quite popular the past several years. If you find a classic finish you love, this trend should last for years to come.
One thing to consider if you will be trading out old hardware is whether you will need new holes for the installation of your new pulls.
Sandiegohardware has a great guide to help you decide the perfect positioning of your kitchen hardware.
Brass or Gold Hardware
Brass or gold hardware is a trend I have seen come and go over the years.
As with all things design, if you love a particular style, I say go with it regardless of what is considered trendy.
However, if resell will be a factor any time soon, I would be somewhat cautious in selecting brass hardware.
What is the Most Popular Finish for Bathroom Faucets?
As a general rule, nickel faucets - brushed nickel OR chrome, are the most popular finishes for bathroom fixtures including faucets and bathroom cabinet hardware.
It is most common to see fixtures that are of the 'silver' family such as chrome, brushed nickel, and stainless steel.
Popular brushed nickel bathroom faucets found on Amazon:
Frequently Asked Questions:
As with any product, the quality will be specific to the manufacturer. But as a general rule, brushed nickel is an excellent choice for cabinet hardware and fixtures and conceals fingerprints and water spots better than many other finishes.
Brushed nickel and stainless steel are very similar in appearance. They coordinate well together is you opt to mix finishes in your bathroom or kitchen. Brushed nickel has more of a semi-satin appearance while stainless steel is a bit more glossy.
Vinegar can be damaging to nickel, so if used to clean nickel faucets, be certain to dilute. It is always best to follow manufacturers instructions for proper cleaning and care.
If brushed nickel is at the top of your list when selecting new cabinet hardware or faucet finishes for your kitchen or bathroom, I think you can rest easy if you make this your selection as it is a great choice.
It is a timeless finish you will continue to love through the years, as many other trends come and go.
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