Picking a finish for your faucets and shower is one of the fun parts of a remodel. It's also one people worry about, because you'll look at it every day for years. Here's what I tell homeowners when we get to this part.
What most of our customers pick
Brushed nickel, by a good margin. It goes with almost any tile, vanity and wall color, it hides water spots and fingerprints well, and it won't look dated in a few years. If you can't decide, brushed nickel is a safe choice you won't regret.
The main finishes, honestly
Brushed nickel
Soft, satin silver. Timeless, easy to live with and forgiving to clean. The only "downside" is that it's not a bold statement, which for a lot of people is exactly the point.
Matte black
Modern and striking, especially with white or light gray tile and a wood vanity. Matte black does show hard-water spots and soap residue more than brushed nickel, so plan on wiping it down now and then.
The bigger thing is quality. Matte black from Delta or Moen will last a long time. Most other brands will fade or chip. I've seen it happen. If you love the black look, it's worth paying for a brand that holds up.
Brushed gold and brass
Warm and rich. Gold tones look great with travertine, cream and beige tile, and darker wood. Like black, quality matters a lot here, so stick with a brand that stands behind its finish.
Chrome
Shiny, classic and usually the most budget-friendly. Chrome is tough and easy to clean, but it shows every water spot and fingerprint.
The brands I trust: Delta and Moen
We supply the fixtures on our jobs, so you pick the style and we handle the rest. For faucets, shower valves and shower heads, I install Delta and Moen. They're built well, the finishes hold up, and parts are easy to find years from now if something ever needs replacing.
Cheaper online brands can look identical in the photos. The difference shows up a year or two later in the finish and the valve inside the wall, and a shower valve is not something you want to replace once the tile is up.
Is it OK to mix finishes?
Personally, I'd stick to one finish. Matching everything always looks clean, and you can't really get it wrong.
That said, a lot of designers say mixing is fine if you do it on purpose. The advice that comes up again and again:
- Use two finishes, not more. Moen suggests sticking to two if you're new to mixing.
- Pick one main finish for about two-thirds of the metal in the room, and use the second as an accent. Kohler suggests the same idea.
- Keep all the faucets and shower trim the same. Mix with things like cabinet pulls, mirror frames or light fixtures instead.
- Don't pair finishes that almost match, like two slightly different silvers. It ends up looking like a mistake. A clear contrast, like black with gold, looks intentional.
How to keep them looking new
Whatever you pick, the care is about the same: wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, then dry it. Skip bleach, harsh bathroom cleaners and scrubby pads, which can dull or scratch any finish. Check the care instructions that come with your fixtures, too. Delta and Moen both list what to use and what to avoid.
My one tip
Pick your finish early and use it for everything: faucets, shower trim, towel bars, toilet handle and even the drain. When every piece matches, a bathroom looks finished in a way people notice even if they can't say why.
Common questions
What's the most popular bathroom fixture finish?
For our customers, it's brushed nickel. It goes with almost everything, hides water spots well and won't look dated.
Does matte black hold up?
From a good brand, yes. Matte black from Delta or Moen lasts a long time. Many cheaper brands fade or chip. Matte black does show hard-water spots more than brushed nickel, so it needs an occasional wipe.
Can I mix metal finishes in a bathroom?
Many designers say yes: stick to two finishes, keep one as the main finish, and keep all faucets matching. Personally, I recommend one finish throughout for the cleanest look.
Do I have to buy my own fixtures?
No. We supply the fixtures on our jobs. You choose the style and finish, and we take care of the rest.
Planning a bathroom?
Try our bathroom style explorer to see different looks, browse our bathroom remodeling work, or request a free walkthrough. We'll help you pick finishes that fit your space and hold up for years.
