Sometimes the smallest details can have the largest impact on your space. From cabinet handles and pulls to lighting and faucets, finishes can set the tone for your home interior–whether you’re dreaming of a bright, contemporary kitchen or a spa-like, relaxing bathroom.
Keep reading to learn about how to select the perfect finish from the wonderful selection of styles and colors.
Selecting the right finish for your kitchen or bathroom hardware depends on a few factors.
There are several categories of finishes including polished, satin, brushed, and living.
With so many types, colors, and styles of hardware finishes on the market; it can take time to select the perfect one for your space. Here is a list of some of the most popular finishes,
Brushed nickel is a popular choice with a cool-toned, soft silver color and slightly textured finish. This finish is popular in both modern and rustic spaces as the color plays well with a range of styles. Additionally, brushed nickel hides fingerprints, water spots, and smudges; making it ideal for bathrooms.
Satin nickel finish is similar to brushed nickel but has a slightly more polished appearance. Its soft, silver sheen works well in traditional and contemporary spaces.
Polished nickel has a warmer, brighter silver tone than other nickel finishes, most closely resembling chrome finishes. It complements warm-toned interiors and offers a more delicate, soft look than its cool-toned counterparts. Polished nickel requires slightly more upkeep to maintain its radiance as it shows fingerprints and smudges. Overall this finish evokes a high-end, luxury feel that is excellent for any room.
Antique finishes have a darker, muted look that lends to a vintage charm in spaces. This darker finish pairs well with wood, stone, and metal and complements light and dark cabinets. Due to its matte finish, antique nickel hardware hides fingerprints, smudges, and scratches.
Polished chrome has a bright, shiny silver finish that makes it excellent for contemporary kitchens and bathrooms. While this finish is durable and stylish, it can require more cleaning as it shows smudges and fingerprints. This finish is usually the most affordable style in hardware.
Satin chrome hardware is matte and cool-toned, lending to a sophisticated, contemporary look. This durable finish is excellent for contemporary spaces and pairs well with wood, stone, and other metals. Satin chrome finishes also show fewer fingerprints and smudges than more shiny finishes.
Matte black hardware is a non-reflective, dark finish that stands out from lighter, softer options. This bold choice is popular for modern spaces and contrasts wonderfully with lighter cabinets and countertops. Matte black finishes are also easy to clean and hide fingerprints.
Satin brass finishes have a soft, warm-toned appearance that complements traditional and modern aesthetics. The subtle warmth of satin brass evokes classic sophistication and adds a touch of elegance to any space. Due to its brushed finish, satin brass requires less maintenance. Satin brass hardware requires extra research while shopping since there is no industry-standard color. These finishes should be carefully viewed before purchasing as different brands can vary in hue.
Polished brass is brighter than its satin counterpart, making it a striking, eye-catching option for classic interiors. This finish pairs well with rich fabrics, wood tones, and dark fixtures. While polished brass finishes can complement a range of spaces, they do require regular cleaning and polishing to prevent tarnishing.
Antique brass finishes are subtly sophisticated with a warm, weathered appearance. Their rich golden-brown color evokes a vintage style that complements both contemporary and classic interiors. Since antique brass has a darker, matte finish it is less likely to show smudges and fingerprints.
Oil-rubbed bronze is an atmospheric, moody finish with a dark brown-to-black hue and a slight metallic sheen. Over time, this finish develops a natural patina which enhances its depth and character. Oil-rubbed bronze finishes pair well with traditional and industrial designs, particularly when there are other dark fixtures in a space.
Antique bronze has a warm, golden-bronze hue and a slightly aged appearance. This bold finish lends a rustic charm to any space but pairs particularly well with traditional interiors and other warm-toned fixtures. Since antique bronze has a naturally aged appearance, it hides minor wear and scratches.
Brushed bronze finishes are a soft matte golden-brown hue that adds depth to kitchens and bathrooms. The slightly textured finish emits a subtle warm glow which complements modern and classic spaces. The subtle texture of brushed bronze finishes makes them durable and resistant to scratches, smudges, and fingerprints.
Polished gold hardware has a rich, warm color and shiny surface that reflects light. This finish evokes a bold, luxurious feel and complements dramatic, modern interiors. Polished gold finishes require routine cleaning to maintain their brilliant shine.
Satin gold finishes have a smooth, semi-matte finish with an understated warm tone. They have a softer appearance than polished gold and complement traditional and contemporary spaces. Satin gold hardware is versatile and pairs well with various wood, stone, and fabric materials. Satin gold hardware requires extra research while shopping since there is no industry-standard color. These finishes should be carefully viewed before purchasing as different brands can vary in hue.
Brushed gold offers a more textured appearance and warm hue. These fixtures evoke a subtler elegance and are popular in modern and classic designs. Brushed gold finishes are particularly good at hiding fingerprints, smudges, and aging. Brushed brass hardware requires extra research while shopping since there is no industry-standard color. These finishes should be carefully viewed before purchasing as different brands can vary in hue.
Still not sure about which hardware finish to choose? Consider purchasing samples of your favorites to view next to other elements in your space. Viewing potential hardware options next to other elements of your space and in natural light to help you select the perfect finish.