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Brushed nickel vs. polished chrome?

14 years ago

I am wondering if it is worth $600 more for brushed nickel in my master bath (two lav faucets, whirlpool tub faucet, and shower set-up with both overhead shower and handheld)? The price difference will be even greater once I add lighting (sconces), towel bars, robe hooks, and toilet paper holders. Does the polished chrome really show dirt and fingerprints more? And would the polished chrome seem like a real compromise in the master bath (i.e., do most people view brushed nickel (or other type of more expensive finish) to be a necessary upgrade in a master bath)?

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Comments (2)

MongoCT
14 years ago
I think polished nickel is warmer than polished chrome. Nickel has a bit more red spectrum than chrome (blue spectrum).

Polished anything will tend to show prints more than brushed. In a master bath it's generally not problem though, it's more in a kids' bath.

"Upgrade" is a choice. Remember "upgrade" doesn't always mean it's better quality or it fits better into your design scheme. If you want to upgrade for personal reasons or if you need a certain look to carry off a certain style/design element, that's one thing. You want the warmth of nickel, you want no polished surfaces, or you need the darkness of ORB, etc.

However, I've seen designers try to strong arm customers into "upgraded" finishes by preying on their "keeping up with the jones'" insecurities.

I realize I'm not really answering your question. I guess in some obscure way I'm encouraging you to design your master bath for yourself and not for your next door neighbors.

Best, Mongo
User
14 years ago
IMHO chrome is timeless and works with any style, and I don't mean to contradict Techno but I personally don't believe trends are going away from brushed nickel at all. From what I have seen, it's still very popular with many.

We've actually mixed finishes with chrome in the shower, brushed nickel with the light fixture and worn nickel for the handels, We found sink faucets and towel accessories with a mix of both chrome & brushed nickel. They all work beautifully together. You don't have to stick with one finish if you don't want to, but I'd recommend you at least try to stay in the same family, silvers, brasses, bronzes and so on.
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