Polished Chrome vs. Polished Nickel?

2LittleFishies

12 years ago

Just wondering the difference in looks as well as cleaning/wear, etc?

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

shanghaimom
12 years ago
Polished chrome is shiny silver with blue undertones, while polished nickel is a softer silver with yellow undertones, almost like sterling silver.

We are in the middle of a bath remodel and they just installed all my new NICKEL hardware yesterday. I thought it would be fine with all the chrome fixtures but the difference is very obvious. Just ordered all new CHROME hardware 15 minutes ago. This is my laundry room, too, so there's a lot of hardware. )-8

A few people have reported unsightly tarnish and wear with the nickel. Our kitchen faucet is nickel and it still looks perfect after two years, so not all nickel finishes are the same.
sayde
12 years ago
Yes not all nickel finishes are the same. I have PN from Restoration Hardware in my master bath. The edges of the faucet handles darken and need to be polished frequently.

The PN is very pretty but the experience I have had made me decide to get chrome for the Perrin & Rowe faucet in the kitchen. (Interestingy RH charges the same price for PN and chrome, but many other manufacturers charge less for chrome). The P&R faucet is beautiful in chrome and has held up very well. Very happy.

But I think the big difference here could be the manufacturer -- RH (Newport Brass faucets) versus P&R.
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I think you're absolutely right, monicakm, it must depend on the manufacturer because, as I said before, there is no consensus. So, the faucet I am thinking about is a Toto (also getting a Toto pedestal sink and toilet). Anyone have Toto faucets in polished chrome or brushed nickel who wants to chime in? Thanks! Here is a link that might be useful: Toto faucet
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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
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I'd match the faucet because that's what's more visible to match against the medicine cabinet. (The light will either be too dark to see if it matches or too bright to look at and see if it matches, depending on if it's on or off.) It's quite possible that the differences would never be noticed because the finishes are pretty close and the medicine cabinet has so little metal visible.
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If you want to draw attention to the handles then select a polished option. If you wish to avoid fingerprints then select a satin option.
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rococogurl
12 years ago
I've got/had both. Think chrome is slightly easier as it requires no polishing. Some nickel finishes will tarnish slightly (if uncoated). I use a product called Flitz for those. But chrome just needs some mild soap/cleaner and a soft cloth.

Otherwise, it's which slight color difference is more pleasing to the eye and can be a budget decision as nickel is usually more costly (though often not by much).

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Polished Chrome vs. Polished Nickel?

Comments (3)

shanghaimom

sayde

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