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Bathroom hardware finishes seem to be simple choices, until you’re standing in the store staring at a gorgeous black showerhead, and your brushed nickel sink faucet. Does it all have to match? Many homeowners contemplating a bathroom remodel or luxury bathroom renovation are faced with the dilemma. Does the entire bathroom have to have the same finish on all of the hardware? There are advantages to both keeping your hardware finishes the same, and mixing and matching.
At Lori K Bath, we believe every homeowner should have the opportunity to discover their own bathroom remodeling vision, and bring it to life through high-quality, Made in USA bathroom products. So, should you match your bathroom hardware finishes or can a mixed metal bathroom be just as stunning? We’ve put together this guide to help you envision your dream bathroom.
Do Bathroom Hardware Finishes Need To Match?
Your bathroom hardware finishes don’t need to match. That’s the truth. But here’s the thing. Matching or mixing can both look great depending on the look you’re going for.
A bathroom with all chrome finishes can feel bright, clean and modern. It’s like sunshine in a room. On the hand brushed nickel bathroom hardware gives a warmer softer vibe. It’s shiny more cozy. Perfect if you want a calm inviting space.
Mixing finishes can actually give you freedom. For example you could pick a shower head and maybe a black towel bar or two. That little bit of black can add character to a chrome bathroom. It doesn’t clash. It just adds interest.
You do need to think about it. Don’t grab finishes and hope they work. Pick them with purpose. They should go together. Like a pair of shoes with an outfit.
Many different finishes in a small bathroom? That can make the space feel messy. Like many colors, in a small room. Overwhelming. You want the finishes to support each other not compete.
Before you pick anything take a step back. What kind of bathroom do you want?. Bold?. Calm? Minimalist? Cozy? That answer will guide your choices.
So yes. You can mix. You can match.. Choose with care. The right finishes will make your bathroom feel put not random.
Why Matching Bathroom Fixtures Might Be Better
Even though mixing and matching can look interesting there is nothing than choosing the simple path of keeping the same finish throughout your bathroom fixtures.
When all your bathroom fixtures match they can make a small bathroom feel bigger than it actually is.
Having the finish, on your shower, sink and towel bars gives the space a smooth open look.
Another good reason to match your bathroom hardware is that it helps the finish blend well with the colors, in your bathroom.
Once you’ve chosen your preferred finish, it’s much easier to choose a complementary color palette for your bathroom. You will also save time in the shopping process by searching through faucets and showerheads in one finish.
Matching bathroom fixtures is also an appealing option if you are looking for a more traditional bathroom design.
There is one thing to keep in mind when you make the decision to match your bathroom fixtures. Make sure you examination samples of different brands of the same finish, such as brushed nickel.
The same finish from different manufacturers will often have subtle differences that can be quite apparent when placed side by side.
Can A Mixed Metal Bathroom Be Just As Stunning?
A bathroom with metals can be absolutely stunning.
Imagine a walk in shower with a matte black showerhead accented by a brushed nickel faucet.
Contrasting metals make the combination but how do you avoid the overall look being cluttered?
One of the ways to accomplish this is by repeating one or two of your finishes.
In the example you could use brushed nickel as a base metal with black accents.
Alternatively you could repeat one metal in 2 or 3 different fixtures.
Using the cabinet handles as an accent, to your brushed nickel bathroom can create a striking look that is cohesion.
Again the goal is to create a space that appeals to you and one that feels comfortable and welcoming than one that feels like a Pinterest board.eels comfortable and welcoming, rather than one that feels like a Pinterest board.
What Bathroom Hardware Finishes Go Together?
As you’ve seen, mixing metals can be a wonderful way to create a cohesive look in your bathroom, but what hardware finishes actually go together well?
The answer to this depends a lot on your tastes and the overall aesthetic you are going for, but also has a lot to do with what else is in your bathroom. Your vanity and walls are going to affect how your metal finishes reflect light, which will impact how the metals interact with each other.
Brushed Nickel and Matte Black
Brushed nickel and matte black are two of our favorite hardware finishes to pair together.
Nickel is a warm, bright metal that really lends itself to a modern bathroom, while the deep color of black really makes a statement in any space.
You can create a lovely contrast by using a brushed nickel bathroom faucet and black cabinet hardware, or a black showerhead with nickel finishes in your shower.
This is a great combination if you are using white, gray, or natural looking shower wall tile in your shower.
Chrome and Brushed Nickel
Chrome and brushed nickel are two similar finishes that have slightly different appearances.
Chrome is a harder, shinier metal, while nickel is a bit softer. The two metals work well together, so long as they’re not placed directly next to each other in your bathroom.
Be aware that mixing two similar metals can draw attention away from the fact that they’re different metals, making your bathroom look a bit cluttered instead of like a unified whole.
Brass and Matte Black
Brass is a metal that really brings out the color on your bathroom walls and wood accents.
Matte black is the companion to gold and other warm metals.
You can use a brass faucet with cabinet handles to create an eye-catching contrast.
The key when using metals such, as Brass is not to use too much of them.
A few pieces of Brass hardware will add a pop of color without being overwhelming.
Should Shower Hardware Match the Bathroom Faucet?
When it comes to your shower hardware vs your bathroom faucet, the two do not need to match, but they should still complement each other.
The visual impact of the two pieces of hardware is going to depend largely on the overall size and arrangement of your bathroom.
If you have a small bathroom with a walk-in shower, a good rule of thumb is to make sure that the color and finish of the hardware is going to work in tandem.
If you’re using a matte black showerhead, for instance, you could repeat the black cabinet hardware somewhere near the vanity.
Alternatively, you could repeat your shower hardware somewhere else in the space, while moving the bathroom faucet to a different finish.
It’s also perfectly acceptable to have your shower match, and create a cohesive look within the shower enclosure itself.
At Lori K Bath, we’re proud to offer a variety of options for our customers to create the walk-in shower of their dreams, or convert an existing tub and shower into a modern, walk-in shower.
Making sure that the shower hardware complements the rest of the space is one of the many things we consider as we create custom, luxury bathrooms for our clients in Valparaiso, Crown Point, Schererville, and the surrounding Northwest Indiana communities.
How Many Metal Finishes Is Too Many In A Bathroom?
There’s really no right or wrong answer for how many metal finishes your bathroom should have.
A larger bathroom can easily accommodate 3 different finishes, so long as the finishes are spread out, rather than being placed directly next to each other.
Smaller bathrooms do best with fewer metal finishes.
If you’re not sure where to start, or you’re just looking for some inspiration, consider these helpful tips for mixing and matching bathroom fixtures:
Select one primary finish for your largest fixtures
Select one or two secondary finishes for your smaller bathroom fixtures
Repeat finishes to create cohesion between different areas of the bathroom
Group similar finishes together in your bathroom
Make sure your fixtures are compatible with the lighting in your bathroom
There’s no magic number or ratio when it comes to mixing and matching bathroom metal finishes. A black showerhead, nickel bathroom faucet, and brass mirror can work well together if the rest of your bathroom has complementary colors.
It’s important to make sure that you’re avoiding combinations that clash.
Does Hardware Finish Impact Cleaning Your Bathrooms?
When it comes to hardware finishes, it’s also important to consider how easy the finishes are to clean and maintain in your specific bathroom.
Chrome can be a bit tricky to clean, since it tends to show water spots, whereas matte black is likely to leave behind pale water spots when it’s wet.
Brushed nickel is going to be somewhat resistant to water spots, fingerprints, and other issues.
Another consideration when choosing your finishes is the overall quality of the finish.
Brushed nickel bathroom hardware can look as good, as chrome when it is taken care of carefully. Brushed nickel bathroom hardware looks best when you use the cleaning products that the maker says are best. Some finishes may react badly to chemicals or rough cleaners and tools. Those harsh things can leave scratches that’re hard to remove.
Homeowners who want a bathroom that needs little upkeep should look at all of these points before picking their style.
What Finish On Shower Hardware Looks Best
There is no one hardware finish that we recommend for all showers.
Chrome finishes tend to be quite bright, and work well with a variety of shower wall tile colors, especially when the tile has a similar sheen.
Brushed nickel is also a versatile option that works well with both modern and traditional shower designs.
Matte black finishes create a bold statement in your shower, especially if you have white or light-colored tiles.
If you’re considering a brass or other warm metal finishes for your shower, keep in mind that they will likely reflect light differently, depending on your shower walls.
Once again, the arrangement and color of your shower walls will have a major impact on which finishes will look appealing in your custom showers. Take the color of your walls into account, since a dark showerhead is going to make quite a statement against white tile.
Another thing to take into account is your lighting.
The same metal finish will reflect light differently, depending on where it is in the room.
If you’re remodeling your bathroom, it can be helpful to bring your finishes into the space and compare them with the color of your walls and baseboards.
When To Replace Bathroom Hardware Finishes
You don’t necessarily need to replace all of your bathroom hardware just to achieve an updated look.
Replacing a pieces of outdated bathroom hardware can transform the atmosphere of your bathroom and make it feel far more modern and inviting.
If its your shower hardware that needs replacing keep in mind that replacing your showerhead shower controls and possibly the shower door can also completely update the look of your bathroom
At Lori K Bath, we help families and individuals all across the Northwest Indiana region make their bathroom dreams a reality.
From custom walk-in shower remodeling to luxurious tub-to-shower conversions, our experienced professionals will help you choose the upgrades that will enhance your home for years to come.
Whether you’re thinking about a small update to your existing bathroom or a complete luxury bathroom remodel, our team is here to help you bring it to life with high-quality Made in USA products and a personalized approach to your design preferences.
Most of our bathroom and shower remodeling services can be completed in just one day!
Find Bathroom Hardware Finishes That Fit Your Style With Lori K Bath
Your bathroom should be your safe space, a place where you can relax and unwind.
It should also be a place that reflects your personality and lifestyle, which is why we encourage homeowners to make the choices that will allow them to enjoy their bathroom space.
Whether you choose to match your bathroom hardware finishes or you want to invest in a mixed metal bathroom, your dream bathroom is waiting to be discovered with Lori K Bath.
If you’re considering a shower upgrade or bathroom remodeling project, call us today to schedule your free design consultation and learn more about the Lori K Way.