The pros and cons of different tap finishes

There are a number of beautiful finishes available for your bathrooms brassware. Different manufacturers now offer a range to ensure your taps, shower, waste and accessories match the aesthetic you are aiming for. One question commonly asked is how do the different finishes effect maintenance, durability and the overall look of your bathroom, so lets take a look at the pros and cons of different finishes.

Chrome

Chrome has been the standard for decades now and remains a firm favourite

Pro	Con
Typically more economical choice compared to other finishes Timeless sleek reflective finish for a modern clean look Easy to match across manufacturers Easy to clean Resistant to corrosion	Visible watermarks and fingerprints ‘Cold’ sterile look (some people prefer warmer tones for a cosier bathroom vibe Can scratch over time, less of an issue with quality brands More impacted in hard water areas

Matte Black

Sleek matte black brassware has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years offering a bold and modern look

Pro	Con
‘Striking and sophisticated’ – Black contrasts well with white & light coloured ceramics/decor in a bathroom Hides fingerprints well Works across a range of styles particularly modern, minimalist or industrial themes	Lime scale and soap build up can appear more prominent More impacted in hard water areas Regular cleaning needed to keep black finishes looking their best Can be hard to match between manufacturers – Tone and texture can vary between manufacturer (however this is more pronounced for other finishes such as brass and nickel)

Gold

Gold is a classic look and suits traditional bathrooms well, however it can also be incorporated into more modern designs for a warm cosy feel in your bathroom

Pro	Con
The look of luxury – Gold has a timeless luxurious vibe that is hard to match with other finishes Warmth – Gold can bring a warmth with its warm tones to a bathrooms colour scheme Hides fingerprints well	More costly than chrome Can be hard to match between manufacturers – Tone can vary greatly between manufacturer Patina – Depending on the manufacturer and finish, some gold may tarnish over time to a patina. This aged look can be either a pro or a con depending in your taste preferences More impacted in hard water areas

Brushed Brass

Brushed Brass can really make a statement in a bathroom.  Often paired with traditional or heritage style bathrooms but can work equally well in contemporary bathrooms.

Pro	Con
The look of luxury – Brash finishes bring a touch of luxury into the bathroom Warmth – Brasses warm undertones, similar to gold, can bring warmth into a bathrooms colour scheme, however still goes well with cooler bathroom schemes. Hides watermarks and fingerprints Lime scale and soap build up are less visible compared some other finishes	More costly than chrome ‘Trendy’ – Brushed brass is a more distinct look so ensuring a cohesive bathroom design is needed to ensure it lasts the test of time Patina – Depending on the manufacturer and finish, some brash may tarnish over time to a patina. This aged look can be either a pro or a con depending in your taste preferences

Brushed Nickel / Nickel

This finish has been gaining popularity for its matter more suble look, its very similar to the classic chrome in tone but has warmer underones than chrome.

Pro	Con
Hides watermarks and fingerprints (less so is not brushed) Neutral tone and subtle sheen works well with traditional and contemporary designs Scratch resistant Matt finish with warm undertones – best alterative if you want the timeless look of chrome without the shine Resistant to corrosion	More costly than chrome Hard to match between manufacturers – Tone and texture can vary greatly between manufacturer Not as widely available as finishes like chrome, black or gold

Gunmetal & Brushed Black      

Pro	Con
A more subtle look than matt black if you are aiming for a darker colour scheme Neutral tone and subtle sheen works well with traditional and contemporary designs Hides watermarks and fingerprints Lime scale and soap build up are less visible compared some other finishes	More costly than chrome ‘Trendy’ – Gunmetal / Brushed Black is a more distinct look so ensuring a cohesive bathroom design is needed to ensure it lasts the test of time Hard to match between manufacturers – Tone and texture can vary greatly between manufacturer Not as widely available as finishes like chrome, black or gold