So, after going through many, many faucets, you’ve finally narrowed down just what kind of faucet design you want. But now it’s time to pick out which faucet finish will fit your kitchen best. It may seem like an easy pick, but with so many options to go through, it can be a bit harder than you’d think. So, let Kingston help you out. Kitchen faucets are our specialty and we can help you figure out which faucet finish is best for your kitchen.
Polished Chrome Finish
Pros: The most popular choice of them all, this shiny finish is perfect for anyone who wants their faucet to stand out. Durable and easy to clean, it will match any other fixture in your kitchen.
Cons: While it requires little maintenance, it will still show fingerprints and smudges.
Brushed Brass
Pros: Brushed brass is at home in a wide range of design styles, including traditional, heritage, modern, and contemporary. Its visual contrast adds appeal, especially when paired with a modern style or an all-white bathroom with timber accents. It also provides balance to cool-toned room designs, adding warmth. Unlike typical polished brass, brushed brass is resistant to smudges and fingerprints, maintaining its aesthetic without regular polishing and cleaning. Its muted tone blends naturally with the overall bathroom design, offering understated elegance. Additionally, as a central feature or wall mixer, brushed brass tapware creates a striking focal point. Finally, it is more durable and requires minimal maintenance compared to other finishes.
Cons: Finding matching accessories for brushed brass can be challenging, including plugs and wastes. Careful selection of complementary features and elements is crucial to maintain a cohesive and elegant décor..
Brushed Nickel
Pros: A metallic finish that will give you a warmer tone than other traditional finishes like polished chrome. Smoother and the most durable of faucet finishes, this choice is a perfect fit for nearly every kitchen.
Cons: It will blend in with your kitchen and not stand out much as a statement piece.
Matte Black Finish
Pros: A rapidly popular finish, this versatile finish will give you a stylish and effortlessly chic look to your kitchen. Easy to clean and leaves little to no water spots and fingerprints.
Cons: With its rising popularity, it can be harder to find and expensive to purchase.
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Pros: A unique finish unlike any other, this finish is easily accessible and requires little maintenance. It is great for hiding water spots and fingerprints.
Cons: It can be a bit more expensive than other finishes like polished chrome and brushed nickel.
Polished Brass
Pros: Vintage in style, this durable finish is easily one of the most accessible and easily maintained choice of them all.
Cons: It’s unique and versatile style can make it more expensive than other finishes.
FAQs
Polished Chrome Finish
Is brass good for kitchen faucet? ›
Brass kitchen sink faucets are one of the most commonly found fixtures in home. They're durable, corrosion-resistant, require a minimal amount of care, and can withstand high-temperature settings. Brass faucets are a perfect option for homeowners looking to save on expenses but not sacrifice function or quality.
What is the most durable finish for kitchen faucet? ›
Chrome is tough and scratch-resistant to protect the surface of the faucet, and is the most economical. Nickel – Brushed nickel is warmer and softer than chrome and hides water spots and fingerprints better, so it's easier to clean. But it's also significantly more expensive than chrome.
What is the difference between polished brass and brushed brass faucets? ›
For example, polished brass is durable, easy to clean, and can easily match with other bathroom fixtures. Brushed brass, on the other hand, provides a nice accent color without the polished look and won't show fingerprints or water spots due to its matte coating.
Do brass kitchen faucets tarnish? ›
However, Unlacquered Brass can tarnish over time when exposed to oxygen. This is known as a “patina” and is a completely unique and organic process that cannot be replicated in any manufacturing process. If you prefer a shining fixture, you may polish Unlacquered Brass to remove the patina.
What are the cons of brass faucets? ›
Brass is generally softer and more susceptible to scratches and dents. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is extremely resistant to corrosion, stains, and scratches, making it a durable choice. Brass fixtures require regular maintenance to prevent tarnishing and maintain their shine.
What lasts longer, brass or stainless steel? ›
Simply put, brass is generally more corrosion-resistant than stainless steel. While the addition of chromium to steel makes a whole lot of difference to its ability to resist rust, it is still susceptible to corrosion at some degree.
How to pick a kitchen faucet finish? ›
"Intuitively, you know what you like." If you prefer smooth or shiny, you might pick a chrome finish. If you're looking for texture, an oil-rubbed product might work. If water spots drive you crazy, matte finishes can solve the problem.
What faucet finish is most popular? ›
MOST POPULAR FINISHES
- POLISHED NICKEL – PN.
- SATIN NICKEL – SN.
- MATTE BLACK – MB.
- SATIN BRASS – SB.
- STAINLESS STEEL – SS.
- CLASSIC BRONZE – CLZ.
- CHROME – CH.
- UNLACQUERED POLISHED BRASS – UPB.
If ease of cleaning is a priority for you, choose a brushed finish—its muted surface helps mask fingerprints and water spots. Also, since it's not reflective like a polished finish, it's better at showing off a bathroom faucet's details, Lord says.
The Natural Gloss formula is usually the preferred choice for highly polished items as it allows the natural beauty of highly polished brass to shine through. The Satin formula has a sheen but not a high shine. Brass tiles with patina are often coated with a satin finish although it is merely preference.
Is polished brass outdated? ›
It's Timeless!
Polished Brass' timeless features can add to an antique style or propose a modern flair. Incorporated into any bathroom design through shower drains, faucet fixtures, cabinet hardware or more, the golden-hued color is a combination of classic and vintage elements.
Are shiny brass fixtures out of style? ›
It would be silly to say that brass is “out”. It's still everywhere. But since silver/chrome and even polished nickel are having a wave of attention, let's walk through my theories as to why along with some pretty examples and some shoppable options at the end.
What is the best material for a kitchen faucet? ›
The best material for kitchen faucets depends on your personal preferences and the design of the kitchen. Stainless steel and chrome are popular choices for their durability and ease of maintenance, while brass and copper can provide a more unique and vintage look.
How to maintain a brass faucet? ›
Cleaning your faucets regularly is key to maintaining the finish, but harsh cleansers and cleaning tools (like scouring pads or stainless steel sponges) can damage it irreversibly. Instead, use a soft wash cloth and warm water mixed with a non-abrasive hand or dish soap.
Is brass hardware out of style? ›
When brass returned to the forefront of the design world, it was clear that it was not a finish that would go out of style. So, whether you want to update your current hardware or work brass accents into your home, beautiful brass is here to stay.
Is it safe to drink from a brass faucet? ›
Water sitting for several hours or overnight in a brass faucet can leach lead from the brass faucet interior which may produce high lead levels in the first draw of drinking water.
When not to use brass fittings? ›
It is true that in areas where water is less acidic, brass fitting is better. But in areas where water is acidic or easily contaminated, plastic fittings are better. Hot soils effect brass fitting as they tend to corrode easily.
How long do brass faucets last? ›
When built with solid brass materials and other sturdy construction features, modern kitchen faucets can easily last 10 to 15 years. However, they'll need new aerators and likely at least one cartridge replacement along the way to keep them working that long without leaking.
