Making a Statement With the Color of Your New Fixtures

One of the big considerations when planning a renovation is what fixture finish you would like in your new bathroom.  We often spend a lot of time visiting showrooms and choosing the type and style of various items we would like in our space.  But just like the color of your walls, the color of your new fixtures can set the tone for your décor and become the “jewelry” of your room.  While polished chrome is by far the most economic and popular option, there are several other finishes that are worth consideration.

Brushed nickel is deemed a relative new choice in fixture finishes.   It offers a similar look to chrome but with a warmer, almost golden undertone.  Popular in higher end bathrooms, it costs more than polished chrome and has a beautiful soft depth and lustre that is sure to make it a timeless choice.

Unlike the old brass fixtures from days gone by, gold-colored fixtures have made a strong comeback in recent years.  With names like “champagne bronze” and “brushed gold”, this option has been made popular again by designers and homeowners alike. The rich warmth of gold fixtures, either brushed or highly polished, can add a sense of elegance and luxury to your new bathroom.  Remember that there are a great variety of golden shades available, (depending on each supplier), so if you go with this option, take time to ensure that all metal accessories in your bathroom will be close in appearance to the same golden hue.

Matte black is another trendy color choice that has gained strong popularity.  This fixture option can add drama and instantly give your bathroom a modern, industrial, contemporary flair.  Although cleaning can be a bit more difficult (matte black tends to show water spots and lime residue more easily), it is a bold choice that can greatly update the look of any room while complimenting nearly every design option.  Think classic black and white!   Another possible downside is that this finish may not be in current stock at every supplier (due to its surprising popularity combined with it being a relatively new look), but black fixtures can be readily ordered in.  So, a “word to the wise” …allow plenty of time for your matte black fixtures to be available when needed for your reno!

As mentioned, polished chrome has been the number one pick for fixtures over many years.  This bright metallic finish reflects light well, is undoubtedly the easiest to clean, and will match nicely with virtually any color palette, accessory, or design choice. Although it has been a common option for many years used by both builders and homeowners alike, the more angular styles that have recently come to market have given polished chrome a modern rebirth. This option is readily available, inexpensive, and widely recognized as a durable, stylish choice.

A final tip when making your decision about fixture finish color, keep in mind that coordinating all the metal accessories in your bathroom will result in a cohesive, polished look.  This means that items such as robe and towel hooks, drawer pulls, door hardware including hinges, the toilet flusher, shelving details, and even your over vanity light fixture, should technically all be chosen with the same finish as your sink and bathtub faucets and shower fixtures.  Possibly, the availability and cost of these items in your chosen finish may influence your final color choice.