How to Choose the Perfect Plumbing Finish for Your Home

When selecting plumbing fixtures for your home, the finish you choose plays a critical role in defining the space's overall style and functionality. Each finish brings its own aesthetic and practical benefits, and with so many options available, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. As an interior designer, I’ve worked with a wide variety of finishes, and today I’ll share my insights and opinions on how to choose plumbing fixtures that elevate your space.  

General Guidelines for Selecting Plumbing Fixtures 

1. Stick to One Manufacturer per Space 

While most finishes may look similar across brands, they often vary slightly in tone and sheen. For example, Delta’s stainless has a warmer undertone than Moen’s. To avoid mismatched finishes, it’s best to stick to one manufacturer for all your plumbing fixtures in a single space.  

2. Universal Finishes  

Some finishes, like chrome and black, tend to be consistent across manufacturers. If you’re mixing brands, these are the safest options. I’ve successfully paired high-end black and chrome fixtures with affordable cabinet hardware from Amazon, and they match beautifully.  

Exploring Popular Plumbing Fixture Finishes 

Chrome  

Chrome is a classic finish that adapts to any style, from modern to traditional. Its reflective quality adds brightness to a space, and its versatility makes it a go-to choice for many homeowners. 

Pros: Affordable, universally consistent across brands, and easy to maintain. Usually it is the most cost effective finish.

Cons: Can be difficult to hide corrasion or fingerprints if not properly maintained/ cleaned. 

Styling Tip: The shape of the fixture determines its style—sleek, angular designs lean modern, while curved fixtures feel traditional.  

Design style it best supports: Modern, Contemporary, and Minimalist. Chrome pairs well with monochromatic color plates and high gloss services.

Brushed Nickel or Stainless

Brushed nickel is timeless and understated, offering a soft, matte look that doesn’t draw too much attention. It pairs well with a variety of design styles and is known for its durability.  

Pros: Classic, low maintenance, and resistant to fingerprints and water spots.  

Styling Tip: Use brushed nickel in spaces where you want a cohesive yet subtle look.  

Champagne Bronze 

Currently one of my favorite finishes, champagne bronze feels warm and modern without the dated orange tones of the brass finishes popular in the 1990s. Delta’s champagne bronze is particularly stunning.  

Pros: Sophisticated and unique, it adds a touch of luxury to any space.  

Cons: Challenging to match with lighting fixtures and hardware from other brands.  

Styling Tip: Use champagne bronze for a statement faucet paired with neutral hardware in black or chrome. I have found that Amerck brand cabinet hardware matches champagne bronze very nicely.

Design styles it best supports: Transitional, Contemporary, Modern Traditional, Warm Minimalistic, and Modern Coastal. The subtle glow enhances both modern and traditional spaces. 

Black  

Black fixtures are bold and versatile. They can work in modern, industrial, or even farmhouse designs. While I love incorporating black as an accent, using it exclusively across plumbing, lighting, and hardware can lean too heavily into farmhouse style for my liking.  

Pros: Sleek, universal, and easy to match across brands.  

Cons: Matte finishes can show water spots or streaks more visibly.  

Styling Tip: Use black sparingly as an accent or for statement pieces like a faucet or shower trim. I find that most of my gentlemen clients love black plumbing and hardware.

Design style it best supports: Industrial, Modern, Farmhouse, Contemporary, and Scandinavian. Matte black looks stunning against raw materials like brick, natural woods, and concrete. When mixed correctly it supports a beautiful masculine coastal asthetic. 

Polished Nickel and Brass

Polished finishes are glamorous and elevate a space instantly, but they do require more maintenance. Polished nickel is warmer than chrome, while polished brass adds a vintage or classic touch.  

Pros: Luxurious and timeless.  

Cons: Prone to water spots, scratches, and tarnishing over time, usually a bit more expensive.

Styling Tip: Use polished finishes in powder rooms or guest baths where they won’t see heavy daily use.  Not recommended in spaces with kids. 

Photo From the amazingly talented Kara Miller @karamillerinteriors

Organic Gold and Brass

Gold plumbing finishes add warmth and sophistication to any space, making them a favorite for high-end interiors. Many gold-toned finishes, particularly unlacquered brass, are considered "living finishes" or “organic finishes”  meaning they will develop a natural patina over time. This organic aging process creates a beautifully rich and unique character, deepening the brass’s warmth and enhancing its old-world charm.  

Pro: Versatility for using in a variety of design styles and is a beautiful statement feature.

Cons: Natural Patining can change the appearance and you must be delicate with care.

Styling Tip: These finishes will patina and change over time. Good to note for people that DO NOT want the faucet finish or texture to change. With organic finishes, you typically just want to use soap & water to clean, nothing too abrasive to clean.

Photo from Kara Miller @karamillerinteriors

 

Oil-Rubbed Bronze 

Oil-rubbed bronze is ideal for Tuscan or traditional spaces. Popular during the early 2000s, it has a rich, dark tone that compliments warm, earthy palettes.  

Pros: Adds warmth and pairs well with rustic or traditional decor.  

Cons: Feels dated in modern spaces and can be harder to match with other finishes.  

Design styles it best supports:Traditional, rustic, Tuscan, and Craftsman. Oil Rubbed bronze supports rustic and old-world- inspired designs by adding richness and depth.

 Incorporating Color into Plumbing Fixtures  

In the last year, I’ve embraced using colorful fixtures in bathrooms, especially for kids' or bunk bathrooms. Colored faucets and shower trims add personality and whimsy to these spaces. Think soft pastel faucets for a playful look or deep navy fixtures for a bold statement. White fixtures create clean and modern spaces.

A huge thank you to Caroline Norman at Moore Supply for her generous contributions and expert insight. Moore Supply is our trusted go-to for all things plumbing, and we truly appreciate their support and expertise!