Bathroom and Shower Fixture Finishes: A Handy Primer

Sometimes, the smallest details can make the biggest impact. This is especially true in a bathroom remodel. You’d be surprised what a massive impact a seemingly minor detail like fixture finish can have in pulling the whole bathroom together. By harmonizing all these different elements, the fixture finish prevents visual clutter in the space–but only if you pick the right one.  

Fixtures are available in different finishes, each evoking a distinctive look and feel for your bathroom. To help you choose the perfect one for your space, The Bathroom Store, the trusted bathroom remodeling expert, shares a quick primer below:

• Polished Brass. This finish remains a favorite among homeowners because it gives the bathroom a vintage look. However, polished brass is versatile enough that it can also be used in modern and eclectic bathrooms. Fixtures that have this particular finish are durable and easy to clean. You’ll have no issues matching them with other accessories and fixtures, as well. The only downside is that polished brass is costlier than other finishes, such as brushed nickel and chrome.

• Brushed Nickel. It’s easy to like brushed nickel fixtures because they can work with almost any bathroom style. Their soft metallic look offers a timeless appeal, and their low-maintenance value means you won’t have to worry about fingerprints and water spots lingering on your fixtures. Brushed nickel fixtures are also reasonably priced–a win for those on a tight budget. Just note, however, that brushed nickel tends to blend in instead of being a highlight of the room. It also doesn’t look good with stainless steel. So if your shower installation or bath remodel features plenty of the latter, you might want to pick another fixture finish.

• Chrome. Incredibly versatile best describes chrome fixtures. They look good no matter the style of your bathroom. Not only that–they are the most cost-effective finish available today. Durable and easy to clean, chrome remains a worthy investment if you want a sleek and reasonably priced fixture finish for your bathroom. Just take care to wipe the fixtures down with a clean cloth periodically to keep them spot and print-free.

• Satin Brass. Compared to polished brass fixtures, this option offers a brushed-gold look. If you’re planning a shower installation this season, you should consider satin brass. It can give your new space a bold look that’s still classy. Satin brass fixtures are known for their durability. They also won’t show any water spots or fingerprints. The drawback? Satin brass is not readily available in most stores, and it’s even more expensive than polished brass. It also doesn’t pair well with other finishes–though that may not be a problem if you’re going for an eclectic look.

• Copper. The elegance that copper fixtures can provide is undeniable. They are an excellent option for those aiming to give their bathroom a richer look. Copper can be challenging to pair with other finishes. But since it stands out more anyway, most homeowners are satisfied with keeping the one finish for their bath space. Copper is more expensive than other fixture finishes, and will also require more upkeep. If you let it age naturally, however, it wears down to a lovely patina that elevates the look of your bathroom even further.

A Few Other Tips You Should Know

Choosing a bathroom and shower fixture finish can be worry-free once you have a clearer understanding of your options. Here are a few more pointers you might want to consider:

• If you’re new to selecting finishes, or still wary about mixing different options to produce an eclectic look, you should take the safe option and get matching ones. 

• Standard finishes, such as chrome and brushed nickel, vary in color depending on the manufacturer or brand. That’s why–if you’re picking just one finish–you should obtain the fixtures from the same brand to ensure you have an exact match.

• Don’t hesitate to consult an expert for help if you remain unsure about your finish options.

How to Choose a Trusted Bathroom Remodeler

There are plenty of bases to cover in a bath remodel–and picking a shower fixture finish is one of the simpler decisions you’ll have to make. The more complex ones, which include hiring a reliable bathroom remodel company, tend to be more daunting. You’ll need to do a whole lot of checking to ensure your choice of contractor is the best match for your needs. Here are a few things to help you get started:

• Get local referrals. You can search online for remodelers in your area, but then you’ll need to wade through hundreds of different names, which will make your search take longer. Getting a referral from family and friends can still give you a clearer idea of what experience you’ll have with a given company. Referrals also tend to be more reliable since the input comes from people you know–not a stranger from the Internet.

• Check their credentials. This is the basics. Make sure your bath renovation company has the necessary licensing and insurance, along with workers’ compensation and liability coverage. These qualifications ensure your greater protection, keeping you covered in the event something untoward occurs in your property during the project. If you decide to work with The Bathroom Store, you only need to ask for proof of our qualifications and we’ll be more than happy to show you. 

• Ask about their experience. You’ll want to work with a trained and skilled company that has experience completing many successful bathroom remodeling projects over the years. This helps ensure you’ll be pleased with the results. At The Bathroom Store, we use a streamlined remodeling process that covers every aspect of your project, complies with the applicable building codes and requirements and leaves no room for mistakes. Superior workmanship like no other–that’s what The Bathroom Store is all about.

• Take a look at their products. When it comes to updating your bathroom, you need to put a greater emphasis on quality than simply price. Quality surface materials and accessories are not only more beautiful, but also tougher and lower maintenance. The Bathroom Store uses products from The Onyx Collection. This allows for almost indestructible bathroom upgrades that come with a lifetime guarantee. From wall surrounds and shower bases, to bathtubs and accessories, we have you covered.

Request a Bathroom Quote Now

The Bathroom Store offers a full selection of bath renovation services. When in need of high-quality customization options to improve the look and feel of your bath space, you know exactly where to reach us. Call us at today (701) 223-1008 or fill out this contact form to schedule your design consultation. We proudly serve Bismarck and all areas in South-Central North Dakota. Expect only the best results when you turn to us for your bathroom remodeling needs.