How to Choose Bathroom Faucet Finishes (Types and Pros & Cons)

When putting the finishing touches to your dream bathroom, you must put a lot of thought into the fixtures, such as your faucets. Aside from the shape and style of your home’s faucets, one other thing you will want to choose carefully is your faucet finishes. This will determine how well it suits your interior design. Faucet finishes are the coatings applied to the surface and have two functions. First, they make the fixture look more attractive, and second, they often affect its durability. Depending on your particular vision for how your bathroom should look, you need to look into the various faucet finishes and their pros and cons. Here are some of the most common bathroom sink faucet finishes.

Faucet Finish Comparison Chart

Finish	Durability	Water spots	Fingerprints	Hard water friendly	Cleaning difficulty	Style fit	Price tier	Best for
Chrome	High	High (shows spots)	Medium	Fair	Easy	Any style (classic → modern)	$	Budget-friendly bathrooms, rentals, easy match with most fixtures
Brushed Nickel	High	Low–Medium	Low	Good	Easy	Transitional, family-friendly, timeless	$$	Low-maintenance homes, busy family baths, hides day-to-day grime
Polished Nickel	High	Medium–High	Medium–High	Fair	Medium	Traditional, luxe transitional	$$$	Elevated look with warmer shine than chrome (but needs wiping)
Stainless / Brushed Steel	High	Low–Medium	Low–Medium	Good	Easy	Modern, industrial, minimalist	$$	Clean modern bathrooms, practical “won’t clash” choice
Matte Black	Medium–High*	Low	Medium (can show oils)	Fair–Good	Medium	Modern, farmhouse, contemporary	$$–$$$	High-contrast statement look (best when you can wipe it weekly)
Oil-Rubbed Bronze	Medium	Low	Low	Good	Medium	Traditional, rustic, Tuscan, farmhouse	$$–$$$	Hard-water areas + warm, vintage style (great at hiding spots)
Satin / Brushed Brass	Medium–High*	Low–Medium	Low–Medium	Good	Medium	Warm modern, vintage, Art Deco	$$–$$$	Warm, designer look that’s easier to live with than polished brass
Polished Brass	Medium*	Medium–High	Medium–High	Fair	Harder	Traditional, glam, vintage	$$$	Bold luxe shine (best for low-traffic powder rooms)

*Durability varies a lot by brand/coating. “PVD” or similarly described premium coatings usually hold up better than basic plating/paint.

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Chrome Faucet

Chrome faucet finishes are considered attractive, with a silvery polished shine that makes them a striking feature for any bathroom, regardless of style. Chrome is an alloy of the metal chromium, which, while being lightweight, is also quite durable. One reason why it’s a good choice is that it is resistant to corrosion. Chrome is also one of the cheapest finishing materials and is easy to maintain.

However, chrome will tarnish over time, and while the highly polished surface is attractive, it also means that scratches, fingerprints, and water spots will stand out and be extremely visible. Luckily, chrome is relatively easy to clean; all you have to do is wipe it down occasionally with a soft cloth and soap. Chrome-finished faucets will suit almost every bathroom style, though they are especially well-suited to modern, industrial, and even Scandinavian styles. 

• Best for: Budget upgrades, rentals, resale-safe bathrooms
• Looks best in: Bright, clean spaces (white tile, marble-look, classic fixtures)
• Hard water note: Spots show fast and plan a quick wipe after heavy use
• Choose it when: You want the easiest “goes with everything” finish and don’t mind occasional polishing

Copper Faucet

A copper finish faucet uses the mineral copper as a protective coating. Copper is a versatile mineral used in a variety of applications due to its conductivity, malleability, and ductility. Copper styles work well if you are going for a farmhouse or rustic style look for your bathroom design. They also work with mid-century design styles. One major pro when it comes to copper finish faucets is that copper protects the faucet from corrosion. They are also considered attractive because of the bold reddish gold color of copper.

While copper does naturally fade when exposed to sulfur and oxide compounds, faded copper is still considered attractive and gives a nice “aged” and old-fashioned feel to your fixtures. The major con of faucet copper finishes is that they are a bit less durable than those on this list. Also, its bold color might not suit all design styles, and it can be hard to match with your other accessories.

• Best for: Statement powder rooms, rustic/vintage vibes, warm organic style
• Looks best in: Farmhouse, Old World, cottage, eclectic (especially with warm lighting)
• Hard water note: Brushed/antique finishes hide mineral marks better than shiny copper
• Choose it when: You want a focal point and you’re okay with patina and color change over time

Nickel Faucet

Nickel finishes are achieved by using the metal nickel to give the faucet a shiny, silvery sheen. Two common types of nickel finish faucets are used in bathrooms: brushed nickel and polished nickel.

• Best for: A softer, more upscale shine than chrome (without feeling trendy)
• Looks best in: Transitional & traditional bathrooms (classic tile, warm neutrals)
• Hard water note: Brushed nickel > polished nickel for hiding spots
• Choose it when: You like a warmer “silver” look that still reads timeless

Brushed Nickel

This type of finish is accomplished by first rubbing nickel over a faucet and then brushing the surface with a wire brush. The whole thing is then finished with a protective layer of lacquer. The result is a slightly silvery surface that is protected from wear and tear. Brushed nickel is one of the most durable faucet materials available. Unlike polished nickel, which we will discuss more below, brushed nickel has a more matte surface caused by the small abrasions left by the wire brush. This matte surface is less prone to showing water spots.

Brushed nickel finishes last longer than oil-rubbed bronze and chrome. These faucets are also easy to match with other bathroom accessories. This finish is more expensive than chrome but cheaper than oil-rubbed bronze. It also doesn’t go well with stainless steel, so you should consider that when accessorizing your bathroom. Aside from that, however, it’s a very versatile option that will go with almost any bathroom style.

• Best for: Busy bathrooms and low-maintenance everyday use
• Looks best in: Transitional, classic, “builder-basic but upgraded” spaces
• Hard water note: One of the most forgiving finishes for spots & smudges
• Choose it when: You want the finish that stays looking clean the longest between wipe-downs

Polished Nickel

Polished nickel finishes are achieved by polishing nickel-plated brass to create a shiny and highly reflective surface. Faucets that use this type of finish are highly durable and relatively easy to clean. One con, however, is that these types have a reflective surface, so fingerprints and water spots are highly visible. You are going to need to wipe down these faucets and clean them regularly. They are also one of the more expensive finishes on this list. Polished nickel options look great in traditional and modern bathrooms. They are also good options for a European or Victorian-style design.

• Best for: High-end, classic bathrooms with a richer shine
• Looks best in: Traditional, Parisian, vintage-inspired spaces (marble, beadboard, classic mirrors)
• Hard water note: Spots will show and a soft towel wipe helps a lot
• Choose it when: You want the most “elevated” silver finish and don’t mind upkeep

Brass Faucets

Brass finish faucets use metal brass in their coatings.  Brass is a copper alloy, so they have a slightly reddish-brown tinge. Two common types of brass finishes are used for bathroom faucets: polished brass and satin brass.

• Best for: Instant warmth and a designer feel
• Looks best in: White/cream baths, moody jewel tones, modern-vintage mixes
• Hard water note: Satin/brushed brass hides spots better than polished brass
• Choose it when: You want warmth & contrast (especially with white tile or darker paint)

Polished Brass

This classic faucet finish material is mostly produced by polishing solid brass and finishing it with a lacquer to minimize tarnish. Some manufacturers also produce “polished brass finish faucets” using metal alloys instead of brass. These alloys are electroplated before the lacquer is added. Both ways end up producing a finish that is bright, shiny, and highly reflective. They come in various attractive shades of golden brown.

Polished brass finishes are prized for their durability and for the fact that they don’t tarnish. They look sleek and polished and go well with various designs, from traditional to vintage. Minimalist design styles and accessories will also look good with polished brass. The disadvantage of polished brass is that it’s a bit more expensive than the other types discussed in this post. The shiny surface of a polished brass-finished faucet is attractive but also likely to show water spots and fingerprints. The lacquer layer will also eventually dull.

• Best for: Glam, vintage, traditional looks and great for powder rooms
• Looks best in: Ornate, classic, or retro styles with warm accents
• Hard water note: Shows fingerprints & spots—expect regular buffing
• Choose it when: You want bold shine and the bathroom isn’t in constant heavy use

Satin Brass

Satin brass has a textured finish, so satin brass faucets have a smooth matte look compared to polished brass. The matte surface of satin brass finish faucets conceals fingerprints and watermarks better than polished brass, making them easier to keep clean. However, it’s a bit more difficult to find accessories and other fixtures that match the look of satin brash. If you plan to use traditional, contemporary, or modern design styles for your bathroom, satin brass-finished faucets should fit the vision. They are clean and simple looking, but the burnished gold-brown color lends an air of elegance and luxury.

• Best for: A modern brass look that’s easier day-to-day
• Looks best in: Modern, transitional, Scandi-warm, updated vintage
• Hard water note: More forgiving than polished brass
• Choose it when: You love brass but want a finish that won’t punish you for skipping a wipe

Oil-Rubbed Bronze Faucet

Oil-rubbed bronze-finished faucets are available in a variety of slightly brown shades. These types are chemically darkened to look like aged bronze, so they are great faucets to use if you are going for a slightly vintage or antique look. Oil-rubbed bronze is durable, and the surface doesn’t really show water spots and fingerprints, so it’s easy to keep clean.  They are, however, a little expensive.

• Best for: Warm, classic style that hides daily grime well
• Looks best in: Farmhouse, rustic, Tuscan, traditional
• Hard water note: Very forgiving and the dark, textured look masks spots
• Choose it when: You want a cozy, “lived-in” finish with minimal polishing

Stainless Steel Finish

This iron-based alloy is resistant to corrosion and rust. Stainless steel finishes have a highly reflective surface that resembles the precious metal silver but is more affordable and durable. Stainless steel finishes are easy to clean; wipe them down with soap and water. They are also scratch-resistant. They are slightly expensive, though. If you are designing a bathroom that uses modern, industrial, or contemporary styles, these are good types of faucets to look into. It also looks good with wood or marble, so if you consider using these materials on your countertops, these faucets will match them nicely.

• Best for: Neutral, practical, modern bathrooms
• Looks best in: Modern, minimalist, industrial, contemporary
• Hard water note: Usually does well but still wipe with a soft cloth when needed
• Choose it when: You want a no-drama finish that won’t fight other metals

Matte Black Finish

Matte black finishes are achieved by applying a powder coating to iron, steel, or brass. The resulting type is either dull or satin. Matte Black finish faucets are easy to clean and won’t show fingerprints or smudges as prominently as shinier finishes will. They are considered modern and trendy and go well in art deco, modern, eclectic, and minimalist bathrooms.

• Best for: High-contrast modern style and bold statements
• Looks best in: Modern, contemporary, modern farmhouse (white + black contrast)
• Hard water note: Often hides water spots, but soap residue can show—weekly wipe helps
• Choose it when: You want “instant style” and don’t mind light maintenance to keep it crisp

Custom Faucet Finishes

If none of the finishes we listed above sound like something you would like to use, you should look into custom-finish faucets. Other metal types include gold, bronze, silver, simulated copper, zinc, and pewter. You can also get faucets with paint or powder coatings in a variety of colors and shades. There are also faucets with ceramic and glass finishes that can be glazed to match your bathroom sink. Ask your manufacturer for a full catalog of their available styles before you decide.

• Best for: Perfect matching, truly custom looks, high-end projects
• Looks best in: Designer builds, historic restorations, curated mixed-metal baths
• Hard water note: Ask about coating type & warranty and note that its durability varies a lot
• Choose it when: You need a specific finish (unlacquered brass, aged patinas, special plating) and can pay more/wait longer

What Is The Most Durable Finish For Faucets?

The nickel-based finishes we discussed above are some of the most durable available. While polished nickel and brushed nickel are about evenly matched regarding durability, note that the shinier surface of polished nickel will be more prone to showing stains and smudges. Nickel is also slightly more expensive than the other ones we’ve discussed. If durability is really important to you, you should also look at what the manufacturer has available in stainless steel, brass, and bronze. They are also pretty durable and a little less pricey than nickel.

What Is The Most Popular Bathroom Finish?

Chrome is probably the most common bathroom faucet finish. The silver-toned shine of chrome is considered quite attractive. It’s also versatile and will suit a variety of bathroom styles. It is durable, though maybe not as durable as nickel and other metal-based materials. One of the major reasons for its popularity is its affordability. You can often find a good chrome faucet for about $50, while a nickel faucet can run up to $600.

Which Finish Is Best For Bathroom Faucets?

The metal-based finishes, even chrome, are best for bathroom faucets. Most of the finishes mentioned here are resistant to corrosion, which is important for bathroom faucets. The final factor you should consider when deciding on the best faucet finish is how it will fit with the overall style of your bathroom. The fixture you choose should complement the room and be cohesive with the knobs, pulls, towel racks, and other hardware.

Best Finish To Use For Hard Water?

If you live in an area with hard water, you will probably have a problem with water spots. Though most of the finishes we’ve listed here are easy to clean, just wipe them down with soap and water; you might choose a material that doesn’t show water spots that easily. Shiny or highly reflective material is not a good option for faucet finishes in areas with hard water. Water spots will really show up on shiny surfaces so, unless you want to be cleaning your faucet almost constantly, go with the other materials.

Matte finishes will not show watermarks as easily as shiny or polished options. Materials that say “matte”, “brushed”, or “satin” are the best faucet finishes for hard water. (Excluding matte black) Of the types we list here, the best would be brushed nickel, satin brass, and oil-rubbed bronze.

Take note: one finish we mentioned here was matte, and while it does say “matte,” matte black isn’t a good faucet choice for areas with hard water. The black color of the surface will contrast with white water marks, making them more visible. No matter what type of finish you get for your bathroom faucets, the best way to prevent hard water marks would be to dry your faucets immediately after use. Water stains only occur when water dries on the surface.

You should also occasionally clean your faucets with a solution of water, vinegar, lemon juice, and dish soap. This solution will get rid of any mineral buildup that causes watermarks. Mix the vinegar and water (use a one-to-one ratio) then add some lemon juice and a few drops of dish soap. Put this solution in a spray bottle and spray it on your faucets. Let the solution sit for around twenty minutes. Then, gently scrub the solution off with a rag or sponge. Take care not to use abrasive materials, as you don’t want to scratch the finish.

For more related content, visit our article about bathroom design tools you can use to create and visualize your own bathroom projects.