Here at the The Brighton Bathroom Company we’ve seen a growing trend towards different tap finishes which offer a refreshing and exciting alternative to chrome within bathrooms.  However, there are a few ‘watch outs’ to consider when including different finishes within your own unique bathroom design:

• They can be more expensive than the standard chrome finishes and harder to source.
• It’s really important to consider matching all fittings within the bathroom such as shower fixings, handles and finishes, and do consider the finish of your towel rail as well.  Detail is everything.
• Your chosen finish may not be available in matching accessories and fixings.
• Occasionally a mix of finishes can work, but we suggest taking the advice of an experienced designer before taking the plunge.

So let’s take a look at what’s out there to choose from.

• Black matt – adds a contemporary/industrial or eclectic look and looks great used against contrasting white sanitaryware or tiling.  Also works well when used alongside black stone basins or tiling. It’s easy to keep clean and is very practical as it doesn’t show finger marks because of its matt finish.  We’ve recently used this finish in this bathroom included in our coloured brassware Pinterest board.
• White – This can look really stunning if used very carefully within a design. It works well when used in a very contemporary, understated design. Works well teamed with white tiling such as carrara marble and simple, understated white furniture. Dornbracht’s Tara range comes in both matt black and white finishes.
• Copper – brushed or polished. The brushed finish works well in an industrial/steam punk-inspired bathroom and the polished can work well teamed for instance, with a copper bateau bath. Copper has a natural anti- bacterial quality and if left un maintained will gradually develop a beautiful patina.
• Brushed nickel – is a popular and quite readily available finish for fittings and fixtures. This soft looking finish looks good in both contemporary styles depending on the design of the range.  We often use St James Collection products for this type of look. Brushed nickel is durable and easy to keep clean.
• Polished nickel – a shinier finish than brushed nickel, but a softer look than chrome.
• Oil rubbed bronze – this finish is a dark colour and works well in a traditional, rustic design with natural stone or handmade tiling.  Take a look at these ‘City bronze’ fittings from Samuel Heath installed in one of our designs.
• Polished brass – yes… this is back! Polished brass adds a sense of luxury to your bathroom and can be used in traditional or contemporary settings as some tap manufacturers are now using it as an option for their more contemporary designs.
• Satin brass – This offers a softer look than polished brass and is glamorous without being too showy. Easy to keep clean due to it’s matt finish.
• Brushed gold – looks great against carrara marble with its muted yet glamorous finish. Recently used in a gorgeous bathroom in Brighton, featured on our Coloured Brassware Pinterest board here.