The Trendy Bathroom Hardware That's Having A Massive Comeback

In interior design, what goes around typically comes around, but this new trend in bathroom hardware is more of an "it never left" kind of deal. Silver colored fixtures are the timeless design choice that's taking center stage again after their 1990s and 2000s heyday. While brass became the favorite child of designers and homeowners alike throughout the last decade, silver hardware has remained a foolproof option in modern homes. Now, it's here to collect its flowers. As for matte black hardware, well, that's the once-trendy bathroom design choice that's getting the boot in 2025.

Silver-colored metals are the perfect middle ground between the exuberance of gold and the dullness of matte. Materials like stainless steel, chrome, and nickel tend to be more discreet than gold hardware, aligning with a quiet luxury design philosophy that prioritizes simplicity and understated elegance. At the same time, they bring a dose of drama and personality that the intentionally muted matte finishes lack. Of course, it's impossible to talk about the resurgence of metallics without linking it to the wave of nostalgia for the Y2K aesthetic that has taken over the world.

As trendy as cool-toned bathroom hardware may be at the moment, it doesn't mean it'll work in just any bathroom design. Color palettes focused around earth tones, for example, call for warmer fixtures, like brass, bronze, and copper. Chrome and stainless steel, on the other hand, work especially well with equally cool colors in cabinets, textiles, and accessories. White is a classic, but pairing these materials with shades of grey and blue also produces wonderful results. One timeless silver hardware combo is marble, making the natural stone's cool undertones and grey veining truly pop.

Then there's nickel. As the warmest of the cool metallics, nickel is the safest, most versatile option, and all the more timeless for it. Still, be mindful of the finish. Polished nickel is the stylish finish that'll add a timeless look to your shower and bathroom, while brushed nickel is often associated with builder-grade fixtures. Unlike its cooler siblings, this metal goes well with any color in the wheel. Matching it with wood and other organic materials, for instance, can offset the iciness for a more balanced whole. 

Mixing different metals is also encouraged to make your décor feel less polished and more lived-in. Pick one dominant material, then use a contrasting second for accents. Larger rooms may even have space for a third. As for where to use each metal, it's best to think intuitively. Cabinet and drawer hardware should look the same, while stand-out fixtures like faucets and mirrors are the ideal locations for your accent metal of choice.