The Outdated Bathroom Finish That Reads As Builder-Grade (& What To Do Instead)

Trends are constantly changing, so jumping on the latest style for your bathroom design can result in the space feeling dated in a few years. When making design decisions, you want to aim for a timeless style, especially for things that aren't as easy to change as paint colors. Thankfully, finishes can be upgraded with some sanding and spray paint, so if yours are beginning to look outdated, you can fix them. A particular bathroom finish that might have started looking like a builder-grade choice in your home is brushed nickel. When you are ready to remodel your bathroom, opt for something a little less lackluster that fits the overall design style of your home.

Brushed nickel is a once-trendy finish that has been falling out of favor with designers and homeowners over the past decade. Currently, this finish is most often used by builders and house flippers, which is a reason it can feel like a builder-grade material. The trendy bathroom hardware that's having a massive comeback is shinier silver colored fixtures, such as polished nickel over the brushed finish. 

Brushed nickel has a matte finish and a brushed texture that has a slightly rustic feel. While this finish reigned supreme in the early 2000s, the rough texture has steadily grown less popular. Today, the duller sheen of this finish can make the bathroom feel outdated. In addition, the finish can be difficult to match with other elements of home décor.

Brushed nickel can be more difficult to clean due to its textured surface. Fingerprints and water spots don't show as easily on a brushed nickel surface as on other nickel finishes, but the brushed surface requires more attention to detail in the cleaning process. The best way to clean nickel hardware includes avoiding cleaners containing ammonia or alcohol and never using abrasive sponges or brushes to clean fixtures.

Matching brushed nickel finishes can be challenging. Brushed nickel is offered in a few different finishes, such as antique brushed nickel, polished, and matte brushed nickel. In addition to variations in these finishes, the color can vary widely among manufacturers. This can make it difficult to coordinate the finish of the hardware on your bathroom cabinets with the faucets in your sink, tub, and shower. 

Polished nickel is a stylish finish that'll add a timeless look to your shower and bathroom. This finish has a high gloss sheen that has a more stylish and modern look compared to brushed nickel. Polished nickel fixtures have grown in popularity in recent years because the finish offers a sleek, shiny aesthetic that gives the space a more luxurious feel.

Other benefits of this finish include its durability and longevity. Polished nickel is resistant to corrosion and tarnishing with proper maintenance. Your new bathroom fixtures will continue looking great for years when you choose high-quality polished nickel and take care of them.

Polished nickel fixtures are easier to clean compared with the rough texture of brushed nickel. You can easily keep it clean by wiping the fixtures down with a damp cloth. When more cleaning is needed, you won't need a special cleaner; just a mild soap and water will do the trick. Keeping the fixtures clean will help maintain the high sheen finish and keep your polished nickel finish shining for years to come.