The metal finish of your kitchen fixtures and lighting can make a huge impact, however they're often overlooked until the end of a design project. To get a cohesive look right from the start, consider all the basics first. To help you narrow down what's best for your kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, door hardware and more, here's a breakdown of today's top metal finishes plus an answer to the brushed nickel vs. chrome fixtures debate.

---

Chrome

Made With:

Brass or steel that's been plated with a chrome finish.

Why You'll Love It:

Polished with a cool, clean look, chrome is a versatile standby that's not only durable but very easy to match with fixtures of different brands. It can also be a less expensive option.

Try It With:

Solid slabs of granite and clean-lined cabinetry for a modern cook space.

Nickel

Made With:

Brass or steel that's been plated with a nickel finish.

Why You'll Love It:

Nickel is versatile, durable and slightly darker than chrome. Satin nickel options have a brushed look, while polished nickel variations bring in shine. Since metallic colours can vary, it's best to shop from the same brand for a coordinated look.

Try it With:

Painted cabinets and paneled refrigerators (as nickel is less apt to stand out when paired with stainless steel appliances).

Brushed Nickel vs. Chrome Fixtures

With its shiny, slightly reflective finish, brushed nickel looks similar to brushed chrome. The key characteristic of brushed nickel vs. chrome fixtures is that a brushed nickel finish is slightly warmer and yellower in colour than chrome which has a cold, almost blue look to it. Otherwise, there are no notable differences in brushed nickel vs. chrome fixtures – your choice will hinge simply on your style preference.

Bronze

Made With:

Metals that are chemically darkened to simulate the look of aged bronze.

Why You'll Love It:

Bronze has a classic, antique effect on kitchen designs. With copper undertones, the finish varies in colour from chocolate brown to dark gray.

Try It To:

Bring out the dark tones in speckled granite or give floral wallpaper a vintage vibe.

Brass

Made With:

A mix of copper and zinc.

Why You'll Love It:

Brass has a warm gold tone that brings a classic element to kitchen designs. Both polished and brushed brass options are low maintenance and can be easily matched to other accessories. Shopping on a budget? Look for plated brass fixtures.

Try It With:

White cabinetry and marble countertops for an overall look that's traditional and timeless – especially if you choose antiqued brass.

Matte Black

Made With:

A black pigment that's applied to the surface of brass, steel, or iron.

Why You'll Love It:

This modern finish is sleek and striking. While it can be more expensive, it's popular for its industrial look and its ability to make a statement. Matte black metal fixtures are also the best choice if you're interested in mixing metals, as they don't introduce any warm or cold hues into your existing colour scheme.

Try It As:

A faucet on an oversized farmhouse sink a light fixture with exposed bulbs.