If you’re renovating your kitchen, you’ll want to think carefully about what faucet you will install. Brushed nickel finishes are an option you may consider.
During a home renovation you naturally put a lot of effort into choosing furnishings, décor and paint colors that work well together. Don’t forget that faucets are also part of your décor, in the bathrooms, kitchen and even in the garden. You probably won’t be redecorating your home very frequently, so it’s a good investment to buy high quality faucets. Brushed nickel is a very good quality finish.
Electroplating is used to apply a nickel finish over a brass base. Brushed nickel is not a super shiny finish, so it is good for hiding water spots and fingerprints compared to some other finishes. Nickel finishes fell out of favor in the 1930s because the coating used at that time tended to wear off. These days, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology is used. Faucets finished using this technology cost more than others, but the quality of these faucets is also very high. The finish will resist tarnishing and the faucet itself will rarely need repairs.
As the popularity of brushed nickel faucets grows, the demand for them increases every day. For this reason, many manufacturers now offer faucets made of this material. There are now many models to choose from in a variety of price ranges, though it’s important to remember that nickel faucets still generally cost more than stainless steel or brass. The best way to find a brushed nickel faucet at a reasonable price is to shop online, where there are many retail sites offering them at discounted prices.
Most people spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen every day, so it makes sense to design a kitchen that you’ll enjoy spending time in. Many interior decorators favor brushed nickel faucets because they look good in both modern and traditional kitchens. Before you make your final choice, give some thought to the size of your sink, how many holes are available for installation, and what kind of utensils and dishes you’ll be washing at the sink. Nickel faucets come in a variety of shapes and sizes with different spout designs. Also think about whether you prefer single or double levers, and if you want to include a soap dispenser or spray wand.
Don’t forget about your bathrooms. Again, brushed nickel faucets are suited to a wide variety of bathroom styles, themes, and color palettes. You can also get brushed nickel fixtures for showers and bathtubs.
Once you’ve installed your new faucets, taking good care of them on an ongoing basis is important. Brushed nickel faucets need to be cleaned gently in order to avoid damage to the finish. Instead of using harsh household cleaners, try mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water to use as a cleaner. Just be sure that you remove all of the vinegar from the faucet after you clean it. Some mild commercial cleansers are also suitable for brushed nickel as long as you use a soft cloth. Scouring with abrasive cleansers and scrubbers is likely to damage your finish.
Faucets are not just utilitarian fixtures. They are part of your home décor, so take the time to choose faucets that suit the overall style of your rooms.