Polished Nickel or Brushed Nickel - Which Finish is Best?

When selecting hardware and fixtures for your home, one of the key decisions is choosing between polished nickel and brushed nickel finishes. Both options have distinct appearances, advantages, and best uses that are important to consider. brushed nickel to help you determine which finish is the best choice for your space and style.

What is Polished Nickel?

Polished nickel has a shiny, lustrous appearance reminiscent of sterling silver. It is created by buffing and polishing a nickel alloy to a smooth, mirror-like surface. The resulting finish has a clean, elegant look that works well in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Here are some of the defining characteristics and benefits of polished nickel:

• Bright, reflective surface with a silvery tone
• Resists tarnishing, corrosion, and oxidation
• Durable and scratch-resistant
• Easy to clean and maintain shine
• Sophisticated look that elevates the space
• Works with variety of decor styles from modern to classic

Polished nickel is commonly used for plumbing fixtures, lighting, cabinet hardware, and accessories. Its upscale sheen makes it a popular choice for faucets, showerheads, door knobs, pulls, and hinges. Many luxury homes feature polished nickel prominently due to its ability to add elegance.

What is Brushed Nickel?

Brushed nickel has a matte, textured look attained by brushing the surface to create fine lines or grain. This process gives brushed nickel a soft, muted appearance compared to the high reflectivity of polished nickel.

Here are some notable qualities of brushed nickel:

• Understated metallic finish with a satin sheen
• Muted surface hides fingerprints, water spots and scratches
• Casual, organic look perfect for modern and rustic spaces
• Works well in kitchens, bedrooms and high-traffic areas
• More affordable option compared to polished nickel
• Low maintenance and easy to clean

Brushed nickel is widely used for cabinet pulls, door handles, bathroom accessories, light fixtures and entryway hardware. Its ability to conceal smudges makes it a practical choice for sinks, tubs and other frequently handled surfaces.

Key Differences Between Polished and Brushed Nickel

While both finishes offer a similar tone, there are several important differences between polished and brushed nickel:

Appearance

The most obvious difference is the smooth vs. textured appearance. Polished nickel has a mirror-like shine that reflects light strongly. Brushed nickel has a much softer look with subtle brushing lines visible at certain angles.

Durability

Polished nickel is generally more resistant to scratches and fingerprints. Its smooth surface allows for easy wiping to restore the original luster. Brushed nickel hides small marks well but still requires care to avoid abrasion damage.

Price

Due to the extra processing, polished nickel is usually more expensive than brushed nickel for the same items. However, prices vary by manufacturer.

Best Uses

Polished nickel works well as an accent in elegant, formal spaces. Brushed nickel suits casual, laidback decors. High traffic areas benefit from brushed nickel's ability to disguise scuffs and smudges.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Finishes

When deciding between brushed vs. polished nickel, keep the following factors in mind:

Location in the Home

Will the hardware or fixture be installed in an entryway, bathroom, kitchen or elsewhere? Polished nickel suits foyers and living spaces where aesthetics are key. Brushed nickel is ideal for busy kitchens and baths.

Design Style

What look are you going for? Polished nickel pairs well with contemporary spaces. Brushed nickel fits with industrial, vintage or farmhouse motifs. Consider your overall decor goals.

Traffic and Wear

Do you anticipate a lot of hands touching the surface? Areas with higher traffic and contact benefit from brushed nickel's durability and fingerprint resistance.

Budget

In most cases polished nickel costs 10-30% more than brushed nickel for the same pieces. Factor pricing into your decision if needed.

Personal Taste

Both finishes have unique beauty - which do you find more appealing? Selecting a finish you love can motivate you to care for it properly.

Where is Each Finish Best Used?

Here are some examples of where polished and brushed nickel excel in homes:

Where Polished Nickel Works Best

• Main hallways and foyers
• Entryway door hardware and lighting fixtures
• Living and dining rooms
• Master bedrooms and bathrooms
• Kitchen and bar faucets
• Coffee and end tables
• Luxury buildings and penthouses

Where Brushed Nickel is Preferable

• Kitchen sinks, cabinets and appliances
• Bathrooms and powder rooms
• Kids' rooms, game rooms and basements
• Outdoor lighting and hardware
• Door handles and pulls in high traffic areas
• Rustic, industrial and eclectic spaces

Caring for Polished and Brushed Nickel

Both polished and brushed nickel finishes require periodic cleaning and care to maintain their look and durability over time. Here are some tips:

• Use a soft cloth to gently wipe surfaces and remove smudges or water spots.
• Clean occasionally with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh cleaners.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots.
• Use a nickel polish weekly on polished finishes to restore shine.
• Re-apply protective lacquers or sealants as needed per manufacturer instructions.
• Take care to avoid scratches and abrasions from jewelry, keys or other objects.

With regular simple care, your nickel hardware and fixtures will retain their beauty and function for many years. Be sure to read any specific maintenance tips from the manufacturer.

When comparing polished nickel vs brushed nickel, consider where the finish will be used, the overall decor, and how much maintenance you want to perform. Both options add style, but polished nickel makes a bolder statement while brushed nickel is more subtle and laidback.

Look at how each finish complements your space as well as your personal preferences. With its reflective shine, polished nickel uplifts formal spaces and elegant designs. For casual areas subject to high use, brushed nickel's durability and understated look is often the better choice.

Whichever finish you select, pair it with decor, colors, lighting and materials that accentuate its unique traits. With the right nickel finish and supportive decor elements, you can create a cohesive, beautiful look that reflects your personal style.