Pros and Cons of Black Bathroom Faucets and Fixtures
Mix up the bathroom with an unexpected finish
Highlights
Black bathroom faucets are a stylish and modern addition to a bathroom design.
The matte black finish is easy to clean and fits various design styles.
The finish is durable but may scratch more easily than other finishes.
Black faucets and fixtures can be more expensive than other finishes like chrome or nickel.
If you’re designing a bathroom, you may want to add some flair with black bathroom faucets and fixtures. Black faucets offer a modern aesthetic that departs from traditional chrome, bronze, and brass. They’re available in streamlined, minimalist designs or more traditional styles, making them an excellent fit for a wide range of bathroom designs. Let’s break down the pros and cons of black bathroom faucets so you can make the best choice for your home.
What Are Black Bathroom Faucets Made From?
A black bathroom faucet consists of metal, sometimes brass or stainless steel, powder-coated in black to create a smooth, matte finish. The cost of a black bathroom faucet will depend, in part, on the base material. Understanding the pros and cons of black bathroom fixtures can help you make the right decision for your bathroom. You can also call a faucet installer to discuss your options for different bathroom faucets and finishes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Resist water stains | Higher cost |
| Easy to clean | Scratches can show up on the finish |
| Versatile design | Dirt and dust are visible |
Pros of Black Bathroom Faucets and Fixtures
With their matte finish and dark color, black bathroom faucets and fixtures lend a fashionable touch to a bathroom design.
Resist Water Stains
Unlike shiny metal, a matte black finish can help conceal water stains and fingerprints. While it will likely show splatters from toothpaste, the finish will clean up easily and look great again in no time. If you have hard water, it might be more challenging for the black faucet to resist water stains.
Easy to Clean
If your matte black faucet gets dirty, the good news is that it’s straightforward to clean. There’s no need for polishes or abrasive cleaners—just a soft, damp cloth should do the trick.
Versatile Design
Matte black bathroom fixtures are ideal in a wide range of bathroom styles. Their modern aesthetic is the perfect complement for contemporary bathroom designs, but they can also provide an interesting contrast to more traditional, whimsical, or rustic designs.
Cons of Black Bathroom Fixtures
With all of their pros, black bathroom fixtures have some cons that may make homeowners want to take another route to complete their bathroom project.
More Expensive
Black bathroom faucets may be harder to find than their polished chrome or brushed brass counterparts. Because they’re less common, they can also be more expensive. The powder-coated finish and the base material can also contribute to higher bathroom faucet replacement costs.
Damage Easily
While a powder-coated finish is durable and will withstand everyday use, the finish can get scratched over time. There may be better options than these faucets for high-traffic bathrooms or kitchens.
Dirt and Dust Are Visible
The dark color of a black bathroom faucet can help conceal fingerprints and water spots, but light-colored dust, dirt, or splatters may be more visible. Luckily, you can wipe these faucets quickly for a fresh look, but you may have to do so more regularly than with other finishes, particularly brushed finishes.
Alternatives of Black Bathroom Fixtures
If you’re updating your bathroom, you’ll have a wide range of faucet finishes and materials to choose from. If matte black bathroom fixtures don’t fit your design aesthetic, you can find something that does. The pro who replaces your faucets or your bathroom designer can suggest the best finish for your space.
Other faucet finishes include:
Polished brass
Satin brass
Oil-rubbed bronze
Satin bronze
Copper
Brushed nickel
Polished nickel
Polished chrome
Are Black Bathroom Faucets Right for You?
To decide whether a black bathroom faucet is right for you, consider your bathroom design and the maintenance requirements for a matte black faucet. With the right design style and decor, black bathroom faucets add a modern and minimalist touch. While black bathroom faucets are easy to clean, dust, dirt, and toothpaste can be visible against the dark finish. You’ll have to wipe it down regularly, which should factor into your final decision.
A streamlined black bathroom faucet may be a good fit if your existing bathroom or kitchen design is contemporary. For more traditional designs, a vintage-looking black bathroom faucet can add interest and tie in an updated element. You can also consult a faucet installer near you who can provide input and install your new fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Black faucets aren’t difficult to clean, but keeping them clean may be challenging. Dirt, dust, toothpaste, and water spots may show up on the faucet, but a quick wipe with a damp cloth will bring the finish back to its original beauty. Avoid abrasive cleaners or polishes as they could scratch the finish.
The powder coating that creates a matte black faucet is pretty durable and will resist scrapes and scratches, but because it’s a coating, there is a chance that it will get scratched over time. Covering up scratches with matte black touch-up paint may be possible, but you may also risk it not blending in with the original finish.
You may not be able to prevent water spots on your black faucet, but the good news is that you can quickly wipe away water spots, fingerprints, smudges, and smears with a damp cloth. The best practice is to get in the habit of wiping the black faucet daily to prevent any mineral buildup or hard water stains.