Find out which silver-toned metal finish is right for your home
Polished nickel and chrome may look similar, but they vary in life span and how much maintenance they require.
Consider durability, price, and appearance when choosing between the two.
Chrome is easier to clean than polished nickel, but you have to clean it more often.
Although polished nickel and chrome seem similar on the surface, there are many significant differences to consider when deciding which one best fits your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for your next bathroom faucet or replacing your showerheads, a bit of research will reveal that these two finishes vary in aesthetics, functionality, and durability.
Polished nickel and chrome may be hard to tell apart at first glance, but key differences can help you decide which will work best in your bathroom or kitchen design. Polished nickel is more durable and can be repaired if it gets scratched, but it can also be difficult to clean. Chrome isn’t as easy to repair, but it’s easier to clean and won’t stain. It also offers a high-shine finish while polished nickel offers shine and warmer tones.
Polished nickel is a layer of nickel plating on brass with a smooth, shiny appearance, not unlike chrome. Many prefer it to chrome because of its unique warm tones and lengthy life span. But this metal finish also has a few downsides worth considering.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warm Tones | More expensive than chrome |
| Long-lasting | Can accumulate mineral deposits |
| Durable | Requires regular cleaning |
Best for:
Bathroom designs that use warm tones
Homeowners who want a faucet that can last for decades
Homeowners willing to invest a little more in their faucet costs
You might choose polished nickel because of the pros of this faucet finish.
Unlike many other silver finishes, polished nickel has warm undertones and a less reflective surface, thanks to the underlying brass. This effect allows it to pair equally well with dark and moody rooms and light and airy spaces.
With proper care and regular maintenance, polished nickel can look as good as it did on day one, and bathroom faucets can last 15 to 20 years. This metal finish is practically impervious to scratches and cracking, and you can remove even the thickest patina with a simple homemade solution of water and vinegar (using a 1-1 ratio).
You might steer away from polished nickel due to these cons.
Polished nickel finishes are more expensive than chrome ones. For example, an average polished nickel faucet costs roughly $90, whereas a chrome faucet costs closer to $60.
Although polished nickel is extremely durable and doesn’t show fingerprints or smudges easily, it requires a fair amount of TLC to look its best. Mineral deposits on showerheads and sink faucets are more likely to occur on this type of finish. Still, they are fortunately not difficult to remove with a simple solution of common household cleaning supplies. And you can easily smooth away scratches with wet sandpaper and a bit of patience.
If you’d like help restoring your faucets or need some pointers on how to keep them shiny and clean, talk to a faucet specialist who can make recommendations.
Chrome is known for its futuristic appearance and low price point, but there are a couple of reasons why it might not be right for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly stain resistant | Should be cleaned frequently |
| Less expensive than nickel | Difficult to repair |
| Modern appearance | More prone to scratches |
Best for:
High-traffic bathrooms and kitchens
Homeowners with a tighter budget
Modern and contemporary designs
The following pros are why chrome is so appealing to homeowners.
Chrome finishes are ideal for kitchen appliances and hardware because they are nearly impossible to stain. Home cooks will appreciate not worrying that a splatter from a sauce has made a permanent mark on their newest kitchen investment.
Chrome finishes are more affordable than their polished nickel counterparts. For example, you’ll pay $15 on average for a chrome doorknob versus the $30 cost of a polished nickel doorknob.
Before committing to chrome versus nickel, consider the following cons.
Although chrome is easy to clean, it needs regular cleaning because it’s a magnet for fingerprints and smudges. Fortunately, wiping up chrome takes mere moments with an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Remove stuck-on splatter from chrome by soaking the spot in warm, soapy water. Remember that you can’t remove scratches from chrome, so always avoid using rough cleaning tools, like steel wool or the backside of your sponge.
Unlike polished nickel, which you can sand to remove scratches, chrome is tough to repair once broken. Cracks on the surface may cause rust to develop, and you’ll likely pay more to have it fixed than replaced.
If you’re still unsure which is right for you, use these rankings to decide between chrome versus nickel finishes once and for all. Or, if you’re interested in mixing metals in your home, maybe this will convince you to combine the two options.
Both polished nickel and chrome can be visually appealing but in different ways. If you prefer warmer tones, then you’ll probably enjoy polished nickel. But if you’re trying to create a futuristic escape, reflective chrome might be a better fit. At the end of the day, this factor all comes down to your preference.
Though chrome is incredibly durable and can last for decades with proper care, polished nickel can survive for generations, making it the winner of this round.
Chrome may not last as long as polished nickel, but its lower price point still makes it worth considering.
Polished nickel will tarnish over time, but it’s relatively easy to restore if you have the right materials and are willing to put in the time. On the other hand, only a pro can repair chrome, which can sometimes cost more than simply buying a replacement. Call a faucet installation professional near you if you need assistance with repairing or replacing chrome faucets or showerheads.
Heavily used chrome accessories will need daily cleanings to remove visible smudges and fingerprints. On the flip side, polished nickel doesn’t show marks so easily and won’t need as many cleanings.
Audrey Bruno contributed to this piece.
