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.
I have been using Harris Plumbing for my custom home building business for about 10 years now. They have always done excellent work at a very reasonable rate. I will be using them for many more projects to come. I highly recommend them.
Ralph is the tv guy you want working on your house. He has seen it all and is very knowledgeable and can work around any issue. Very nice guy, efficient and easy to work with. Highly recommend.
MidWest MobileTechAngelo, of Remedy Plumbing,was most professional, knowledgeable, kind and considerate. He was patient and answered and explained all of my questions. Why you would want something a certain over another. He went the extra mile. The Service Manager Mike was also very kind, considerate and very...
Remedy PlumbingGreat Company very Professional Dillon and Brandon were very helpful explained everything about what we needed and what they were doing plus Keep Smiling Plumbing and Electric sent us a ton of cookies thanking us for our business will highly recommend them
On April 18, 2023 Matthew Moonsammy came to my residence on a service call. He was on time, very accommodating and very professional. He did what was asked and also was very informative on care of the item installed and other plumbing items. I truly would Plumber Pro again due to Matthew...
Plumber Pro Service & DrainNana did they do good work on this but they also are going to do mitigation for me against a plumbing company
Peach State Pumpers, LLCRyan was professional, on-time and fair priced. He repaired a leaking shower faucet for me. Weâ re new to the area and I was so thankful to meet him in the plumbing supply store. He told me about his business and I knew I could trust him. Thank you Ryan!!
Plumb Crazy LLCThey showed up on time, enjoyed their work, did a great job and wouldnâ t leave until all of our plumbing problems were solved and we were 100% satisfied. They solved another problem with the faucet in kitchen sink. We very much appreciated it.
Miley Plumbing, LLCAffordable pricing! Quality workmanship! Pro Masters Plumbing is a very friendly and responsive company, from their office manager to their technician. Jeni took my information, answering questions with ease and called me when Chris was on his way. Chris went above and beyond what I...
Pro Masters Plumbing, Inc.My issue was HVAC related, not plumbing. I spoke to Edward and he informed me that based on the information that I had given him, my problem was HVAC related. He was correct. I would definitely reach out to him if I have a plumbing issue in the future because he was very patient and...
The PlumbariusFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Plumbing inspection costs depend on the issue you’re looking into and the size of your home. Learn what you can expect to pay.
A main water shut-off valve controls water flow for your entire home. Here we break down the cost to replace a main water shut-off valve.
A leaky faucet can lead to costly water damage and a lot of wasted water. Learn how much it costs to fix a leaky faucet based on type, part and labor.
If your faucet hasn’t been working like it used to, you might need a replacement. Here’s how to replace a kitchen faucet like a plumbing pro.
Follow this guide to learn how to install a kitchen sink drain, from shutting off the water supply to lowering the drain outlet and connecting the P-trap.
Shower diverters will wear down over time and eventually need repairs. This guide will show you how to fix a shower diverter and get your shower working again.
