Home / Product Guides / Do Bathroom Faucets and Hardware Have to Match?

Do Bathroom Faucets and Hardware Have to Match?

When it comes to designing or renovating your bathroom, one of the common dilemmas that homeowners face is whether or not bathroom faucets have to match the rest of the hardware. This question often arises because bathrooms are spaces where functionality and aesthetics need to coexist harmoniously. While there are no strict rules in design, there are some considerations to consider when making this decision.
 
 

The Case for Matching

Coordinated Look: One of the primary reasons people choose to match bathroom faucets with the hardware is to create a coordinated look. When all the elements in your bathroom, such as faucets, cabinet handles, towel bars, and shower fixtures, match, it can create a sense of cohesion and visual harmony. This approach is often favored in more traditional or classic bathroom designs.
 
Simplicity: Matching your bathroom hardware can make the decision-making process simpler. It eliminates the need to mix and match various finishes and styles, reducing the risk of clashing elements. For those who prefer a streamlined and effortless design process, matching is a safe bet.
 
Resale Value: If you’re thinking about the resale value of your home, a cohesive bathroom design can be more appealing to potential buyers. A well-coordinated bathroom can leave a lasting impression and may even add value to your property.
 
Streamlined Aesthetic: A matched set of faucets and hardware can contribute to a streamlined and polished aesthetic. This is particularly appealing in modern and minimalist bathroom designs.
 
Design Trends: Many contemporary design trends emphasize the importance of coordinating finishes and fixtures. Matching bathroom faucets with hardware is in line with these trends and can give your space a modern and up-to-date feel.
 
 

Choosing the Right Finish

If you decide to match your bathroom faucets with the hardware, the next step is to choose the right finish. Here are some popular options:
 
Chrome: A classic and versatile finish that complements a wide range of bathroom styles. Chrome offers a sleek and reflective surface that can make your bathroom fixtures shine.
 
Satin Nickel: Satin nickel provides a warm and elegant look. Its brushed texture adds a touch of sophistication, making it suitable for both traditional and contemporary bathroom designs.
 
Matte Black: For those seeking a bold and modern statement, matte black is an excellent choice. It adds contrast and drama to your bathroom, creating a striking visual impact.
 
Satin Brass: Satin brass offers a luxurious and timeless appeal. Its warm golden hue can add a touch of opulence to your bathroom, especially when paired with other warm-toned elements.
 
Polished Nickel: Polished nickel exudes a refined and classic charm. Its high-gloss finish brings a touch of glamour to any bathroom, making it suitable for more traditional or vintage-inspired spaces.
 
You can explore the durability of these finishes by checking out this article: Best Bathroom Fixture Finishes: Which Is the Most Durable?
 
 

The Case for Mixing

Personalization: Bathrooms are personal spaces, and your design choices should reflect your personal style and taste. Mixing hardware finishes and faucet styles allows for a more personalized and unique look. It can also be an opportunity to incorporate elements that have sentimental value.
 
Visual Interest: Sometimes, introducing a variety of finishes and styles can add visual interest and character to your bathroom. A mix of textures and colors can create a dynamic and visually stimulating environment.
 
Budget Considerations: Matching all the bathroom hardware can be costly, especially if you opt for high-end finishes. Mixing and matching can help you stay within your budget while still achieving a stylish and functional bathroom.
 
Flexibility: If you’re not ready to commit to a single style or finish, mixing and matching gives you the flexibility to change elements of your bathroom design over time. It’s easier to update a few pieces of hardware or fixtures without a complete overhaul.
 
Breaking the Mold: Design rules are meant to be broken, and mixing styles can be a creative way to break away from convention and create a bathroom that’s uniquely your own.
 
 

Creative Alternatives

If you’re torn between matching and mixing, here are some creative alternatives to consider:
 
Choose a Dominant Finish: Select one finish as the dominant one, which is used for the majority of your bathroom hardware. Then, use complementary finishes for accents or focal points, such as faucets, shower fixtures, or mirror frames.
 
Coordinate with Colors: Consider the color scheme of your bathroom when making your decision. Matching or complementing hardware with the overall color palette can create a cohesive look, even if the finishes are different.
 
Neutral Base with Accents: Start with a neutral base for your hardware and faucets, such as chrome or brushed nickel, and then introduce colorful or unique accents through accessories like towels, shower curtains, and artwork.
 
Two-Tone Faucets: Explore faucets that combine two different finishes or materials, allowing you to achieve a harmonious blend of styles without a stark contrast.
 
Statement Piece: Use one standout fixture or piece of hardware as a focal point, letting it take center stage while the rest of the elements remain more subdued.
 
 

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether bathroom faucets have to match hardware ultimately depends on your personal preferences and design goals. While matching can create a polished and cohesive look, mixing and matching allows for more creative expression and flexibility. Whether you match, mix, or find a middle ground, the most important thing is to create a bathroom that reflects your style and meets your functional needs. After all, it’s your space and should make you feel comfortable and inspired every day.
 
Mix or Match With Borhn’s Line of Direct-to-Consumer Decorative Plumbing Fixtures

Get in touch

Have a question or need something bespoke?

 

Enter your details and one of our experienced team members will get back to you shortly.