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jojoboston

help me pick finishes!

2 years ago

We are renovating our en suite bath. It is very small (a little over 4x7). This is the vanity we’ve chosen, which you can see has aged brass pulls.

I was thinking of doing black sink faucet, black rimmed medicine cabinet, brushed brass light fixtures and matte black shower system.

But I went to the plumbing store today and they said matte black chips and doesn’t last.

I’m obsessing over which finishes to use and how to mix metals. Our other bath has brushed gold fixtures with some black accents (light fixture, shower door hardware). I like it but I made some mistakes. Not sure I want to do all gold again.

Ideas??

Comments (10)

  • 2 years ago

    Nice vanity. The golden wood tone and gold pulls help to warm up a black and white room. Similarly, black and white adds contrast to mid-tone wood and gold. Black is great at bringing out wood grain and patterns like the one in your vanity. Henry VIII liked it and it's a good color scheme.

  • 2 years ago

    Thank you, but what about the concern that black hardware doesn’t hold up well?

  • 2 years ago

    I think it might be the quality of the hardware. I've heard chrome is indestructible, and it's my favorite. But when my plumber replaced my fixtures he must have chosen something cheap, because it is pealing back and could cut me if I cleaned around it in the usual way. My interior designer said it might be zinc plated or something. She assured me that good quality chrome would not do that. It never has before, so I believe her. It's possible that cheap anything will have problems. I think I'll do some googling on this to see if there is information. By the way, what is your water hardness level? Do you see water spots on dark surfaces?

  • 2 years ago

    https://www.popkb.com/blog/pros-cons-matte-black-bathroom-faucet-guide/


    This discussion seems balanced. I hope you find it helpful. Apparently the black is a coating, so, like your car, once it is compromised, there's little you can do. I suppose it would be a significant problem if you expect to use abrasive cleaners or expect to have users that would be rough with it. Do you hire cleaning done? But if you expect to be the only cleaner and user, maybe you can enjoy it's aesthetic. Think of it this way. Is a wooden bowl more durable than crystal? You may have to judge whether it is right for you.

    And about making mistakes. Try to forgive yourself.

  • 2 years ago

    I hope someone with actual experience with black fixtures responds to you.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    That vanity is pretty but seems large for a tiny space . IMO the least number of finishes in a tiny space the better . I like 12 x24 floor tile and use that for shower walls too Then a vanity in scale with the room and probably not very deep front to back. Chrome adds sparkle and is timeless . How does the vanity connect to the bedroom stylewise ? I need more info please . I have had a black and stainless faucet in my catering kitchen for a long time no chipping at all . I need to see a to scale floor plan shoing the doorway in to the bedroom and the toilet and also is this just the 2 pieces or is there a tiny shower somehere . Also nice to see the bedroom .

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    I have matte black fixtures in my bath since 2020. Moen sink taps and Pfister shower fixtures. They look brand new because I wipe them down religiously every single time they get wet. My plumber told me most are coated with white calcium deposits after a year or so because they have not been dried after use.

    If you are basing your choices off the hardware on the vanity, that is the easiest thing to change.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Hi jjboston!


    Renovating a small en suite bath can be a fun challenge! Your chosen vanity with aged brass pulls sets a lovely foundation. Mixing metals can be tricky but rewarding when done thoughtfully.


    Your idea of pairing black faucets and fixtures with brushed brass light fixtures can create a sophisticated and modern look. However, I understand your concern about the matte black chipping over time. One alternative is to consider a satin black finish, which tends to be more durable and less prone to wear than matte.

    Here are a few suggestions to help you mix metals effectively:

    1. Keep a cohesive color palette: Stick to two or three finishes to avoid visual chaos. For example, using aged brass for the light fixtures and hardware while integrating black for the faucets and shower system can create a stylish contrast.
    2. Consider texture: Incorporating different textures can add depth. For instance, pairing the smoothness of black fixtures with the warmth of brushed brass can create a balanced look.
    3. Use accents wisely: If you're unsure about going all-in with one metal, use smaller accent pieces, like towel bars or soap dispensers, to bring in your desired finishes without overwhelming the space.
    4. Test samples: Since finishes can look different in various lighting, consider getting samples to see how they interact in your space before making a final decision.

    Since you've had mixed experiences with the previous bathroom's finishes, take your time to ensure the new selections feel right.

    If you need personalized guidance or want to explore more options, feel free to reach out via my Houzz profile!


  • PRO
    2 years ago

    I've put in matte black fixtues and hardware in a number of projects and have never had an issue. Stick with Brizo or Kohler for the faucets and reputable hardware manufacturers like Emtek or Top Knobs.


    That said, I'm not sure black will work so well with that vanity. I think the aged brass looks great with it. Or you could go with a different vanity like natural oak that would work better with the black hardware. Something like this?



    Alistair Bath Vanity, Oak, 36", Matte Black Hardware, Single, Freestanding · More Info


  • 2 years ago

    Are you aware you have posted 2x regarding this bath?