A Guide to the Finishes You're Forgetting

You’ve been dreaming about it for a long time.

Your new bathroom, that is. Maybe you’re moving into a new house and get to put all the personal touches in place to make this foreign space feel like home. Or maybe, it’s been your home for many wonderful years, but your kitchen’s starting to look a little tired around the edges. That kitchen could use some love in the form of a remodel. Either way, your dream bathroom/kitchen is an image that you see every time you close your eyes, and you can’t wait to recreate it exactly.

But one trip to the home-improvement store confirms your worst fears. According to what you see on the shelves, most fixtures simply aren’t made in the colors you imagined. You could pick a different color instead, but really, you’ve been thinking about this too long to just settle for any other shade. Luckily, Kingston Brass makes a wide array of finishes to get as close to your dream color as possible. Sure, polished chrome and brushed nickel are stars in their own right, but sometimes you just need something a little different. To help you bring your fantasy bathroom/kitchen to life (or if you need some inspiration to build that dream) here’s a list of all the finishes you didn’t know existed.

Oil Rubbed Bronze

Oil rubbed bronze has a unique tone, appearing as almost different colors in different lighting. From certain angles, it’s practically black with vague glimmers of bronze that show through. Because it changes with use, it’s considered a “living” finish that matures with age and keeps the product in question (and your space) looking fresh and different.

Shown above: Gourmetier LS8785CTl Continental Single-Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet in Oil Rubbed Bronze

Polished Brass

When placed in your bathroom or kitchen, polished brass becomes the star of the show. Brilliant and luminous, this finish brings an air of traditional royalty to any room it touches. For a light, airy feeling, pair with pastels or marbles.

Shown above: Centurion KBX8132EFL 3-Handle Tub and Shower Faucet in Polished Brass

Polished Nickel

Less intense than polished chrome but brighter than brushed nickel, polished nickel holds brilliant shine. If the color in your mind was silver, this finish is either pretty close or right on the money. It’s also incredibly versatile, perfect for both traditional and modern themed spaces alike. Pair with anything from blushing pink to solid black for an unstoppable bathroom ensemble.

Shown above: KS4986CQL Claremont 8″ Widespread Bathroom Faucet in Polished Nickel

Brushed Brass

Brushed brass is the more subdued sibling of polished brass. Where polished brass is radiant and exuberant, brushed brass is softened and demure, the perfect image of subtle elegance. Brushed brass goes beautifully with white, black, or any variety of pastels.

Shown above: KS3277ALBS Kitchen Faucet with Side Sprayer in Brushed Brass

Naples Bronze

Although closely related to oil rubbed bronze, naples bronze has a charm uniquely its own. Naples bronze is pre-distressed, giving it a more vintage, antique feel that matches well with a traditionally-themed home. Pair it with textured walls for a look worthy of a model home.

Shown above: FS4646DL 4″ Centerset Bathroom Faucet in Naples Bronze

Antique Brass

If polished brass is the showstopper that lights up a room and brushed brass glows lightly while taking everyone’s breath away, antique brass has the advantage of age and maturity. This is a style that has been popular for decades past and will be for decades to come.

Shown above: KS4983CML Manhattan 8″ Widespread Bathroom Faucet in Antique Brass

Matte Black

Classic, classic matte black. Trends come and go, but no one could ever dethrone this color as the queen of contemporary style. Not only is it sleek and modern, but it’s practical— our matte black fixtures are incredibly resistant to fingerprints and smudging. It blends in perfectly in homes with a softer aesthetic, and if there are any spots, no worries at all. Simply grab a wet rag and your matte black fixture is as good as new.

Shown above: SD8410 Soap Dispenser in Matte Black