Bathrooms are one of American favorite rooms to remodel, as Today’s Homeowner estimates that 27% of Americans did a bathroom renovation in 2022. Such a project has many facets like deciding whether to gut the space and start over or to make changes while keeping some features “as is.” You’ll also pick out various products such as paint, flooring, wall tiles, rugs, accessories, and bathroom appliances. Today, though, we’ll focus on the small metal components used throughout this space – the hardware. In general, there are three ways to approach bathroom hardware choices, and we’ll take a close look at each.

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1. Adorning the bathroom with a trending metal finish.

 

The bathroom’s metal elements actually offer an excellent opportunity for bringing current styles to your space. For instance, hot looks in metal finishes today include matte black, satin brass, and brushed bronze, and you can include conspicuous hardware in one of these finishes to update your bathroom. In fact, some homeowners go beyond the standard, necessary pieces of hardware like shower door hinges and towel bars, and add purely decorative elements such as black grids on the shower glass. If you’re going this route, you might also choose pieces with more character, such as a ladder handle instead of a simple tubular pull.

 

2. Minimizing metal to focus on other materials.

 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some home decorators prefer to minimize metal, at least on certain fixtures like the cabinets and glass shower to keep the focus on the wood or glass. While vanity cupboard doors will need certain pieces of hardware to function, you can skip door pulls and drawer knobs if desired. Likewise, while even a frameless glass shower will need some fasteners like clamps and hinges, there are steps you can take to eliminate or reduce other metal components:

• Choose a design that does not require a header.
• Opt for a low profile door handle such as this finger pull.
• Consider a cool hardware finish like chrome or brushed nickel, one that won’t draw attention away from the glass.

 

3. Mixing metals for a statement of style.

 

Another way to bring a modern trend to life in your bathroom is by using two or three different metal finishes in an intentional way. Here are some tips for pulling this off successfully.

• Pick finishes that contrast, such as satin brass and matte black.
• A third accent finish could be included in a few places, but don’t go beyond this as too many different finishes leave the bathroom lacking in cohesion.
• Don’t load up on one finish in a particular part of the bathroom and another finish elsewhere. Instead “sprinkle” the finishes at least somewhat evenly throughout the space.
• Consider practical concerns. For instance, if you have hard water, it will leave spots on dark metal, but a finish like brushed nickel will camouflage water spots. Thus, you may favor brushed nickel for faucets but use matte black for hardware installed away from water sources.
  
  

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Which approach seems best for your design goals? Whichever route you decide to go, we invite you to shop the Glass Simple site. We offer frameless glass shower hardware, shelf clamps, and cabinet hardware in assorted finishes. Call today to get answers to questions or place an order – (571)707-7760.